I'm interested in wetting the face hairs as quickly and thoroughly as possible. I use Gillette shaving gel.
My understanding is that an alkaline (high pH) face wash or gel will make the hair's cuticle swell and this let's in water which is what does the softening.
The face washes I use tend to have a near-neutral pH, so would it be better to do this:
(1) Apply shaving gel, which is quite alkaline, BEFORE washing. That would open up the hairs' cuticle.
(2) Wash off the shaving gel and leave the face wet with just water for a minute or two. That would soften the hair shaft.
(3) Re-apply shaving gel to use as a lubricant. Shave with this.
Is this back-to-front approach viable?
My understanding is that an alkaline (high pH) face wash or gel will make the hair's cuticle swell and this let's in water which is what does the softening.
The face washes I use tend to have a near-neutral pH, so would it be better to do this:
(1) Apply shaving gel, which is quite alkaline, BEFORE washing. That would open up the hairs' cuticle.
(2) Wash off the shaving gel and leave the face wet with just water for a minute or two. That would soften the hair shaft.
(3) Re-apply shaving gel to use as a lubricant. Shave with this.
Is this back-to-front approach viable?
In my experience, pre shave products, pre shave showering, and even wetting the face before lathering makes no difference at all. That is what works for me, but of course what is important is here is what works for you.
