How to shave properly:
tips for smooth, irritation-free grooming in a 6-step routine
Why is it important to learn
how to shave properly?
For men, getting a smooth and irritation-free shave is not just a daily task – it's an important part of personal grooming. Shaving might look simple, but it actually needs the right technique, care and products. Using the correct technique matters for several reasons, including:
- Getting a close and comfortable shave that leaves your skin feeling smooth and irritation-free.
- Preventing common shaving issues such as razor burn, ingrown hairs and small nicks or cuts.
- Reducing the chance of post-shave discomfort and maintaining your overall skin health and appearance.
Mastering the art of shaving can really enhance your grooming routine, boost your confidence and give you a polished, well-groomed look. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need for shaving, from pre-shave preparation tailored to your skin type to the technique of using the razor correctly. Whether you’re new to shaving or already experienced and just want to improve your technique, this guide will help you achieve a confident, comfortable shave while keeping your skin healthy and looking its best.
Facts overview
1. Achieving a smooth, irritation-free shave
2. Preventing common issues like razor burns
3. Maintaining overall skin health and appearance
How to
shave with a razor
When you shave, it’s important to first prepare your skin by wetting it properly. This helps soften the hairs on your face. Applying a shaving cream or gel to the area you want to shave will also reduce friction and give you a smoother shave. Then shave in the same direction that your hair grows, and rinse the razor after each stroke to avoid causing a rash or irritation.
Normal skin: usually the easiest skin to shave
Oily skin: prone to clogged pores, which can lead to irritation and an uneven shave
Dry skin: can get irritated easily and is more sensitive to friction
Combination skin: often behaves like dry skin on the T‑zone and more oily on the rest of the face
Sensitive skin: can react negatively to products, so it’s better to use products specifically recommended for sensitive skin.
If you want to shave your skin properly, it’s important to use the right tools and products. You’ll need:
- A good quality razor (if you have dry to sensitive skin, avoid using razors with more than 3 blades, as they can increase dryness and over‑exfoliate your skin)
- A shaving cream that suits your skin type
- An after-shave balm or cream that suits your skin type
- A moisturiser
How to
shave properly
The best way to shave depends on which area you’re focusing on. You won’t use the same products to shave your face as you do for your body.
1. Cleanse
Before shaving, it’s crucial to cleanse your skin to remove bacteria that might cause infection if you get any accidental cuts. Using warm water while cleansing not only relaxes your skin but also opens up your pores, which helps minimise ingrown hairs and reduces irritation.
Explore the NIVEA range of face wash products to kick-start your pre-shave routine with a refreshed, clean base.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating before shaving your beard is important because it stops the razor from catching too many dead skin cells, which can clog up the blades and make them less effective. By exfoliating, you help the razor glide more easily and get a closer shave.
The NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Face Scrub is enriched with Aloe Vera and Provitamin B to refine and smooth your skin’s appearance by lifting off dead skin cells. It’s suitable for all skin types, so you can easily add it to your skincare routine to prepare your skin for shaving.
3. Apply shaving cream
Shaving cream helps prevent your skin from getting irritated and also gives you a cleaner shave effect. For the best application, spread the cream, gel or foam in an upward movement. This helps lift your hair so you can shave it off more easily.
NIVEA MEN offers a wide range of shaving creams and gels for normal to sensitive skin.
4. Start shaving
For a close shave, use small strokes and start with your cheeks, working your way down to your neck – which is usually the most sensitive part. It can be a bit tricky around your lips and jawline because of the angles. To make it easier, you can puff your cheeks out to create a flatter surface. Remember to rinse the blade between strokes and shave in the direction your hair grows. This helps avoid irritation and gives a cleaner shave.
Once you’re done, rinse your face with warm water and let it air dry before moving to the next step.
Don’t forget to clean and wipe your razor with a clean cloth and store it in a dry place after each use. This helps prevent bacteria and rust from building up on the blade, which could be risky if you ever cut yourself with it.
5. Apply after-shave
After-shave balm is great for your skin because it helps reduce irritation, razor burn and bumps that can show up after shaving. Ingredients like Vitamin E and Aloe Vera are commonly found in after-shave balms – they help keep your skin healthy and soothe burns and minor skin damage. After-shave also helps clear the pores of bacteria and then seals them again to stop more dirt from getting in.
The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Cool Post Shave Balm instantly relieves your skin from 5 signs of irritation (burning, redness, dryness, tightness, itchiness) and provides long-lasting hydration. Its formula is alcohol-free and infused with Chamomile Extract for a non-greasy, fast-absorbing feel.
6. Apply moisturiser
It’s important to apply moisturiser after shaving your beard. When you shave, not only can hair get caught between the blades, but thin layers of dead skin from the top layer of your skin can also be removed.
This isn’t harmful, but shaving can make your skin more vulnerable to pollutants and bacteria. Applying a moisturiser helps your skin retain hydration and adds a protective barrier.
