Help w/ Hair Softening Techniques

Hey guys, I have been using a straight razor for some time now however I have always shaved WTG, and XTG. For some reason I can not find a technique for softening my coarse hair enough that will allow me to shave ATG. My typical prep is as follows....Facial scrub in the shower to remove oils from beard, then steaming towel for 2 min, lather up for while I strop my razor, then rinse use a preshave oil and relather...then I'm good to go.

If anyone has and tips, tricks or suggestions to dramatically soften adn hydrate your hair I would greatly appreciate it. I have never really achieved that super close shave going WTG, and after reading all your experiences i can't wait to!

JR

Your prep's more than good enough. Try using a stiffer grind razor like a half hollow or a wedge and that it's properly honed.

JR,

I'm in the same boat as you. There are places where I still can't go ATG, even using super-sharp Feather disposable blades, although I think I'll get there eventually.

One thing that has helped me a lot is using hair conditioner in my beard during my shower. Follow your facial scrub with the conditioner, and let it soak in for a few minutes. This really softens things up. (Make sure it's not a "hair strengthening" conditioner, which might give you a Super Beard. :) )

The towel is probably unnecessary, although it sounds enjoyable. Showering and conditioner for me are like the A-bomb of prep--if that doesn't do the trick, you're out of luck. :)

Josh

Agreed with the hair conditioner. It's cheap and it really gets the job done!

I'm in this boat as well -- my chin whiskers are like copper wire no matter what I've soaked them in!

Thanks for the reponses gents. I may use the girlfriends conditioner tomorrow and see how that works, seems to make a lot of sense. Thanks again!

I collect those little bottles of Neutrogena hair conditioner when I'm staying at hotels, and that stuff works better for me than anything else I've tried so far.

Like Josh mentioned though - stay away from the ones that make the outside of the hair stronger, if you can figure out which ones do that.

Thanks for your help everyone. I tried conditioner and it defintely improved my shave. Much appreciated!

Glad to hear it! :) It's helpful to have a solid prep routine that borders on overkill; that way when you run into problems you can eliminate prep as an issue.

Good luck,
Josh

It also helps to put the towel over the lather or conditioner. As hot as you can get it for this step. It seems to really force the lather or conditioner into the beard.

try not using preshave oil it clogs your pores keeping moisture out also stretch your skin tighter and reduce the blade angle...I dont believe a stiffer grind is the answer...you might try a bigger razor 7/8 8/8 the larger razors are blade heavy without going to a wedge which takes more expertise to hone and keep sharp...

I've been experimenting lately with feather pre shave. Its a herbal concoction it contains no oil and seems to be a worthwhile addition to the routine. I got mine at classic shaving.

Nair?

:w

http://www.nairformen.com/

It's dermatologicaly tested, so it's gotta be good, right?

:gth

Did my first ATG pass this morning! No nicks...no cuts! :y

Thanks guys, the conditioner trick worked wonders.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I've been experimenting lately with feather pre shave. Its a herbal concoction it contains no oil and seems to be a worthwhile addition to the routine. I got mine at classic shaving.

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I also got that from classic shaving a while back. I used it 20 or so times still haven't made up my mind about it.

You can also just put a hot towel over your lathered face, that seems to work as well as the conditioner, and means one less thing to take up counter space, leaving more room on your countertop for razors.

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Originally Posted by mparker762

You can also just put a hot towel over your lathered face, that seems to work as well as the conditioner, and means one less thing to take up counter space, leaving more room on your countertop for razors.

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I have limited counterspace if I don't fill up my end of the counter with shaving stuff my wife will squeeze me out with all her junk.

Try loosing the facial scrub. This will dry your beard. The natural oils will soften your beard.

RT

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have limited counterspace if I don't fill up my end of the counter with shaving stuff my wife will squeeze me out with all her junk.

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:roflmao :roflmao

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I have limited counterspace if I don't fill up my end of the counter with shaving stuff my wife will squeeze me out with all her junk.

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Same here, but add a teenage daughter to that equation:eek: talk about no room in the bathroom. 60 types of eyeliners , lipsticks, perfumes, makeups, fingernail polishes and what all. I threatened them with a trash can for their stuff. Lets just say that went over like a lead weight in a wind storm. You can pretty well guess who won.