Pre-shave steaming really works

[Crowden]

Read a post by Kyle, I believe, about how he'd started to hold a towel to his whiskers to soften them up prior to shaving. Combining that with all those old-tyme movie/cartoons in which the barber slings a steaming towel over a reclining customer, I modified the approach a bit and (A) heated a bowl of water in the microwave (B) lathered up (C) dipped towel in water and wrung it out and finally (D) laid down on a nearby sofa (literally 4 steps from bathroom) and did the old-tyme routine of towel on face for 2 - 3 minutes. Interestingly, all the lather disappeared at the end.

The result was quite striking. For sure, the best shave I've had yet. And the least ouchie when going across the grain under the chin (which, I gotta admit, is the least pleasant bit of the whole shaving adventure).

 

[DirtDiver]

Yeah, I shaved in the shower for the first time the other day and it made a huge difference! (which I attribute to the steam and heat)

 

[Shave_Rat]

Read a post by Kyle, I believe, about how he'd started to hold a towel to his whiskers to soften them up prior to shaving. Combining that with all those old-tyme movie/cartoons in which the barber slings a steaming towel over a reclining customer, I modified the approach a bit and (A) heated a bowl of water in the microwave (B) lathered up (C) dipped towel in water and wrung it out and finally (D) laid down on a nearby sofa (literally 4 steps from bathroom) and did the old-tyme routine of towel on face for 2 - 3 minutes. Interestingly, all the lather disappeared at the end.

The result was quite striking. For sure, the best shave I've had yet. And the least ouchie when going across the grain under the chin (which, I gotta admit, is the least pleasant bit of the whole shaving adventure).

Nice you found something that works great for you. Always a plus when we have those moments.

As an aside, if the ATG pass under the chin is sometimes problematic, you could skip it, and only got XTG in that spot. Sometimes 2 light XTG strokes are as close a shave as an ATG, but don't provide any irritation.

 

[Crowden]

Nice you found something that works great for you. Always a plus when we have those moments.

As an aside, if the ATG pass under the chin is sometimes problematic, you could skip it, and only got XTG in that spot. Sometimes 2 light XTG strokes are as close a shave as an ATG, but don't provide any irritation.

No, I will defeat the ATG challenge. It can be done. It MUST be done.

 

[Crowden]

Yeah, I shaved in the shower for the first time the other day and it made a huge difference! (which I attribute to the steam and heat)

I counted yesterday. My wife had an even dozen bottles of stuff in the shower. There's barely room for me in there, much less any shaving gear!

 

[Shave_Rat]

No, I will defeat the ATG challenge. It can be done. It MUST be done.

Understood, I was the same way. lol Took me probably 4 or so months and different blade/razor combo's to get my technique good enough with the right combo in my hand to pull it off without any irritation.

 

[DirtDiver]

I counted yesterday. My wife had an even dozen bottles of stuff in the shower. There's barely room for me in there, much less any shaving gear!

Me too, I took the window sill and I just leave the mirror in there. I bring in what Im gonna use since it is a constant variant anyway and then put it back on the sink in the brush/razor holder and the creams in the med cabinet

 

[Ron Scott]

I counted yesterday. My wife had an even dozen bottles of stuff in the shower. There's barely room for me in there, much less any shaving gear!

When we bought our current house in 1994 the first renovation made was to rid the master bath area of its pesky second sink so a drop-down make-up area could be build in. Yes, I was actually kicked out of the master bath, with complaints quickly dismissed, and sent down the hall to share the 2nd bath with my 6-year old daughter.

But at least I then had a bath where I was boss! I demanded a full 25% of the shower storage space, including one full shelf to myself and set up a proper shave area that I use to this day.

 

[Crowden]

Me too, I took the window sill and I just leave the mirror in there. I bring in what Im gonna use since it is a constant variant anyway and then put it back on the sink in the brush/razor holder and the creams in the med cabinet

You mean your wife leaves you room in your med cabinet?!

 

[Shave_Rat]

You mean your wife leaves you room in your med cabinet?!View attachment 336767

Wow... yeah... to all you guys that have lost space rights and such to the bathroom.. my condolences.

 

[DirtDiver]

You mean your wife leaves you room in your med cabinet?!View attachment 336767

Man, you need to take a stand, put your foot down and politely ask for that top shelf.

 

[cman26]

When I have the time I like to soak my towl in water with a little lavender or eucalyptus Dr. Bronners magic soap which relaxes me a little and adds to the experience.

 

[Crowden]

Man, you need to take a stand, put your foot down and politely ask for that top shelf.

Ah, it's okay. Our small bathroom (the master bath but teeny tiny 1960's CA build) is mine and she gets the remodeled second bath. So I keep my shaving gear in my own space and carry it back and forth when I want to use the better sink and countertop.