I timed myself this morning in the shower when I was shaving my head. 3 minutes and 23 seconds. i do all my prep stuff while im showering. The only prep I do is letting the warm water run on my head...well actually hot water..i like it as hot as you can stand it. Then by the time im done washing I apply the lube and start in. So it doesnt take me long at all. Then after im done..i do the ice cold rinse with icecubes when I can remember to take them with me to the shower. On my way out the door I pop open the fridge and get a squirt of clear aloe vera...and go at it.