Blakec911 said:
jeepie said:
I use cold. I think Nishy did a long post about the benefits of cold water shaving a year or so ago and I tried it and never switched back. I use cold water for everything and a very sharp blade: DE, SE or straight (although my straight technique still needs work). I find that I get zero skin irritation with a cold water shave. None. Ever..... With hot I got a lot more razor burn..... cold all the way especially in winter. Very refreshing. Very comfortable and very addictive too!
Hi Jeepie
So do you use hot water for your prep though to hydrate or just straight in to the cold water?.
Blake
Hey blake ...
I just use cold only - no hot water at all, ever. So I run a very deep basin full of cold water and put one of Fido's finest brushes in to soak for 3 minutes. During this time I wash my face with the cold water whilst the sink is filling up - 10 goes/handfuls to hydrate the beard; this bit is bracing, but I'm used to it now and it's like a chilli kick - it gets me going. Then I just lather up and shave 3 passes dipping the brush in the cold water and rinsing off my face between passes with the cold water. It's honestly been a revelation. I love it.
It's especially soothing on the neck area and I get zero razor burn there. In fact I've forgotten what it's like to get razor burn. I think possibly it's easier to cut oneself with very cold water - not sure - but just go carefully and all's good.
Let me know how you get on if you try it! My hands - cupping the water and washing my face - are the only discomfort. It's a really nice feeling on the face and a really nice shave once you become accustomed to it.
Cheers
Jeepie