For the last week or two, I've begun using aloe vera gel as a preshave on my neck to preemptively deal with a small bit of irritation I sometimes notice. The results: the shaves have been super comfortable, no irritation, and, less close than before. Is this a coincidence? Or is adding another layer of stuff between the razor and my skin just keeping the blade that tiny bit further away, thus leaving more behind than it would otherwise, which sounds logical to me? To be clear, my shaves are perfectly acceptable; just not as close as before. I definitely notice stubble sooner after a shave now that I"m using the gel. Your thoughts, gentlemen? thanks, C
Well aloe vera gel is thick. I don't use a preshave anyway besides taking a shower. I don't feel they are necessary, but YMMV.
I never used any either, until I read a posting by another member that recommended it. I had some redness on my lower neck that really didn't bother me, in fact I couldn't even feel it, but it was there and I'd rather it not be. It makes sense that there's an inverse relationship between the amount of stuff on top of your skin and how close the razor can shave you, but I don't recall anyone ever saying that. Maybe it's just too obvious. C
I do not use pre-shave oil. I though I would smart one day and try a little coconut oil before I lathered up. It did not work. It felt like is created a suction between the razor and my skin and hindered the glide to the max. With a good shave soap shave oil it not necessary but that is just me.
Less is more. I think aloe would be thick and a little sticky on dry down. Focus on angle and shaving with the grain on your neck. Pre shave products are not the end-all-be-all. Technique trumps tools.
I like pre shave products. It is much about hydrating facial hair in preparation to be cut. Try the aloe but with thinner application or dilute Try aloe as a post shave. Try a light coat of pre shave oil... most kitchen oils, olive oil/avocado oil will work +1 on technique
@OP- my experience with pre-shaves is the same as yours. I’ve wondered if pure glycerin might be comfortable and still close.
Is the reduced irritation due to less exfoliating going on since the shave was not as close? In my experience, pre-shaves have little to no effect on the shave.
That's what I suspect, as I've used the same blades and mostly the same razors during this time. The question is, are the shaves less close due to the preshave gel. I suspect the answer is yes. C
I suspect it was a slight change in technique. There is no reason for the pre-shave oil to change how the razor cuts the hair. That is a angle of attack issue.
@OP have you considered using witch hazel instead if the aloe vera? Perhaps on or before the against the grain pass, try a modified pass with only using witch hazel. May not work, but couldn't hurt.
I’ve never used aloe, but always use a pre-shave oil. I find it very helpful in reducing razor friction. My husband gets the same result.
I've had good results using two glycerin based products after reading the ingredients of a number of items. I find these leave my skin in better condition post shave. I purchased Proraso Green Pre & Post shave cream because I like the eucalyptus & menthol of the tubbed soap , and the scent of the AS lotion. After wetting my stubble I scrub in an almond sized dose of the soft soap. Right away I enjoy the menthol cooling effect. Leaving it on as I prepare my lather, then lather directly over the preshave soap. Unlike the only preshave oil (Shave Secret) I've tried this product enhances the slip and glide of my soap and razor. I also have Proraso's Red sandalwood soap & AS lotion and plan to purchase the matching preshave cream. The maker suggest the pre shave can also be used as a post shave balm but I haven't tried that. I tried an experiment with a similar product - Colonel Conk lime scented soap. Using my brush I applied a somewhat thick coat of the glycerin based lather. Thick as in not hydrated the way it would be if I was using it as my primary lather. Over that I applied RazoRock Lime Burst (What The Puck; Italian triple milled tallow soap) hydrated to my normal slightly wetter, just right for a SR shave lather. In this case it also seemed to give an extra bit of slipperiness. Shave Secret pre shave oil? I tried it for a month. It didn't give me any added benefit. Seemed to gunk up my razors. It also had a slightly bay rum-ish scent which is one I don't enjoy.