Thread: face steaming question

So, I basically just soak a washcloth in very hot water for about 5 mins, wring it out so it's not dripping, then hold it over the lower half of my face and try to keep it on my neck. this works ok, but not great.. it usually only lasts about a minute or so before i have to dunk it again for a few. and by the time it's warmed up again and back on my face, my face has cooled down.. so i'm thinking that there has got to be a better way.. other than buying a towel steamer, as $$-wise, that's not an option, any suggestions??

Thanks,
Josh

I think a typical hot towel is about a 2 minute affair and realize once the hot towel hits your face your face gets accustomed to it and it seems to cool faster than it actually does.

I do what you do and find it works great. maybe my hot water it hotter than yours though. I think I checked it at the tap once to about 130f.

Josh,

I don't think the idea is to keep your face hot, but rather to use the heat and moisture in the towel to soften and expand your whiskers.

I usually do the hot water soaked towel thing and then completely wet my face with hot water. It stays wet as I make my lather and I'm ready to go.

Originally Posted by melophat

So, I basically just soak a washcloth in very hot water for about 5 mins, wring it out so it's not dripping, then hold it over the lower half of my face and try to keep it on my neck.

Try soaking the washcloth till it gets as warm/hot as the water, not five minutes. Badger brushes may benefit from longer soak times but not washclothes.

Josh
I tried the hot towel on the face early on but found that it didn't work with my face. Taking a hot shower, using soap and then shampoo on my face really softened the beard till I was ready to lather and shave. Splashing hot water just before lathering and I was on my way to a bbs. Having the steam from the shower doesn't hurt either. Find out what works for you and stick with it.

I usually shave right after a shower, but when I don't, like this morning, soaking a towel in hot water and warming up the face with that works out just fine...

I usually shave after a shower, but when I don't I dunk 2 towels, One sits on my face while the other warms, then when the first cools off, it gets dunked back in the hot water while the other goes on. I only do the initial soak for 30 seconds or so

Beard hairs are very stiff. They need warm moist water for a sufficient period of time to get soft enough to shave. A steaming shower is perfect followed by a warm/hot wash cloth before applying the cream. However, if you don't shower then you will need much longer than most men are willing to take to really soften those stubborn shafts. If I don't shower, then I splash warm/hot water on the face for at least 3-5 minutes along with wash cloth scrubbing to really lift the beard up. After a good shave these bad boys shrivel up below the skin line for an incredibly smooth surface.

Thanks for the tips guys.. i always take a shower first and that seems to do the trick better than steaming anyways, at least in my case..

You could always skip all of the warm prep and join the ranks of the cold water shaver:Cold water shave is the best & worst ever