Thread: Proper Use Of Pre-shave Oil.

Originally Posted by Firefighter2

How long do you guys leave pre-shave oil on your face before you apply the lather?
1: Does it work better the longer it sits? (I would assume it does, but it also might disappear if left too long)
2: Should I apply it after I wet my face, or should I not wet my face at all?
I guess I'm really just looking for the correct way to use the oil. I haven't noticed any difference after using the oil. Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

When I first started straight razor shaving, I used pre-shave oil, but as I got more experienced with SR shaving, I tried different creams and found some that provide me the lubrication I need to help my razor glide across my face and soften my whiskers to get a good close shave. I also make sure my skin is moist with warm water rinses between passes.
To answer your question with my humble opinions based on my own experiences when I used to use the oil, I did not let it sit for long before adding the lather because the oil would actually start drying on my skin and even with the lather, it made shaving difficult. But that may not be the case for you. My best advice to you would be to try different lengths of time to see how it works out for you. You have nothing to lose, but you could gain a lot!

Remember, oil is lighter than water, so my speculation is that if you apply the oil to wet face, it might only sit on top of the water/moisture. My best advice is for you to try out different scenarios to see what works and what doesn't. What works for one person may not work another person.

Just my couple cents for what they are worth.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.