NIVEA MEN offers a range of moisturisers for different skin types and needs. The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Moisturiser SPF 15 is a great choice if you often experience skin irritation. It’s enriched with soothing Chamomile Extract and skin-strengthening Vitamin E to relieve the five most common signs of skin irritation.
7. Apply SPF (AM)
SPF is a very important part of your daily routine, whatever the weather. After shaving, because dead skin cells are removed, your skin can become even more sensitive to UV rays.
Applying SPF on your face helps give you a level of protection against UV rays.
How do you shave your body?
Moisten your skin: to shave parts of your body, a good first step is to shower with warm water beforehand and exfoliate at the same time. This helps soften your skin and remove dead skin cells.
Apply shaving cream: you should always use shaving cream, not soap, to shave. Soap can have an astringent effect on your skin, drying it out and causing flakiness.
Shave: unlike your face, for most body areas you’ll want to shave against the direction of hair growth.
Rinse with cool water: when you’re preparing your skin to shave, you want your pores to open, but once you’re done, you want them to close again. Rinsing with cool water helps close the pores and prevents bacteria from getting in.
Finish with a moisturiser: applying a moisturiser helps prevent your skin from becoming flaky. The NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion is formulated with NIVEA’s Deep Moisture Serum and sea minerals to protect your skin and provide 48-hour hydration, without leaving a greasy feel.
Choosing the right razor
Choosing the right razor for yourself is important – it depends on your skin type and also the type of shave you want. Broadly, there are five main types of razors, each better suited for different shaving needs:
- Disposable razors:
These razors are usually inexpensive and designed for a limited number of uses. They’re best for quick, on‑the‑go shaving but may not always give the smoothest shave. Disposable razors are generally suitable for people with oily or non-sensitive skin.
- Cartridge razors:
Cartridge razors have replaceable blade cartridges and are the most popular type. They often use multiple blades for a closer shave and are suitable for all skin types. They’re versatile and provide a smooth shave, which makes them a favourite for everyday routines. For shaving neck hair, look for one with a pivoting head, as this helps navigate the contours of your neck more easily.
- Safety razors:
Safety razors have protective metal parts that reduce the risk of cuts. They need a bit more care and cleaning but are an excellent option if you shave regularly. Safety razors work well for people with dry or oily skin who enjoy a more traditional shaving experience.
- Electric razors:
Electric razors generally come in two types: dry and wet. Dry razors are suitable for people with oily skin, while wet razors work well for both oily and dry skin types. They offer convenience and a reasonably close shave and can work well on the neck area too.
- Straight razors:
Straight razors provide the closest shave but need the most skill and care. They are typically used by experienced shavers and professional barbers. Straight razors can work for various skin types but demand precision and a steady hand.
The right choice of razor depends on your skin type, your shaving preferences and your skill level. Overall, it’s important to select one that fits your needs so you can enjoy the best possible shaving experience.
Trimming and
shaping
Make sure your beard hair grows in the same direction: Trim stray hairs and those that are too long according to the beard shape and length that suits your face the most. Keep this in mind especially if you’re growing your beard a bit longer than usual.
Trim your sideburns: remove any hairs that appear on your cheeks above your beard’s natural line.
Define your neckline: use a razor or a very precise beard trimmer to create a clear neckline for your beard.
Neaten up the area around your lips: make sure no hairs fall over your lips. After that, carefully trim around your nostrils as well so the overall look stays neat.
What is
dry shaving?
Dry shaving is a method of shaving that doesn’t use shaving soap, cream, water or any lubricant. It’s usually done with an electric razor and is known for being faster than traditional wet shaving.
Time and convenience: with today’s razor technology, it’s easy to get a quick shave. You simply insert a battery into the electric shaver or take a disposable cartridge razor out of its pack, and you’re ready to go.
No need for water or foam: when your hairs are dry, they’re stiffer, so the razor doesn’t get as close to the skin. This can help prevent ingrown hairs that turn into razor bumps, because the razor doesn’t cut the hair below the skin’s surface.
Skin discomfort: people with sensitive skin should be extra careful with dry shaving. Without any lather to cushion the blade and no water to keep the skin moist, your skin can become sore and irritated as the blade cuts the hair. Those with dry skin may feel even more discomfort because the shave won’t feel smooth from start to finish.
Once you’re done shaving, make sure you clean your razor properly and remove any hair and skin debris. Finish off with a moisturiser.
Mastering the art of
shaving at a glance
Getting a successful shave means taking a bit of time to prepare and to understand your own skin. Whether you’re shaving your face or your body, knowing your skin type really helps. Choosing the right tools and products – from razors and shaving creams to after‑shave balms – can greatly improve your shaving experience.
For a smooth shave, it’s essential to follow a proper routine: cleanse, exfoliate, apply shaving cream and then shave using small, careful strokes. After-shave products and moisturisers play a big role in keeping your skin healthy afterwards.
Dry shaving with an electric razor is convenient but may not always give the closest shave. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and follow best practices to get good results.
In the end, the key to successful shaving is personal care and paying attention to your own needs and preferences.
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