Thread: Do you use a pre shave before your soap or cream?

I don't use a "preshave" but since I normally shower before I shave, I sometimes use hair conditioner on my face and beard. As long as you do not use a conditioner that is designed to strengthen damaged hair, it will soften your beard and leave behind a slick layer on your skin that acts as a preshave. If I have more than one day's growth, I will use the conditioner to make it easier to to shave my tough beard.

I have used a lot of preshave products. I do not like oils. Proraso and Castle Forbes is good but the Castle Forbes is expensive and does not do anything for me that I can’t get from Noxema. Also I live in a remote area and getting stuff is always a hassle. Noxema works as well as anything I have tried, it is super affordable and readily available.

the ritual

water
Noxema
rinse
Pre-lather
rinse
lather
shave
rinse
witch hazel
AS

works for me YMMV

Following a hot shower, I have started using Grooming Dept.'s preshave. It is amazing stuff. It makes a good soap/cream great and a great soap/cream fantastic!!

Hot shower.
Noxima left on for a few minutes
Rinse most off with hot water. Its more of a rub of hot water.
Then lather.

I find it makes the gray whiskers conditioned and easier to cut.

Warm or cold water splash depending on weather
Lather on a wet face dip bristles as needed
Shave
Splash some more water
Wipe off with a towel
Shower

I rarely use a pre-shave. However, I have a few soaps that I enjoy for their scent or after-shave moisturizing properties that aren't slick enough for my straights. When I use one, I will use Castle Forbes pre-shave, which is water soluble and works very well.