My journey away from pre-shave

When I first started DE shaving, I found the process quite irritating. My face would burn for hours. This was definitely due to beginner's technique and perhaps the blades I started with (Merkur - ouch! and Derby - didn't cut). I then decided to use proraso white pre shave cream paired with Wilkinson blades and then Astra SP blades. Finally, I was on my way to irritation free shaves. I convinced myself that I required pre shave to be irritation free. Despite being 35, I still struggle with acne. I now partially attribute som of this to tuggy and irritating cart shaves. DE shaving reduced it by 80%, but did not get rid of it.

Recently, I was traveling and decided to leave my pre-shave behind. I used proraso green cream, which IMHO is very lubricating. To my surprise, I had irritation free and comfortable shaves. Also, my acne was about 95% gone! Wondering if the pre-shave cream was contributing to my residual acne, I decided to abandon it. I shaved with the RR The Freedberg. With the soap, I had some neck irritation (which I had not had in months with the pre-shave). I focused hard on technique - by just trying to wipe the lather off (as someone in this group put so eloquently) and using alum for feedback. I am now able to get multiple irritation free shaves from multiple different soaps, blades and razors. I really believe that dropping pre-shave has allowed me to correct some flaws that were hiding in my technique. By no means do I mean to suggest that those who use pre-shave have poor technique. This was just my experience.

I am curious to know the opinion our members. Do you think:
A) Pre-shave is necessary for you in order to get a comfortable shave
B) Pre-shave is a tool for newbs to be able to compensate while developing technique
C) Pre-shave is not useful/has minimal impact
D) Pre-shave oil/cream, while not necessary, may help you get an irritation free shave

I am not a head shaver and don't pretend to know anything about that. I know many answers will be: YMMV, but am still interested given the above experience.

 

If I had to chose between the options I would chose B. It's true but I think if I can add some extra protection I will. Fortunately I don't get acne anymore so I don't have that problem

 

I have been asking the same question recently, but I'm in the middle of trying out some new razors so I don't want to eliminate it yet.

 

D) Pre-shave oil, while not necessary, may help you get an irritation free shave.

 

I would have to say,"A"—pre shave (cream, lotion or oil) is NOT necessary to get a comfortable shave. I've had plenty of quality shaving experiences without the use of a pre shave product.
That said, I tend to use one practically every time I shave. I consider the use of a pre-shave product as an 'extra' insurance policy for my sensitive skin. Not essential, but I do appreciate the extra level of softening/lubrication/protection a certain PS product can provide. The cost of entry is low—particularly if you make them at home—and they do no harm. They are also highly recommended for 'newbs' to wet shaving—a group of whom I don't necessarily consider myself part.

 

Good point. Will edit and add to my post.

 

I agree with HolyRollah, I feel for most/many people preshave lotion etc. is actually unnecessary, but is a nice "extra". That said I use Corn Huskers Lotion with every shave as my preshave of choice. It's inexpensive, not oily and I feel it gives my first pass(when whiskers are at their worst) some advantage comfort wise. I also do a "kyle" prep to help soften my beard..

 

My AOS sandalwood pre shave oil is quite thick. When I apply lather just over the top of that it doesn't help and sometimes interferes with a good shave. I discovered if I splash a bit of water on it (counterintuitively) it seems to increase the glide. I'd like to find a reasonably priced pre shave oil that is much less viscous. Haven't been able to decide on one.

 

You can make your own, look in the tutorial thread =)

 

See Here

 

I'm checking out ingredients on Amazon right now. Wish I had someone in Portland to split some of this with. I don't need 16 ounces of sweet almont oil.

 

Go cheap first. Olive oil and castor oil both work ideal together. ANY olive oil…doesent need to be primo $tuff. That way you can see how the proportions of each change the efficacy.

 

Good tip. The sweet almond oil seemed like it would have a fragrance I liked a bit better. I cook with more olive oil than any country on the Mediterranean, but the scent just doesn't sound great for shaving (for me).

 

By the time I add the Sandalwood oil, it will be cheaper at AOS. Too bad that stuff is so expensive. I love that scent.

 

You should be able to find sweet almond oil at the grocery store

 

D

 

Have you ever considered giving "Corn Huskers Lotion" a try as a preshave lotion? Little smell, it's not oily, VERY inexpensive and easily found locally at least here in southern Louisiana.

 

I don't believe that the almond oil has much of a scent at all.

 

Good to know. Thanks.

 

No I haven't. I might check that out. I'm considering going almond oil and castor oil first.