When you're hot, you're hot

[Haroldg48]

After watching some videos including Lynn's DVD, I came to the conclusion that my "hot" water really wasn't hot. When I checked my hot water heater, I found it set on a safe 125℉. I raised it to about 135℉ and have found it to be much more effective at softening my beard and getting me a smooth shave. What are your experiences/opinions?

[JBHoren]

There used to be a commercial on TV for Winston "Super Kings", that went like this: "It's not how long you make it (it's how you make it long)"

So, while it's absolutely true that "hotter is better" (and that 135℉ beats 125℉), what's equally important is what you do with that heat/hot water. Here is where the venerable Barber's Towel comes in. It doesn't have to be dripping wet -- in fact, it should only be damp -- but it's that damp heat, draped over your face, while you sit there, kicked-back, and let your beard hairs get soft and plump.

Here's where I got mine: Men's Grooming Essentials -- $12.50 (+S/H) for a six-pack doesn't just sound like a good deal, it is one!

Smooth shaving!

[mauledbyakitten]

Just how exactly do you get it hot/damp? I'm just taking my first steps into hot towel shaving.

[henryconchile]

Just how exactly do you get it hot/damp? I'm just taking my first steps into hot towel shaving.

If your tap water is hot, then you can hold the face towel under hot running water for about 10 seconds. The towel will get hot enough. You can then squeeze some of the water out of the towel and place the damp towel on your face.

If your water is not hot enough and you don't want to raise the water heater level -- or as an alternative to the approach above -- you can place a wet towel in the microwave oven for about 20 seconds. Your microwave oven's power will vary the amount of time that you heat the wet towel; you can experiment with it. Be careful when unraveling the hot, wet towel from the microwave, because if it comes out too hot, them the towel's steam can burn you.