I'm curious to hear if anyone uses pre-shave oils, what brands, and what kind of results they've experienced. I'm wondering if it would help for a better shave or if it will only hinder me in the long run.
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Experiences With Pre-Shave Oils
- Thread starter Blade-meister
- Start date
Dave in KY
Shave Newbie
I've never cared for them myself
I used them in the beginning but stopped soon after and did revisit them a few times. After gaining some experience I do not see they add much benefit but I also do not see any negatives when using them either except oily skin.
GearNoir
“The Disney Princess’s Apprentice”
I’ve only tried two actual preshave oils (haven’t tried a cream yet), TOBS sandalwood preshave oil and AOS preshave oil. Both smell great (the sandalwood scent was way more intense in the oils than the matching soaps) and feel great on the skin, however neither worked for my preshave routine.
Nothing in my routine allows for a preshave oil to sufficiently absorb into my skin and my skin, because of my prep is already perfectly hydrated. So the oil would just make the shave sticky and give less glide, a major issue when using open blade razors!
So I actually only use preshave oil, if I use it at all, now as part of my post-shave routine. Works great!
Nothing in my routine allows for a preshave oil to sufficiently absorb into my skin and my skin, because of my prep is already perfectly hydrated. So the oil would just make the shave sticky and give less glide, a major issue when using open blade razors!
So I actually only use preshave oil, if I use it at all, now as part of my post-shave routine. Works great!
I used to swear by pre-shave oils (PSO). Not so much for the actual shave, but more for moisturizing the skin. I used them for a while and then at some point I realized that my shaves were not as good as they used to be. I stopped using the PSO and my shaves went back to being great again! I will use a PSO every now and then. Mostly if I get out of the shower and don't promptly face lather. If you are thinking about them, my suggestion to you is to purchase or make one (most PSO are just a couple natual carrier oils and a little scent) if it is affordable and see if you like it. My guess is that you might like it for a bit and then realize it doesn't help out all that much. Hope this helps!
My worry has always been it would create a pretty good mess. I know you are in most cases only using a few drops, but I'd think that would still create stickiness on your razor. It sounds almost like more of a crutch for bad technique and lather.
I'm finding that whatever I put on my face post shave, it acts like water to a woodworker and "raises the grain" on my face. What was smooth feeling before my Nivea now feels a ever so slightly scratchy like the Nivea made the tiny shaved stub of facial hair stand up stiff. I'm also finding that even when leaving my face wet after the shower, my face dries out pretty quickly and I need to splash it a few times while preparing my lather. I was wondering if the PSO would help keep it moist and make for a smoother shave.
I'm finding that whatever I put on my face post shave, it acts like water to a woodworker and "raises the grain" on my face. What was smooth feeling before my Nivea now feels a ever so slightly scratchy like the Nivea made the tiny shaved stub of facial hair stand up stiff. I'm also finding that even when leaving my face wet after the shower, my face dries out pretty quickly and I need to splash it a few times while preparing my lather. I was wondering if the PSO would help keep it moist and make for a smoother shave.
dkeester
"TSC's Master of Bourbon"
I use PSO. It works for me. I stopped using it for a few months and have gone back to using it. I have used the AOS PSO, WSP PSO, and Shave Secret. I usually use the Shave Secret.
I notice that the razor glides better for me with it than without it. Also, I don't notice any stickiness on the razor when using it.
This is one of those things that is going to depend on your skin type. It might work, it might not. None of us can tell you whether or not it will work for you.
I notice that the razor glides better for me with it than without it. Also, I don't notice any stickiness on the razor when using it.
This is one of those things that is going to depend on your skin type. It might work, it might not. None of us can tell you whether or not it will work for you.
First, remember it is your shave and the experience you enjoy most is ALL that matters. I think we all search out and try different products and in doing so have run across PSO at some point. I would suggest changing the story a little. Don't try pre-shave oils because you are hopeful they will improve the shave rather because you hope it will improve the experience by bringing more enjoyment. Do you need PSO to get a stellar shave? NO.
I agree with the suggestion to either make your own or find one on discount (a decent beard oil works well as a PSO) and give it a try. A few examples of oils you could use as a pre-shave- grapeseed, sunflower/safflower, jojoba, coconut oil. I think most artisan PSO's are a combination of those I listed. If you have coconut oil available you might try putting it on immediately after your shower whether you plan to shave or not, it will improve your skin condition over time.
If you watch Barber Dave's tutorials on straight razor shaving and prep you will note that he uses a hot towel and light application of lather to stimulate the release of sebum (your natural oils). Clearly a little bit of oil on the skin and beard before lathering up is a good thing. Of the oils I listed Jojoba is the most like your natural sebum so it would make sense you could use a little to simulate that barber hot towel trick. The hot towel and rubdown does more than just release oils, it softens the beard and hydrates the skin...both key to a good shave. *I understand hemp oil is also a natural mimic of sebum, possibly better than jojoba.
