Poll: Hot Water, or Cold Water Straight Shaver????

So far ~60% straight shavers are prefer cold water ( kinda early in the polls). I wonder the percentage of de & se shavers?

 

Looks like I kinda created a monster here

 

??? 58% hot, 42% cold

@Spyder ... I was referring to your stat of ~60% str8 shavers prefer cold, not DE or SE shavers. How do you figure?

 

You've got to go with what works for you but here's what science has to say about it: Warm water and warm lather that has a pH outside the range of 4.0 to 5.5 will do the most to lift the scales that protect the shaft of your stubble. Basically substances with a pH outside of this range act to lift the overlapping scales that protect the hair. Indirect heat, like that delivered by steam or a hot towel has the same effect. This link has the info if you'd like to wade through it - it's not very long actually - about half way in you'll find the relevant info.

 

I live in a climate where it is freezing cold most of the year and the idea of splashing cold water on my face first thing in the morning sounds about as much fun as chewing tinfoil. I use hot water because every time I even think of using cold water there is a little voice in my head that says, "You idiot! What are you doing? Its freezing outside...use the hot water!"

 

That seems a small part of the science story. A counter view would include

"Proponents of cold water shaving would argue... A soft bristle will bend before the blade, either slipping underneath the cutting edge or getting cut halfway through then ending which results in tearing and pulling. And if you want to pull the skin tight, what is the advantage in making it looser or baggier (from warm water) before you do it?.... If you use cold water on the skin you not only keep the bristles rigid but the skin tightens and the bristles naturally stand up, perfect for shaving. "

 

It isn't that it makes the hair softer. The warmth opens up the protective scales which then allows the hair to be cut easier. Since the scales fold up, the blade would slide beneath their pivot point and I'm guessing the edge then catches on the open flap - which keeps the hair from slipping beneath the blade or moving higher on the shaft. All of that is conjecture on my part of course (other than the direction of the scales.) I'm only quoting what is published but from looking at the pictures in the article and reading the information it seems logical. However, we all know YMMV and you've got to shave with what works for you.

 

Since I dont rinse between passes, I suppose I AM relathering over a 'dry face'—but in reality, its more of an already damp face upon which I'm applying the next layer of lather.

 

Perhaps. But from the various cold water threads' discussions I rarely see an argument made that folks prefer hot water because it enables a closer shave, usually it's about shaving comfort. I would expect a closer shave if your scales conjecture were the determining factor.

 

Don't get me wrong - I'm not arguing for one or the other. The scales are real and if you want to open them then warm water is a better bet. But whether this makes for a closer or more comfortable shave is a personal judgement. I'd guess it does help keep an edge sharper for a longer time though.

 

This is exactly me as well

 

I've been told that facial hair is almost like fine wire... and that the face can withstand higher heat than many parts of the body. Hot water softens the hair. Cold would probably have the opposite effect. We have a hot tub and I have noticed my beard is much softer after sitting in my hot tub. Leads me to the point that a hot towel for a longer period should soften the facial hair more?? Experience anyone??

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

I have Whiskers Like Cast Iron..I Need Hot Water to Soften My Whiskers for the 1st Pass..Cold Water Does Nothing for Me & Might Even be Counter Productive..Folks with a Lighter Growth its Probably Neither here Nor there..Like My Brother..He has a Light Whiskers..King Gillette's Research Way Back Showed around 85% of Males in the West have a Light to Moderate Beard..The Boys with the Heavy Cast Iron Growth are in the Minority..

Billy..

 

From the book: shaving made easy (1904)....

.....this natural oily condition, it is very difficult
to cut the hair with a razor, and it
becomes even more difficult if the beard
be made still softer by the application of
hot water. Many do this, and it is no
wonder they find shaving difficult.
When this is done, the hairs become soft
and limp, and the razor will either slip
over them entirely, or else cut partly
into them, bend them back and slice them
lengthwise, all the while pulling and
straining them at the roots, and making
the process of shaving most painful.
Now soap has the opposite effect. It contains
either alkali, potash or soda, which
when applied to the beard in the form of
lather, unites with the oil of the hair,,
neutralizing it and removing it, and renders
the hairs hard stiff and brittle—in
which condition they may be easily and
readily cut. For the sake of cleanliness,
the face should, of course, be washed
previous to shaving in order to remove
any dirt or grit from the beard, which
might dull the razor ; but before applying
the lather, the face should be well dried
with a towel.

Again another position.....

 

Interesting…

"it is very difficult to cut the hair with a razor, and it becomes even more difficult if the beard be made still softer by the application of hot water. Many do this, and it is no wonder they find shaving difficult."
"For the sake of cleanliness, the face should, of course, be washed previous to shaving in order to remove any dirt or grit from the beard, which might dull the razor; but before applying the lather, the face should be well dried with a towel."
—contrary to the common assertion that one should use a hot towel/washcloth to 'soften' the whiskers before shaving or keep the face 'wet' prior to lathering.

 

Yes, but in 1904, they didnt take into consideration how sharp we are now getting out Straights. I'm sure techniques and tools to hone have become better since then.
Plus, the sharpness of DE blades now are pretty darn sharp.

 

Warm or hot lather shaver here for all types of razors. But I do a cold rinse after and in the summer I will even run an ice cube over my face after the shave. I have tough whiskers and when I tried cold water shaves it was painful, like pulling the hair out.

 

I just find the differences in practices interesting. Maybe the author should have used the disclaimer YMMV

 

Not a straight shaver, but I have been following with interest. I shave hot or cold, depending on the weather and my mood. I can honestly say I don't think I can tell any difference whatsoever in the quality of the shave or its comfort. Cold water shaving is invigorating to me, and that is about it.

 

I see 61% of str8 shavers prefering hot.