Less prep?
- Thread starter JonnyBGood
- Start date
D
Deleted member 1881
Guest
Oh ok! No prob! Will try on the next shave and feedback here the details.
For me, I don't soak my brush or use warm/hot water to build my lather. I don't think warm or cold water matters much in making a lather. Either way it is what works for you as an individual. Lots of variations on the same theme.
Bob
My prep for the last 6 months has been a little water on my face. However, previously, routinely, it would have been many laps of a pool, followed by 30 mins in both a steam, sauna and shower. This extremely long prep/exercise provided the base for my best shaves. Closer, smoother, less irritation and fewer passes.
For the extra time taken and the difference in quality, I personally wouldn't advocate the above, just to improve a shave. Technique IMO is the biggest factor in attaining a great shave.
For the extra time taken and the difference in quality, I personally wouldn't advocate the above, just to improve a shave. Technique IMO is the biggest factor in attaining a great shave.
D
Deleted member 476
Guest
My Pre-prep is usually just wet face with warm water.
My Post-prep is much more involved. Nivea after shave Balm, followed by a face moisturizer (Jack Black or Neutrogena Face lotion. Its essential when living in a semi-arid climate, especially in the cold winter when my skin peels like a redhead, left in the sun all day.
My Post-prep is much more involved. Nivea after shave Balm, followed by a face moisturizer (Jack Black or Neutrogena Face lotion. Its essential when living in a semi-arid climate, especially in the cold winter when my skin peels like a redhead, left in the sun all day.
D
Deleted member 1881
Guest
Tried @Wayne 's method yesterday. 7 days of growth(!)
Soap of choice: Wickham Magnum
Weapon of choice: Merkur 37c Slant
Blade: Feather #4th shave
Brush: Dirt cheap Omega 10065 boar
Balm of choice: Cella
I washed my face with cold water, with a mild face washing gel, no hard rubbing just making a bubbly foam. Rinse, load this excellent artisan soap, some drops of water on the brush, the slickness was just amazing. I did 3 passes, NO pressure, no repeated strokes on the same area. Although I haven't mastered the slant yet, the shave was really good and the ATG pass really comfortable, even though the blade was getting a bit harsh & dull and not so effective, but the aggressiveness was still there. No red spots, no hot sensation, no bleeding. I don't know if it was 100% BBS but sure it was a close shave. I didn't push for it really. I didn't want to destroy what I had built from the beginning.
Wayne, thank you for your idea, and to the rest, thanks for reading!
Randy
Soap of choice: Wickham Magnum
Weapon of choice: Merkur 37c Slant
Blade: Feather #4th shave
Brush: Dirt cheap Omega 10065 boar
Balm of choice: Cella
I washed my face with cold water, with a mild face washing gel, no hard rubbing just making a bubbly foam. Rinse, load this excellent artisan soap, some drops of water on the brush, the slickness was just amazing. I did 3 passes, NO pressure, no repeated strokes on the same area. Although I haven't mastered the slant yet, the shave was really good and the ATG pass really comfortable, even though the blade was getting a bit harsh & dull and not so effective, but the aggressiveness was still there. No red spots, no hot sensation, no bleeding. I don't know if it was 100% BBS but sure it was a close shave. I didn't push for it really. I didn't want to destroy what I had built from the beginning.
Wayne, thank you for your idea, and to the rest, thanks for reading!
Randy
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I don't think that preparation is unnecessary - the opposite actually - but after developing my technique (don't imagine anything wild, I've just been using my equipment for a while so naturally it's easier to use it properly now) I find extensive preparation less contributing to the end result. Previously I used to see significant difference when I had showered before shaving but now, given a good facial wash, this has been minimized.
Did I also mention that I absolutely refuse to use a hot towel? I really - really! - don't like the feeling on my face. Perhaps not 100% relevant to the topic but I had to say it
Did I also mention that I absolutely refuse to use a hot towel? I really - really! - don't like the feeling on my face. Perhaps not 100% relevant to the topic but I had to say it
JonnyBGood
Forum GOD!
I agree that as technique improves and you dial in your equipment and software to what works then a lot less prep is required - I’ve ditched hot towels and pre shave products in favour of a simple face wash with warm water.
If I’m blooming a soap I use the bloom water on my face and that’s as complicated as it gets now for prep
boilerphan
Forum GOD!
My post shave is more lengthy than my pre shave routine as well. Pre shave is usually a shower (brush soaks while I shower), building lather in bowl, wetting face, applying lather then shaving.
Post shave, I go thru warm water rinse, cold water rinse, alum block, cold water rinse, witch hazel then aftershave splash or balm when witch hazel dries.
That said, I am trying to use some Grooming Dept preshave to measure my shave quality with and without. I especially will do this with older soap bases that are not as high performing as the newer ones.
Post shave, I go thru warm water rinse, cold water rinse, alum block, cold water rinse, witch hazel then aftershave splash or balm when witch hazel dries.
That said, I am trying to use some Grooming Dept preshave to measure my shave quality with and without. I especially will do this with older soap bases that are not as high performing as the newer ones.
