Shave Before or After Shower: Myths & Facts (Must-Know)

One of the looming questions that men usually pose is whether to shave before or after a shower.

To tell the truth, there is a case to be made for both sides.

A lot of men would say that they like doing it before a shower, so they can feel fresh after it.

However, the other side claims that the products that we use to shave will only get washed away if we shower after shaving.

It is a frustrating question but definitely one that deserves a proper answer.

For that reason, we decided to try and answer it once and for all.

In this article, you will be able to find benefits that support both sides, the proper way of shaving, as well as best practices.

With any luck, after finishing this article you will know the answer to the long-posed question about shaving before or after a shower.

Why Shave Before Shower

Shaving is always a vital part of a man’s grooming routine. Whether it is shaving the hair on the face, chest, or legs, many men have to go through this task regularly. It is the reason why most invest in a premium shaving kit, one that can truly help them make the process more convenient.

But the question is, is it better to shave before showering? Some men say that it is. It is great to shave before showering because it helps those with soft hair and open pores. If you shave before showering while also picking the right electric razor or a blade for the process, then you can expect an easier and smoother experience, especially if you think about how helpful this technique is when it comes to opening up your pores and softening even bristly beards.

It is also the quickest and most convenient way of getting a clean mug. The reason is that it does not require too much to make it work. You only need a good lathering shaving cream or soap, as well as a high-quality electric shaver.

What Are The Benefits Of Shaving Before Shower

Guarantees a Quick Shaving Process

If you are in a rush, then you can choose to shave before taking a shower. It is a no-fuss approach to removing excess hair. In most cases, it just involves soaking a washcloth in water, putting it on your face for a few seconds, then starting to shave.

Ideal for Trimming

For trimming purposes, shaving before taking a shower is a better idea than when doing it after. This is especially true if you plan to work on your beard site and keep it as intact as possible. It would be a lot easier for you to trim your beard when it is dry, especially if you also have a professional beard trimmer around.

Less Messy

Another fantastic benefit of shaving excess hair before taking a shower is that it does not create any mess. If comfortably shaving your pubic area, face, neck, chest, legs, or any other part of your body that requires a good shave is your goal, then you can never go wrong by doing it before your shower. It is comfortable since the entire process will be less messy.

The minimal mess can also be attributed to the fact that you will be focusing on your shower afterward, thereby preventing you from finding some strands stuck to different parts of your body. Your post-shave shower will keep you clean.

How Does Shaving Before Shower Work

Shaving before taking a shower works to speed up the process and save your energy and effort since you will not have to spend a lot of time in the preparation and cleanup. With that, it is great if you are in a rush and want to make sure that you will only deal with the least possible mess. It also works any time you need to do a little touch-up or trim on your beard.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Not as time-consuming as when you do the shaving after you shower.
• Promotes ease in trimming.
• Does not leave a lot of mess as you can no longer see any trace of random hair or shaving product, like cream or soap, on any part of your body – The reason is that your post-shower can make your newly shaven skin look completely clean and fresh.
• Ideal for use with electric razors. Note that even a waterproof stubble trimmer may still not work that well when you are showering. You can expect most wet and dry razors and shavers to perform a lot better when your skin and hair are dry.
• Promotes ease in manscaping your facial hair based on your preference. The reason is that it is dry, which contributes to styling it with ease.

Cons

• Prone to skin irritation since you will be doing shaving when your skin is coarse and dry.

Why Should You Shave After Shower

Another option you have when it comes to shaving hair in any part of your body is doing it after showering. This is a better option, especially if you are one of those with excessively dry hair. In that case, doing the shave after your shower makes it possible for you to enjoy fantastic results.

Shaving after your shower is also a sensible idea, especially if you consider how relaxing your skin. It can open up your pores, which also helps in softening your hair follicles’ shaft. With that, you can easily let your straight-edge razor glide smoothly, resulting in a close shave. Shaving after your shower also gives you the chance to use a foil shaver for wet or dry shaving easily and comfortably.

Benefits of Shaving After Showering

Promotes Better Hygiene

One advantage of doing the shave only after you have showered is that it is more hygienic. The reason is that it allows you to have clean skin before the actual shaving process, which is also a good thing if you want to lessen the risk of transferring bacteria to your skin. Note that showering will eliminate all bacteria from your skin, making it as healthy, clean, and smooth as possible afterward.

Clean and Precise Cuts

You can also benefit from shaving after a shower by ensuring that the resulting cuts will be clean and precise. There is a higher chance for you to enjoy this benefit if you are using a straight-edge razor. The reason is that it can cut near your skin, making the results as clean and precise as possible. It could also be because it minimizes the pulling and tugging of the roots.

Promotes Safe and Deep Exfoliation

Taking a warm shower before the actual shave can also result in safe and deep exfoliation. This is good as this process assures you that it can get rid of all excess oils and dead cells from your skin. This can even further result in a close and smooth shave.

