wetshavingmonkey
01-13-2008, 03:15 PM
Since hot water is used to hydrate and soften the beard and skin prior to shaving, and for whipping up a nice bowl or cup of lather, it is no doubt the key element in the wet shaving routine. I notice that many members here at B&B like to try various types of razors, blades, brushes, and soaps or creams as they search for the right combination to achieve the ultimate shaving experience, but I wonder how many give any consideration as to how the quality of their water effects that experience? I have read about some members who have to deal with hard water, which is definitely a nuisance, but a much worse problem existing in municipal water is the presence of chlorine and volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). Chlorine and VOCs can contribute to a myriad of serious health problems, but since this is a shaving forum, I will try to keep the discussion limited to how they pertain to shaving only (forgive me in advance if I wander off on a tangent).
WETTING THE FACE
There are several different methods for wetting one’s face prior to shaving. Some like to take a hot shower, some will wash at the bathroom sink in hot water, and others will wrap their faces with towels soaked in hot water. These are all effective methods for pre-shave prep because the pores of the skin will open when exposed to hot water and, like a sponge, absorb moisture. Hair follicles also absorb moisture and become softer and easier to cut, and using soap or face wash (or hair conditioner, so I’ve read) will expedite the whisker softening process. Unfortunately, when using municipal water straight from the tap, the skin and hair is also absorbing chemicals that cause drying and irritation in the form of chlorine and VOCs. Since the purpose of wet shaving is to obtain the highest level of closeness and comfort, it is plain to see that chlorine and VOCs will adversely effect the results. Of course, since everyone is different, the degrees of the effect will be a YMMV situation, but why not always strive for the best with the water as with the shaving accouterments?
“A LITTLE CHLORINE WON’T KILL ME”
I have heard this statement from time to time from people who feel that the amount of chlorine consumed in tap water is negligible, but I disagree wholeheartedly. And I also disagree with anybody who thinks that the amount of chlorine in that same tap water is negligible for shaving purposes. Would anybody ever think of shaving with pool water? Of course not, yet tap water often contains at least as much, if not more, chlorine than is recommended for use in swimming pools*. As near as I can tell, most members at B&B have stopped using canned shaving creams and gels because of some of the bad ingredients they contain, like alcohol that dries the skin and beard -- so what’s the difference? If the goal is to get the best shave possible, the quality of the water is paramount.
WHAT TO DO?
The installation of a good quality point-of-use water filtration system will not only eliminate virtually all the chlorine and VOCs, but also, although not to the level of a softening system, remove many of the metals that make the water hard. Ideally, a point-of-use system would be installed on the water main prior to entering the home, but that is not always feasible. The next best option is individual under-sink setups and showerhead filters. These are widely available at hardware stores and fairly easy to install. If you know which is the business end of a screwdriver, you can install a water filtration system.
WATER FILTERS TO THE RESCUE
Since I was unable to access my water main coming into the house, I installed a two-stage water heater bypass filtration system (sediment/chemical) on my hot water line. In addition to that, I have individual cold water filters on my bathroom sinks and washing machine, as well as showerhead filters. I have had this setup for approximately two years, and I noticed an immediate and vast improvement in my skin, my hair, and the quality of my shaves while still using a Fusion razor. Even as a newbie with my DE razor, I have not experienced the skin irritation and shaving nicks that many other newbies talk about, and I don’t think it is a coincidence. Eliminating the chlorine and VOCs from my bath water has made my skin softer and more pliable which is resulting in better shaves. Of course using a brush and better shaving cream has further improved the quality of shaves, but my first 2-3 shaves were without a brush and using a non-lathering cream shave, and the results were quite excellent. So, for me, it begins and ends with the water.
