What Do We Imagine Daily Life Was Like

An occasional topic among fans of ancient Rome is "what would you bring with you on the time machine going back to ancient Rome?" For many years, my answer was aspirin, until I realized I could strip the bark of a willow tree. What brings this to mind is a question I received from a reader. Now, the answer to the question may (or may not) seem apparent to you, but it is the sort of question one needs to have answered in order to inhabit the imaginary Roman-time-travel world. Even historical fiction authors Harry Turtledove and Judith Tarr looked into its answer in concocting their Household Gods. Here is the question:

Given the state of metalurgy in ancient times causes me to wonder about facial shaving. Would this not be a painful ritual? Would being hirsute be less painful?

I thought this was a fine question, especially since I think I know the answer. How would you answer this question? What other questions would you have before entering that time machine? What item would you bring? Please post in the comments.