Thoughts on pre-shave oil?

[peartree]

I'm entering my second week of DE shaving. I struggled through my first week, with weak lather and some uncomfortable, not very close shaves. Today I picked up an Art of Shaving sampler pack, containing pre-shave oil, unscented cream, and unscented aftershave.

The AoS stuff gave me my best shave yet. I'm guessing the big difference came from lather - I was finally able to make good lather with that cream (you may have seen my distressed posts about my crappy lather in the newbie forum). However, I had never used pre-shave oil until today, so I wonder how much of a role that played. What exactly does pre-shave oil do, and how many of you use it?

 

[Uncle Erik]

Pre-shave oil adds a little lubrication to the shave. I have a bottle and use it occasionally, mostly when I'm pinched for time and can't perform the entire shaving ritual.

Pre-shave oil works for me, however, it always leaves residue on my razor as well as the brush, so I don't use it that often.

YMMV, of course, and if you find it essential to getting a close, irritation-free shave, you should use it.

 

[rogorek]

Now I'm a newbie as well and I've only been DE shaving for about 3 months but here is my experience.

Pre-shave oil is meant to soften the beard and protect the skin so that when you apply your lather you get a closer more comfortable shave. When the skin is softened it is easier for a blade to glide on the surface and is more comfortable (that is why you put lots of water on your skin before shaving, to soften your skin). Also and probably most importantly, PSO provided a protective layer between the the blade in your skin allowing the blade to glide EVEN SMOOTHER than having lots of water on your face thereby preventing razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Now that being said there are many who don't believe in PSOs for a variety of reasons, but mainly because they themselves have not seen better results. If you read a review on the art of shavings PSO it gets poor reviews mainly because it is so thick and it doesn't soak into the skin very well, which doesn't soften the beard thereby just giving you a greasier shave.

If you like the idea of a pre-shave oil, T&H makes a great one BUT it is expensive and I would try their sampler pack out before investing $30 in 2 oz. of the stuff

Hope that helps, also check the wiki for more info

 

[spoondude]

I am a newbie, and have been "whetshaving" for six months.

I had no luck with the Art of Shaving preshave oil. I had awesome results with the Truefitt and Hill preshave oil from their sample pack, so I bought a bottle.

The sample lasted me for about 4 or 5 shaves. The bottle has been used maybe 14 times, and I cant see much of a reduction in volume at the small Dia. neck. The creams only gave me 3 shaves or so, and the colognes (I got the full sample pack) are barely dented -- you don't use much

I haven't had much luck with the Art of Shaving stuff. I think they are a premium marketed, premium priced, unenlightened product line, with a high markup. I will edit out that last comment if I get flamed on it, but give credit to the flamer

--Carl

 

[peartree]

The oil did seem very thick to me. I guess I can probably credit the cream with the better shave then, and not bother with the oil. It does seem like unnecessary expense to me, so it's probably for the best.

I've seen a lot of people disparage AoS for being overpriced around here, but isn't its price comparable to or less than the likes of Trumpers and Truefitt?

 

[Uncle Erik]

I've seen a lot of people disparage AoS for being overpriced around here, but isn't its price comparable to or less than the likes of Trumpers and Truefitt?

The reason I've held back on AoS supplies is that they're fairly expensive for what you get. Not that they're of poor quality, but their soap in a dish is about $45. I considered it when I was looking for a tallow soap.

Instead, I found MWF for $35 and the puck is about twice the size.

 

[Alec79]

I'm convinced using a pre-shave oil causes me more irritation.

 

[SRock]

Skip it! Pre-shave oils are all overpriced and once you've mastered your lathering and shaving techniques you absolutely will not need it, ever.

 

[Pescara]

Not a fan of PSOs, but have used them for a final oil pass:

http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/the-oil-pass/

 

[xgunterx]

8<
Pre-shave oil is meant to soften the beard and protect the skin so that when you apply your lather you get a closer more comfortable shave.
8<

AFAIK oils are not meant to soften the beard.
In fact, a necessary step in the shaving routine should to first rinse the face and wash it with a good cleansing soap to get rid of all oily (natural or applied) substances so the hairs will be unprotected to absorb extra water via moisturizers and/or a hot towel treatment and of course the lather later on.
Just before lathering you could use a few drops of oil mainly for extra glide and lubrication but always after the hairs are already softened (preshave treatment).

I got two extra samples when ordering Alt Innsbruck from the manufacturer.
One was a blended and almost scentless almond oil with a very low viscosity.
It was the first time I used an oil in my routine and a few drops smearing on my wet face just before lathering increased the glide tremendously.
And because the oil was very runny it didn't interfere with the lather nor did it clog up the razor or left it scum behind.

 

[chicken neck]

AFAIK oils are not meant to soften the beard.
In fact, a necessary step in the shaving routine should to first rinse the face and wash it with a good cleansing soap to get rid of all oily (natural or applied) substances so the hairs will be unprotected to absorb extra water via moisturizers and/or a hot towel treatment and of course the lather later on.
Just before lathering you could use a few drops of oil mainly for extra glide and lubrication but always after the hairs are already softened (preshave treatment).

I got two extra samples when ordering Alt Innsbruck from the manufacturer.
One was a blended and almost scentless almond oil with a very low viscosity.
It was the first time I used an oil in my routine and a few drops smearing on my wet face just before lathering increased the glide tremendously.
And because the oil was very runny it didn't interfere with the lather nor did it clog up the razor or left it scum behind.

