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Our skin soaks up anything we lather onto it. I never realized how many chemicals and dyes are in shaving cream until I read the back of my own bottle! These dyes and perfumes can dry out and irritate your skin. Definitely not what you want after shaving! Not to mention that I don’t want these chemicals being absorbed into my skin. After realizing this I immediately began researching to find a natural alternative. I quickly stumbled upon coconut oil. I began researching how to shave with coconut oil. Coconut oil is used for so many other beauty purposes; I don’t know why I didn’t think to use it to shave!
Why Shaving with Coconut Oil is an Easier and Healthier Alternative
I found that coconut oil works perfectly in place of shaving cream. Coconut oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and proteins, which makes it a much safer alternative to brand name shaving creams.
If you’re wondering how to shave with coconut oil, the answer is easy! All you have to do is rub it on your legs before you shave, if the coconut oil is still hard when you’re ready to shave, just lather it in your hands until it turns into a liquid. Coconut oil solidifies in cold temperatures and melts in warm temperatures.
Not only does the coconut oil feel good on your legs, but it moisturizes them as you shave! Coconut oil has vitamin E and antioxidants which help smooth and moisturize irritated skin. This can prevent razor burn and bumps after you’re done shaving. Vitamin E also helps prevent wrinkles and signs of aging. Antioxidants can also take the itch out of bug bites, which are always popping up on my legs during summer.
Coconut oil has saturated fats and proteins that keep your skin looking healthy. They do this by locking in moisture. These proteins can aid the repair of skin tissue which helps prevent against scarring. The fatty acids in coconut oil act as a disinfectant and protect your body from infection from an open wound. This is especially beneficial for shaving because accidental cuts can and will happen.
What Areas Can you Shave with Coconut Oil?
Legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, anywhere you need to remove hair. Shaving with coconut oil can even be used by men and women to shave the facial area! The oil helps the razor blade glide over the delicate parts of the face. Men’s facial hair is much thicker than women’s, so naturally it is tougher to shave. Thankfully coconut oil has so many disinfectant and soothing properties to eliminate cuts and razor burn!
An added bonus to using coconut oil to shave is that it can reduce the appearance of stretch marks! It helps the skin keep its elasticity which diminishes stretch marks appearance. Using coconut oil is like killing two birds with one stone.
How to shave with Coconut Oil
What you need:
- 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
- Shaving razor
Directions:
1. Take a teaspoon of coconut oil and rub it on your leg (or any area you would like to shave). If the coconut oil is solid, it will melt as you rub it on your skin. Coconut oil melts in warm temperatures.
2. Use your razor to remove hair, the same as you would when you use soap.
3. Rinse off with water and pat dry.
Some Tips for How to Shave with Coconut Oil
For a closer shave, wrap your legs in a warm, damp towel or soak in a hot bath/shower before you shave with coconut oil. The warmth opens up the pores, allowing a cleaner shave. Remember to also rinse off your razor after every stroke.
When I shave with coconut oil I never have as much hair build up as I did with brand name shaving cream. However, it is still good to make sure you have a clean razor blade after every stroke.
If you prefer a creamier mixture, you can add a few ingredients to the coconut oil to make a shaving cream mixture.
Coconut oil shaving cream Recipe
• 1/4 cup aloe vera (you can also use conditioner if you don’t have aloe vera)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 4-6 drops essential oil (peppermint, tea tree, lavender or a combination)
Remember to wipe down your tub or shower after you shave with coconut oil. The oil can make these surfaces extremely slippery and dangerous if they’re not wiped down!
My Results with Using Coconut Oil for Shaving
When my friend was telling me about how to shave with coconut oil, I was surprised that I never considered using coconut oil instead of soap. I’m so glad that I gave it a try and use it almost every time I shave now. I used to get razor bumps, ingrown hairs and irritated skin after shaving with soap, but I don’t when I shave with coconut oil! It’s great! My skin is also softer and very moisturized from using coconut oil for shaving too.
Have you been wondering how to shave with coconut oil? Do you think you would give it a try?
i did it but i dont think ive ever had razorburns as bad as now, i didn’t use too little so i wonder why i have such bad razorburns from trying this?..
I Have the same problem as you 🙁
I just started using coconut oil 2 shave since I get severe razor burn with every shave gel and soap. Now I have zero razor burn!!!!!!!
That’s great! Yes, I no longer have razor burn either – it’s like a miracle!
I make my own soap with olive oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and lard — all excellent for your skin and works great for shaving.
That’s great!
Please tell them NOT to let any coconut oil go down the drain…. you will soon have plugged pipes as it hardens. Think this is a great idea and am a fan of coconut oil – perhaps wipe razor on a piece or facial wipe but not wash down the drain please!! Thanks for a good article.
That’s what I was thinking, too, Jane. I also wonder, wouldn’t shaving with coconut oil “gunk up” and dull the razor, resulting in more frequent replacements? I don’t think I would try this. I’d just shave as usual and use the coconut oil as a moisturizer, but that’s just my preference.