Strange Post Shave Phenomenon

I get the same thing, no matter what the temp of the rinse is. The measure of how good the shave was for me is how long that smooth feeling lasts.

More reinforcement that I need to give cold water shaving a go... interesting stuff.

This has been an interesting thread with some great answers. Those answers certainly seem to make sense.

I also feel the same; I don't use cold water during the shave, but almost always after, and 2 out of my 3 aftershaves also have menthol in them. I Especially get this when I use my straight razor. The "pesky" hairs that I can't quite get under the jawline often "disappear" about an hour later. I would also say they are more covered by a less contracted epidermis.

I don't believe this has anything to do with temperature. I say that because I experienced that same phenomena when I shaved exclusively with a wet/dry electric razor for over 10 years. Didn't matter if I shaved with it wet, dry, hot or cold. Still experience the same phenomena after wet shaves regardless of water or brush temperature. I think it has something to do with oils being released thru your skin after being sloughed off in the shaving process.

Given the fact that I live in Ohio and it's to cold right now to be shaving my legs in cold water, I actually like doing that. I have really delved into this DE shaving and have come up with my winter routine. I use my shower head to soak my legs with hot water for proper hydration and do that for the first two passes and then feel around for any missed spots. If I'm daring enough, I will splash cold water my legs to make any leftover hairs stand out and use my still lukewarm shaving brush to lather and shave it again. This summer, will be a different story and can't wait to try the cold shave.

I've noticed the very same thing. I kind of wondered whether I was losing my mind. Glad to hear either I'm sane or we're all crazy.

I've noticed this too. I think 25 minutes after the shave is it's peak point for me.

I've noticed similar, but I don't do a cold water shave. My theory is that when the hairs are wet, they are sort of plumped up and so sick out a bit more. As they dry after the shave, they shrink and so recede just a bit.

I agree with LegalEagle1 that it's not related to water temperature, since I use hot water throughout and experience the same thing.

Roger, I'm impressed that you can distinguish your dermis from your epidermis. On a good day I have trouble telling my elbow from my...  Never mind....

But seriously ... I think LegalEagle1 is onto something. Even after a thorough 3-pass-plus-touchup shave, I can often still feel some minute stubble deep down. But once I'm on my walk to the ferry, whether it's freezing cold or NYC-summer-hot, the same spots feel as soft as a baby's ... elbow. So ambient temperature can't be the deciding factor. What is the deciding factor is beyond me. Only my dermatologist knows for sure.

Cheers.