hot or cold water

Discussion in 'General Shaving Talk' started by haroldwashington, Nov 3, 2019.

  1. between hot, warm, and cold water, which one will soften facial hair the most????? i only ask because i usually take a hot shower during the winter time. rsvp.
     
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  2. jimjo1031

    jimjo1031 never bloomed myself

    Hot showers can diminish oils in your skin that keeps you healthy. The same would apply to your face. Cold water is recommended and I don't think the temperature makes a difference to soften beard hair. And yes, I'm a cold water shaver to minimize skin irritation when shaving.
     
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  3. dimish oils? please explain.
     
  4. jimjo1031

    jimjo1031 never bloomed myself

    Your skin contains natural oils which protect the skin to keep it moist and smooth. Hot water takes them off.
     
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  5. then why have i been told that after showering for some people its good to use a hot towel then? why hot towel? rsvp
     
  6. jimjo1031

    jimjo1031 never bloomed myself

    To soften the beard most likely. But I never noticed a difference between that and doing cold water shaves.
     
  7. richgem

    richgem suffering from chronic clicker hand cramps

    Hot water for sure. Anyone who tells you different is a cold water shaving heretic. There, I said it. :angelic007:
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2019
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  8. MrDaniel's

    MrDaniel's Well-Known Member

    I guess i'm somewhere in between. I enjoy cold water shaves in the summer, but at winter i do use lukewarm water.
     
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  9. RyX

    RyX DoH!

    :cool:
    +1
    I might use warm water a couple shaves during January.
    Rest of the year is cool tap water baby!
     
  10. BlueShaver

    BlueShaver Premature Latheration Sufferer

    Mr Gillette would tell you to use cold water.
    Italian Barbers would tell you to use as hot as you can.

    For me, soap is a detergent anyways so hot or cold water is irrelevant regarding oils, they will get washed away and i notice a significant difference in stubble if i use a pre-shave hot face wash with soap.

    If you can face can take it, a hot hot pre-shave wash with soap will clean the skin and really soften up the beard and bring out the stubble, followed on by a cold splash to tighten the skin before you shave and then tone and moisturise post-shave.
    This is the ideal way i think (a hybrid if the two schools) but sensitive skin may have a fit lol.

    Wot says u?
     
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  11. John Beeman

    John Beeman Little chicken in hot water

    Thank you for not being afraid to speak the truth (I wanted to but I was a little chicken)
     
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  12. richgem

    richgem suffering from chronic clicker hand cramps

    Strength in numbers.
     
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  13. Terry

    Terry Tool Admirer

    I've tried many many different things.
    Seems I have tough old whiskers.
    I can use cold water, but the shave is not as comfortable as if I use a hot water washing. If I take a hot shower first, the shave is nicer, easy and comfortable.
    I've shaved before the shower, but I get a tougher shave. I've used cold water in many different ways. But it's not as good as the shave after shower.
    tp
     
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  14. Shaver X

    Shaver X Well-Known Member

    For me, the shower temperature does not make any difference. I wash my face with soap and a washcloth during my shower, which does make a difference.

    Aftershave balm should restore any removed oils.
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2019
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  15. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    @richgem is definitely more penguin than chicken. :D
     
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  16. americanshamrock

    americanshamrock Let's Make a Deal! Staff Member

    Moderator
    This almost seems like the makings of a custom title
     
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  17. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    Agree. I moisten my beard prior to shaving by washing my face with soap and water for a minute or two. I face lather, and I also believe that helps moisten and prepare my beard for shaving.

    I suggest using the most comfortable, relaxing, pleasing, etc. water temperature. You can always use a moisturizer after your shave if dry skin is a problem.
     
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  18. wristwatchb

    wristwatchb wristwatch "danger" b

    colony_penguins.jpg
     
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  19. Ron R

    Ron R Well-Known Member

    You should just use warm water or cold water on the skin according to Dr's who should know, hot water is not recommended. I recently started using a gentle soap for face washing (CeraVe hand bar soap ) and use a soft shave brush for that and results are a little better. The objective is hydrate the whiskers and by removing the oil off the whiskers to allow the whiskers to absorb water easier. A hydrated whisker is easier to slice. Drinking some water when you wake up is a healthy practice IMO.
    Good question and you will get a lot of different answers, I use just warm water at first and each pass I like a cold water rinse with the last rinse with just warm water to remove the soap residual. If I use the alum block I will always use cold water rinse and then the alum followed by another cold water rinse to remove the alum salts.
    Have some great shaves!
     
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  20. John Beeman

    John Beeman Little chicken in hot water

    Hopefully not.
    I’ll try to work on something that fits me better.
     

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