I started wet shaving with a DE razor a few weeks ago. So far the experience has been nothing short of amazing.
My technique continues to improve with the razor and I am now trying different blades to see which works best for me. The Bic blades I started with were OK, but moving on to the Wilkinson blade has upped the ante for me. I'm anxious to try different blades once I've gotten used to the Wilks. I also moved to the Edwin Jagger DE8911 and it's definitely a sweet ride.
On the soap front I temporarily abandoned the DR Harris soap in favor of TOBS Sandalwood cream. My lawd, the smell is heavenly. And the lather is just killer. I also face lather with the cream instead of the bowl - just seems easier.
Now to the subject in my title. Last Friday our AC unit died. Of course it had to be during the hottest week of the year. Saturday it hit 103 degrees. And although the temp has dropped quite a bit since then we are still hovering in the 90's. Not pleasant. I decided I was not going to hot water shave in this ridiculous heat, but by Wednesday I couldn't take it any longer. I knew something must be done!
I decided to try a cold water shave. It was certainly unique. Didn't love the feel of it at first, but I soon found it rather refreshing. And it is hard to argue with the results. Except for the occasional trouble spots at the bottom of the neck, I wasn't getting much irritation before with hot water wet shaving. But I got ZERO irritation on the cold water shave. My skin just felt a wee bit tighter and less sensitive at the end. Granted I also had several days growth so that might have been a factor. I think one more cold water shave today will tell me for certain.
I can't thank you all enough for your support and advice!
My technique continues to improve with the razor and I am now trying different blades to see which works best for me. The Bic blades I started with were OK, but moving on to the Wilkinson blade has upped the ante for me. I'm anxious to try different blades once I've gotten used to the Wilks. I also moved to the Edwin Jagger DE8911 and it's definitely a sweet ride.
On the soap front I temporarily abandoned the DR Harris soap in favor of TOBS Sandalwood cream. My lawd, the smell is heavenly. And the lather is just killer. I also face lather with the cream instead of the bowl - just seems easier.
Now to the subject in my title. Last Friday our AC unit died. Of course it had to be during the hottest week of the year. Saturday it hit 103 degrees. And although the temp has dropped quite a bit since then we are still hovering in the 90's. Not pleasant. I decided I was not going to hot water shave in this ridiculous heat, but by Wednesday I couldn't take it any longer. I knew something must be done!
I decided to try a cold water shave. It was certainly unique. Didn't love the feel of it at first, but I soon found it rather refreshing. And it is hard to argue with the results. Except for the occasional trouble spots at the bottom of the neck, I wasn't getting much irritation before with hot water wet shaving. But I got ZERO irritation on the cold water shave. My skin just felt a wee bit tighter and less sensitive at the end. Granted I also had several days growth so that might have been a factor. I think one more cold water shave today will tell me for certain.
I can't thank you all enough for your support and advice!