Thread: Shave Oil Anyone????

Originally Posted by TSasser

I was watching a video off YouTube that started a barber showing how to properly shave and instead of using shaving soap or cream he used a Shaving Oil.

This was the only thing he used and I believe claimed it was made of natural oils that are helpful for the skin. It is said to help the razor glide over the face and helps prevent razor burn pretty good.

This got me thinking about using a shaving oil suppose to shaving soap or cream. Has anyone ever experimented with this or is it only good for cartridges? (He was shaving with a disposable razor)

I shave my head and have had some positive results using a Mach3 and oil. Everything from baby oil with aloe vera and vitamin E (recommended) to extra virgin olive oil that you cook with--very heavy. From my experience, if you go over 2-3 blades (disposable), you will probably end up clogging the razor more than you find convenient--and more than is easily removed. If you were to use a straight or a DE this wouldn't be as much of an issue.

I don't have enough prowess with a straight yet to do more than a couple small passes on easy areas of my head before heading to the Mach3, but do not discount oil as a lubricant for shaving. Others may say people have been shaving forever with just soap or just this or just that, but you cannot beat the protective layer of a good oil.

A couple of people have replied that they do not like the oily look or feel of using oil for shaving. Due to the fantastic protection and lubrication offered by oil, I use it pre-shower. Also, once you have massaged the oil in there is no need for more. You can do nearly as many passes as you want with no irritation. If it starts to get a little dry you dip your finger tips into the water and rub your head (face) and it's refreshed and ready for more passes. I heat my head with a very hot towel for several minutes and then massage the oil in. After the shave I simply get into the shower and use soap to clean up. When I get out of the shower I need to replenish the lost oils of my scalp and use some Witch Hazel and a moisterizing cream of some sort--what I do not need to worry about is the oil I used to shave.

Just as an aside, if you find your MachX blades wearing out too soon, store them in the same oil you use to shave. Fill up a glass just enough to cover the blade. It will extend the life of your disposable.
OK, I'm done rambling,

Bodach

If anything it sounds like it is worth a try. The Baby Oil with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E sounds like a good shot. Not only is it basically Mineral Oil but it has some extras like Aloe and E to help the skin.