Thread: Steaming as hair/skin preparation

I find steam baths to be a great hair and skin preparation for those days when you really want to go the whole nine yards on yourself.

There are kits for this that you can buy which are basically small boilers/vaporizers with a face attachment...haven't tried one of these yet, but I find the old fashioned way suits my purposes for the time being.

Bring a small pot of water to a boil on the stove; drape a large towel over your head; position your face at a comfortable height from the boiling water and let the towel trap the steam; inhale and exhale slowly for 5 minutes.

I used to do this when I was sick in the winter to clear my sinuses...works really well for that. Also good for cleaning crap out of your pores (blackheads, oil, dirt).

When I started really getting into straight shaving, I began looking at every possible way to make my shaves better. I find that this method softens up the hair and skin like no towel treatment can, but apparently you shouldn't do this more than twice a week (possibly to prevent permanent pore expansion). Feels like a million bucks though.

You can also get different effects by adding things to the boiling water. Try 2-3 drops (and I mean DROPS...trust me) of tea tree oil or almond oil, or even just drop a tea bag in there. I have a Sandalwood essential oil that I like to use.

Again, apparently you're not supposed to do this more than a couple times per week. I do it maybe twice per month, when I have the extra time.

I think I will have to do this.

Though all I can think of with this is the scene from Crocodile Dundee where Paul Hogan see the guy there and drops his cocaine in the water and tell him to inhale it for his head cold.

Originally Posted by pilothaz

Though all I can think of with this is the scene from Crocodile Dundee where Paul Hogan see the guy there and drops his cocaine in the water and tell him to inhale it for his head cold.

That's the first thing I thought of, too.

+1. I've used a hot towel to soften my beard pre-shave, but never this.

Might have to try it...

I'm going to give this a try. It reminds me of when I go to the skin esthetician to get a facial. She'll use a steam wand and open my pores with steam. I may not use this for shave prep but more of a face cleaning regiment. Thanks for the idea.

shhhh don't make the cold water shave guys jealous!

nice necro, by the way. for a minute there I thought good ole dangles was back on the forum posting again