clean shaved man

How to Shave Your Face: Tips for a Smooth, Close Shave in a 7-Step Routine

Discover the steps to shaving properly to achieve a clean, close shave with less irritation.

What's in this article?

a man touching his face

Why is it important to learn how to properly shave your face?

For men, achieving a smooth, comfortable shave is not just a daily routine; it's a crucial part of personal grooming. Shaving, though seemingly straightforward, demands technique, care, and the right products. Using the correct shaving technique is important for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Achieving a close and comfortable shave, leaving skin feeling smooth 
  • Helping to reduce the appearance of common shaving irritation issues 
  • Helping to minimize the risk of post-shave discomfort and supporting healthy-looking skin. 

Ultimately, mastering the art of shaving can enhance a grooming routine, boost confidence, and contribute to a polished and well-groomed look. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need for your shaving routine, from pre-shave preparation to the art of using the razor correctly. Whether you're a novice or an experienced shaver seeking to refine their technique, this guide will aid in achieving a confident and comfortable shave, while keeping skin looking healthy.

How to shave a beard with a razor

When shaving, it is important to prepare the skin by wetting it. This will help to soften your facial hair. Applying a cream or gel on the desired shaving area will also help to reduce friction and ensure a smoother shave. When clean shaving your beard, be sure to shave in the same direction that your hair grows and rinse the razor after each stroke to help discourage post-shave irritation. 

Pre-shave preparation

A proper shaving routine begins before you even pick up a razor. Preparing your skin for shaving with a pre-shave skincare routine is the first step toward a successful, clean shave. Let’s look at some of the key steps you’ll want to take for your pre-shave prep.  

young man shaving

Before You Shave - Understanding Your Skin

There are 5 common skin types, each with their own unique considerations when it comes to shaving. Which of the five skin types below sound like yours?: 

  • Normal skin: usually the easiest skin to shave 
  • Oily skin: subject to clogged pores which can lead to shave irritation and an uneven shave 
  • Dry skin: can be subject to shave irritation and sensitive to friction 
  • Combination skin: features a combination of dry and oily skin on different parts of the face. Typically, those with combination skin experience oiliness in the T-Zone (the T-shaped area from your forehead down your nose to your chin), and dryness on the rest of the face. 
  • Sensitive skin: can react negatively to certain ingredients. For those with sensitive skin, it’s ideal to use hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested products specifically recommended for sensitive skin.  

Gathering the Right Shaving Tools

Once you’ve identified your skin type, you’ll want to select the proper tools and products to support your skin’s needs while shaving. You will need:  

  • A good quality razor (for dry to sensitive skin, don’t use razors with more than 3 blades, which could encourage dryness or over-exfoliate the skin) 
  • A shaving cream that suits your skin type  
  • An aftershave balm or lotion that suits your skin type 
  • A facial moisturizer 
young man using Nivea Men Sensitive After Shave Balm

How to Shave Your Face Properly

You’ve learned about your skin type, the importance of a pre-shave skincare routine, and the proper materials you’ll need to shave. Now it’s time to put it into practice. Here is a 7-step shaving routine from start to finish. 

man using Nivea Men Sensitive Pro Menalist Face and Beard Wash

7-step beard shaving routine

1. Cleanse 

Before shaving, it's crucial to cleanse the skin to remove any dirt or excess oil and to soften your facial hair follicles. Using warm water during cleansing not only relaxes your skin but also opens up your pores, helping to reduce your chances of post-shave irritation.  

Explore NIVEA’s range of face wash products to kickstart your pre-shave routine for a refreshed and clean canvas. 
 
NIVEA Men Face Washes
2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating before shaving your beard helps to ensure a close shave by helping to buff away dead skin cells that might otherwise get caught in the razor and clog up the blades, making it ineffective. When approaching how to shave your beard neckline area, be sure to cleanse and exfoliate this area of your face and neck as well. Anywhere you plan to use your razor, a gentle exfoliation will help prepare the skin for a smoother shave.

NIVEA Maximum Hydration Deep Cleansing Face Scrub is enriched with Aloe Vera and Provitamin B5 to unclog pores and clear away dirt and impurities. Adapted to different skin types, you can easily introduce it into your skincare routine to prepare your skin for shaving.
young man applying Nivea shaving cream
3. Apply shaving cream, foam or gel 

Shaving cream, foam, or gel can help to prevent your skin from getting irritated from shaving and can help you to get a smooth, clean shave. For the best possible application, spread the product in an upward movement. This will help to lift your hair up to shave it off more easily. 

