Excellent advice. Most of this I learned the hard way. Some I didn't know at all.
+1 sticky; I see many people benefiting from this.
+1 sticky; I see many people benefiting from this.
Random Thoughts and Wisdom for Newbies
- Thread starter Mendel
- Start date
This is a great list. However...
I am slightly amazed to find no mention of beard prep at all!
Facial hair is tough on edges. Gillette claims that dry beards are as tough as copper wire of the same diameter. Hydrating the beard makes it much easier to cut. To get water in, you have to strip away the oils that naturally occur. You do this by thoroughly washing the beard with soap and water, at least once and perhaps twice before lathering up.
Soap and cream makers spend a lot of time and effort putting ingredients in their product that allow water to get in the hairs, "softening the beard". If you let your lather sit on the beard for two minutes before you start shaving, you'll maximize this effect.
There are many, many posts here regarding proper prep, and many different theories and methods to achieve it. The above works for me. Some go further with hot towels, special products, different routines. Shaving right after a shower gives much of the same effect, as long as you don't let your beard dry out.
Proper prep will make everything else easier. It increases the effective life of blades. It reduces irritation. It's been advocated by various blade, soap, razor and cream makers for decades, and many shavers still shrug, lather up and immediately have at it, then curse the blade, the lather, the razor, technique or unkind fate for poor results.
Prep the beard.
I am slightly amazed to find no mention of beard prep at all!
Facial hair is tough on edges. Gillette claims that dry beards are as tough as copper wire of the same diameter. Hydrating the beard makes it much easier to cut. To get water in, you have to strip away the oils that naturally occur. You do this by thoroughly washing the beard with soap and water, at least once and perhaps twice before lathering up.
Soap and cream makers spend a lot of time and effort putting ingredients in their product that allow water to get in the hairs, "softening the beard". If you let your lather sit on the beard for two minutes before you start shaving, you'll maximize this effect.
There are many, many posts here regarding proper prep, and many different theories and methods to achieve it. The above works for me. Some go further with hot towels, special products, different routines. Shaving right after a shower gives much of the same effect, as long as you don't let your beard dry out.
Proper prep will make everything else easier. It increases the effective life of blades. It reduces irritation. It's been advocated by various blade, soap, razor and cream makers for decades, and many shavers still shrug, lather up and immediately have at it, then curse the blade, the lather, the razor, technique or unkind fate for poor results.
Prep the beard.
Last edited:
True, proper prep makes a world of difference. In addition to showering, I wash my beard with glycerin soap once at the start of the shower, and once right before I step out. I face lather and let the lather sit for a while before I start shaving.- Thread starter
- #44
Good stuff here!
- Thread starter
- #45
Excellent stuff here!
Worthy of a sticky!
Mendel:
I'll contribute to your list...
43. Glycerine is great in (only 2-3 drops), the making of Uberlather.
44. Although Clubman can be drying upon the face and body, the addition of about 10 drops of glycerine per 6oz bottle greatly increases the moisturizing and toning aspects and 'kicks' this aftershave-cologne 'up a notch'.
"Don't worry about the [cuts, weepers and] nicks and pick up your life...forget all the bad things, the pain and the strife". Author Unknown
I'll contribute to your list...
43. Glycerine is great in (only 2-3 drops), the making of Uberlather.
44. Although Clubman can be drying upon the face and body, the addition of about 10 drops of glycerine per 6oz bottle greatly increases the moisturizing and toning aspects and 'kicks' this aftershave-cologne 'up a notch'.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #48
Mendel:
I'll contribute to your list...
43. Glycerine is great in (only 2-3 drops), the making of Uberlather.
44. Although Clubman can be drying upon the face and body, the addition of about 10 drops of glycerine per 6oz bottle greatly increases the moisturizing and toning aspects and 'kicks' this aftershave-cologne 'up a notch'.
"Don't worry about the [cuts, weepersand] nicks and pick up your life...forget all the bad things, the pain and thestrife". Author Unknown
Nice info here!
Tried this today,great tip thankyou.
Good stuff !
Learning patience,it's not hard to find other stuff to do for 2 minutes.
Mendel:
Thanx for the 'shout-out', support and for sharing!!!
Also, your list is simply awesome!!!
Good valuable advice Mendel. Picked up a few things. Thanks
- Thread starter
- #52
You are welcome.
Very helpful. Thank you.
This thread does certainly feel..............................sticky.
Great list, worth looking over it every few weeks just to get reminded for some points. Thank you!
Thank you for the list Mendel. 
I'd like to send you a PM, but your box is full.
I'd like to send you a PM, but your box is full.
+1,000
