How to wet the face properly?

[bigDee]

When I use my hands to wet my face with water it ends up messy, with water everywhere especially because the water drips from my hands and rolls down my arms then drips off of my elbows. Maybe I am using too much water? How do they wet the face at the barbershop without making a mess, and how wet does their face actually get? I'd imagine it'd be more moist than dripping wet yes?

[bernards66]

Dee, The old technique in British barbershops was to us a spongue to wet down the customer's whiskers. The hot towel technique probably came from southern Europe originally. The towels were steamed in a special steamer device. They would come out very hot, and slightly damp, and these were placed on the patrons face. Today, in the US, most places cheat. They simply soak down a towel in hot water, wring it out, and onto the face it goes. Personally, like you, I just thoroughly wet my face with warm water by splashing it on, prior to lathering. I dry off my hands and chest, and this also gives the water a few moments to soak in. I then just commence my lathering process. I am not a fan of complicated pre-shave routines. A simple splashing of warm water has always worked best for me.
Regards,
Gordon

[notthesharpest]

Dripping wet is probably not helpful. The point is to get your beard to act like a sponge as much as possible, because waterlogged hairs are softer and easier to cut. If you have just had a humid bath or shower, that makes it easy.

[MindSpin]

[javyn]

I stick my head in the toilet

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John

[notthesharpest]

John - that will only work if you do it for quite a long time. Now go try it.

[Laney1566]

John,
What size brush will it hold?
A plummed Scuttle. Self cleaning even! But I bet it will stain the brush blue

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Laney
Beard Management Specialist

[Gillette1904]

[notthesharpest]

I wonder which is closer to correct? I honestly don't know, and have just gone along with the prevailing wisdom.
Plus I've never tried to shave a duck.

[drmoss_ca]

Sebum is the culprit, and that's why I have always suggested you wash with soap prior to soaking in hot water. This is true for everyone: sodden wet hair is easier to cut. This is true for some: there are those among us whose faces don't take well to the razor and they may find that soap removes the sebum for the skin and leaves it more vulnerable to burn. So find out which is best for you and stick with it.
As for the strange Texan ritual of sticking one's head down the toilet and flushing, I can sympathise, but it won't work.

Chris

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"Je n'ai pas besoin de cette hypothèse."
Pierre-Simon de Laplace

[Stan-The-Man]

I don't wash my face prior to shaving with soap and water.

This is what I have been doing for years.

1. wet face with very warm water
2. leave wet
3. Apply NOXZEMA ORIGINAL (in the blue plastic jar)
4. rub into face for about one minute
5. rince off with with very warm to hot water, leave wet

Lather your face and shave. The Noxzema is water base and I think it does a better job than soap and water to prep the skin and beard prior to shaving.

The price is low so I think it is worth a try.

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Stanley

[rahul325]

this is what i do.

1. shower
2. i dont dry my face
3. wet face with hot water
4. apply Proraso Pre-shave cream
5. build lather in latte cup
6. and so on.......

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Wet shaving is an expensive addiction

FS - 2 fatboys - E2 and F4, both in good condition. Pls PM me

[styptic screams]

[Gatorade]

How about incorporating it into the brush process? I wash my face with soap in the shower, but my face is usually dry by the time I am ready to lather up. I haven't had much trouble but I tried an extra step to see if it worked. Just before I lathered the soap, I took the wet brush that had been soaking and ran it over my face. Then I rewet the brush, gave it a flick and lathered the soap, then my face. Worked pretty good. Something to keep in mind.

[Cliff]

[EL Alamein]

fwiw, I just wash my face in the shower ahead of time or if I am not showering I wash my face. I've perfected the technique of washing my face over the basin without making a mess. I don't scrub, I just gently rub my hands over my beard with soap then rinse. This always makes all the difference in the shave to me. Hope that helps.

Chris

[bigDee]

The brush is one idea. I think I'll try using a wet washcloth to damp my face for a min or two. I'll still stick to splashing a little water on my face. Matter of fact, I might just do all three. And of course, can't forget the proraso. That stuff is REALLY cool.

[rafikz]

When washing my face, I don't rub cleanser/soap over the beard area ; my facial hair is so tough, it hurts... is that bad?
I know most people believe that cleansing the beard is best for getting rid of oils, which is important for a better shave...Howevwe, my skin type is dry...what should I do?

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[EL Alamein]

What hurts when you try to wash your face? Do your hands hurt from the stubble or does your face hurt from the rubbing? There could be implications if it is the latter.

Chris

[rafikz]

it is the latter

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