NIVEA MEN offers a range of shaving foam and gels, for normal to sensitive skin.  
Discover NIVEA MEN Shaving Gels

4. Shave 

For a close shave, use small strokes and begin with your cheeks, working your way down to your neck - which is the most sensitive part. When approaching how to shave off a neck beard, be sure to continue to use small strokes and go carefully. 

It may be trickier around your lips and jawline because of the angle. To make it easier, you can puff your cheeks out to make the surface more accessible. 

Remember to rinse the blade in between the strokes and to shave in the direction your hair grows. This will help to avoid irritation from shaving and achieve a cleaner shave. 

Once done, rinse your face off with warm water and allow it to air dry before moving on to the next step. 

Don’t forget to clean and wipe your razor with a clean cloth and store it in a dry area after each use. Doing this will help prevent bacteria and rust from sticking to the blade, which could be a risk if you ever cut yourself with it.  

 

5. Apply aftershave 

Aftershave balm, post shave balm or lotion is beneficial to your skin since it helps soothe irritation that can appear from shaving. Ingredients like Chamomile extract, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera are commonly found in aftershave balms, which help soothe shave irritation and help protect the skin from drying out. 

NIVEA Sensitive Cool Cooling Post-Shave Balm fights the 5 signs of irritation (dryness, tightness, stubble itch, burning, and micro-cuts) and provides long-lasting hydration. Its formula is alcohol-free, infused with Chamomile Extract, and has a non-greasy feel and fast-absorbing action. 

Nivea Men Sensitive Pro Ultra Calming After Shave Balm
6. Apply moisturizer  

It is important to apply moisturizer after shaving. When shaving, not only can hair get caught between the razor blades, but so can thin layers of dead skin from the top layer of your skin. Applying moisturizer will help to retain hydration in your skin. 

NIVEA MEN offers a range of moisturizers for different skin types and needs. The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. It’s enriched with soothing Chamomile and Vitamin E for resilient, healthy-looking skin.  
NIVEA MEN Facial Moisturizers
7. Apply SPF (AM) 

SPF is very important in your daily routine, whatever the circumstances. After shaving, apply SPF on your face to help protect skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Take proper sun protection measures, reapply sunscreen frequently and use as directed.  

Choosing the Right Razor to Shave Your Face

Choosing the right razor for you is important, depending on your skin type, but also the type of shave that you want. When it comes to choosing a razor, there are five primary types of razors, each best suited for different shaving needs: 

  • Disposable Razors: These razors are usually inexpensive and designed for a limited number of uses. They are best for quick, on-the-go shaving but may not provide the smoothest shave. Disposable razors are more suitable for individuals with oily or non-sensitive skin. 

  • Cartridge Razors: Cartridge razors have replaceable blade cartridges and are the most popular type. They often utilize multiple blades for a closer shave and are suitable for all skin types. They are versatile and provide a smooth shave, making them a preferred choice for everyday routines. For shaving neck hair, look for one with a pivoting head as this will help in navigating the contours of the neck. 

  • Safety Razors: Safety razors have protective metal pieces that reduce the risk of cuts. They require more care and cleaning but are an excellent option for regular shavers. Safety razors work well for individuals with dry or oily skin, who want a traditional shaving experience. 

  • Electric Razors: Electric razors come in two types: dry and wet. Dry electric razors are suitable for individuals with oily skin, while wet electric 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. 

  • Straight Razors: Straight razors provide the closest shave but require 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 choice of razor depends on your skin type, shaving preferences, and skill level. All things considered, it's essential to select the one that aligns with your needs for the best shaving experience. 

How to trim a beard

You’ve learned how to shave your beard and give your face a full clean shave, but what if you’d like to keep your beard and just want to neaten it up and trim it? Here are some tips for how to trim and shape your beard. 
young man applying Nivea shaving foam on his face

Trimming and Shaping Your Beard

  • Find the shape of your beard: Find a style and length of your beard that you feel most confident in. You may like to keep your beard trimmed short, or you may opt to grow it out and maintain a longer beard, especially during the winter months. Whether you sport a short goatee or a longer full beard, don’t forget your skin underneath and be sure to properly cleanse and moisturize for your skin type.  

  • Make sure your beard hair is trimmed in the same direction: Cut the stray hairs and the ones that are too long based on the beard shape and length that suits your face the most. This is particularly important if you’re experimenting with growing your beard longer than you’re used to. 

