I'm just curious if anyone finds moisturizing (as in with a cream or a lotion, not oil) before they shave helpful. My hair is extremely coarse and thick, and I haven't found much that actually softens up my hair. I tried some moisturizer this morning because I was putting on my dry hands anyway, and it seemed to help quite a bit. I've tried pre-shave oils, which help with nicks and irritation, but don't help soften the hairs at all. My dermatologist recommended I stay away from oils, so I recently switched to Corn Husker's Lotion. It gives the same level of protection as the oil did, but again, doesn't seem to do anything to soften my hairs. I've tried Noxzema, which helps a little, but leaves a lot of residue behind on my razors, and then there's the scent. I've tried the shower soaks and the steaming towels, none of which seem to help at all. I'm going to keep using the moisturizer for a while just to confirm, but I wanted to see if anyone else is doing this.
I just rubbed it in thoroughly and then rinsed my head again before starting to lather. If anything, my lather stuck to the razor less then it usually does.
I have used lotion as shaving cream before. it actually worked quite well. It would help soften the hair since it sounds like shower/hot towel isn't cutting it. I would give it a try it cant hurt.
If it works for you, why not? I think a lot of the cheaper non-lathering creams I've tried were really just skin lotion.
I use Corn Huskers Lotion also, as you pointed out, it works as well as the more expensive stuff and it's not oily. I think a hair conditioner should work well, I used a shampoo/conditioner for many years, until I changed shampoo's.
