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Shaving in the shower
One of the keys to a good wet shave is, naturally enough, water. Water penetrates the hair, causing it to expand; this makes the hair softer and easier to cut. Softer hair reduces the damage done to your blade (which means it'll last a bit longer), it's less likely to tear or get cut off at an angle (which reduces the likelihood of razor bumps), and may also reduce the amount of irritation you suffer due to shaving.
There are
several ways to wet your hair before shaving. A great way to ensure maximum wetness is to shave while in the shower.
Shaving in the shower is an interesting experience, and it involves some challenges. The first challenge is the choice of shaving lubricant. Shaving creams and gels often work well, but they can be washed away if you're not careful. Shaving oils, on the other hand, are perfect for shaving in the shower. Shaving oils work best when combined with water. They don't wash away very easily, and provide great protection and lubrication. Check the
Reviews page for some recommendations.
A note of warning about shaving oil in the shower: make sure you're following directions. I received an email a while back from a gentleman who found that the oil was running into his eyes when he shaved in the shower. It turns out he was using 20 to 30 drops of the stuff; the directions for every shaving oil I've seen suggest 3 to 5 drops. I use 4 drops on my face, and 4 on my scalp, and I think I'm being generous.
The next challenge is the mirror situation. If you bring a small hand mirror into the shower with you, it'll fog up pretty fast and won't help you a bit. You may be able to purchase special heated mirrors; they won't fog up on you. There are also sprays that can be used to coat a mirror to prevent it from fogging up. I haven't seen either product in local stores, so I can't suggest a place to purchase them, but they are out there.
The alternative I use is to shave entirely by feel. The first few times you try this, it'll be a bit tricky, but it's not as difficult as you might imagine. After shaving an area, just wet your hand and run it over your skin. If there are rough spots, shave over it again (as always, go slowly and evenly), and you'll soon get a nice smooth shave.
You'll end up spending more time in the shower than usual, but I consider this a positive. I think a long, warm shower is a very pleasant thing. The biggest benefit to your shaving is that it virtually guarantees you'll get your hair wet enough for a good quality shave.
Shaving in the shower isn't for everyone, but it is an interesting alternative that some people might want to consider.
Comments
I havent tried it yet, but perhaps rain-x anti fog could solve the fogging. It can be found at most auto part stores. I will give it a try and let you all know.
GREAT ARTICAL , I SHAVE IN THE SHOWER EVERDAY, AGREE WITH EVERTHING, BUT I HAVE NOT USED SHAVING OIL,I USE HEAD SLICK BY THE HEAD BLADE COMPANY. THE SHAVING CREAM RINSES OUT OF THE BLADE REALLY WELL .
alan
Wal-Mart carries a round fogless mirror that attaches to your showerhead. The mirror is on a flexable arm which allows for easy positioning and it stays fog free by routing a small ammount of water into an area behind the mirror to heat it up. The price is between 10-15 dollars and well worth the investment
I usually take a shower first, apply shaving oil, then shave in front of the bathroom mirror. I periodically splash water on my head during the shaving process to keep my head wet (Evertime I rinse my blade I splash my head). I use a little hand mirror to shave the back of my head. Works well.
I shave in the shower also; every morning. I don't use any mirrors, by feel is the ONLY way for me. The eye can't see very very very short stubble, but run your hand over your head and you'll know the spots you missed. Shower keeps the head/hair wet, the steam is an added plus. By doing this I do "hog" the shower a little longer than usual ;-)
I TRIED THE SHAVING OIL THIS MORNING, AND IT REALLY MAKES A DIFFRENCE ,
Alan
a web site that maybe of som interest ,
but maybe costly to the pocket book
www.TheArtofShaving.com
I'm surprised at the number of people who are dependent on the use of a mirror. When I began shaving I did it in front of a mirror but instinctively used the touch technique to judge the shave. Even though I was standing in front of the mirror, I didn't bother using it because it didn't offer anything. I don't know why anyone needs it, you know where your own scalp is and with foam all over the place it's hard to judge what's done and what needs mowed down by looking. The only time it's needed is if you have some necessity for some precise shaving, like around a mole or a goatee.
Even with a mirror you can't see half your head anyway; anyone who thinks they need a mirror is still using the feel method for the back of their head anyway (or, perhaps, a complicated system of mirrors mounted on flexible arms to provide a 360-view, but who has room for that in their bathroom?) I've always shaved my head in the shower; the few times I've had to use a sink were messy, clumsy, and inconvenient.
St. Michael is right; For those that use the shower & shave method, I doubt you'll ever ever be comfortable with the "shave your head in the sink w/mirror method". Not only do you get the constant lubrication benefits from the shower, but cleanup is a breeze ... ;-) Again, I'm a "shower hog" in doing this, but I get it right every time....smooth results w/less cleanup!
i shave my head in the shower and i use (bar)soap as a lube. it is great because it keeps the skin soft and there is no razor burn.
i have to agree with the shave-by-feel crowd. the advantages of shaving in the shower are obvious. one trick i use is to still use shampoo and conditioner before a shave. softens the hair up even more. word of caution on using bar soap- if your head is like mine, it might dry out too easily, to the point of scaly.
When my "fog-free" mirror gets fogged up, i rub a little soap on my fingers and rub the mirror down. presto, clean! doesnt last too long, maybe have to clean it 3 times?
