Should you shave with hot or cold water? This article will help you find the method that’s right for you by comparing the benefits and harms of shaving with hot or cold water.
Men are very used to shaving, which becomes a specific habit of each person. Usually, very few people pay attention to a new no-frills shaving routine. Instead, you think that just removing the beard from your chin is fine.
However, there are many points to pay attention to before using a razor on your face, and it is really not as simple as you think. For example, did you know: should you shave with hot or cold water?
While it’s common think that shaving with warm water would be better, shaving with cold water also offers specific benefits. Check out this article to find out which shaving style suits you best.
Man shaving his chin
Should you Shave with Hot or Cold Water?
You can use both of these shaving options, and both have specific benefits and drawbacks. The best way to find out what works best for you is to experiment independently.
Since ancient times, men have used these two ways to shave, bringing excellent results.
- Shaving with hot water feels smoother and more comfortable, but it can also lead to razor burn or swelling.
- In contrast, if you shave with cold water, it will be less comfortable but better for sensitive skin and less irritating.
Almost always, shaving with hot water is chosen by men in winter, and in summer, they prefer to use cold water. Plus, choosing between hot or cold water for shaving depends on personal preference and other factors covered in the article.
However, you can also combine the two methods.
For example, after shaving with hot water, splash cold water on your face to remove the cream, oil, and hairs from your face. Finally, apply shaving oil to keep the skin moist and avoid causing skin peeling.
Overview Of Shaving With Cold Water
Cold water shaving
Benefits
Time-saving and Convenient
Some people think that shaving with hot water is considered quite time-consuming, which is the main reason shaving with cold water is more favorable.
The fact that in the 1800s, shaving with warm water was indeed a luxury because you would need to gather firewood, light a fire, and wait for the water to boil.
That is very time-consuming and unnecessary. Although society is more modernized, it will undoubtedly take time for you to shave with hot water.
At the same time, honestly, shaving with cold water is just as good as shaving with warm water, saving more time. You turn on the faucet and tackle your beard in just a few short minutes.
Refreshing
Shaving with cold water can also be invigorating and help you wake up better in the morning than shaving with hot water, especially if you live in a tropical climate.
Make your blade last longer
Coldwater will cause the molecules of the razor blade to shrink, helping it stay sharp longer than when using hot water. Therefore, you can use it sparingly to shave at least 8 times.
Due to the heat of its own, hot water will cause the molecules of the blade to expand, causing it to tarnish quickly, and you will soon throw it away after about five shaves.
Blood circulation and immunity support
When you use cold water to shave, it will help your blood vessels constrict, and blood will be circulated to your vital organs. The blood will move to the organs to keep warm when shaving with cold water.
As for hot water, it has the opposite effect; it will cause blood to move to the skin’s surface.
In addition, the use of cold water will support the increase of white blood cells that fight viruses more than when using hot water.
Because when your body is exposed to cold water, it tries to warm itself up, which activates the immune system and helps the body release more white blood cells.
Tighten your pores
This is a very understandable thing that anyone can know. A deep shave with cold water will tighten your pores.
As a result, your skin will be locked in moisture and prevent dirt, germs, and makeup products from penetrating deep inside your skin, causing hidden acne and skin irritation.
Suitable for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, it is better to shave with cold water because it will help you avoid burns, cuts, irritation, and ingrown hairs.
Whether you shave with hot or cold water, it helps to close and open the cuticles of your beard, thus softening them. However, if you use cold water, your skin will not be too soft, thus avoiding skin problems.
Better and much closer shave
When exposed to cold water, your beard and mustache will stiffen and stand up. This makes it easier, closer and cleaner to remove the beard with a razor.
Things To Pay Attention
Do not shave with cold water when you have a fever
When you have a fever, the blood vessels in the body will dilate to release heat, thereby cooling the body faster.
If you shave with cold water, the blood vessels cannot dilate, making the heat process take longer.
Do not shave with cold water when you have high blood pressure
Shaving with cold water will constrict your blood vessels, plus high blood pressure will increase your risk of stroke.
Therefore, take note that you shouldn’t shave with cold water when you have high blood pressure.
Do not shave with cold water if you have a weak heart
For the same reason as above, if you have cardiovascular disease or a weak heart, you should not use cold water to shave. Using warm or hot water is highly recommended.
Overview Of Shaving With Hot Water
Hot water shaving
Benefits
Easy and clean shaving
Unlike cold water, hot water will make your hair shaft and follicles softer. As a result, your beard or hair strands will bend as the blade runs along each strand, creating a perfect cut vertically.
Improve insomnia and promote healthy sleep habits
Shaving with hot water will help relax muscles and tissues and regulate body temperature. If combined with shaving after showering, it will also help lower your heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature, helping you sleep much better.
Clears sinuses or blocked nose
When shaving with hot water, hot steam will rise to help you keep your nasal passages moist to avoid nasal congestion.
Things To Pay Attention
Aggravates acne
First, contrary to cold water, hot water will make pores open, and dirt quickly penetrates your pores.
Then, although hot water helps remove sebum or oil from your face, it may trigger your skin to produce even more. Both lead to acne on the skin when you shave with hot water.
Puffiness
Hot water will make your skin dry and less hydrated, which in turn can cause blood vessels to widen, leading to water retention, especially in the face making it puffy.
Shaving with hot water will take more time
When you want to shave with hot water, you will have to wait for the water to heat up. This will take you a short amount of time.
Therefore, using cold water to shave will be the solution to save you more time.
Shaving with hot water can cause razor burn and irritation
Although hot water will make your beard and facial skin softer, this is also what makes you more susceptible to burn, burning, and painful skin irritation while shaving.
Shaving With Hot Vs. Cold Water – A Comparison
Shaving comfortable
Shaving can be annoying. Therefore, people often prefer to shave with hot water because the hair will be softer and more comfortable.
Coldwater will not soften the beard, so it causes an unpleasant tugging sensation. In addition, men also think that shaving with cold water is unattractive and less luxurious.
Skin Preparation
Using hot water in your shaving prep will help open pores and hydrate the skin while softening the hair. But it will cause the razor to slide over them and not cut all the hair it passes through and will even create cuts that irritate your skin.
But if you use cold water, your beard will harden, making the shaving process more accessible.
Lather
You can use a shaving brush to lather with hot or cold water while shaving. However, the bristles will be stiffer with cold water, and rubbing against your skin will make you more uncomfortable.
Therefore, you should create a foam equal to the kettle before shaving to avoid damage by the bristles.
The Closeness of Shave
If you shave with cold water, the hairs will stiffen and stand up for a closer and more thorough shave.
On the other hand, hot water will soften the beard, causing them to bend as the blade passes, causing an uneven shave.
Razor Bumps
Razor Burn
If you are a person with sensitive skin, you are more prone to razor burn than the average skin person. Especially when you shave with hot water, the hairs will become so soft that the razor will slide over the beard entirely or only cut partially.
As a result, you will have to swipe more and more pressure to get a closer shave. This constant friction can cause micro-abrasion, leading to a razor burn that causes a burning sensation and discomfort.
Therefore, shaving with cold water will be a more suitable solution for people with sensitive skin.
Total Shave Time
When you want to shave with hot water, you will have to wait a while for the water to heat up.
On the other hand, shaving with cold water will save you a lot of time, especially when you are in a hurry or wherever you are.
To Sum Up
At this point, you must have answered the question, “should you shave with hot or cold water?”. These shaving methods have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to find the one that works best for you.
Based on what we analyzed in the above article, it will make it easier for you to make the right choice. Hopefully, this article will be helpful to you, and don’t forget to revisit our website for more valuable tips!