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Whether you’re shaving your face, back, chest, or any other part of your body (hello manscaping), the fact remains that you are dragging a razor down the surface of your skin. For that reason, there’s no wonder that there are a huge range of skin problems related to incorrect shaving!
Whether you’re male or female, and no matter what you’re shaving, it’s vital to know how to shave properly, to avoid causing ingrown hairs and cuts, and it’s also important to use a high quality razor too – cutting corners will just result in, well, cuts on you instead.
Hand in hand with making sure you know how to shave properly, we need to think about what products you actually use during the process.
Of course, you’ll need to use a shaving cream at the time of doing the deed, but have you ever thought about the role of pre-shave oils? You might not even be aware that these oils exist, but they do have a large role to play in effective and safe shaving, as well as smelling rather good too!
No, this isn’t just an unnecessary step that causes more mess than you really need, it is actually a step which is hugely beneficial, and can actually give you a closer, and smoother shave as an end result!
Using a shave oil at the beginning of the shaving process can actually save you time, and give you the best outcome.
What is Shaving Oil?
A shave oil is an oil you apply to your skin before shaving, and before applying shaving cream or lather.
Why Use a Shave Oil
It’s important to remember that when you’re shaving, you’re not just coming into contact with a hair and chopping it down, you’re actually coming into contact with your skin too.
The actual process of shaving means exfoliation for your skin’s top layer, so protecting it as much as possible is key. Whilst shaving oil doesn’t replace the need for a cream, it works hand in hand with it, and has a few fantastic advantages:
- Moisturises the skin and nourishes the area
- Allow for a smoother shave, and therefore a closer shave. The razor can glide over the skin much easier, rather than snagging over bumps
- Reduces the chance of ingrown hairs
How to Use a Shave Oil
To use a pre-shave oil, you basically apply a little to your skin, allow it to soak in, and then shave as usual with your shaving cream – easy!
Sourcing Essential Oils
For the best aroma, you need quality ingredients. Top-quality essential oils will smell better than imitation and cheap essential oils.
If you are wondering where to source quality essential oils, you can check out my article on, "What is the Best Essential Oil Brand". Or you can head over to Rocky Mountain Oils now for the best quality essential oils at very affordable prices.
Sourcing Carrier Oils
My favorite place to source carrier oils is From Nature with Love. They offer exceptional quality, and I feel good supporting them as they are a small and independantly owned business.
Natural Shaving Oil DIY Recipes
For the recipes below, remember to ensure that the ingredients are combined well before use, and to do a small patch test, especially if you’re looking to apply somewhere sensitive, such as the bikini area.
So, now you know that you need it, how can you make your own DIY recipe? Here’s four to try out for yourself.
Lavender Shave Oil Recipe
Mix together the following:
- 3 fluid oz castor oil
- 1 fluid oz olive oil
- 15 drops lavendar essential oil
- 5 drops vitamin E oil
Jojoba & Pine Shave Oil Recipe
Mix together the following:
- 15ml castor oil
- 15ml jojoba oil
- 4 drops tea tree essential oil
- 4 drops pine tree essential oil
Sandalwood Shave Oil Recipe
Mix together the following:
- 20ml castor oil
- 10ml olive oil
- 5ml vitamin E oil
- 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
Nutmeg and Vanilla Shave Oil Recipe
Mix together the following:
- 15ml sweet almond oil
- 15ml argan oil
- 5 drops nutmeg essential oil
- 2 drops vanilla essential oil
- 3 drops bay essential oil
These natural DIY recipes will not only leave your skin super-soft and nourished, but you’ll smell pretty amazing afterwards too!
Pre-shave oil is a step which can not only protect and nourish your skin pre-shave, during the shave, and post-shave, but it also gives you a much better chance at a smoother and closer shave.
When your skin has an even, soft foundation to work on, there is much less chance of ingrown hair, cuts, and bumps, which can be not only sore and uncomfortable, but can also give bacteria a chance to enter the surface of your skin.
Which one will you try first? And, can you come up with any other DIY recipes to share?
Happy Shaving,
Nicola
Hi Nicola-
Just the article I’ve been looking for. I have very sensitive skin… therefore I never used a razor. I’ve been using this product called ‘Magic Shave’ and been using it for years. Although it gives a clean shave… it’s a bit messy and the smell is not that great either.
I’ve always flirted with the idea of using a razor but always had reservations about the aftermath.
I’m very tempted now to try one of your DIY pre-shave oil recipes. What would you suggest for someone with very sensitive skin?
Thanks!
Hi Mark, Andrea here 🙂 For sensitive skin, I would recommend the sandalwood pre-shave oil recipe, as sandalwood won’t irritate the skin and it protects the skin. We have a couple of articles about that you can check out:
Surviving the Daily Shave with Sensitive Skin for Men
What is the Best Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin?
Wow! I never would have thought to use shave oil. How many guys actually do this?! Who knew that I have been shaving wrong my entire life. I have always tried to find the best shaving cream I can find and have used lotion after my shave, but using oil before my shave makes a lot of sense! Also had no idea I could actually make it at home. Thanks for taking the time to show me how this is done!
Hi Jordan 🙂 Thanks for stopping in. Yes, some guys do actually use a shave oil!
I am just wondering why you need anything other than a shave oil. I have used only shave oil with a safety razor and I get great results.
Hi Amber, everyone has different preferences and skin types. Some people like to use more traditional lathers to help them shave. That’s awesome that you get good results with a shave oil and a safety razor!
I came online looking for a nutmeg shave oil. It took some digging, but I found one that I’m going to use. Plus yours has vanilla in it, win win!
YAY! SO glad we could help. Let us know how it turns out!
In an effort to reduce the amount of detergent used, I am starting to use ‘m thinkoil on its own and not just as a pre-shave treatment. I mention this in case some of your readers like the idea of replacing cream/soap with an oil. As long as the face gets a good soak in hot water the shave is comfortable, with no burn.
I would be interested to know what the difference is between various oils from a skincare point of view. I am starting to see hemp oil used more frequently and wondered if that would make a good base.
Hi Andrew, I have some articles on oils you may want to read – Omega 3, 6, 9 : Benefits For the Skin + A Complete List of Oils and Their Omega Contents
– Vitamin E Benefits for the Skin – What Oils have the Highest Content
Apologies – there is a typo in the comment I just posted in the first line, which should read “…I am starting to use oil on its own…”