Thread: Pre-shave Preparation

I've recently stumbled upon TOBS Pre Shave Herbal Gel. Initially, I was somewhat skeptical, but it actually turned out to be a very nice addition to my shaving routine. Can recommend.

This question of whether pre-shave products make a difference is an interesting one. I suppose I would agree with most that all you need is a shower and then lather up and shave. Maybe splash some water on before you lather. But I could say the same of aftershaves. All you really need is to rinse off the left over lather and off you go.

But let's be honest here...sometimes we do things for no other reason than because it adds to the ritual of a good shave and because it just feels good. I use Proraso preshave cream (green is my personal favourite). I splash on some warm water, take an almond size dollop of preshave cream, work it into my whiskers and then take a hot facecloth and just hold it up to my face and let the scent of the Proraso drift into my nose and feel the warmth of the facecloth. Hold for 30 - 45 seconds and then I lather up and shave. Does it make a difference? You bet...it just feels great and it improves my overall shaving experience. I also live in a colder climate (Canada eh...) and there is nothing nicer on a cold winter morning.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

This question of whether pre-shave products make a difference is an interesting one. I suppose I would agree with most that all you need is a shower and then lather up and shave. Maybe splash some water on before you lather. But I could say the same of aftershaves. All you really need is to rinse off the left over lather and off you go.

But let's be honest here...sometimes we do things for no other reason than because it adds to the ritual of a good shave and because it just feels good. I use Proraso preshave cream (green is my personal favourite). I splash on some warm water, take an almond size dollop of preshave cream, work it into my whiskers and then take a hot facecloth and just hold it up to my face and let the scent of the Proraso drift into my nose and feel the warmth of the facecloth. Hold for 30 - 45 seconds and then I lather up and shave. Does it make a difference? You bet...it just feels great and it improves my overall shaving experience. I also live in a colder climate (Canada eh...) and there is nothing nicer on a cold winter morning.

Aloha!

I am a HUGE fan of the Proraso Green product line, from their Pre-Shave to Shaving Cream their Aftershave (I prefer the cream to the soap in their line). The Menthol and Eucalyptus together (for me) is amazing. I happen to like a little "burn-baby-burn" in aftershave, and I get a touch of that with Proraso's aftershave. Not a bunch, just enough to give me some feedback on my shave. Yes, I could do the same thing with an Alum block, but I like the smell of Proraso's Green aftershve. I actually get a hint of lime from it, and follow it up with some Lime Sec or Old Spice Lime. If we played the game, "IF you could only have ONE product line to shave, what would it be?" For me, Proraso Green 100 percent.

I hear what you are saying on "The Ritual" VS "Actual Need". For me personally, it's a combination, but I really do need aftershave. Even if it's just my homebrew Witch Hazel blend (8 oz Dickinson's Witch Hazel, 1 oz White Willow Bark, 2 oz Aloe Vera, 1 oz Tea Tree Oil). Otherwise my skin tends to feel a bit raw from shaving. Astringent and alcohol are a good thing for my skin and calm it down after dragging a razor across it, but i realize everyone is different. Some could probably just shower, lather, shave, and walk. I need some aftershave and some kine of moisturizer. Even if it's just a dab of something simple like Cremo Face Moisturizer. Of course, Proraso Aftershave Balm is wonderful too!

-Zip

I've been using an old container of Noxzema as a pre-shave for years. As far as I can tell it works just like Proraso.

Ya for you guys who like to use Proraso pre / post cream, you can sure get more bang for buck yang the Noxema cream. Same stuff just 4 times less the cost plus you get a lot more product. I like to use it post shave on some if the really hot days, but I've pretty much given up on pre shave products, just splash and go for me, but I do like all of the extra when I,m in the mood for that Sunday before church shave. Tc

Originally Posted by Utopian

I've been using an old container of Noxzema as a pre-shave for years. As far as I can tell it works just like Proraso.

I have used Noxema for a few years. The current jar was started the end of October and still has a month's worth of product. IIRC, it was $4.00.

It works great and I now have no need for a AS balm.

As I said above, I enjoy using a pre shave product. For me it just adds a little something extra to my shave. I recently purchased some Cella preshave gel and I was pleasantly surprised. Great product, great scent.

I take a hot shower while my brush is soaking in hot water. I wet a wash cloth with steaming hot water and hold it to my face about 30 seconds, wet my face, lather and shave.

Personally I shower first while my brush is soaking in steaming hot water, Wash my face with glycerin soap, and brush on a nice coat of thick lather. That and a Shave Ready Razor is all you need. After I finish I do hot towel, Thayer's lavender witch hazel, Geo. F. Trumper Coral Skin Food. yaba yaba yaba yaba that's all folks.

I do no prep other than to splash warm water on my face before I start to lather. I don't even shower first. I don't personally think it's necessary to soak a brush, shower first, use pre-shave oil or use a hot wet towel before shaving.

Try it without doing anything and then try it doing everything and see if you can tell much difference.