Men’s Pre-Shave Prep: A Daily Ritual for Every Shaving Routine
Hang on, why exactly do I need a specific pre-shave product?
In a nutshell: it’ll soften the hairs and significantly reduce the amount of irritation you experience as a result of shaving.
But the biggest upside of a men’s pre-shave oil (or lotion) is that it gives you a much closer shave than shaving soap or cream alone.
Let it sink in for a minute or two so it can get to work, then rinse off any excess with warm water. Now you’re ready to begin shaving.
"The biggest upside of a men’s pre-shave oil (or lotion) is that it gives you a much closer shave than shaving soap or cream alone."
How to incorporate pre-shave into your routine
There’s really only four steps to follow: wash skin, soak brush, apply pre-shave product, begin shaving. But that’s a routine for a normal day - and since when do mornings ever go to plan? (If yours do, call us, we need help).
So here are two options for when you’re either short on time, or taking your time.
I’m running late, please send help
Firstly, don’t panic or scrimp on your pre-shave routine: rushing is going to lead to nicks and burns, and you still need to prep for shaving.
The key is to work smarter, not harder:
- If you’re skipping the shower, wash your face and neck with warm water in the sink. This step softens your stubble and/or beard, which makes the later step of shaving much easier.
- Soak your shaving brush in the sink and apply pre-shave oil. Leaving the bristles in warm water for a little while in the sink whilst you do the next step makes a difference. Hey, if water softens your beard, it’ll do the same for your brush.
- Remove your shaving brush and brush your teeth: this act of multitasking allows the pre-shave oil to sink in and do its job whilst still saving you precious time.
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Rinse off excess oil with warm water, and begin shaving.
"There’s really only four steps to follow: wash skin, soak brush, apply pre-shave product, begin shaving."
I’m preparing for a big occasion
Some events call for a could-have-been-done-by-a-barber shave: job interviews, weddings, special dates... here’s what to do:
- Wash your face and neck. Aside from giving you a clean slate to work with, it will unclog your pores, which minimises razor irritation down the track. Rinse all traces of the product well - it’s easiest to do all of this in your morning shower, where the heat and steam can work with your cleanser to soften your skin and hairs. Post-shower, avoid towel-drying your face, so the water from the shower can continue to hydrate your skin.
- After cleansing in the shower, take some extra time to condition your beard. Step out, rinse off the conditioner in the sink, and soak your brush.
- Follow the usual steps for pre-shave oil, then lather up your brush with shave gel and apply to your face and neck.
- Grab a small, clean towel (like a hand towel) and run it under hot water until it’s soaking wet. Wring out the excess water so the towel is damp, but not dripping wet. Sit down, lean back, and place it over the lather for a minute or two - just like the barber does. Enjoy - the heat makes everything softer and easier to shave, but also, it just feels damn good.
- Remove the towel - rub it over the lather as you do so to help lift the hairs up.
- Rinse off the excess lather, then load up your brush again and apply. Be a bit more particular about coverage with this round of lather, because once you’re done, you’ll start shaving.