If you are searching for ways to improve your shave I suggest a simple pre-shave soap. A $1 bar of glycerin soap will blow your mind. Wet your face and lather up with your hands, rub and rub until you get a good amount of lather built up. If you bowl lather you can leave the glycerin soap lather on your face while you whip up a bowl of lather, if not just leave there a little bit them rinse lightly. Don't try to remove all the lather just rinse to remove some and wet the face and begin to lather on your face. If you use a glycerin soap and leave the lather on your face for too long you may feel a drying effect, that is typical of a glycerin soap because the glycerin actually starts to draw moisture from your skin. Another GREAT pre-shave soap is Williams mug soap. You can get a puck for about a buck and it will last forever. Do the same thing, lather by hand, rinse lightly and lather up. In my experience the pre-shave soap is better than the PSO's. Why? because washing and lathering up before you actually lather for the shave ensures your beard and skin are well prepared.
Others have already mentioned but its worth mentioning again. in most cases the use of a little bit of PSO may or may not help but it rarely hurts.
EDIT: Dkeester mentioned Shave Secret. I have used that and found it to be slightly thicker than most artisan PSO's (only slightly). It smells nice and does make for a slick surface when it is applied then wetted. DO NOT trust Sheve Secrets suggestion that you can use shave secret without lather. Yes, it gets wonderfully slick when applied then splashed with water and it is a little thicker on the skin but it doesn't compare to a lather.
I agree with the suggestion to either make your own or find one on discount (a decent beard oil works well as a PSO) and give it a try. A few examples of oils you could use as a pre-shave- grapeseed, sunflower/safflower, jojoba, coconut oil. I think most artisan PSO's are a combination of those I listed. If you have coconut oil available you might try putting it on immediately after your shower whether you plan to shave or not, it will improve your skin condition over time.
If you watch Barber Dave's tutorials on straight razor shaving and prep you will note that he uses a hot towel and light application of lather to stimulate the release of sebum (your natural oils). Clearly a little bit of oil on the skin and beard before lathering up is a good thing. Of the oils I listed Jojoba is the most like your natural sebum so it would make sense you could use a little to simulate that barber hot towel trick. The hot towel and rubdown does more than just release oils, it softens the beard and hydrates the skin...both key to a good shave. *I understand hemp oil is also a natural mimic of sebum, possibly better than jojoba.
If you are searching for ways to improve your shave I suggest a simple pre-shave soap. A $1 bar of glycerin soap will blow your mind. Wet your face and lather up with your hands, rub and rub until you get a good amount of lather built up. If you bowl lather you can leave the glycerin soap lather on your face while you whip up a bowl of lather, if not just leave there a little bit them rinse lightly. Don't try to remove all the lather just rinse to remove some and wet the face and begin to lather on your face. If you use a glycerin soap and leave the lather on your face for too long you may feel a drying effect, that is typical of a glycerin soap because the glycerin actually starts to draw moisture from your skin. Another GREAT pre-shave soap is Williams mug soap. You can get a puck for about a buck and it will last forever. Do the same thing, lather by hand, rinse lightly and lather up. In my experience the pre-shave soap is better than the PSO's. Why? because washing and lathering up before you actually lather for the shave ensures your beard and skin are well prepared.
Others have already mentioned but its worth mentioning again. in most cases the use of a little bit of PSO may or may not help but it rarely hurts.
EDIT: Dkeester mentioned Shave Secret. I have used that and found it to be slightly thicker than most artisan PSO's (only slightly). It smells nice and does make for a slick surface when it is applied then wetted. DO NOT trust Sheve Secrets suggestion that you can use shave secret without lather. Yes, it gets wonderfully slick when applied then splashed with water and it is a little thicker on the skin but it doesn't compare to a lather.
If you go the Jojoba route...check into Trader Joe's. They have a Jojoba Oil at a really good price. Another place to try are the discount store (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington, etc). The will often have a bottle for half the price as other places. If you pick some up at regular retail...it can be quite expensive.
All great information guys! I have a lot of choices to try and will probably start out with the simplest and cheapest ones first. I'll have to see if it's a plus to my shaving experience or if it really doesn't add anything at all. It'll be fun to try. You all are a wealth of information, thank you!
PM me your addy and I will send you a Doc care package complete with the three preshave products I used when I started!
Thanks a bunch Doc!
Doug, yeah I really like soaping up before the shave like you describe in your journal. It does seem to help.
Doug, yeah I really like soaping up before the shave like you describe in your journal. It does seem to help.