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.

Early on I used to use a vitamin e cream as a pre and post shave, the vitamin e is supposed to help skin heal, once I learned better technique I stopped using it.
Now I generally shower, lather, shave, rinse and put on some aftershave.