Thread: Does preshave oil damage the brushes?

I always use good amounts of preshave oil as my shaving routine, does this mess up the brushes bristles?
thanks

Depending on the formulation, it may load the bristles and as water and oil don't mix, cause them to be less absorbent.

I was wondering the same several months ago. Eventually, I decided that I do not need the oil. While my skin may react to some oils (e.g. the Caswell-Massey almond pre-shave) - I think they should not have any ingredients that are that harsh. Nevertheless, I chose to skip the oil because it seems to cause more hassle than I like

Cheers
Ivo

when using a DE or straight I have found there is no benefit to preshave oil. When using a Mach 3 it makes a world of diffrence. That being said, the one time I have used my preshave oil with my new brush I noticed a significant diffrence in how my brush responded. Specifically, I didn't get a very good lather and the brush felt like it was covered in oil after the shave. I'm staying away from the stuff from now on (unless I have to use a mach 3).

What is your routine when it comes to oil When do you apply it and how much etc.... I have been using truefit and hill but really have not noticed a difference in the shave. I lather, hot towel, 5 drops of oil, lather and shave.

Seems like a good routine - don't think you can improve on it

Cheers
Ivo

i follow the same rutine, i maybe use 10 -12 drops of oil at least, i found that that , really protects me from razor burn, my question was due to the fact that i have finally bought a couple of nice brushes and wanted to care for them as better as i can.
thanks

Oil will gunk the brush (so you will need to clean with say borax more often), and I would think that "10-12 drops at least" seems a bit much (doesn't it accumulate on your blade?)

But if you get good results - that's what really counts

I was also thinking that I did a rough 1st pass (reduction) without oil, and then used just oil (no lathering) for a second pass to get a really close and burn-free shave. Can't remember if this worked well or not

Cheers
Ivo

This has been discussed often and there are many opinions as to whther the oil does any good to your face or whether it harms the brush. As to the face thats a personal preference. For me it did nothing. As far as the brush goes you will find that the manufacturers of the better brushes recommend you do not use it. I guess you will just have to clean your bush that much more often if you do. Whether it actually harms the brush I don't know. I'll defer to the manufacturers.

You may consider using a mild lotion (I like Curel) as a preshave. Does not affect the lather, as oil can, and seems fine with my brushes. No problems at all. Funny, with my straight, I've decided to forego the lotion preshave for a while now, but with DEs and SE Safeties it seemed important.