For most men, shaving typically involves a razor and shaving cream or simply an electric shaver.
Men often don’t think of using shaving products that can make the experience better particularly as it pertains to the harsh impact razors have on your skin. Case in point pre-shave oil, which is applied directly to the skin prior to applying shaving cream, soap or gel.
Pre-shave oil adds a thin layer of lubricant to your skin while also softening and lifting the hairs to help protect against the harshness of a sharp razor or electric razor, both of which can be harsh to your skin.
Why use a pre-shave oil prior to shaving?
Using pre-shave oil is something you might consider for both head and face shaving if you experience concerns such as:
- Sensitive skin
- Frequent cuts while shaving
- Razor burn
- Ingrown hairs
- Razor bumps
Is a pre-shave oil necessary for shaving?
While not necessary for all men, some guys suffer from health issues that makes shaving a bad experience, leading to reddened skin, cuts and razor burn or razor bumps. These men may benefit from the application of a pre-shave oil before shaving to address these concerns.
Pre-shave oil doesn’t necessarily replace shaving cream or gel. It’s simply used prior to applying shaving cream, to condition the skin before the razor touches your skin.
While the focus of this article is pre-shave oils, it should be noted that pre-shaving products also come in lotion and gel form. The important part is to choose one you like and that is actually a pre-shave product.
Read the label of products carefully. There are so many pre-shave, post-shave and aftershave products in addition to gels, creams and lotions on the market. You can accidentally buy the wrong one while shopping if you’re not careful.
How do you use a pre-shave oil?
Here’s how you use a pre-shave oil:
- Wash your skin: First wash and rinse your face to soften the skin and remove oils especially if it’s first thing in the morning before a shower or having just woken up.
- Apply pre-shave oil: Squeeze a small amount of the oil on your fingertips and massage it into the skin to be shaved. Ensure the oil is worked into the skin and hairs properly.
- Optional hot towel: Some guys will apply a hot towel over the skin at this point for about 60 seconds but this is optional. The warmth and steam of the hot towel further softens your whiskers before shaving.
- Apply shaving cream: Add the lather (shaving cream, gel) directly on your skin over top of the oil. Do not rinse the oil off unless instructed to by the manufacturer. Leaving it on ensures the oil remains on your skin to offer its benefits.
- Shave: Shave as you normally would.
If you have to make a second pass and shave again, you can apply more pre-shave oil and/or shaving cream and then shave a second time.
Do you use pre-shave oil before or after you shave?
As mentioned above, a pre-shave oil is exactly as it’s named: It’s used pre-shave to help condition the skin and whiskers before shaving.
After applying the pre-shave oil and massaging it into the area to be shaved, you can then apply shaving cream.
If you suffer from various shaving side effects such as reddened skin, cuts, ingrown hairs, razor burn or razor bumps, a pre-shave oil may help to make your shaving experience easier on your skin.
It’s worth a try if you have any of these conditions and have not been able to figure out how to properly address them.
Is an aftershave used in place of a pre-shave oil?
Aftershave and pre-shave oils – as the names would suggest – are used at different times so they are not replacements for one another.
An aftershave is used post shave to care for the skin and for a different reason than pre-shave products. Aftershaves have traditionally been made with a high alcohol content which is why we feel the sting for a second or two after applying it.
The alcohol content was traditionally added to sterilize cuts and stop bleeding if any. It also works as an astringent to tighten the skin and pores after shaving.
Modern aftershave products are often sold as balms and lotions rather than the older style liquid ones. The balms and lotions tend to be softer and less harsh on the skin and may or may not contain alcohol.
Can you use both a pre-shave and aftershave product?
Sure, you can use both a pre-shave and aftershave product if you like as they serve different purposes. It really depends on what you want to accomplish.
Just make sure to read the labels because as mentioned above, there are many pre-shave and post-shave (aftershave) products next to each other in the shaving section in stores and they can often be mixed up and confused for one another.
What is a good pre-shave oil made from?
A good quality pre-shave oil is made with ingredients that lubricate the skin without blocking the pores while also softening the whiskers and hairs about to be shaved. Common ingredients include coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, castor oil or sweet almond oil among others.
Oils that have been drawn from plants are very common as they tend not to clog your pores.
More expensive pre-shave products tend to have funkier oil options and fragrances along with a higher price.
Look for a water soluble product as it won’t clog your razor and won’t leave a residue on your sink. This means better shaving and less clean up once you’re done shaving.