Fellas, nix the nicks, go all-natural, and save money to boot with these five soothing and effective shaving cream formulas you can make at home.

1. Coconut oil shaving cream

Time: 10 minutes

This special all-natural formula prevents razor burn and skin irritation. Plus, the peppermint oil creates a cooling sensation.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup aloe vera
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 6 drops peppermint oil

Directions

  • Melt the coconut oil in a microwave
  • Combine melted oil with the other ingredients
  • Stir them together
  • Pour mixture in a plastic container
  • A few minutes before it’s time to shave apply some to your skin

2. Shea butter shaving cream

Time: 30 minutes

Use this concoction as you would an ordinary canned shaving cream. You will need a hand mixer.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup shea butter
  • 2/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 20 drops lavender oil
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda

Directions

  • Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a saucepan
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the olive oil
  • When everything is melted, add the lavender oil and baking soda
  • Pour the mixture in a container and put it in the fridge to harden
  • Once it has hardened, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a bit
  • An electric hand mixer, beat the mixture with an electric hand mixer until it’s super light and fluffy

3. Cocoa butter shaving cream

Time: 20 minutes

This mixture you can work into a lather. To make it, you need a double boiler and a hand mixer.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 drops tea tree oil

Directions

  • Heat the coconut oil and cocoa butter slightly in a double boiler
  • Pour the heated coconut oil and cocoa butter in a bowl
  • Add the castile soap, baking soda, and tea tree oil
  • Whip the ingredients with a hand mixer until the mixture is fluffy and foamy
  • Keep in the fridge until ready to use

4. Raw honey shaving cream

Time: 20 minutes

To use this shaving cream, put some on your fingertips and apply to damp skin. To make it, you need a double boiler.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Instructions

  • Heat the butter and oil in a double boiler until the butter is melted
  • Remove from heat
  • Let cool for five minutes
  • Whisk in the remaining ingredients
  • Pour the mixture into a container

5. Creamy shaving cream

Time: 50 minutes

You need to store this shaving cream in an airtight container.

Ingredients

  • 1 bar all-natural soap
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon glycerin
  • 2 cups vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup coconut oil

Instructions

  • Shred the bar of soap and set it aside
  • Place the shredded soap in a pot with four cups of water
  • Heat on medium heat (The soap will begin to dissolve in water, which takes about half an hour)
  • Once the dissolves, stir in the glycerin
  • Pour mixture into Styrofoam cups
  • Let mixture cool
  • Whisk together the vegetable shortening and coconut oil in large bowl until the mixture is thick
  • Add your liquid soap slowly to the mixture until all the liquid soap has been whipped into the cream

 

Other tips for a nick-free shave

A good all-natural shaving cream is just part of the equation. If you truly want to avoid having to reach for the styptic pencil, follow these tips for a smooth, close shave.

• Use a good, sharp razor

Toss out any old, dull razors. And choose a razor that has multiple blades.

• Soften your skin beforehand in warm water

This will open your pores and facilitate a closer shave. Shave after showering, since the warm water will soften your skin and open pores while you wash your hair.

• Exfoliate

Take a few extra minutes to exfoliate your skin prior to shaving. Exfoliating will get rid of dead skin and help to clear pore blockages that could result in ingrown hairs or nicks.

• Shave with the grain

Gently glide your razor over your skin in the direction of your beard hair growth. Make sure your razor isn’t dull. Avoid shaving the same area several times; doing so can lead to cuts, nicks, and razor burn.

• Pat your face with a soft towel

Do this once you’ve shaved and rinsed. But don't rub; you'll irritate your skin.

• Apply coconut oil or another natural moisturizer

Do this to your once you’ve shaved, rinsed, and patted your facel.

The trouble with stubble

Whether it’s for work or simply your preference, staying clean-shaven can take a toll on your skin. Many conventional shaving creams contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. These can further irritate skin that has already been irritated by your razor.

If you want to kiss shaving goodbye forever, you should try laser hair removal. After a some three to six sessions, you’ll likely see permanent hair reduction of up to 90%.

References

  1. "Homemade Shaving Cream Recipe," Primally Inspired, November 2, 2014.
  2. "Homemade Shaving Options for Men," Wellness Mama, June 7, 2017.
  3. "How to Make Shaving Cream at Home," Details, May 22, 2013.
  4. "How to Make Silky, Fluffy, Chemical-Free Shaving Cream," Everyday Roots, August 6, 2016.

beard | do it yourself | men | grooming | coconut oil | shaving