Thread: pre shave as part routine ?

So I'm new to wet shaving and want to know how many steps I should have for a shave ..so pre shave lotion, then lather,shave, and apply after shave or balm is pretty standard ?
I don't use preshave right now but does it feel a lot better when you do?

I splash water on my face lather, strop, splash water, lather, shave, splash water, done.

I only tried a couple of preshaves, neither added anything for me. I used to use a lotion but the creams and soap I used leave my face hydrated. I think since I shave with cold water and if I shower it's after I shave, my skin is less sensitive to the rigors of shaving.

Experiment

Do what does best for you. Some are minimalist like Ace and BobH. Some go overboard. I am of the latter.

A good part of the fun in this hobby is trying out new soaps, razors, strops and any additive that increases the comfort and closeness of the shave.

Ask ten wet shavers their approach and you will get ten different paths to shaving nirvana.

Personally, any pre shaves I have tried never did much for me so it is wet face with cold water, lather up and shave. Dave is right though, you have to experiment to see what works for you as we are all different.

Bob

I really don't use any pre-shave products but after the shower I lather up and hold a hot towel to the face while I create a good thick lather. That seems to work rather well for me. The hot towel over the lathered face not only feels good but seems to set up the beard just right for the blade.

I didn't use any preshave product when I was using a safety razor, but now that I've moved to a straight, I use preshave oil. It won't make up for bad technique, but it does help with the glide. I wouldn't shave without it, but if you aren't experiencing any discomfort or razor burn, you're probably fine. I also use an alum block between rinsing and balm after the shave.

I used preshaves in the beginning, the extra glide seemed to make up for my beginner techniques.
These days it's usually shower, strop, lather up, shave, and aftershave.

Any recommendations on a good brand of preshave product

Originally Posted by joshjay2

Any recommendations on a good brand of preshave product

Wow
There are hundreds.

I have been using Noxema Classic Moisturizer for the past 8 months. It really keeps my skin hydrated, A jar for $4.69 USD lasts about 6 months.
Tried AOS Preshave oil but did not like it. Good ole Extra Virgin Olive Oil would be a LOT cheaper and do the same thing.

After the Noxema pre-lather rinse, I pre-lather from the bits and pieces mug, rinse and then lather to shave.

Been using, off and on, Argan Oil. It really softens the beard. For me the best way to use is at night before I go to bed. Got it at WallyWorld for less than $5.00 USD.

I found Noxema to be very effective and it's cheap. The AoS ones worked well, but they are expensive. Poraso makes a pre-shave that a lot of people seem to like, but I haven't tried it.