Thread: 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.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

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

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.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

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

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...