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

I wondering how many use a pre shave, weather it's an oil, Noxzema, or something else. I've only been wet shaving for a few months and done it both ways. Does the pre shave affect the soap or cream? Does anyone apply the pre shave and remove it before applying the soap or cream?

Also do you wet your face again after you lather in a bowl before applying the lather to your face. I'm trying to get down a routine that works. I seem to get a DFS to BBS no matter what I do. Thanks for your input.

You have asked the million dollar question and will get a wide variety of answers. Basically some do use some sort of pre shave and others do not. It is all a matter of what works best for you arrived at by experimentation. Personally, after decades of wet shaving I tried various pre shave routines and found that for me they made little to no difference in my shave quality so I do not do any. Others have good results from having some sort of pre shave routine. Just keep trying various combination to see what works for you.

Bob

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.

Originally Posted by barryflash2727

I wondering how many use a pre shave, weather it's an oil, Noxzema, or something else. I've only been wet shaving for a few months and done it both ways. Does the pre shave affect the soap or cream? Does anyone apply the pre shave and remove it before applying the soap or cream?

Also do you wet your face again after you lather in a bowl before applying the lather to your face. I'm trying to get down a routine that works. I seem to get a DFS to BBS no matter what I do. Thanks for your input.

Everyone is different. You'll just need to figure out what works for you! Sounds like you got it down already.