Skin prep - is a hot shower better than a hot cloth?

I follow 2 basic methods of skin prep. After whipping up my lather in a bowl I hold a hot, wet cloth to my face for about 30 seconds. I repeat this 3 times and then lather up. While the soap is softening the whiskers I strop then shave.

Today I followed my other method which is to whip up the lather I fill the sink w/hot water and float the bowl while I shower. The lather was warm when I applied it and I seemed to get a much more comfortable shave.

Have you guys found one method better than another?

Rich

“If man could be crossed with a cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” – Mark Twain

Shower works better for me.

Try applying some lather, then the hot towel. Interesting effect.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Try applying some lather, then the hot towel. Interesting effect.

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I agree with BeBerlin, try the hot towels with lather. I have better shaves if I combine hot towels with lather or pre-shave oil.

I find a steambath unbeatable :)

Though it might not be something you could do every morning, you could try it on the weekends :P

I'm sure the status quo would say Shower before you shave. I'm 47 years old. I never shaved until I joined the Military. It was mandatory. I've have always shaved prior to my shower. For me there are as many benefits as showering first...I do a hot towel before applying pre shave oil, then I apply the shave cream which is heated, followed by another hot towel, for about 30 secs or so, then remove, re lather and shave. I'm sure it's nice to take a shower before you shave and soften up the wiskers, but by the time you get out and shave, You've already wasted time. I think Hot Towels and pre shave oil work just as well, IMHO...think about it. Barber's don't have you shower before they shave you...
they do the hot towel....

I personally do all the above. I shower first, hot towel, pre-shave oil, lather, hot towel, re-lather, shave. I have not experinced razor burn since my fourth shave. I've been straight shaving for about 13 months now. I guess it comes down to your personal preference.

Well, there a two factors here: hot water/steam softens the skin, but soap softens the beard. So you really want both. For me lathering before stropping does the trick, others have successfully applied hot towels which, I presume, speed up the soap factor.

It is my personal preference to take a hot shower before I shave; the only exception to the rule being on the weekend. I deviate to the hot towels before the shave. Comparing both systems, I must admit that for me the hot shower softens and prepares my face better than the hot towel. I also use Proraso Pre/Post shave cream as part of my prep.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Try applying some lather, then the hot towel. Interesting effect.

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I shower first. However, by the time I do my stropping, build the lather, etc., my face has cooled and dried so I do the hot towel treatment as mentioned above... :)