Thread: 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.