This is an interesting response. I was told by a barber to use a moisturiser on my face before lathering up. I tend to this before showering. The moisturiser is supposed to have a slight cleansing action too so I just rub the moisturiser into a dry face before jumping in the shower. It does seem to work for me, but after reading your post I am wondering if I am moisturising my skin but also preventing my hairs from absorbing lots of water.

I suppose the ideal solution would be a moisturising cream that also helps the hairs absorb water. Kyle's treatment that recommends using shaving lather and hot towel cannot be good for those with dry skin as soap just drys it more. Hmmmm ..

 

[xgunterx]

This is an interesting response. I was told by a barber to use a moisturiser on my face before lathering up. I tend to this before showering. The moisturiser is supposed to have a slight cleansing action too so I just rub the moisturiser into a dry face before jumping in the shower. It does seem to work for me, but after reading your post I am wondering if I am moisturising my skin but also preventing my hairs from absorbing lots of water.

I use Flo&#239;d Sandolor.
Actually it is a very simple product. It contains a little alcohol (extra cleansing), water, Sorbitol (moisturizer) and am emulsifier/thickening agent. That's it but it works great. It replaced the hot towel treatment on weekdays.

I you shave after the shower, make sure you clean your face while showering so your skin/hair can already absorb lots of water in a naturally way.
After the shower you could use an extra non-oily moisturizer. And 2 minutes later you can lather up.

I suppose the ideal solution would be a moisturising cream that also helps the hairs absorb water. Kyle's treatment that recommends using shaving lather and hot towel cannot be good for those with dry skin as soap just drys it more. Hmmmm ..

You can always replace the lather with a non-oily moisturizer when doing Kyle's hot towel treatment.

 

[maxman]

I'm a fan of pre treating your face whatever you might use.
I use Proraso preshave cream. I like it and yes it does gunk up my razor.
but I feel that I get better shaves with it.
You'll get a lot of responses here, but remember this important tip:
Everyone's beard is different.
the good news is, you get to try a bunch of products until you find your golden recipe.
The bad news is, you'll spend a lot of money doing it.
When I use my proraso preshave, I don't have to use a 3 T's cream (but I like to!) I can use a cheaper one and get good results.
Do what works for you.
As my dad says: "six of one, half a dozen of the other"

 

[chicken neck]

You can always replace the lather with a non-oily moisturizer when doing Kyle's hot towel treatment.

What is the difference between a moisturiser (I use Trumpers) and a shaving lather when used as a pre-shave prep (either followed by a hot towel or, in my case, a hot shower)?

 

[JPM]

It is kind of pricey, but you should try Castle Forbes pre-shave. It is water based, not an oil so it doesn't gunk up your brush or anything. The purpose is actually to allow water to penetrate the whiskers and swell and soften them abit. That makes it easier to cut the hairs. I'ven noticed a difference using CF.

 

[SUMMERSRL]

Preshave oil is not intended to increase lubracation. It is meant to help the skin stay hydrated. Simple as that. So... it is best used when your face is already wet - like in the shower. I generally use preshave oil and massage it into my skin just before I get out of the shower.

You can make your own preshave oil and save a ton of money doing so. A common recept is to mix 2/3 castor oil and 1/3 EVOO. Add a few drops of your favorite essence and you're good to go.

 

[BentonClay]

AFAIK oils are not meant to soften the beard...
Just before lathering you could use a few drops of oil mainly for extra glide and lubrication but always after the hairs are already softened (preshave treatment)...

That's for that explanation - hadn't heard it put that way before...

 

[DFrancis]

Olive oil is also good as a preshave, way cheaper than buying a spe......ed preshave.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

I use e-shave "almond" oil and find that it does help in my shaving routine.

 

[HoratioCaine]

What is the difference between a moisturiser (I use Trumpers) and a shaving lather when used as a pre-shave prep (either followed by a hot towel or, in my case, a hot shower)?

A moisturizer will coat the hairs and possibly make them more pliable, but it won't penetrate the hair shaft to soften it. A shaving lather is inherently alkaline, assuming it's a soap-based cream (as virtually all lathering creams are), which allows water to penetrate the hair shaft. An extreme example of this is hair coloring, which uses a strong alkaline agent (e.g., ammonia) to open the outer layer of the hair, allowing the coloring agent to penetrate the shaft. While the effect is not nearly so extreme or harsh with shaving cream, it still explains why shaving cream (and soap) works well for softening the hair; it does more than just provide lubrication and cushioning.

To get a better idea of how oil works on hair, think of pasta. If you took dehydrated spaghetti out of a box, put it on a plate without boiling it, and doused it with oil, what would you have? Stiff, oily spaghetti. And no matter how long you left it there, it would still be stiff, oily spaghetti. The oil will just coat it, and will not penetrate the noodles. It's not until you boil the pasta that it will soften, because that process allows water to penetrate. Similarly, pre-shave oil will not soften hair shafts; you need an agent that works with, not against, water to facilitate that process.

AOS oil is just a plain rip off. It contains only castor oil and olive oil as base ingredients, plus essential oil to scent. Assuming it's worth using - and I don't think it is - you could easily make that yourself, and a 2 ounce portion would cost you all of a few dollars, compared to the $22 AOS sees fit to charge. There are way better pre-shaves out there anyway, if you really want to use one.