Many men experience nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs and more due to shaving. Pre-shave oil is a great way to prep your skin and help mitigate some of these common shaving concerns. But is it really necessary? Learn all about pre-shave oils, how they work, and how to incorporate them into your shaving regimen.
First Things First: What is a Pre-Shave Oil?
Not to be confused with a beard oil or a shave oil, a pre-shave oil is designed to be applied before the shaving process and used underneath a shaving cream or gel, not instead of it. There are several reasons why it’s important to use a pre-shave oil. Let’s discuss them below.
Pre-Shave Oil is a Great Moisturizer
While shaving itself doesn’t dry out your skin, the products you use and exposure of new skin can leave your skin wanting for moisture. Using a pre-shave oil made with plant-based oils (like olive oil and castor oil) beforehand, like The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oils, can help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the shaving process. Additionally, the moisturizing effects of pre-shave oil help soften your hair follicles, enabling the razor to shave smoother.
Pre-Shave Oil Can Act as a Lubricant
Remember: Pre-shave oil shouldn’t replace your shave gel or cream. A quality shaving cream is equally important part of your shaving process. A pre-shave gel sits on the skin underneath your shaving cream and helps provide a smooth glide for an even smoother shave.
Pre-Shave Oil Can Help Prevent Razor Burn
Razor burn and ingrown hairs are not only uncomfortable, but these common shaving issues are also unsightly and take away from the look of your clean shave. When used properly, a pre-shave gel can actually help prevent things like razor burn by better prepping your skin and creating a smoother shaving environment that can help prevent irritation.
Pre-Shave Oil Can Help Protect Your Skin
Tired of tiny toilet paper swatches on your face? Not only can pre-shave oil help prevent razor burn, but it can also reduce your chance of nicks and cuts. A high-quality pre-shave oil will actually sit on the surface of your skin and help blades glide more smoothly.
How to Use Pre-Shave Oil
- Start with a clean face: Shower or wash your face before you apply your pre-shave oil.
- Dispense oil into palm: Add a few drops to your palms and rub your hands together.
- Massage into beard: Gently rub the oil into your skin/beard, distributing evenly.
- Let it sit: Allow the oil to sit on your skin/beard for around 30 seconds to get the best effects.
- Wash your hands while you wait
- Apply shaving cream as usual
