Preparing to shave

✅ Use Pre-shave for a close shave

Pre-shave products, known as **Pre-shave**, are an indispensable ally in the daily grooming routine of a man's face. They offer a multitude of benefits and create an essential extra layer of protection on your skin, preparing it for the upcoming shaving process.

These are primarily **combinations of natural oils with vitamins**, designed to help the blade glide more easily on the skin, guaranteeing a comfortable and close shave. These special products intensely moisturize the skin and effectively protect it from direct contact with the blade and the irritations it can cause.

At the same time, they significantly reduce redness and burning sensations, while also having excellent **emollient properties**, softening beard hairs for an even easier shave without resistance or pulling.

Pre Shave Oil

**Pre-shave oil** helps deeply soften your beard, allowing the razor to glide freely and with greater ease on your face. It also helps reduce "razor burn," leaving your skin less prone to irritation and with zero nicks, even on the most difficult areas of your face. The protective layer formed by the oil increases the razor's glide on the skin, providing a smooth movement and turning shaving into a real pleasure. A good oil spreads and absorbs quickly into the skin, while also protecting, moisturizing, and softening the beard.

You can find pre-shave oil products in our store with excellent properties for before your shave.

Pre Shave Cream / Lotion

**Pre-shave shaving cream** opens pores and softens hairs before shaving. It requires a very good facial massage to penetrate properly and needs 2-3 minutes to do its job. It can also be used as an aftershave balm, as it is designed to naturally nourish and moisturize the beard and dry skin both before and after shaving. Most pre-shave creams contain eucalyptus, which helps refresh the face.

See our range of preshave creams / balms here.

Soak your shaving brush beforehand

If you use a **natural hair shaving brush**, such as boar or badger, let it soak in warm water for a few minutes to absorb moisture. Then, gently let the excess water drip off.

With a **synthetic brush**, simply dip it in warm water for a few seconds, then remove and gently shake off excess moisture. The shaving brush should be damp, but not wet. This process will help you create the best possible lather that will better protect your face from the blade and soften and lift your beard.

Also, see our guide on shaving brushes and find the one that suits you in the shaving brushes category.

Create a dense lather

Make circular motions with the brush on the shaving soap or cream until a **dense lather** is created. The trick is to use only the tips of the brush hairs and not press too hard. The right lather makes all the difference, as it allows the blade to glide with absolute ease on the face, without resistance.

Apply the rich lather with the brush to your face using circular motions. This step gently exfoliates and prepares the hairs for shaving, lifting them from the base. If the lather is too dry and not creamy enough, you can add a little water with the brush and try again.

This depends on the type of soap or cream, so add water slowly until you achieve the desired, rich and creamy result.

Be careful not to add too much water, as the mixture can become too thin and not stay easily on the face, reducing protection. Before you start shaving, leave the foam on your face for at least 30 seconds to be fully absorbed by the hairs and soften them even more.

1️⃣ Face cleansing – the basis of everything

Proper face cleansing is the first and fundamental step before shaving. The skin, exposed daily to dust, oil, and pollutants, needs to be perfectly clean for the blade to glide without obstacles.

If you skip cleansing, pores remain clogged and hairs are not lifted properly, increasing the risk of nicks, irritation, and ingrown hairs. Therefore, clean skin contributes to a deeper and more comfortable shave.

Ideally, you should use a mild facial cleanser that suits your skin type:

• For oily skin: cleanser with salicylic acid or activated charcoal
• For dry skin: hydrating gel or cream with aloe vera or panthenol
• For sensitive skin: fragrance-free product with calendula or chamomile

Wash your face with lukewarm water, massaging in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Do not rub vigorously – the goal is to cleanse without damaging the skin.

After rinsing well, pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel without rubbing. Your skin is now ready for the next stages of preparation for the perfect shave.

2️⃣ Warm water – the secret ally

Warm water is perhaps the most underestimated yet most effective step in shaving preparation. Before you even apply any product, simple contact of the skin with warm water offers multiple benefits.

Heat helps to:

• Soften hairs and make them more flexible
• Open skin pores
• Relax facial muscles for smoother blade movement

The best way to take advantage of warm water's benefits is to shave immediately after a shower. If this isn't possible, try applying a warm, damp towel to your face for 2-3 minutes. This is a technique even professional barbers use to "prepare" the skin.

Be careful though:

• The water should not be too hot, as it can cause dryness or irritation
• Contact should be brief and targeted – not prolonged soaking

Heat is the natural way to "relax" the skin and hairs, without the use of chemical products. It is an economical, immediate, and completely natural ally for a close and gentle shave.

3️⃣ Pre-shave product – the secret weapon

If you want to take your shave to the next level, a pre-shave product is the ultimate ally. Few people use it, but those who try it never go back. Pre-shave is either an oil, cream, or gel applied before the lather, creating an extra protective film on the skin.

The main benefits of a good pre-shave are:

• Hydration and softening of the hair
• Reduced friction between the blade and the skin
• Lower probability of nicks and irritations

Pre-shave oil is ideal for dry or sensitive skin, as it contains natural oils such as jojoba, almond oil, or argan. Pre-shave creams offer a cooler sensation, while gels are usually more suitable for oily skin.

