I normally shave prior to taking a shower. The main reason for this is that the shower removes the bits of lather left over. My usual routine is : 1) soak my brush in hot water and apply that to my face 2) make up my lather and apply that while my face is still moist 3) let the lather soak in for about a minute 4) rinse out the razor with hot water to heat the blade, and then start shaving. So far, the results seem fine. My question is, being new to safety razor shaving, is there an advantage to shaving after the shower? Could my results be even better? Thanks for any advice and guidance.
I shave after I shower myself. I currently don't use a pre-shave balm but I believe some people will apply the pre-shave and let it "marinate" during the shower. I think the only advantage that either method may have is which one works best for you.
I don't know about getting better than what you are doing right now, you like what you like, right. I will say I do enjoy my routine.. soak brush in bowl while I take nice warm shower, get out but don't dry off face. Make lather and apply to face. Run warm water over razor and shave. Rinse off with warmest water I can stand and then rinse again with coldest water. Apply after shave balm then wait for a while and apply after shave and then hopefully have a good day. As always YMMV.
I forgot to mention, after my shower, I apply my moisturizer and rub that in. Then, I usually finish with aftershave.
I recently began experimenting with shaving after my shower rather than before. Having dry skin I find the shower removes any and all vestiges of natural oils (and I always need to immediately apply moisturizer) so I've always shaved pre-shower letting my natural skin oils act as lubrication. I've discovered however that with the right prep I can get a great shave either pre or post shower and the generous application of a pre shave oil has been the key. Pre shower I apply a hot towel for a few minutes to soften the beard and then the oil. Post shower I go straight for the oil. You can buy good pre shave oils or make your own quite easily and inexpensively. I think the advantage of a post shower shave is the extended time under the hot water that softens your beard.
After many miserable years of "cart" shaving at night ( so my face would heal a little before work the next morning) my shave was usually preshower. When I began "traditional" shaving, the shaves became so irritation free that I started to shave in the mornings postshower..I agree with Ty, you have to try both ways and see which one works "BEST" for you...
I prefer shaving first too. As long as I give my whiskers plenty of time to soften, it doesn't seem to be a problem.
I shave after the shower. The hot water softens up the beard real nice. The only way to know is to try.
Shower first; Shave second. I wouldn't wish to have it any other way. Just personal preference I have after trying the pre-shower shave for a short while and simply preferred the hot water/steam before the shave.
I always shave after my shower. I've gotten into the habit of using a small bit of conditioner on my whiskers right at the end of my shower to help soften and lubricate. I don't do this because my shave soap doesn't do it's job. I do this because there are a couple of small areas on my neck where the whiskers grow in at very shallow angles. These spots are very prone to razor burn and/or weepers so a little extra lubrication helps.
I shave after my shower. If I shave before my face burns as it can't stand the heat and water for any length of time. It's just too sensitive.
Yep, shower first, shave after. I let my brush soak and if I am using a puck or croap it gets to have a little warm water on top. The other reason, is that I need a little time to wake up before putting any sharp instruments in my hand.........
I shave first & shower after. That way I can see myself in the mirror... Sometimes in the weekend I turn things around. That's on the days I do try to shave with a str8. That way the whiskers are softer. Should make shaving easier.
I (mostly) shower first and shave after. It's a ritual thing for me that puts me in the mood and relaxes me. However, there have been a couple of times where I shaved first. My face felt just as good, especially since I don't wear a beard at any time. However you like it is the call of the day.
So you're saying that you can't see in the mirror very well after a shower, which is why you shave first... But then you say you use your str8 AFTER the shower? When you can't see as well in the mirror? AND YOU'RE WIELDING A STR8 ON YOUR NECK?!?! Anyway, if the whiskers are softer after the shower, thereby providing an easier shave, why not apply that to the use of your other razors, as well? As for a foggy mirror after the shower, try this - before the shower, smear some canned shaving cream all over the mirror, then wipe it off. It will act as an anti-fog for your mirror.
