Thread: Skipping a day or 2 between shaves

I apologize in advance since I'm sure this has been discussed before, but here it goes.

On my drive to work this morning, I was thinking about why most guys agree that skipping at least day or so between shaves yields a better shave. For myself, the longer my stubble gets, the softer the hair becomes and not every hair grows at the same rate. No matter how good I prep my beard, very short stubble will still be coarse whereas after more than a day's growth, the water and soap will soften the beard more because the hair is longer and the hairs that grow at a slower rate have time to start catching up to the other hairs thus meaning you end up with a closer, more smooth, and overall better shave.

For those of you who have a fast growing beard, obviously this theory would not hold because your one day's growth for others is like a 2-day or 3-day growth. This theory also would not hold if your stubble is soft to begin with.

Another thought is if the stubble is longer, the razor has more to grab onto and thus produces a better shave.

Rob

And for those of us with sensitive skin, it gives it some time to rest 'n' recover!

Mark's got a good point, but I have to question the validity of Rob's assumptions. Your beard may feel softer after more growth, but it's the same hair, only a little longer. Also, if we're talking about a BBS or even very close shave, it shouldn't matter how long the hair is as long as it's long enough to cut. Shouldn't even one day's growth be longer than you managed to shave it the previous day?

X

I don't know for others but my hair doesn't grow amazingly fast and i don't have a full beard (my hair is certain patches. Mustache, Chin, sideburns, and neck beard growth around my adams apple.) So, with shaving everyday with the straight which I have been doing recently doesn't seem to phase me or my skin. The hair is a bit rough but nothing i can't handle.

I am not sure why but I have noticed when I go all weekend without shaving that Monday morning shave is as smooth as silk.

Originally Posted by RichZ

I am not sure why but I have noticed when I go all weekend without shaving that Monday morning shave is as smooth as silk.

Well if you are anything like your avatar there, then your synthetic skin must feel divine. Even atop of the metal exo-skeleton there.

Originally Posted by pilothaz

Well if you are anything like your avatar there, then your synthetic skin must feel divine. Even atop of the metal exo-skeleton there.

Agggh if only

I think Rob has a good point about growth rates. Shorter stubble seems to hide more easily from the blade. For me it seems that giving those slow-growing hairs time to catch up allows me to mow them down again more easily.

I do know that after a particularly good shave, I have to be careful the next day or I get tender. In my mind, at least, I attribute this to having to work harder to cut the short hairs....

Josh

Maybe the stubble is jest a wee bit skittish after being clobbered so mercilessly by a cutthroat blade. Kind of like deer during the hunting season...just try to sneak up on one after its been stalked and shot at once or twice. Then compare that experience with catching one unawares during the early summer months when they seem to have no fear (typically while standing in the middle of my vegetable garden munching away).

So, I guess the moral of the story is that a good hunter/shaver can bag their quarry any/every time. If you want an easy hunt/shave, then give your prey a couple of days break...they'll never see you coming.

Cheers,
Ed

I think it may have something to do with how fast your beard comes in.
Back when I used the Mach it would shave ok with a days growth but like a dream with 2 days of growth but after that it would pull like a mother.
But in all cases I would have to shave again at night if I wanted a smooth face.

With the straight I don't have to shave 2x in a day ever.