I shave in the shower also but I generally turn the water off while I'm shaving and then on again when rinsing the blade cos I use a shaving gel, I'm curious to try oil, anyone use a combination of the two?
I found a good tip for keeping your mirror fog free is to rub it down with a little bit of washing up liquid on a cloth or kitchen towel. No fog at all and lasts about 2 or 3 showers.
I navigate by feel but I still like to have the mirror there while I'm shaving my face.
This is more of a question than a comment. I shaved my head many months ago for the first time and nothing happened but when I tried to shave it for the second time I had one of the worst experiences of my life. I had ingrown hairs, razor bumps, scaps, etc. It was one of the worst pains I've ever felt in my life. I could not lay my head on a pillow. I am an african american male who is facing the fact that more and more of my hair is leaving without my permission. I truly want to have the shaved head look but I am scared that to go through that experience once again. If anyone has any tips specifically geared towards my situation please advise. Thanks.
Hey MC
I also use to experience that severe reaction that you received. I thought I was the only one. It happened to me about four or five times before I came up with a solution. The solution is to 1) use a shaving oil. This is very important. There's a number of them to choose from on this site alone. This will keep your head nice and lubricated and the water won't rinse off plus you can use it as an aftershave. 6 or 7 drops per shave is all you need. 2) Get your head really wet, shower first get a lot of water on your head shaving in the shower also helps. If you don't want to shave in the shower, shave in front of a mirror and splash water on your head periodically (everytime you rinse the blade splash your head) 3) If you were like me, you probably experienced this reaction on the back of your head and neck, so go with the grain on the back of your head and against the grain in the front, where the hair is thinning. 4) take it slow. Don't rush it. 10 - 15 min should be enough. 5) Use a good blade Mach 3, Mach 3 Turbo. They're a little more expensive but you get what you pay for. These tips worked for me and they should work for you. By the way I am a African Canadian male. I know what you were going through, this should work for you.
Hope it works.
JB
Just shaved my head during the hot weather we are enjoying in London, England. Delighted with the feel of my scalp and cool at last. Thanks to all contributors for your helpful advice.
I understand that if you spray shaving cream on a mirror and then wipe it off the mirror wont fog.
The best shower mirror I've found is available from Target stores for just under seven bucks. It is white plastic around the mirror and has a little shelf with razor hooks. It really doesn't fog, and when condensation builds on it in a very hot shower, all you have to do is run your wet finger across it, and it will fog no more.
I'm trying to get the guts to shave my head ....
As a SCUBA diver (and new head shaver) there is a useful tip that is used to keep your face mask from fogging and also works well with a regular hand held mirror. Just apply saliva to your wet mirror (spit on it!)and rub it in. Try to avoid letting the water spray on it as it will wash the saliva off and reduce the anti-fog properties. Not recommended during cold & flu season! :)
After reading this article on shaving in the shower I tried it out and now would never go back to using the sink to shave. It took two or three shaves to get use to shaving in the shower, but I have found that I am now able to cut my daily shave time in half.
Another benefit is that I have been able to get a couple more shaves out of my razor due to the fact that I can keep it constantly cleaned out in the shower.
I have had no problems using the "feel method" to shave without a mirror, however, I plan to invest in a fog free mirror soon because I am paranoid that I will one day mess up my goatee without one.
The one thing that I have yet to try out, but have read about on the Bald By Choice BB is substituting conditioner for shaving cream or oils. From the sound of it, conditioner provides an excellent lubricant for the blade and is obviously less expensive than the alternatives.
For those who haven't tried shaving in the shower, give it two or three shaves, and I believe you will find that you not only save time, but get a closer shave with less nicks and razor burn.
LOL..I have to agree with Flyboy..Was a little reluctant to tell everybody to just spit on your mirror. Divers have been using this trick for years.
Shaving in the shower is the best way to go...hands down. I have tried many ways, but the best way is using a HeadBlade with HeadSlick shave cream.
With the HeadBlade, you don't need to see your head with a mirror or try and twist your arms all over a small shower to reach those hard spots. Just lather up with HeadSlick and then run the HeadBlade over your head. BOOM!! Five minutes later your done.
No mirrors, no guessing, just a good, clean close shave. The HeadBlade makes shaving your head much easier, but using HeadBlade in the shower makes shaving your head downright simple.
I shave my head in the shower as well as my face. I use the Mach III and it does dull quick but I use hair conditioner instead of cream. I buy the $.80 bottle of suave on my head and face. Works better then anything else I have tried. Just have to wash good after.
From the time I started shaving my face I have always shved in the shower. I don't really need a mirror (no stash or beard) and find that the feel your way through to be much much more convenient. I love my shaved head look but the only problem I have is acne (which I detest). I have tried after shave lotions and skin care products to limit the acne to no avail. I am now contimplatint my next move. I would like to try an oil and wonder if that will cause even more acne. P.S. the Mach III is the best razor by far!!!!
I shave my head every day. I use either Mach 3 or M3 Turbo's. I don't skimp on razor blades. The M3's are the best on the market and are durable. I used to get caught up in the hype of shaving creams but in all honesty the .99 cent
cans work just as well for me as the 2.99 cans. As long as you apply it liberally and evenly it works just fine.
Head shaving is an art, take your time
and be thorough and you will get terrific results
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