How Does It Work

Shaving after a shower seems to work by giving you a more favorable experience every time you do so. Some prefer to do it because it works effectively in softening the hair first. It can unclog the pores in your skin while lessening the bacteria found in the body. It also gives you stable footing and excellent visibility before you do the actual shaving. The result would be a more comfortable experience and a close shave afterward.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Helps in opening up the pores, thereby creating an environment that guarantees an irritation-free, smooth, and clean shave.
• Cleanses and exfoliates your skin.
• Promotes softer hair follicles, ensuring an effortless and smooth shave.
• Lowers the risk of irritation.
• Cleans all bacteria from your skin, making it smooth and healthy.

Cons

• Quite time-consuming and messy.

Should You Shave Before or After Shower

The answer to whether you should shave before or after the shower usually depends on the specific area that requires shaving. The reason is that hair growth is different for each body part, so some techniques may be easier when applied to certain areas.

Shaving Your Head

If you plan to shave your head, then the best recommendation would be to do it while the area is wet and soft. In other words, you should use warm water to wash your head and hair first as it helps in opening up your pores, promoting ease in shaving the hair on your head.

Shaving using a straight-edge razor is also advisable for the head as it can lower the risk of dealing with accidental nicks, cuts, and burns. However, it would be much better to visit a professional barber to do the shaving, especially if you are still unfamiliar with using the straight razor. That way, you are assured of a clean shave.

Pubic Area, Bikini and Legs

Other body parts that require shaving are the legs, bikini, and pubic areas. If you target these areas, then be aware that the recommendation is to avoid shaving them while dry for hygiene purposes. Note that it is more hygienic if you shave your pubic area or the legs during or after showering. The legs, for instance, should not be shaved dry to prevent irritation.

It is also crucial to shave your pubic and bikini area during or after taking your shower as those are sensitive parts prone to irritation. One advantage of shaving those areas once you are done showering is that it promotes ease in managing and disposing of the hair. You may also want to use a scented body wash during your shower to feel even better afterward.

Chest, Armpits and Other Areas

Shaving chest depends on personal preferences, and if you decide to shave that area specifically, you need to know the best time to do it. Just like the armpits, though, it is safe to shave the chest before, during, or after your shower. You have to make sure that you undertake the proper steps. Most, however, recommend doing it after showering. The final decision, though, will still be yours after assessing not only your preferences but also your skin and hair type.

Types of Razors

Note that the type of razor you use when shaving greatly depends on when you will be doing the actual process. You need to find out the best razors that you can use before and after showering to get the results you want.

Razors to Use Before Showering

If you decide to shave before showering, then the dry electric shaver is the best tool you can use. This is the only suitable shaver if you have not prepared your skin yet with either a shower or a pre-shave treatment. A pre-shave lotion makes your hair softer and easier to shave, but if you haven’t used one because you haven’t showered yet, then the dry electric shaver is your best bet. It is because there is a low chance for dry hair follicles to clog your electric shaver. It can also guarantee comfortable and convenient results.

Razors to Use After Showering

If you plan to shave after you have taken your shower, then you have more options when it comes to razors – among which are the following:

• Safety razor
• Straight-edge razor
• Disposable razor
• Cartridge razor
• Shavette

You may also use a few electric shavers available in the market but make sure that they are designed so that you can use them for wet shaving.

Substitutes to Shower When Shaving

Most prefer to do the shaving of excess hair after they take a shower because it is proven effective in softening the hair follicles and the skin. However, note that a shower is not the only solution to keeping the area soft and more receptive to shaving. You can also use substitutes, including the following:

Hot Towel Method

One alternative to a shower before you shave is the hot towel method. A lot of professional barbers use this classic approach. It involves putting a damp and hot towel on the face and leaving it there for around one minute before shaving. This method does not only make you feel good but can also make your hair and skin softer and more pliable. If you want to do this method at home, then the most convenient solution is to invest in the world’s best towel warmer so you can immediately get the damp and hot towel that you can use on your face.

Splashing Hot Water

Another simple alternative is to splash hot water to the area that requires shaving. This solution works if you have no washcloth or hand towel around. The water should be as hot as you can handle. Let it stay there for around a minute. It can provide comfort in the area, especially if you intend to shave your facial hair.

Ancillary Products

You may also want to seek the help of a couple of ancillary products designed to help with the shaving, even if you did not take a shower yet. You can use these products as additional items you can use in preparing your skin before shaving. One such product is the pre-shave oil, which can provide you with a more comfortable shave even if you do not shower beforehand.

How to Shave Before Shower

Step 1 – Prepare a washcloth and wet it in warm water

Scrub your hair, whiskers, or any other area you intend to shave with soap. This is a big help in cleaning the area and getting rid of natural oils. Rinse afterward.

