Back to basics for an "experienced" shaver.

[Teddyboy]

Lately I have sensed that I have been cheating on some stage of my routine; I was getting weepers, some irritation, aftershave stinging. I even tried to blame the water in Delaware.

Well, I decided to extend my periods of prepping - more soap and longer periods of massaging my beard with a hot/wet towel. Guess what? No weepers, absolutely no aftershave sting and no irritation.

Take home messages- [1] do not underestimate the value of good prepping; and [2] even old dogs should revisit and re-learn old tricks.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Niles]

Good advice, Ted.

 

[Mick]

Oh yea. Prep is the least enjoyable but most important part of shaving.

Skip on prep one time and you will remember to NOT skip on it the next time you shave

 

[Useless shaver]

We mustn't forget the basics.... (as I do from time to time...)

Thanks for posting!

 

[kosmin]

So right, I found the hard way there is a learning curve, and now I try to go through all the stages, but when a new item comes into the scheme, things tend to speed up and I skip some phases. Then, is time for a nice and healthy back to square one. It's very good to keep this in mind.

 

[buca3152]

Every part of the shave is important. Prep, lather razor quality as balms etc.

 

[Razorsharp1986]

I actually enjoy a good prep!
not to say that it is more enjoyable than shaving, but I really like the proccess prior to the shave, nontheless.
Kind of like meditation, in my mind's eyes.

 

[MRoney]

I struggle with doing a good prep, I always jump the gun with the hot towel, skip my PSO, or not build a good enough lather. Occasionally all three!

 

[brybry642]

For me, the hot towel aspect just isn't a realistic step to add to the daily shave routine.

 

[gus1942]

For me, the hot towel aspect just isn't a realistic step to add to the daily shave routine.

+1

 

[rxonmymind]

Been there. Good advice.

 

[Saxman11290]

For me, the hot towel aspect just isn't a realistic step to add to the daily shave routine.

I don't find the need for the hot towel prep if you shave directly coming out of the shower. I use some hair conditioner (softening, NOT strengthening) on my beard during my shower, let it sit while I wash my body with a bar soap and then let hot water run over my beard for a minute or so as the last thing I do before I leave the shower. At that point, I'm pretty well prepped, no need for hot towel and all that. Just load up my brush and rock and roll!

However, if there ever is a time I need to shave and don't have time / don't need / don't want to shower, I ALWAYS use a hot towel prep method. Can't skimp out on prep, either happens one way or another.

 

[dpmtherrien]

You're so right. Sometimes we needed to be reminded about doing things the proper way.