Pre shave prep: soap, oils, creams, lotions, etc!!!

Ok, I have used an electric razor since the beginning. I never use shaving cream. I do have aftershave.

I'm taking the leap to a straight razor, and I need some help with pre shave prep, something many think is the "most important part" of straight razor shaving.

I am not lazy. I have done a lot of reading. I have even read the threads where people describe their shave prep.

I am still confused.

Shaving soap, oil, and cream all sounds like the same thing to me; and it sounds like these products do the same thing. You put it on before you shave. Some people use soap and oil, or oil and cream, or oil and soap and then some more oil when they are done as an aftershave.

I am going to take a hot shower, rub on some shaving cream, and then shave. Then use some aftershave.

Can someone tell me where the shaving soap and oil comes in?

THANKS!

Congrats on trying a straight!

It's all a matter of preference. You listed the important steps: hot shower (hopefully a clean face occurs in there), then lather and shave. Some people use "Pre shave" cream or oil, to help soften up the whiskers even further. The Pre shave cream or oil will also give an added level of protection before applying the shaving cream or soap. A very small amount of Pre shave is used if doing so.

When it comes to soaps or creams...is a matter of preference again. Only trial and error will tell you what works best for your face. Cream however are thought to be easier to build lather vs a hard soap, especially for someone starting out in wet shaving.

The post shave cream or oil is again a preference but by no means something that is necessary.

Also...Pre shave creams are completely different from shaving cream. Not trying to sound condescending, just want I make sure I'm clear on that for you and anyone onlooking the thread :)

I say start with the basics like you described and if that works... No need to complicate the matter. If not, then venture forth with all the Pre/Post goodies.

Cheers

You'll read here about all manners of "extended prep". I get fine shaves with five splashes of warm water then lathering for about 20 seconds. I've done more without noticing a difference, but if you enjoy doing more, and have the time for it, it's your shave.

I just finished my first full straight shave, head included, last night. I was using my Gillette foam, since I figure hey, I bought it, might as well use it before starting in on the soap I plan on changing to. Someone here (don't remember the post....might have been Jimbo) recommended letting whatever you use sit on your face for a few minutes, basically to let it soften the hair. I'd never done this before, but I did yesterday, and it definitely seemed to reduce the drag I felt. I have fairly coarse hair, and I barely felt the razor slice through it. Patience seems to be the key - if you rush, you won't have a good time. Best case with rushing is that you just get a crappy shave and/or burn. Worst case....Van Gogh, anyone?

Quote:

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I am going to take a hot shower, rub on some shaving cream, and then shave. Then use some aftershave.

Can someone tell me where the shaving soap and oil comes in?

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If you get good results with shower/shaving cream/shaving, you don't need anything more.

Most of us would not just "rub on some shaving cream" -- we'd build lather, either in a bowl or on our faces. Just about all lather is soap-based -- "shaving soap" (hard) or "shaving cream" (soft).

I've found pre-shave oil (almond oil, olive oil) useful to avoid razor burn. Razor burn is usually caused by too much pressure on the skin. As my technique improved (lighter pressure, sharper razors), I stopped using the oil.

I'm sure there are some people who just use "pre-shave" oil, without lather.

I don't own any aftershave.

You'll find out what works for you. There are no universal "best products".

Charles