Step 2 – Rinse the washcloth you used earlier

Make sure that all the remaining soap is removed. Put the washcloth under hot, running water, then squeeze any excess. Lay it on the area you plan to shave. Do it until your skin and hair become fully hydrated. When that happens, it would be easier for you to shave the area.

Step 3 – Shave using the right tools

The most recommended one is the dry electric shaver. After shaving, you can take a shower as you normally do.

How to Shave After Shower

Step 1 – Shower as you normally do

Make sure that you use warm water, though, as it is more effective in softening your hair and skin and preparing the area for shaving. Just let hot water rain on the hair and skin.

Step 2 – Act fast

Note that you can already prepare your skin for cleansing and shaving while it is still under running water. Your goal here is to shave at the right time since the more you wait out in the cold, the higher the risk of pores closing up.

Step 3 – Start shaving

Do this once you feel like your pores have already opened up. You can use any of the razors ideal for wet shaving as the area is already fully prepared for that.

Step 4 – Clean up

Make sure to wash your face or any other shaved area, even if you have already finished your shower. This is necessary for removing even the tiniest amount of shaving product that may seep through small cuts and cause problems to your skin’s health.

Do’s and Don’ts When Shaving Before Taking a Shower

• Use a warm and wet towel or washcloth. Put it on the area that requires shaving so you can prepare it by opening up its pores and softening the hair.
• Clean and/or exfoliate. If possible, put on a facial wash, exfoliating product, or cleanser after you shave and shower to maximize the effects.
• Use a pre-shave oil – This product also helps prepare your skin and hair for the shaving process, thereby increasing the chance of a closer and smoother shave afterward.
• Do not forget to use a quality aftershave or moisturizer. This is necessary for soothing irritation and getting rid of dryness that may result from shaving.
• Do not use a dull razor. Ensure that your electric razor is clean and sharp. If you are using a disposable one, make sure to dispose of it or its head once it gets dull. Note that the razor’s sharpness is crucial in ensuring that the shaving will give you the result you want.

Do’s and Don’ts When Shaving After Taking a Shower

• Use the appropriate water temperature. It should be warm enough so it can open up your pores and soften your skin. However, it should not be scalding as it may only produce unwanted results on your skin, like dryness and flaking.
• Apply pre-shave products. A few examples are pre-shave cream and lotion. These products help add moisture to your hair and prevent irritation and micro-abrasions.
• Moisturize. Make sure that you rinse the area thoroughly to get rid of all hair clippings. Moisturize it, too. It allows your skin to recover from the process.
• Do not spend too much time in the shower before shaving. Note that spending an extremely long time in the shower before you actually shave may expose your hair and skin to excessive heat. This may result in your skin and hair becoming excessively dry, sensitive, and soft.

FAQ

Does showering work in preventing razor bumps?

Unfortunately, a shower does not significantly contribute to the prevention of razor bumps. This problem, which is also referred to as ingrown hair, usually happens when the hair is cut too close or a bit beneath the skin surface. This painful problem often affects men who have curly and dense facial hair.

If you have razor bumps, then you can combine showering with the use of a better razor. Avoid using a multi-blade cartridge razor as much as possible as it often has a lift-and-cut system, which can result in a closer cut that increases your risk of dealing with razor bumps. Pick a cartridge razor with a lower number of blades instead.

Does showering help in reducing razor burns?

When it comes to lowering your risk of developing razor burns, showering can be extremely helpful. However, you also need to pair it up with other solutions. It is also necessary to consider the sharpness of the blade, your shaving technique, and the shaving cream you use to prevent razor burns and ensure that you attain a more comfortable shave.

Which one is better for shaving – hot or cold water?

Finding an answer to this is quite tricky. Hot water is a big help in opening pores and keeping the hair as soft as possible. This effect can help in your attempt to get a safe and close shave. However, cold water is also beneficial when shaving as it tightens your skin, thereby forming a better surface for the process. It would be much better if you use hot water during the preparation for shaving and cold water during the actual shaving process.

Can you shave in the bath?

While women can shave in the bath, it does not work well for men. One reason is that it may be difficult to fit their body into the tub. In such a case, it is advisable to find the correct tub posture to ensure that you fit even the more awkward body parts. The problem is that you may also have a hard time stabilizing yourself whenever you shave.

Which is better – shaving in the morning or at night?

The answer to this actually depends on what you think can benefit you the most. Note, however, that morning and an evening shave have their individual benefits. A morning shave would be better for facial hair that is thick and tends to grow fast. The reason is that it can prevent you from having the 5 o’clock shadow that may grow on your face overnight. Shaving in the morning will also let you follow a precisely timed routine early during the day.

The evening shave is also beneficial. One reason is that it provides you with more time for shaving, leading to a cleaner and better result. It frees you from getting pressured by a schedule, which gives you the chance to focus and pay attention to detail. Moreover, it gives your freshly shaven skin enough time to restore and rest, so you can rest assured that you will wake up with a lower risk of redness and irritation.