Thread: Cold water shave

After reading these posts, I decided to go with the Cold Water Shave...In actuality, I changed things a bit more than the water.

Rather than shaving right after the hot shower, I took time to strop my razor (previously done before the shower) and get the cool water ready before my shave. This gave my face time to dry and let blood flow return to normal after my hot shower. Then I ran cold water over my face and proceeded to lather up and shave.

Now, I'm still new at this, so it could be technique improving as well, but....Best shave yet. 1) Still had some irritation, but not as much, 2) No nicks or weepers, and 3) Less stubble to date. In my book, that's a better shave.

Since My next shave would be Saturday, and since I have Family Picts; I think I am going to play it safe and shave with my DE on Saturday...But Come Sunday, I'm giving this another shot using the same method.

Yup, tried it myself. First thing I noticed is that there is less blood. Must be from the hypothermic acton of the blood vessels! Of course, after rinsing with the hot water, my neck lookes like an old fashioned barber's pole!
Actually, I got a very smooth clean shave. Now rather than waiting to shave after the shower, I will cold water shave first, and shower later-if at all! Always learning something. Old dogs are re-trainable!

I've not tried shaving with cold water but I used to do something along the same lines. Before using a straight I used a disposable SE and shaved with cherry scented alcohol. It performs similar to cold water in that it tightens up the skin and is generally refreshing IMO. I haven't tried it with a straight though.

Genius...I'm a minimalist so I love the idea of using tap water instead of using up energy on hot water. Can't wait to actually try it.

Ok so i tried this yesterday, 3 passes, and i gues it was more or less as good as a hot shave (for me personally) in terms of results. But you know, the process wasn't half as enjoyable.. I like hot (or warmish shaving). The cold shave felt more utilitarian i guess, not the event that hot shaving has become, how i start my day etc

If any of you have a rather large basin, there is nothing like a full submerge. I fill it to about 3/4 full of as cold water that a Chicago tap can make. I do a full facial submerge after every step in the process. Right out of the shower, I make my lather and then do about 30-40 seconds in the water. After every pass, I do another 30-40seconds. After the Alum is the final dunk.

I keep my whole shave VERY cold. I also finish the last half of my showers with cold water. It is actually very good for the body. To me, there is nothing better than the cold wake up. Cold showers and shave followed by espresso is my recipe for a good day!

brrrrr i cant do this. i love warm lather on my face.

I have read the book (Shaving made easy) but did not find any mentioning of cold shaving. I shaved by cold water, and don't think it's a good idea to continue.

P.S. Several times I used very cold water as aftershave. That was great.

Well I broke down tonight and Tried the old water . I like it . Got a smooth Shave , and the after shave lotion didn't Burn as bad Neither . actually Kind of refreshing after working all day .

I found my face being a bit irritated with "hot" water so I use warm water and warm lather from my scuttle. Nothing beats it! No cold water for me, cold water is not relaxing at all imo.