Have you tried using coconut oil for shaving? I can’t say I’m a big fan of shaving. While I love it when it goes well and leaves me with super smooth, hairless skin, it’s easy for it to leave behind bumpy, red, irritated skin instead.
I’ve always found using shaving cream annoying and not that helpful, so when my brother recommended trying out shaving with coconut oil, I was all in. I already use coconut oil for other purposes in the house and always have one on standby so it was not hard to give it a go.
Success!
Not only is coconut oil shaving very easy, but it moisturizes while I shave. I’m silky smooth afterward and I love it, especially if I add another coat of coconut oil once I’m out of the shower.
Below, I share all my answers to whether can you use coconut oil as a shaving cream as well as exactly how to shave with coconut oil.
Spoiler alert: It’s easy and effective!
Benefits Of Shaving With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has gained popularity as a versatile ingredient in skincare routines, including shaving, its benefits include:
- Acts as a natural lubricant for smooth shaving.
- Provides moisturization, leaving the skin soft and supple.
- Potential anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin and reduce redness or irritation.
- Natural alternative to synthetic additives in commercial shaving products.
- A pleasant tropical aroma enhances the shaving experience.
But remember that individual outcomes may vary. People with acne-prone or oily skin should exercise caution, as coconut oil’s thick consistency may have the potential to clog pores.
Can You Shave With Coconut Oil?
After my brother recommended using coconut oil for shaving, I must admit, I did Google Can I shave with coconut oil to make sure it wasn’t a totally crazy idea.
It isn’t!
Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, is great for your skin. It moisturizes, protects, and more.
It’s not just me saying this either. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences published this report which confirms coconut oil is good for skin barrier repair, as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, and skin aging. Why wouldn’t you want to put that on your skin?
I also found using coconut oil as shaving cream to be cheap and effective. So when it comes to the answer to whether can you use coconut oil to shave, it is yes! Well with one exception, keep reading to find out!
How To Use Coconut Oil For Shaving
It’s very straightforward to use coconut oil to shave. These instructions apply whether you want to use coconut oil for shaving legs, coconut oil for shaving face, or coconut oil for shaving down there although I do have some extra details about shaving in all those areas below.
The best coconut oil for shaving is really any virgin coconut oil. I use
Step 1: Get About A Teaspoon of Coconut Oil For Each Leg
You really don’t need much. What is pictured above is all I needed for the bottom half of my leg.
Step 2: Rub It On To The Area You Want To Shave
You can either rub it between your hands first to warm it up so it melts and is easy to apply or just start rubbing it on. It’ll melt as you do this. Make sure you cover everything – I have missed a spot before and it’s been noticeable afterward thanks to red bumps.
Step 3: Shave!
Simply shave as usual.
I read a blog post from someone else when I was researching if coconut oil is good for shaving that said the oil filled up the razor easily. This was not my experience at all. It is far easier than using shaving cream and I have not noticed any coconut oil build-up in my razor at all.
It’s very easy to shave with a layer of coconut oil.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Silky Smooth Skin
That’s it! You’re done!
Step 5: Moisturize With More Coconut Oil
The big plus is that the coconut oil does a great job of moisturizing while you shave so you probably won’t need to moisturize afterwards. If you find you do, simply rub on another coat of coconut oil. It leaves my skin feeling so smooth and hydrated.
Keep reading for more tips for using this coconut oil pre-shave.
Shaving Legs With Coconut Oil (And A Mistake I Made)
Legs are a great place to start if you are feeling unsure about shaving with coconut oil. It’s definitely my favorite place to use it and where I have really noticed the difference with how silky smooth it leaves my skin.
However, when it comes to shaving your legs with coconut oil, I do have one tip…
Do it in the shower!
The one time I had a negative experience using coconut oil to shave my legs was when I took photos to write this article. I didn’t want to take photos in the shower so I did this process with dry legs.
Big mistake!
While it shaved just fine, I did end up shaving with coconut oil razor burn afterward. Thankfully, another coat of coconut oil helped with the irritation, but I’ll always do it in the shower in the future!
Shaving Face With Coconut Oil
Thankfully, I don’t need to shave my face, so I haven’t tried this out personally.
However, my brother recommends and uses coconut oil for shaving the beard.
He recommends using coconut oil shaving cream for men with the DIY recipe below.
If you have oily skin, using coconut oil is not recommended.
Using Coconut Oil To Shave Pubic Hair
I must admit that initially, I was very nervous about using coconut oil for shaving lady parts. That’s the last place I want shavers rash.
However, once my other experiences with coconut oil and shaving went so well, I gave it a go because there is no reason that shaving the bikini area with coconut oil should go badly.
Guess what? It was fine. I now have no problems using coconut oil to shave pubic hair.
DIY Coconut Oil Shaving Cream Recipe
While you can directly use coconut oil for shaving cream without having to do anything else, some people may prefer the following easy coconut oil shaving cream DIY recipe.
It just feels a little nicer and can smell very good too! The best news is that it’s easy to make too.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup
coconut oil - 3/4 cup
shea butter - Optional: preferred essential oils
Procedures:
- Melt the coconut oil and shea butter.
- Mix together, adding in any essential oils you wish to add.
- Let the mixture cool until it’s firm and starting to harden. This takes about an hour in the fridge or freezer.
- Whip the mixture using a mixer.
- Store in a jar or airtight container.
- Use it the next time you shave!
Essential oils can help with skin problems and some have anti-aging properties. You can also pick based on smells you enjoy.
My brother loves
Is Coconut Oil Good For Shaving
Because of its moisturizing characteristics and possible calming effects on the skin, coconut oil might be a good alternative for shaving. It functions as a natural lubricant, allowing the razor to glide smoothly and decreasing friction, lowering discomfort.
Furthermore, the fatty acids in coconut oil can promote moisture, leaving the skin smooth and nourished. Its anti-inflammatory effects may also aid to relax and soothe the skin, minimizing redness and irritation after shaving.
FAQs
Can coconut oil be used for shaving sensitive skin?
Yes, coconut oil can be beneficial for shaving sensitive skin. Its moisturizing properties help hydrate and nourish the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort during shaving.
Can coconut oil clog razor blades?
Coconut oil has a higher viscosity compared to traditional shaving creams or gels, which means it can potentially clog razor blades more easily. It is advisable to rinse the blade frequently during shaving to prevent buildup.
How do I remove coconut oil after shaving?
After shaving, rinse the area with warm water and use a gentle cleanser to remove any excess coconut oil from the skin. Pat dry and follow with a moisturizer if needed.
Can coconut oil be used for both wet shaving and dry shaving?
Coconut oil is more commonly used for wet shaving, as it provides lubrication and moisturization during the shaving process. However, some individuals may find it suitable for dry shaving as well, particularly in areas with minimal hair growth or for touch-ups. Remember that dry shaving may be more prone to irritation, so it’s essential to use caution and ensure the skin is adequately moisturized.
Conclusion
I highly recommend shaving with coconut oil. It’s natural, cheap, and easy, and most importantly, it works very well!
You can read more about how I use coconut oil after shaving here. Find more guides to using coconuts and all of its great products, like coconut oil, here.
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