As you go through your daily grooming routine, whether to shave before or after showering has likely crossed your mind. There are arguments to be made on both sides of this debate that often comes down to personal preference. However, for the closest, most comfortable shave possible, shaving after showering is the superior method, according to expert barbers and dermatologists. Showering helps soften your facial hair and opens up pores, allowing for an easier razor glide. The hot water also helps relax your facial muscles and skin, reducing pulling and tugging. When you shave after showering, you’ll find your skin is optimally hydrated, leading to less irritation and razor burn. For the closest, cleanest shave with minimal redness or discomfort, shaving after showering simply can’t be beaten.
The Benefits of Shaving Before Showering
Shaving before showering provides several benefits for achieving an efficient and close shave.
- Prepares Hair and Skin
Shaving before a shower softens your facial hair, opening up pores and follicles. The warm, moist environment in the shower further swells hair shafts, making them softer and easier to cut. Your skin also absorbs water, causing it to expand, which results in a closer shave.
- Lubricates the Skin
Showering helps lubricate your skin, allowing the razor to glide more smoothly across the face. The added lubrication decreases friction and irritation. A shaving gel, cream or oil before showering provides a layer of lubrication and glide for the razor.
- Exfoliates and Cleanses
Showering removes dirt, oil and dead skin cells from your face, exfoliating the skin and unclogging hair follicles. This exposes more of each hair shaft, enabling an even closer shave. Showering also washes away shaving gel and hair, reducing mess and clogs in your razor.
- Softens Stiff Beards
For those with coarse, curly or wiry facial hair, showering helps soften stiff beard hair that can be more difficult to shave. The moist heat from showering helps relax beard hair, straightening the natural curve and making stubborn whiskers easier to cut.
Shaving after showering still provides adequate close shave for most. However, for the absolute closest, most comfortable shave possible, shaving before showering, when hair and skin are optimally softened and prepared, is your best method. With the right technique and tools, shaving pre-shower can become an ideal part of your grooming routine.
Why Some Prefer to Shave After Showering
Many prefer to shave after showering or washing their face, as the heat and moisture help soften the hairs and open pores, allowing for a closer shave.
- Softer Hair and Opened Pores
When you shower, the hot water causes your hair follicles to swell, making the hairs softer and more pliable. The heat also opens up your pores, allowing hairs to stand on end better for shaving. Softer, more raised hairs and opened pores give razors and blades easier access to the base of hairs for a closer shave.
- Lubricated Skin
Showering or washing your face also lubricates the skin, allowing the razor to glide more easily over the surface. The lubrication reduces friction and tugging, decreasing the chance of irritation. Lubricated skin may lead to fewer passes needing to be made over an area, speeding up your shave.
- Pre-Shave Products Can Be Used
If you prefer to shave after showering, you can also use pre-shave oils and lotions. These products further soften the hair and moisturise the skin, creating an ideal environment for shaving. They allow the razor to get even closer to the hair roots.
- Pat Skin Dry
For the closest shave after showering, gently pat your skin with a towel to remove excess water. Do not rub vigorously, which can irritate the skin. Pat drying will leave enough moisture on the skin for lubrication while allowing hairs to remain raised and ends to stand on end. This set-up leads to an extremely close and comfortable shave for many.
Shaving after showering may lead to a closer shave for most, as the heat and moisture create optimal conditions for hair removal. Softer hair, opened pores, a lubricated base, and the use of pre-shave products allow razors to get closer to hair roots, resulting in a smooth shave. With the right technique and equipment, shaving after showering can become part of your routine for an impeccably clean shave.
How to Get the Closest Shave Shaving Before a Shower
For the closest shave possible, shaving before showering is recommended. By shaving first, you remove the bulk of hair before the steam and hot water of the shower soften your whiskers, allowing for a closer shave.
- Prepare Your Skin
To get started, wash your face with warm water to soften the beard and open pores. Apply a pre-shave oil, gel, or lotion and let it soak in for 2-3 minutes. This will lubricate the hairs and reduce friction, leading to a closer shave.
- Use a Sharp Razor
A multi-blade safety razor or cartridge razor with sharp blades is essential for a close shave. Dull blades require more passes and tug on hairs, causing irritation. Replace cartridge blades after 5-7 shaves or switch to a double-edge safety razor where blades can be replaced for just a few cents.
- Shave With the Grain
Shave in the direction of hair growth using light, short strokes. Rinsing your razor frequently under warm water. Be very careful around contours like the jawline and chin. For stubborn areas, you may need to shave across or against the grain.
- Apply Minimal Pressure
Use light, even pressure and let the weight of the razor do the work. Do not push down or your razor will cut too close, causing irritation and ingrown hairs. Make multiple passes as needed, rinsing in between.
- Rinse and Moisturize
When finished shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close the pores. Pat dry and apply an after-shave balm or lotion to hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin. The moisturizer will absorb fully by the time you finish your shower.
Shaving before showering, with the proper technique and products, can provide an extremely close shave. By removing the bulk of your beard first, you have more control and visibility. The heat and humidity of the shower will also help soften any remaining stubble for a baby-smooth result. Using this method, you can achieve the closest shave of your life with minimal irritation.
Tips for Maximizing Results Shaving After a Shower
For the closest, most comfortable shave, shaving after showering is generally recommended. The warm, moist environment created by a hot shower helps soften your facial hair and open up your pores, allowing for an easier razor glide.
- Exfoliate First
Before shaving, exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells. This will prevent ingrown hairs and allow for smoother razor glide. Use a facial scrub, chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, or a facial brush like a Clarisonic to buff away dead skin. Rinse well when done.
- Apply Shaving Cream Liberally
With your pores open and hair softened from the shower, apply a thick layer of shaving cream, gel or oil and let it sit on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. This will continue to hydrate your hair and lift it from the skin, resulting in less pulling and irritation. For the closest shave, look for a product containing moisturising ingredients like glycerin, coconut oil or shea butter.
- Shave With the Grain
Shave in the direction of your hair growth using light, short strokes. Rinse your razor frequently under warm water to prevent clogs. Stretch your skin taut with your free hand as you shave. Be very careful around the Adam’s apple and jawline.
- Rinse and Moisturize
When done shaving, rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove any remaining shaving product. Pat dry gently with a towel. Apply an after-shave balm or moisturiser to hydrate, soothe and protect your skin. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, jojoba oil or dimethicone to prevent irritation.
Shaving after showering, when done properly with the right techniques and products, can provide an extremely close yet comfortable shave. By starting with clean, exfoliated skin and using warm water, shaving cream and a post-shave moisturiser, shaving after your shower can become your go-to routine for silky smooth skin.
Conclusion
After reviewing the pros and cons of shaving before or after showering, the choice comes down to personal preference. Neither approach is inherently superior. Some men may find shaving after a shower leads to a closer shave due to softened stubble and open pores, while others prefer shaving before to avoid foggy mirrors and maximise control. As with many aspects of personal care and hygiene, experimenting with different techniques and tools to find what works best for you as an individual is key. Don’t just stick with what you’ve always done out of habit. Try shaving at different points in your shower routine and see which you find most comfortable and effective. You may be surprised at the difference it makes.
