How to Shave

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Updated: July 14, 2019 | References


Part One of Five:
Choosing a Razor

  1. 1
    Choose disposable razors for convenience and price. While the skin is protected from all but the sharp edge of the blade, it's still important to use these carefully; nicks and cuts are common mistakes made by even the most experienced of men.
  2. 2
    • Multi-blade razors are touted as more durable than disposable razors, although this is sometimes disputed. Multi-blade manufacturers say that their blades last up to a month and a half[2], although many only get about two weeks worth of shaving out of their blades.[3]
    • If you're concerned about price, multi-blades may not be the best bet for you. Packages of multi-blade refills can regularly put the customer back $25-$50. If affordability is your goal, stick with disposable razors.
  3. 3
    Choose double-edged blades for closeness and economy. These blades are currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity amongst men.[4] Even though multi-blade razors are technically safety razors, this is what people usually refer to when they say "safety razor." Razors with a single-edged blade are very outdated, and rare.
    • Purchase the handle separately. These can be found anywhere from $10-$1000 for more fancier handles. Usually, the handle will be the more significant investment, as the blades themselves are relatively cheap.
  4. 4
    Choose an electric shaver for dry shaving. Most electric shavers are designed to be used on dry skin. They do not produce as close a shave as a safety razor would do.[5] The advantage of an electric razor is that; you don't need to fill up the bathroom sink with water, or use shaving foam.
    • They may not be cheaper than safety razors over time, because the heads do wear out and can be as expensive as safety razor cartridges to replace.
    • Some electric shavers can be used with water or lather; these will be cordless, conspicuously marked, and expensive.
  5. 5
    Choose a straight razor for elegance and precision. These have fallen out of favour since the emergence of the safety razor from the 1900s onwards, and the invention of electric shavers; because they require considerable skill to use.
    • Straight razors are probably the sharpest razor out there. (They also have more heft than your average safety razor.) Shaving with straight razors will probably leave you with more cuts than your average shave with a safety razor, if you're inexperienced. In the hands of an experienced barber, straight razors offer the closest shave.

Part Two of Five:
The Pre-Shave Routine

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

Part Three of Five:
Wet Shaving with a Razor

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Part Four of Five:
Dry-Shaving with an Electric Shaver

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Part Five of Five:
The Post-Shave Routine

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    I have acne. How can I shave without hurting myself?
    Community Answer
    • If they are tiny, miniscule bumps, you should be fine shaving over them as long as you are careful. If they are the large and painful kind, you might want to shave around them and go back over them carefully later on.
    Thanks! 20 2
  • Question
    Should I use cold water on my face when I'm done shaving?
    Community Answer
    • It depends how your face feels after you shave. I use warm water in winter, cool in the summer.
    Thanks! 6 1
  • Question
    How can I keep myself from getting a cut?
    Community Answer
    • Go in with small gentle strokes. If you make it too quick, you might nick yourself. Also, do not use an old dull razor, change blades often.
    Thanks! 38 11
  • Question
    How do you stop bleeding from a shaving cut?
    Community Answer
    • Apply pressure or stick a piece of tissue to it, or apply a stiptic pencil to the cut.
    Thanks! 19 4
  • Question
    What is the right age to start shaving?
    Community Answer
    • It mostly depends on your puberty experience and your parents' rules. Some people like to start shaving as soon as they begin growing body hair, but there are parents who aren't comfortable with letting younger children (like 11-12) use razors, especially girls. However, in general, you can start shaving as soon as you have body hair to shave.
    Thanks! 15 3
  • Question
    When should men first start shaving?
    Top Answerer
    • Whenever they feel their hair needs to be trimmed down. It's different for everyone.
    Thanks! 55 20
  • Question
    I want to start shaving but every time I mention a razor, my parents think I'm self harming. How do I ask them to let me if they don't trust me enough?
    Community Answer
    • Tell them why your reason is and get your mom to help you the first time so she knows you know how to do it. If your parents still don't let you, wait a little bit longer until you ask them again.
    Thanks! 19 5
  • Question
    If I shave when my hair has just grown in a little, would it grow back faster?
    Community Answer
    • No. Shaving won't make your hair grow faster. It is a popular misconception. The new stubble just makes it feel that way.
    Thanks! 5 0
  • Question
    Can I use shampoo with Gillette Guard?
    Community Answer
    • Yes, but make sure to clean it every couple of swipes, otherwise it will get clogged and won't give you a close cut.
    Thanks! 14 4
  • Question
    Can I use a facemask straight after shaving?
    Community Answer
    • No, as your skin will be raw after you shave and it will need time to settle before you can use a face mask without irritating it.
    Thanks! 11 3
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  • Don't press down hard or it will hurt!
    3 Helpful?  0
    2 Helpful?  0
    2 Helpful?  0
  • Don't be afraid to ask your parents for a razor and shaving cream! They will understand as they ,too, have been through it as well.
    1 Helpful?  0
  • To shave the neck, it is best to pull the skin down as much as possible so it is super tight, and hair starts to stick out. Do not press the razor too much on the skin, but rather gently touch it, more like "grabbing" the pieces of hair with the razor blade. Do not shave too much in one spot, but rather do gentle strokes, usually after 2-3 times in one spot would be more than enough.
    1 Helpful?  0
    1 Helpful?  0
  • Make sure you mix foam with plenty of warm water (as long as, of course, the foam doesn't roll off); otherwise, the dry foam serves as a "brake" to the razor and doesn't soften the hair nearly as much as you'd like.
    1 Helpful?  0
  • Choose triple-blade razors. Four-blade razors seriously impact precision for the difficult areas such as below the nostrils.
    1 Helpful?  0
    1 Helpful?  1
  • When shaving with the razor, don't shave sideways.
    1 Helpful?  1
  • Multi-blade razors irritate skin more than single blade because the first blades pull the hairs instead of cutting.
    1 Helpful?  1
  • If you're still young, ask your parents for help.
    0 Helpful?  1


    278 Helpful?  39
    218 Helpful?  51

Things You'll Need

  • A good razor
  • A shaving brush (possibly)
  • A good moisturizing shaving cream
  • A non-alcohol based aftershave balm/moisturizer
  • A well-lit bathroom mirror
  • A clean towel and face cloth
  • Plenty of fresh blades
  • An exfoliating face wash, depending on skin condition

About This Article

Co-Authored By:
wikiHow Staff Editor
11 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 90
Updated: July 14, 2019
Views: 1,776,762
Categories: Shaving
Article Summary

For the best wet shave, use a basic multi-blade razor. Wash the area with cleanser and warm water, then apply shaving cream and let it soften the hair for 1 to 2 minutes. When you're ready to shave, hold the razor with your dominant hand and gently drag it over your skin so that you're shaving with the grain. If you need a closer shave, you can then shave against the grain for the remaining passes. When you're finished, rinse with cold water and apply a moisturizer to soothe your skin!

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