Thread: Seeking tips on reducing irritation w/cold water shaves

I have yet to learn how to face lather without giving myself brush burn so I would drop that variable from the equation and bowl lather as you're used to doing.

Originally Posted by SteveA

I have yet to learn how to face lather without giving myself brush burn so I would drop that variable from the equation and bowl lather as you're used to doing.

Yea, that can be a problem and usually it means you are being too heavy handed on the brush. It does not take a lot of weight on the brush to generate a good lather face lathering.

Bob

So today I did one very small change from my normal shaving process. Instead of a hot scuttle, I just used it as a bowl, and used cold/cool water. The shave came out well, without much irritation.

It wasn't bad with the cold water? Rinsing inbetween passes, I did like the water to be a little warmer, than pure cold water. Quite different putting on cold lather though, but on a hot day, I could see that as being really nice.

I guess I could try face lathering with the TOBS, and see how that works, and then try same with Arko stick? If that works, then I can see about eliminating preshave cream possibly.

The main goal is to eliminate the scuttle (which I don't want to break), and liquids/creams for travel. Especially if I fly with carry on (and use a disposable).

You might find this vid helpful on face lathering Arko.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z248xt0GciM

Bob

Originally Posted by pcm

So today I did one very small change from my normal shaving process. Instead of a hot scuttle, I just used it as a bowl, and used cold/cool water. The shave came out well, without much irritation.

It wasn't bad with the cold water? Rinsing inbetween passes, I did like the water to be a little warmer, than pure cold water. Quite different putting on cold lather though, but on a hot day, I could see that as being really nice.

I guess I could try face lathering with the TOBS, and see how that works, and then try same with Arko stick? If that works, then I can see about eliminating preshave cream possibly.

The main goal is to eliminate the scuttle (which I don't want to break), and liquids/creams for travel. Especially if I fly with carry on (and use a disposable).

An alternative to face lathering when travelling is to whip up the lather in your palm. Might be worth a try.

I did another quick experiment today. Without any prep, I wetted my face and face lathered with TOBS cream, and shaved with cool water (no preshave applied at all).

I had quite a bit of irritation. Not as bad as with the Arko, but worse than normal. So...I'm theorizing that it may be a combination of things. One, maybe a lack of skill in getting a good lather using the Arko and face lathering. Two, I may need some preshave to assist with reducing irritation.

I guess I could try a few different things...using preshave under the lather for both TOBS and Arko and see if it improves the shave. Trying to somehow make lather in my palm with the Arko stick, or face lather and then rinse off and add preshave, before each pass. Try eliminating the shower preparations (conditioner), and hot towel treatment before a TOBS shave (though it will save time, but won't move toward my goals).

Will think about it and will consider what to do for Tuesday's shave.

Originally Posted by BobH

You might find this vid helpful on face lathering Arko.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z248xt0GciM

Bob

Thanks! I'll look at this a it later today.