CONCLUSION
Jumping into wet shaving for the first time can be quite an interesting experience with all the different razors, blades, brushes, soaps, and creams on the market to try. Part of the fun (?) is in finding what combination of accoutrements works best to get the closest and most comfortable shave possible. Personally, it doesn’t make much sense to me for someone to spend potentially hundreds of dollars on shaving gear but not give any thought about the quality of the most fundamental aspect of wet shaving: the water. If you are one of those who has tried different combinations of shaving paraphernalia, but still suffer from irritation or razor burn, consider water filtration to eliminate the chlorine and VOCs, because it can only be an improvement.
*http://www.allaboutwater.org/shower-filter.html
WETTING THE FACE
There are several different methods for wetting one’s face prior to shaving. Some like to take a hot shower, some will wash at the bathroom sink in hot water, and others will wrap their faces with towels soaked in hot water. These are all effective methods for pre-shave prep because the pores of the skin will open when exposed to hot water and, like a sponge, absorb moisture. Hair follicles also absorb moisture and become softer and easier to cut, and using soap or face wash (or hair conditioner, so I’ve read) will expedite the whisker softening process. Unfortunately, when using municipal water straight from the tap, the skin and hair is also absorbing chemicals that cause drying and irritation in the form of chlorine and VOCs. Since the purpose of wet shaving is to obtain the highest level of closeness and comfort, it is plain to see that chlorine and VOCs will adversely effect the results. Of course, since everyone is different, the degrees of the effect will be a YMMV situation, but why not always strive for the best with the water as with the shaving accouterments?
“A LITTLE CHLORINE WON’T KILL ME”
I have heard this statement from time to time from people who feel that the amount of chlorine consumed in tap water is negligible, but I disagree wholeheartedly. And I also disagree with anybody who thinks that the amount of chlorine in that same tap water is negligible for shaving purposes. Would anybody ever think of shaving with pool water? Of course not, yet tap water often contains at least as much, if not more, chlorine than is recommended for use in swimming pools*. As near as I can tell, most members at B&B have stopped using canned shaving creams and gels because of some of the bad ingredients they contain, like alcohol that dries the skin and beard -- so what’s the difference? If the goal is to get the best shave possible, the quality of the water is paramount.
WHAT TO DO?
The installation of a good quality point-of-use water filtration system will not only eliminate virtually all the chlorine and VOCs, but also, although not to the level of a softening system, remove many of the metals that make the water hard. Ideally, a point-of-use system would be installed on the water main prior to entering the home, but that is not always feasible. The next best option is individual under-sink setups and showerhead filters. These are widely available at hardware stores and fairly easy to install. If you know which is the business end of a screwdriver, you can install a water filtration system.
WATER FILTERS TO THE RESCUE
Since I was unable to access my water main coming into the house, I installed a two-stage water heater bypass filtration system (sediment/chemical) on my hot water line. In addition to that, I have individual cold water filters on my bathroom sinks and washing machine, as well as showerhead filters. I have had this setup for approximately two years, and I noticed an immediate and vast improvement in my skin, my hair, and the quality of my shaves while still using a Fusion razor. Even as a newbie with my DE razor, I have not experienced the skin irritation and shaving nicks that many other newbies talk about, and I don’t think it is a coincidence. Eliminating the chlorine and VOCs from my bath water has made my skin softer and more pliable which is resulting in better shaves. Of course using a brush and better shaving cream has further improved the quality of shaves, but my first 2-3 shaves were without a brush and using a non-lathering cream shave, and the results were quite excellent. So, for me, it begins and ends with the water.
CONCLUSION
Jumping into wet shaving for the first time can be quite an interesting experience with all the different razors, blades, brushes, soaps, and creams on the market to try. Part of the fun (?) is in finding what combination of accoutrements works best to get the closest and most comfortable shave possible. Personally, it doesn’t make much sense to me for someone to spend potentially hundreds of dollars on shaving gear but not give any thought about the quality of the most fundamental aspect of wet shaving: the water. If you are one of those who has tried different combinations of shaving paraphernalia, but still suffer from irritation or razor burn, consider water filtration to eliminate the chlorine and VOCs, because it can only be an improvement.
*http://www.allaboutwater.org/shower-filter.html