Thread: Is There any value in Pre-Shave Oil?

As a newbie I'm interested in all the stuff thats out there. One thing that I'm curious about is pre-shave oil. Does it really help or can one do without it quiet well?

_Larry

It's one of those things you have to try and see what your experience is. Some love it, some the opposite. I've tried and found it did nothing for me.

I use warm oil under my shave cream. I enjoy it, try it see what happens.

I find that either pre shave cream (Proraso or Santa Maria Novella) or pre shave oil (Truefitt & Hills) works for me. I know some argue that proper preparation removes the need for pre shave unguents so see how you go.

Thanks for the comment. What to do or not do, what the value is or isn't can be confusing for a new person. Glad this site exist.

_Larry

I think Pre-Shave is an individual preference. I sometimes use an almond oil/peppermint oil homemade mixture as a pre-shave, but I find it does nothing to improve the quality of my shave. I occasionally will use whatever aftershave balm I am using that day as a pre-shave as well. It definitely adds some moisture to the skin though, so for that it is useful.

This is something you have to experiment. Is it going to be a miracle product and give you a much better shave....I don't think so. Does it add to the experience and make your shave more enjoyable...........maybe?

This is 100% a preference thing.

Hello, Larry:

Some gentlemen shavers swear by pre-shaves and some shrug them off. I have shaved with pre-shaves and without them and found little difference in my shave. I currently use a pre-shave, but once it's gone, it will stay gone from my shaving routine.

Shave without it for a while, and then with it for a while — and then make up your mind.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks Obie. Since my experience base is so small I think I will stick with my current system for a while. No need to complicate things since I'm a rank beginning straight shaver. But, oh how I'm enjoying it!

_Larry

I personally do not like to put anything greasy and oily onto my skin so pre-shave oil is not for me.

I bought a bottle of pre-shave oil when I started 2 months ago. I stopped using it about 2 weeks ago, and it is hard for me to say if I notice a difference. If anything, it seems like I get a closer shave without the oil, but a more comfortable shave with the oil. The difference though, is not overwhelming.
I say try it both ways.