I normally use this and it works great. However, I just didn't feel like having that oily residue on my hands (only thing I don't like about the stuff). Anyway, maybe it was in my mind but I really noticed a difference in not using the oil. I even got a few nicks on my neck. I don't know, maybe it wasn't the oil, just me. Any thoughts. Do most gentlemen on here use pre-shave oil to prep their shave?
Tried shaving without pre shave oil today.
- Thread starter cobainngc
- Start date
I think preshave oil users are the minority here. Some use preshave cream, but I think most don't use anything.
It makes a big difference for some and little-to-none for others. I've shaved both with and without preshave oil and I absolutely need it.
It makes a big difference for some and little-to-none for others. I've shaved both with and without preshave oil and I absolutely need it.
I use hair conditioner, but I'm not fully convinced it makes a difference.
i used musgo pre oil for a while, but got sick of cleaning it out of my sink.
YMMV, but I haven't found pre-shave oil to be necessary. Making sure my face is prepped from a hot shower or hot towel, and getting a good lather works well for me.
Although, when I started out in wet shaving I was using AoS pre-shave Lavender oil and I wouldn't like the oily feeling on my hands and noticed it would really gunk-up my razor. I then realized I was using too much oil—when I would cut back and use less, I wouldn't have those problems anymore.
You also could use conditioner if you shower before you shave—that has worked for me in softening the hairs.
Although, when I started out in wet shaving I was using AoS pre-shave Lavender oil and I wouldn't like the oily feeling on my hands and noticed it would really gunk-up my razor. I then realized I was using too much oil—when I would cut back and use less, I wouldn't have those problems anymore.
You also could use conditioner if you shower before you shave—that has worked for me in softening the hairs.
I stopped using oil because a) I didn't notice a difference and b) I started thinking "why would I deliberately use a pre-shave product that inhibited the continuing hydration process"?
Pre-shave: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Pre-shave: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
I was a religious pre-shave oil user then I found pure Glycerine, and have never used pre-shave oil again. I usually use soaps and creams that provide enough glide, but I sometime still add a few drops of glycerine to the brush before I start making the lather and, boy, what a difference it makes. Feather blades and a FaTip are no longer a problem after adding Glycerine! I use pure vegetable Glycerine that shows "Safe for consumption" on the bottle. I can't remember where I get mine, but I bought it on Amazon, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. I put it into a small brown bottle with an eye dropper in it, and usually 2 to 3 drops is all that's needed.
Found it:
http://www.amazon.com/Glycerin-Vege...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Is the one I use...a quart for $14 delivered is an excellent deal for how much you get and how it takes to use up. I had a quart last about two years - Almost longer than the expiration.
Found it:
http://www.amazon.com/Glycerin-Vege...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Is the one I use...a quart for $14 delivered is an excellent deal for how much you get and how it takes to use up. I had a quart last about two years - Almost longer than the expiration.
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Plus 1 on the glycerin. I used to use it but havent in a long time. As was mentioned the oil may coat the whiskers which wouldnt allow the whiskers to get wet and soft. I have also used preshaves( water based) for a bit until I didnt need them anymore. I have an aos unopened and a proraso very slightly used. My prep now is 3 splashes cold water and then lather. I do whip up with the glycerin at times.
After 150 shaves, I asked myself why I bothered with pre shave oil - so I skipped a day. I normally do not get nicks, but I got a half dozen that day. I used my oil the next and following days with no more nicks.
Glycerin guys: Have you tried and opted against glycerin-based soaps like Neutrogena and Musgo? My favorite face soaps; I use a beater boar brush a couple time a week just mashing and exfoliating the hell out of everything with those soaps. They lather great too!
Glycerin is a nice additive to lather and is a good moisturizer. But preshave oil and glycerin are too different animals, IMO. I've tried using just a few drops of glycerin instead of the oil and it was very unsatisfactory.
I notice a difference when I skipped pre-shave oil when using a straight razor. Not really so much with a DE. Since I already have the sink half full of rinse water, I merely use some hand soap wash the oil off my hands in the sink before starting to shave.
+1 That's me, exactly. I tried not using it once and it made a huge (negative) difference.
Waste of money, time, and counter space imo. But, if it works for you...enjoy.
I only use the pre-shave oil after the full hydration of the whiskers and skin. What it seems to do at that point is really a skin prep, holding moisture into the top layers more effectively, keeping the skin supple, which makes it more resistant to nicks and cuts from the blade. I don't consider it a whisker prep at all.
Use whatever works for you, some guys really like preshave products, but no preshave oil/cream for me. I use a mild face cleanser in the shower before I shave then face lather and have at it.
Pre-shave oil helped me when I was pressing too hard. So it was good for me starting out.
I think you should consider finding slicker soaps and creams and making your lather better and better with every shave.
As a test, you could try KMF Key Lime Moisturizing Shave Cream. It slick enough to can take quite a bit of pressure and still protect. Soaps with glycerin could help you too.
Oh, and try less pressure.
I have found that the slickest soaps and creams are no longer as slick when using pre-shave oil... go figure.
Enjoy your journey. What works for you is what works for you... so take my advice with a grain of salt.
I think you should consider finding slicker soaps and creams and making your lather better and better with every shave.
As a test, you could try KMF Key Lime Moisturizing Shave Cream. It slick enough to can take quite a bit of pressure and still protect. Soaps with glycerin could help you too.
Oh, and try less pressure.
I have found that the slickest soaps and creams are no longer as slick when using pre-shave oil... go figure.
Enjoy your journey. What works for you is what works for you... so take my advice with a grain of salt.
My sentiments, as well.
I loathe my shaves without preshave oil.
