Many men believe that using pre-shave oil is the key to getting the closest, smoothest shave possible. But what is the purpose of a pre-shave oil? Do you use it with or without cream? What is the best type?
Pre-shave solutions soften facial hair before you start trimming. A quality pre-shave oil also hydrates the skin, nourishing it while lubricating the skin’s surface. A well-lubricated face allows the razor to glide easily and smoothly.
When these essentials are used, you get a closer shave and experience less irritation and stinging. The key is to find your own solution, the one that you think works best for your particular skin. Just make sure that your chosen solution doesn’t make your skin feel greasy.
When using wet shaving essentials, remember to rinse the shaver more often. Many of these oils clog the razor and can reduce quality if not rinsed enough. But this is only a minor consideration, given the improved quality of your shave when you use the oil as part of your daily routine.
Is the oil used with or without shaving cream?
This solution is best used as the first coat on the skin, after lukewarm water has been applied to the skin for about three minutes. Apply a coat of pre-oil, then use a badger shaving brush with quality shaving foam to create an opaque layer of shaving cream over the oil. Shave as you normally would, making sure to rinse the razor as often as necessary.
Ingredients to look for in the best pre-shave essentials
Balms or pre-shave essentials can have a wide variety of ingredients. But some ingredients are great for your skin. The best pre-shave solution for your skin will be one that has primarily natural and organic plant-derived ingredients. Those ingredients include:
lavender oil: Lavender oil soothes and helps reduce itching. Leaves your skin more resistant to irritation.
sunflower seed oil: This sunflower seed oil is light and will not clog pores. It also does not leave the skin greasy. Gently moisturizes and softens skin and facial hair without the heaviness of pre-shave oil using other types of oil as a base.
Beaver oil: Castor oil really moisturizes your skin and keeps it soft. Helps reduce dryness or irritation.
olive oil: Helps to stay on your skin for a more effective pass of the razor.
While there’s no one best solution for every man, one of the world’s best essentials is made by Taylor of Old Bond Street. His pre-shave oil ranks in the top five of many men’s well-groomed lists due to its viscosity and scent. The performance of this solution is also fantastic, providing the necessary slip to reduce skin irritation. While some men find the fragrance to be a bit strong, the scent is very pleasant and fades quickly once grooming is complete.
