Comments on: The Case for Cold Water Shaving

By: Dr Rahul

Dr Rahul — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:01:24 +0000

I neither use hot nor cold water. But after reading this article, I might give cold water a shot.

I actually have a theory – icy cold water acts as a vasoconstrictor and cuts off blood supply to the face. When the blood supply is cut off, the face is less likely to bleed from minor cuts, hence, get infected.

Furthermore, cold water also ablates conduction by depolarized axons, hence, has a numbing effect. So you are less likely to feel pain from razor burns, etc.

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:40:20 +0000

I tried cold water shave (with shaving soap/brush and Weishi safety razor) and I like it; have been using cold since this Jan. Occasionally on a saturday when I have time, I use the hot water-shave-rinse with cold water technique, but for daily routine, cold water works best for me.

My skin is sensitive to the sun and I have had several sun spots removed on my arms (I work outdoors; electrician) and so I also use the ‘James Bond’ shower technique in that I try just use warm water in shower (not hot), and to rinse with cool or cold water. So far this year it is working good; also helps keep hair manageable. Regarding the water heater, all this saves energy too – thanks!

By: bracet.r.c

bracet.r.c — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:56:07 +0000

yes its me again,still cold shaving and showering.but i have found 2 sites that are worth your readers looking at http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.com and http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk i replaced almond oil from chemist for some edwin jagger balms and creams with some stylish razors and shaving brush……excellent items.hope this may be of some help to those who fancy a bit of luxury !!

By: Eli

Eli — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:53:45 +0000

I was having a big problem with razor burn on my neck. Switching to a safety razor and using no pressure, using a badger brush with cold water, and paying close attention to the direction of hair growth were the things that cleared up my skin. I have absolutely no issues with razor burn anymore. I actually enjoy a daily shave now!

By: Jody

Jody — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:59:37 +0000

the summers here in Australia are pretty brutal, often the last thing you want on your face is a hot towel so I tend to go for a nice refreshing cool shave then, I guess I found I get less rash (I don’t get it in winter with a hot shave) but I put that down to like a heat rash more than anything, I never found it made a lot of difference to the quality of the shave.
The preparation of the razor, the quality of the soap, the technique, these all most assuredly make a difference, I guess a cool shave in summer (I keep a bottle of 4711 blood orange and basil in the fridge) and a hot shave in winter is the way to go for mine.
I’ve never been in the military, but I think if I were trudging through icy snow I’d think seriously about growing a beard for no other reason than as a windbreak.

By: Gilbert Henry

Gilbert Henry — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:48:53 +0000

In the movie “Miller’s Crossing”, the character Johnny Caspar tells his driver that he should rinse his razor with cold water instead of hot water. He says that since metal contracts when it’s cold, you’ll get a closer shave. Maybe there’s something to it…

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:53:17 +0000

In the Army Engineers it was explained that not only was to instill discipline, but practical as well. After all try getting a good tight seal on a gas mask with a beard. SCUBA divers know this as well. I shave both ways (yes I’m a bi shaver) but after reading this I think I might go cold a bit more.

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:37:44 +0000

Was in the service for 8 years and had to periodically shave with cold water or dry shave out in the field. Now that I don’t have to do that I don’t. Another reason we were told that we had to shave was to get a proper seal on your gas mask.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:34:21 +0000

I must try this cold water shave, again. But I have to say that a good deal of this advice about shaving from the early 19th century is suspect. These guys did many untoward things we would not think of doing, today. I admit that in many ways we have degenerated since that time. But shaving is not one of those ways.

By: Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:21:36 +0000

2 years ago I switched to shaving with a 1936 DE safety razor, with shaving soap and a badger fur brush. I read several documents, blogs and such about DE razor shaving and came accross an article saying that shaving with cold water is better for the skin than using hot water. So after adjusting to life with a DE razor I started experimenting with using cold water to shave, after 3-4 days it began to get easier and not cut my face up as much! but once your skin adjusts to using cold water it is a better shave than warm water. Although on cold winter days it is a chore. But its personal preference at the end of the day.

Aaron, 23, Coventry, UK