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, irritation‑free shave isn’t just another daily task – it’s a key part of feeling fresh and well‑groomed. Shaving might look simple, but it actually takes the right technique, a bit of care, and the right products. Using the correct shaving technique matters for a few important reasons:
- Helping you get a close, comfortable shave so your skin feels smooth and irritation‑free.
- Preventing common shaving issues such as razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks or cuts.
- Reducing the risk of post‑shave discomfort and helping to maintain your skin’s overall health and appearance.
When you really get the hang of shaving, it can upgrade your grooming routine, boost your confidence, and give you a polished, well‑groomed look every day. This handy guide walks you through everything you need to know about shaving – from pre‑shave preparation tailored to your skin type, to how to use your razor properly. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shaving for years and want to refine your technique, this guide will help you get 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 prep your skin by wetting it first. 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 help you get a smoother shave. Then shave in the same direction that your hair grows and rinse the razor after each stroke to help avoid irritation and razor rash.
Normal skin: usually the easiest skin type to shave
Oily skin: more prone to clogged pores, which can lead to irritation and an uneven shave
Dry skin: can be more easily irritated and very sensitive to friction
Combination skin: often drier 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 specially 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 (for dry to sensitive skin, try not to use razors with more than 3 blades, as they could intensify 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 the area you’re focusing on. You won’t use the same shaving products on your face as you do on your body, so it helps to tailor your routine a bit.
1. Cleanse
Before you shave, it’s crucial to cleanse your skin to remove bacteria that could cause infection if you get any small cuts. Using warm water while you cleanse not only relaxes your skin but also opens up your pores, which helps minimise ingrown hairs and reduce 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 you shave your beard is important, because it stops the razor from picking up too many dead skin cells, which can clog the blades and make them less effective. Regular exfoliation helps you get a closer, smoother 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 away 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 helps you achieve a clean‑shave look. For the best application, spread the cream, gel or foam using upward movements. This helps lift the hair so it’s easier to shave off.
NIVEA MEN offers a wide range of shaving creams and gels for normal to sensitive skin.
4. Start shaving
For a close shave, use short strokes and start with your cheeks, working your way down to your neck – which is usually the most sensitive area. It can be trickier 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 finish.
Once you’re done, rinse your face with warm water and let it 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 place after each use. This helps prevent bacteria and rust from building up on the blade, which could be risky if you accidentally cut yourself.
5. Apply after-shave
After‑shave balm is great for your skin because it helps reduce irritation, razor burn and bumps that can appear after shaving. Ingredients like Vitamin E and Aloe Vera are commonly found in after‑shave balms; they help keep your skin healthy and soothe burning or shaving‑related damage. After‑shave also helps clear the pores of bacteria and then lightly “seals” them again to stop more dirt from getting in.
The NIVEA MEN Sensitive Cool Post Shave Balm instantly relieves the 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, hair gets caught between the blades, and so can very thin layers of dead skin from the surface of your skin.
This isn’t harmful, but shaving can leave your skin more exposed to pollutants and bacteria. Applying moisturiser helps your skin hold onto 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 an ideal choice if you experience skin irritation. It’s enriched with soothing Chamomile Extract and skin‑strengthening Vitamin E to help relieve the five most common signs of skin irritation.
7. Apply SPF (AM)
SPF is a really important part of your daily routine, no matter the weather. After shaving, the removal of dead skin cells can make your skin even more sensitive to UV rays.
Applying SPF on your face helps give your skin protection against UV rays and keeps your shaving routine skin‑friendly.
How do you shave your body?
Humidify your skin: when you want to shave parts of your body, a good first step is to shower with warm water first and exfoliate at the same time. This helps soften your skin and remove dead skin cells.
Apply shaving cream: always use shaving cream rather than soap to shave. Soap can have an astringent effect on your skin, drying it out and causing flakiness.
Shave: unlike your face, you generally want to shave against the direction of hair growth on your body for a closer result.
Rinse with cool water: when you prep 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 your pores to close back up and can prevent bacteria from getting in.
Finish with a moisturiser: applying moisturiser helps prevent your skin from becoming flaky. NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion is formulated with NIVEA's Deep Moisture Serum and sea minerals to protect the skin and provide 48‑hour hydration, without leaving a greasy look or feel.
Choosing the right razor
Choosing the right razor for you is important – it depends on your skin type, but also on the kind of shave you want. When you’re choosing, keep in mind that there are five main types of razors, each best suited to different shaving needs:
- Disposable razors:
These razors are usually inexpensive and designed for a limited number of uses. They’re great for quick, on‑the‑go shaving but might not always give the smoothest shave. Disposable razors tend to work best for people with oily or non‑sensitive skin.
- Cartridge razors:
Cartridge razors have replaceable blade cartridges and are the most common type of razor. They usually have multiple blades for a closer shave and are suitable for all skin types. They’re versatile and offer a smooth shave, which is why many people prefer them for everyday routines. For shaving neck hair, look for a cartridge razor with a pivoting head – this makes it easier to follow the contours of your neck.
- Safety razors:
Safety razors have protective metal parts that help reduce the risk of cuts. They do need more care and cleaning, but they’re 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 come in two main types: dry and wet. Dry electric razors are suitable for people with oily skin, while wet electric razors usually work well for both oily and dry skin types. They’re convenient, offer a reasonably close shave, and can work particularly well around the neck area.
- Straight razors:
Straight razors provide one of the closest shaves, but they also require the most skill and care. They’re typically used by experienced shavers and professional barbers. Straight razors can work for various skin types but demand precision, patience, and a steady hand.
The razor you choose should fit your skin type, your shaving preferences, and your confidence level with different tools. In the end, it’s all about picking the razor that matches your needs so you can enjoy the best possible shaving experience.
Trimming and
shaping
Make sure your beard hair is trimmed in the same direction: Trim stray hairs and any that are too long based on the beard shape and length that suits your face best. 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, clean neckline for your beard.
Neaten up the area around your lips: make sure no hairs grow over your lips. Afterwards, take a moment to carefully trim around your nostrils as well for a sharp, clean finish.
What Is
dry shaving?
Dry shaving is a way of shaving that doesn’t involve shaving soap, cream, water or any other type of lubricant. It’s usually done with an electric razor and is known for being quicker than traditional wet shaving.
Time and convenience: modern razor technology makes it easy to enjoy a quick shave. You simply pop a battery into your electric shaver or take a disposable cartridge razor out of its packaging 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 glide as close to your skin. This can help prevent ingrown hairs that turn into razor bumps, because the razor is less likely to cut the hair below the surface of your skin.
Skin discomfort: If you have sensitive skin, you should be careful with dry shaving. Without any lather to cushion the blade and no water to keep your skin moist, your skin can feel sore and irritated as the blade cuts the hair. If you already have dry skin, dry shaving may feel even more uncomfortable, because the razor doesn’t glide smoothly during the whole shave.
Once you’re done shaving, make sure to clean your razor thoroughly so there’s no hair or skin debris left on it. Then finish off with a moisturiser to keep your skin comfortable.
Mastering the art of
Shaving at a Glance
For a smooth shave, it helps to follow a simple routine: cleanse, exfoliate, apply shaving cream, and then shave using small, controlled strokes. After‑shave and moisturiser are key to keeping your skin healthy and comfortable afterwards.
Dry shaving with an electric razor is convenient and quick, but it might not give you the closest shave. It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons and following best‑practice tips if you choose this method.
At the end of the day, the key to successful shaving is personal care and paying attention to what works best for your skin and your preferences.
