Thread: Pre-Shave Oils

So Don and I were talking the other day as we get tons of questions about Pre-Shave Oils and realized that there wasn't that much information on the proper use of them.

There is a lot of benefit to using a Pre-Shave Oil but the main problem that people have is that they use too much of it. You do not want so much oil on your hands that they are left with a greasy feeling. Same goes for Pre-Shave Creams. Pre-Shaves are really good for setting up your beard prior to your shave. The key is to use just a little bit on your finger tip or the palm of your hand and really rub it into the beard before applying your shaving cream or soap. You don't want a greasy feeling on your beard. The oil should soak into the skin.

The other thing about Pre-Shaves is that they have a more positive effect after they are used for a while.

Remember you still want to wash off any remaining oil or cream from your hands prior to shaving and handling the straight razor.

So, what kinds of Pre-Shaves are you using, how are you using it and what kinds of results are you having?

Have fun,

Lynn

Lynn,

Thank you for this post! I've been puzzling over how to properly use pre-shave oils since I got some unscented AOS oil last week. I was using too much, which seemed to kill the lather since I build the lather directly on my face. I'll go lighter with the oil from now on.

Jeff

I've tried Truefitt & Hill, Taylor of Old Bond St and Prorasso Pre-Post shave cream. The only one I felt added anything to the shave was the Prorasso cream.

I've been doing a lot of digging, trying to determine just what, exactly, I've gotten myself into with this straight razor thing, and I cam across something regarding pre-shave oils: If you use a pre-shave oil, you should not use a brush to apply your lather, as the exfoliating action of the brush will remove the oil from your skin, thus defeating the oil purpose.

Any information regarding whether or not this statement is true, and to what extent, would be greatly appreciated.

I have been experimenting with pre-shave oils lately and found that I do like them, although I will not pay those high prices that alot of companies demand. I did a little research of my own and came to realize that most of the effect you want is from just the carrier oil in the ingredients (usually a seed/nut oil - sunflower, almond oil, etc).
So...I am now using just plain Sweet Almond Oil (less than two dollars an ounce). I apply it carefully only to areas that will be shaved and wash my hands thoroughly afterwards (haven't really had any slippage issues). My shaves seem better, but I could definitely survive without it.
I also use a brush and haven't seen where it takes away the effect, although I bowl latherer and gently work my lather to my face (gotta have my scuttle and hot lather ). I also give a minute for the pre-shave oil to "soak in". I still want to try other oils. In particular, sunflower, grapeseed and coconut.
Now this does add time to the process, but my straight shaves are a zen-like reward for me in the evening. If I was stressed for time I would definitely drop it.

Disclaimer: I haven't been straight shaving all that long yet, so take my input with a grain or two of salt. If anything, the oils have seemed to improve my skin nicely ! As always, YMMV!

Also, be mindful of allergies!

Originally Posted by tigerpick

I've been doing a lot of digging, trying to determine just what, exactly, I've gotten myself into with this straight razor thing, and I cam across something regarding pre-shave oils: If you use a pre-shave oil, you should not use a brush to apply your lather, as the exfoliating action of the brush will remove the oil from your skin, thus defeating the oil purpose.

Any information regarding whether or not this statement is true, and to what extent, would be greatly appreciated.

This is not true the oil that is useful is into your skin and beard and wont come off any more then that is extra. The whole idea behind and oil is conditioning. which will help your skin and beard over time. Use a great Quality pre-shave the right way and religiously for 2-3 weeks. Compare the difference in your Skin and Beard, I think you will be surprised.
The problem with a lot of mens Skin care products are men are afraid to ask. OMG IT IS NOT MAINLY FOR MEN TO TAKE CARE OF THERE SKIN - I say horse **** that is your problem I want healthy skin for years to come. I will also dump high quality Shaving soaps and Creams into this group of not using properly to get the full benefit.

First off, I'll point out I'm a newb to SR shaving.

I recently was on vacation and found a place that sold AOS.(Art of Shaving) I always heard that the pre shave oil didn't do that much so I just purchased the shave cream and aftershave in Sandalwood. They had a promo left over where if you bought a full size shave cream or aftershave they would throw in a travel kit of unscented. It was the last one. I thought couldn't hurt so I accepted it. I tried the unscented preshave oil and first off, I found I really liked the scent. Unscented isn't really unscented. Anyway, that's another thread.

I found that it made a noticable difference using it with a DE. I used it for a couple of days and ended up going back and buying the Sandalwood scented pre shave oil. I'm really liking what it's doing for my skin and beard now that I'm home and using the straight.

As it was pointed out it's a conditioner, not made to directly or instantly enhance the shave, but I found my skin is feeling softer and my beard is also softer.

Anyway, just my thoughts.

Jer

Edit: I almost forgot that the sales woman that helped me out was a great help. She directed me to do as Lynn mentioned and just use a little bit and rub it into my face until it was almost completely absorbed, not to use too much and coat my face with it. I think this is where people could have problems with the shave brush afterwards with too much on the face and that transfering to the brush.

Originally Posted by grimlad

I also give a minute for the pre-shave oil to "soak in". I still want to try other oils. In particular, sunflower, grapeseed and coconut.

I also make my own. Many of the oils on the market are a mix of castor and olive oil with EOs added to it and maybe some menthol. I don't use a pre-shave oil everyday because I hadn't noticed a huge difference between using it or not. My recipe is plain old Olive Oil, some melted down menthol crystals and a few drops of Patchouli EO for scent. Pretty good skincare, cool menthol blast and a nice scent.

What I wanted to say in this thread, though, is be sure that the oils you use won't go rancid. Some do. A little bit of research on each oil you want to try out should bring that up. Some would clog pores also. Good luck in making that perfect oil, though! If you come up with a great recipe, let us know.

I use AOS pre-shave oil. Just a bit, rub it all over my beard, then wash my hands with soap! I find it helps.

I have used cheap and cheerful body lotion and moisturizing cream with aloe vera. I have never used anything specifically marketed as pre-shave stuff. I only use it after getting an irritated skin from shaving for more than one to 2 weeks.