How to use:

• Apply a few drops or a hazelnut-sized amount to damp skin
• Massage gently to absorb evenly
• Without rinsing, proceed directly to the shaving foam or soap

It may seem like an unnecessary step, but you will immediately feel the difference from the first use. Your skin will remain calmer and more hydrated even after a close shave.

4️⃣ Choosing shaving foam or soap

The product you choose to create shaving foam plays a crucial role in your experience. There are several options, each with its own advantages, depending on your shaving style, skin type, and available time.

The main options are:

• Traditional shaving soap: Offers a rich, stable lather and excellent protection. Requires a brush and a little more preparation, but provides a unique experience.
• Shaving cream: Easier to use than soaps, usually creates lather faster and has high moisturizing capabilities. Ideal for daily use.
• Shaving gel: Useful for quick shaving, without a brush. Can offer transparency for more precise shaving in beard grooming cases.

Your choice should be based on the following:

• If you have sensitive skin, prefer fragrance-free creams or soaps
• For a deeper and more traditional shave, choose soap with a brush
• If you want speed and convenience, gels or ready-made foams are suitable

Whichever product you choose, make sure to work it well into your face with a brush (where needed) and create a rich, stable lather. A quality lather acts as a "cushion" of protection between the skin and the blade.

5️⃣ The brush – the best ally for lather

The shaving brush is not just a tool; it is the heart of the traditional shaving experience. Those who are accustomed to applying lather by hand are surprised by the difference a good brush makes.

The main benefits of a shaving brush:

• Lifts the hairs for a deeper and more effective shave
• Creates rich and thick lather with less product
• Provides a gentle massage, improving facial circulation

There are various types of brushes, depending on the hair and handle type:

• Badger: Very soft, absorbs a lot of water, ideal for soaps and luxurious use
• Boar: Harder, suitable for intense massage and hard soaps
• Synthetic: Vegan friendly, dries quickly and offers very good performance with creams and gels

For beginners, a synthetic brush of medium stiffness is an excellent choice. However, if you want the ultimate traditional experience, it's worth investing in a high-quality badger brush.

Tip: Before each use, dip the brush in lukewarm water for 1-2 minutes to soften the bristles. After use, rinse it well and let it air dry to maintain it longer.

6️⃣ What is the right time to shave?

The time you choose to shave directly affects the effectiveness and comfort of the process. Although many shave out of habit, choosing the right moment can make the difference between irritated skin and a perfectly smooth, calm result.

Experts suggest shaving:

• After your morning shower: Warm water has softened the hairs and opened the pores. The skin is clean and elastic.
• When you're not in a hurry: Careful shaving takes time. Rushing leads to injuries and poor technique.
• Not immediately after waking up: The face is still slightly swollen due to sleeping position, which affects blade accuracy.

If you have sensitive skin or a tendency for irritation, avoid shaving at night right before bed. Night sweats and pillow friction can worsen any redness or micro-injuries.

For those who shave daily due to professional requirements, it is good to maintain a consistent routine and combine shaving with appropriate moisturizing and soothing products so that the skin "learns" and adapts.

Remember: the ideal time is not the same for everyone. Observe when your skin responds best and create your own consistent shaving ritual.

7️⃣ Extra tip – Don't forget the direction of hair growth

One of the most common mistakes leading to irritation, nicks, or ingrown hairs is shaving without considering the natural direction of hair growth. Determining the correct direction is not optional; it is a fundamental rule of every good shave.

To identify the direction of hair growth:

• Lightly rub your face with your fingers when you have 2-3 days of stubble
• Where you feel the least resistance, that is the natural direction
• Mentally divide the face into zones (cheeks, neck, chin, mustache)

During shaving:

• First pass: always with the grain
• Second pass: perpendicularly (sideways) or slightly against the grain if needed
• Final pass: optional and only for a closer shave, with an extremely soft blade

Shaving against the grain from the beginning may temporarily provide a smoother result, but it usually causes inflammation, especially on sensitive skin. The technique with multiple passes is safer and friendlier for the skin.

Don't forget: patience and good technique are more important than force or speed. Listen to your skin and it will reward you with fewer irritations and a better result.

8️⃣ Preparation according to skin type

Not all skin types are the same, and ideal shaving begins with a personalized approach. Knowing your skin type allows you to choose the right products and techniques that will enhance your shaving experience and protect your skin.

Here is a preparation guide by type:

• ✔️ Dry skin: Characterized by roughness, flaking, and lack of elasticity.
  ➤ Use pre-shave oil with argan or jojoba.
  ➤ Prefer moisturizing shaving creams or traditional soaps with shea butter.
  ➤ Finish with an alcohol-free aftershave balm with panthenol.
• ✔️ Oily skin: Has shine, intense oiliness, and a tendency for pimples.
  ➤ Use a cleanser with salicylic acid before shaving.
  ➤ Prefer oil-free gel or foam.
  ➤ Choose an astringent aftershave (alcohol-free) or a toning lotion with witch hazel.
• ✔️ Sensitive skin: Reacts easily with redness and irritation.
  ➤ Use fragrance-free or alcohol-free products.
  ➤ Look for ingredients like calendula, aloe, and oat.
  ➤ Shave with the grain and avoid too many passes.

Regardless of your skin type, invest in quality products and always wash your face before and after shaving. Personalization in your preparation routine is the secret to healthy, irritation-free skin.