Thread: About that coldwater shave...

Originally Posted by Marshal

I will say this, generally I loathe cold and cold water. Even more so during the winter. But on a hot summer day, it can be pretty darn refreshing.

Cold water does have its uses for me, like for example in a glass of malt whisky 🥃, but for shaving not so much.

Had to try cold water shaving once (when the water heater had failed) and found nothing that would prompt me to repeat the experience.

I am an old fashioned straight shaver and enjoy too much the comforts of a nice warm shave with rich lather.
However, I frequently use a cool, moist sponge or towel in my post-shave routine to close the pores before I apply the aftershave.


B.


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I tried it once, and cold water shaving is definitely not for me. I have rarely felt so uncomfortable after a shave, with numerous areas of irritation.

completely switched to cold 2 weeks ago and not going back to hot.
no shower, splash cold water on face, cold water on brush, lather up, rub lather into face. Lather again, away I go!
no irritation, face feels not as dry post shave.
Overall, it just feels better to me.
BBS

I soften my skin with a very hot rag prior to my first pass but on my second and third when I do it, I will rinse my face with cold water. My logic for that is that when going for a BBS shave, the cold water makes the hairs stand on end so I get closer. As others have said Ad Infinitum, YMMV.

If I am doing a basic CCS shave for work or the like, then I do not bother with a cold water rinse.

I shave both ways, but ultimately prefer hot water shaves. I wouldn't say one way gives a closer shave than the other. While a cold water shave works, I consider this a luxury and like to spend time with my Prorasso pre-shave and working up a good lather. Hot water adds to the luxury.

I read somewhere that the Romans used hot water to open the pores, and cold water to close them. This seems to be true and modern Turkish baths are followed by cold plunge pools to close the pores after opening them and supposedly cleansing in warmth and getting dirt out.
To me it makes sense to use warm to shave and remove that layer of dead skin cells, then close the pores with cold water post shave. YMMV.

I have really sensitive skin and thick, coarse whiskers, and I find that cold water gives me a better closeness to irritation ratio IF I'm using a really sharp blade, like a fresh feather or recently honed str8. Otherwise it doesn't seeem to make much of a difference. Essentially, Cold water+fresh blade is the only time I get zero irritation.

Originally Posted by FoliageFace

I have really sensitive skin and thick, coarse whiskers, and I find that cold water gives me a better closeness to irritation ratio IF I'm using a really sharp blade, like a fresh feather or recently honed str8. Otherwise it doesn't seeem to make much of a difference. Essentially, Cold water+fresh blade is the only time I get zero irritation.

When I am pressed for time (and sometimes, just because!), cold water, Village Barber Shaving oil, and a well-honed straight is an amazing combination. All you have to do is wipe the blade and splash on a touch of water on your face and neck between passes.

Once last week...not a great experience. More power to those who find comfort...

I've tried it in the military out in the fielding during training or in war I had no hot water, I wouldn't say it was ice cold most of the time room temperature at home with running water cold from the tap, all time razor rash afterwards. My skin just needs warm to hot water and I have a course beard which I have to uncover every time by exfoliating the dead skin and ingrown hairs.

Originally Posted by Scipio

I shave both ways, but ultimately prefer hot water shaves. I wouldn't say one way gives a closer shave than the other. While a cold water shave works, I consider this a luxury and like to spend time with my Prorasso pre-shave and working up a good lather. Hot water adds to the luxury.

Luxury is relative though. While I agree that a hot water shave is the better shaving experience, the razor burn post shave can ruin any joy or comfort rendered by the hot water. The luxury for me is getting a clean shave without razor burn and ingrown hairs. Being able to use cold water to achieve the desired result in 10 minutes or less is a bonus. No more planning shaves around requiring 30-45 extra minutes in the bathroom.

Not that there aren't still days where I pamper myself a bit with a drawn out hot shave. Sometimes it's worth the little bit of razor burn and extra time spent.