  • Trim your sideburns: carefully shave any hairs that show up 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 and nose: ensure that no hairs go over your lips. Afterwards, be precise when trimming your nostrils as well. 

Dry Shaving Your Face

What Is Dry Shaving?

Dry shaving is a method of shaving that doesn't involve using shaving soap, cream, water, or any lubricant. Typically done with an electric razor, dry shaving is known for its speed and convenience compared to traditional wet shaving.
young man with blue eyes

Advantages of Dry Shaving

  • Time and convenience: Today's razor technology has made it easy for men to enjoy a speedy shave. You simply need to insert a battery into the electric shaver or remove a disposable cartridge razor from its packaging, and you're ready to start shaving. 

  • No need for water or foam: When your facial hair is dry, it's stiff, so the razor doesn't touch your skin very closely. This can help avoid shave irritation because the razor doesn't cut the hair beneath your skin.

Disadvantages of Dry Shaving

  • Not very effective: Dry shaving is unlikely to provide you with a close and smooth shave. In fact, when your dry shave, you might find that you need to shave more often because your hair may start showing again by the end of the day. 

  • Skin discomfort: People with sensitive skin should be cautious about dry shaving. Without any lather to cushion the blade and no water to keep the skin moist, it can become irritated as the blade cuts the hair. Those with dry skin may feel even more discomfort because it won't feel smooth during the entire shaving process. 

To get the best results while dry shaving:

Avoid shaving as soon as you wake up which could make it harder to get a close shave. Then, wash your skin first to soften the hair and start to shave slowly using gentle strokes.  

Once you are done shaving, make sure to keep your razor clean and dry. Then finish with a post have balm and / or a moisturizer.

Mastering How to Shave Your Face - A Summary

Achieving a successful shave involves careful preparation and consideration of your individual needs. When shaving your face, understanding skin type is crucial. Choosing the right tools and products, such as razors, shaving cream, and after-shave balm, can greatly enhance your shaving experience. 

For a smooth shave, it's essential to follow a proper routine, including cleansing, exfoliating, applying shaving cream, and using small, careful strokes while shaving. Aftershave and moisturizer play a significant role in promoting the appearance of healthy-looking skin. 

Dry shaving with an electric razor offers convenience but may not provide the closest shave. It's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and follow best practices for optimal results. 

Remember, the key to successful shaving is personal care and attention to your unique needs and preferences.  

FAQs

Q1: Is it necessary to use shaving cream or gel, or can I shave without them?

A1: Using shaving cream or gel is highly recommended because they help lubricate the skin and hair, making the shaving process smoother while reducing the risk of shaving irritation and micro cuts. 

Q2: How often should I change razor blades?

A2: It's recommended to change razor blades regularly, typically after 5-10 uses, depending on the blade's quality and your hair type. Dull blades can lead to shave irritation. 

Q3: Can I shave against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave?

A3: While shaving against the grain can provide a closer shave, it also increases the risk of shave irritation. It's best to shave in the direction of hair growth, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Q4: How can I prevent shaving irritation?

A4: To help prevent shaving irritation, ensure your skin is well-prepared, cleanse with warm water, exfoliate, use a quality shaving cream or gel, and maintain a proper shaving technique. Applying a post shave balm can also help soothe and moisturize the skin. 

Q5: Are there specific shaving products for sensitive skin?

A5: Yes, NIVEA offers shaving products designed for sensitive skin. NIVEA MEN Sensitive products are typically enriched with Vitamin E, and Chamomile extract to help soothe skin.

Q6: Is it fine to shave dry?

A6: Dry shaving is not ideal since all the disadvantages of shaving are even more prominent, such as shave irritation. Dry shaving is ok on a very occasional basis, but you should not use this method regularly for the sake of your skin. 

Q7: How do I shave my moustache?

A7: When shaving your moustache, use small strokes downward and rinse your blade in between strokes. You can puff your cheeks and mouth area to make it easier to isolate the hair you want to shave around your lips, nose, and cheeks. 

Q8: How to shave for the first time?

A8: Prepare your skin by cleansing using warm water, apply some shaving gel on the areas of your face you want to shave. You can then use short and slow strokes, top to down. Remember to not press too hard but press just enough to let the blade catch the hair.  

Q9: Should I shave before or after a shower?

A9: Shaving after the shower is best since it enables the skin to get softer and pores to open, which is more ideal for sensitive skin. If you have dry skin and shave before showering, it could lead to further shaving irritation.  

NIVEA MEN Shaving products

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:
1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
2. Improve the appearance of the skin
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin

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