Thread: Perfect shave

Is a pre shave really needed? I'm using prosaro pre shave and have had good results. But do I really need it or will just lathering a wet face be the same.. Any other pre shave u guys would tell me to try

My personal experience using Proraso pre shave was that it did not do a thing for me. I also tried other products for a pre shave and they did nothing for me either. Now I just lather up with cold water and shave. Works for me but everyone is different. The only way to find out if a pre shave adds anything to your shave is to go without for a while and see.

Bob

This all depends upon your beard and skin sensitivity. Thin beards and or hearty skin tend to need less pre shave prep where thicker beards and or sensitive skin need more. This is in order to lubricate the skin and soften up the outer parts of the hair (called cuticle). When the cuticle is softened and the skin is slick its easier for a clean cut. The most critical part, in my opinion is properly lathering your face. This helps lubricate the skin and raise up your hairs. When there is not proper prep the razor edge will tend to grab it and tug it before it cuts it or passes over it. The blade also has a higher chance of biting into your skin. This will cause skin irritation or worse.

The main preshave prep for me is a hot shower. I also use Proraso and sometimes use Dreadnaught shave oil as well. Then carefully applied lather with a shaving brush.

Edit; This is more critical for a straight razor. A DE tends to be more forgiving of poor prep. Either way though poor prep leads to cuts and razor burn and a less than stellar shave. You can get a BBS with razor that needs honing and poor prep if you stick to it but it may not be very comfortable doing so. Pre shave prep helps your overall comfort and efficiency.

I have it but havent used it for a while. IMO when your technique and blade are good its not necesary. I use different soaps and creams, I even used dial soap(3 for a buck) just to see. Same bbs as I always get. As long as the soap/cream is slick, I think your golden. I see some guys post pictures of their lather brushes looking like Mr Softee ice cream. Too thick IMO. I lather up and usually the lather drips slowly down the neck. Thats the way I like it. YMMV as always.

Bart,
Enjoy this journey & experiment some. Try different items as preshaves, work the lather to a nice "Mr. Softee",

,,,,enjoy the shave Bart.

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

Is a pre shave really needed? I'm using prosaro pre shave and have had good results. But do I really need it or will just lathering a wet face be the same.. Any other pre shave u guys would tell me to try

Go crazy, live a little, give it a go . My preshave varies a bit but as I am still learning to straight shave that's all part of the process. You could always have a go when you have time to start again if you aren't enjoying it.
I have been Recommended the prosario preshave, but don't have any yet, am using some oil before lathering (mostly)

One thing that worked well for me is massaging the first lather into the face. So no preshave but massaging seems to get the stubble to stand up. YMMV and we are all different, enjoy!

A pre-shave treatment is needed if you find it a benefit to your shave. Stop using Proraso pre-shave and see how you like it. It's up to you to determine what you need to get a close, comfortable shave. As others have said, experiment and enjoy the ride.

For the past six months, I've been wetting my face, lathering up quickly and shaving with fine results.

Are you practicing for a shave race?