I have seen the light...

I've noticed something interesting lately that I've just now realized after a few years of wet shaving.

I've noticed that when I shave with shave soap I bet perfect results, however when I use creams I get a little neck irritation. I've never umderstood why. I've tried different water/cream ratios, different blades, razors, etc. didn't matter. I still got a few bumps.

I've researched and found something interesting...

Cold water shaving helps with irritation.

I never thought about doing this. Ever. Until yesterday.

I prepped as normal, hot shower, softening conditioner, face wash and scrub. Normal hot water prep. Then I get to the sink and I fill the basin up with cold water, soaked my brush in cold water during my shower. I lathered up AOS lavender cream. The consistency was...different but not terribly so. I splashed my face with cold water, lathered up and did 4 passes.

Results?
Super razor burn, bleeding worse than that Martin Scorsese short film and 1000 bumps.

Yeah. I'm kidding. That was actually my thinking before actually doing it. The real results were I got the best damn shave I ever had. Period. No stubble to be felt. It was a perfect shave. The razor did glide differently, but it was by no means uncomfortable. Just different.

I do stress, however that it's vital that you do your normal hot water prep to lock in moisture. Don't come in contact with cold water until you go to the sink after your shower.

I think every wet shaver should try it once or twice. It may help with some issues you may not know you have. There are benefits of cold water. Your pores stay closed so any nicks you may have will seal up easier with alum, it's refreshing and it will probably save money on energy.

I'm never using hot water again. I can't wait to try cold water with soap. I already have good results with hot water with soap, I can only imagine how good it will be cold.

 

Does your irritation with creams only happen with AOS, or all creams you've tried? Just curious as AOS causes me irritatoin too, and it's the only one.

Yes, cold shaving is good stuff. I plan on doing that a lot once the weather turns a lot warmer. Try it with Proraso Green or another menthol soap/cream.

 

It's not just AOS. I think the AOS causes more irritation though because of the heavy fragrance. I also got irritation from TOBS and the lightly scented stuff too like Real Shaving Company.

Wow. Proraso Green + Cold water + The Mighty O (Osage Rub) = facial hypothermia. I can't wait!!

 

When I do a cold shave with Green, the cold water on my face at the end kicks it way up! I haven't tried Osage Rub, but maybe I should get a bottle for the summer.

 

Osage Rub will make you cry. Every time I use it tears fall. Never fails. I keep it in the fridge to elevate the frigidness to its max.

 

I just ordered a bottle!

 

Interesting, I will give it a try.

 

Your thoughts are worth thinking about, thanks for posting them.

 

I use nothing but cold water from start to finish, lather is made with cold water and just a few splashes of cold water on the face before applying the lather. That's it. Occasionally I'll lather up and hold a damp wash cloth,cold, on my face for a minute or so and then re-lather for the shave.

Cold water shaver since September 2009 and I will never go back to using hot water.

 

Definitely. You never know how it will work until you try it.

I love lavender.

 

I might have to try a cold water shave, sounds interesting.

 

Tried it and it doesn't work for me. Shaving with cold water is and was an awful experience. Warm water only for me.

 

I didn't see any improvement using cold water. Early in the morning warm or hot water tends to feel better. I'm glad you found what works for you! Isn't that what life's about.

 

Osage rub makes my wife cry every time I use it.

 

I tried using only cold water. it's too early to tell if I got a closer shave. but I can say that it was not as enjoyable. the lather was thinner, Jack black, and didn't seem like that little menthol hum was there. the razor did about like normal maybe a little more tug, less glide. I think my vote it's for hot water. May try it again sometime.
happy it worked for you

 

It's the "I've noticed" that really gets to the heart of wet shaving IMO; and you've done it. So now you get to enjoy the consistency and quality of the shaves that inevitably follow.

Basically, we shave everyday; and if we're paying attention to what's working and what's not then we, sooner or later, figure out a process that works best for us individually. And obviously at that point it's got very little to do with what other folks are doing or any of the "what's hot and what's not" fashion/trending nonsense.

Enjoy your cold water shaves Justin...and good luck sticking with what works for you!

 

+1

 

I've only tried a cold water shave twice. Didn't enjoy it any of the times.

I've since switched from hot water to middle of the road luke water. Same performance as hot but somewhat more pleasant.

I don't think cold water is for me but I'm eager to try again now

 

This thread talked me into trying my first cold shave which is something I had been fearful of for many years. It wasn't too bad. I still got just as close a shave as normal with maybe a tad less irritation. I did notice that the shave was much louder than normal. One nice thing was the spot on my neck that I often nick bled a lot less than normal. Aftershave didn't burn as badly either.
I may try it again.
Cold shaving in the morning would be a real wake up. Maybe better than coffee.

 

I gave it a try, and it was pleasant because today was the hottest day so far this year where I live. I did a hot shower and washed my face for prep, and then splashed cold water on my face and then shaved with only cold water.

the shave was more gentle (less irritating) but the shave was not as close. I did an extra pass. I think this would be a great method for those with sensitive skin.