Shaving is part of the typical morning routine of so many men that it’s easy to dismiss it as a mindless chore. And at first glance, it is. You just need to remove some unwanted hair and go on with your day.
It’s usually not until you get pimples or stubble rash that you start re-evaluating your shaving rituals. One of the main ones is the timing of your shave.
For many men, getting ready needs to be a quick process. You want to be done with the bathroom quickly, so on most days your morning shower and shave are closely connected.
So, what changes should you introduce to your shaving habits? Should you shave before or after showering? What are the pros and cons of each option?
We’ve assembled a quick guide here to help you figure out what works best for you. Read on to find out which changes you can make to ensure a smooth shave, either before or after showering.
Shaving Before a Shower
For a lot of guys out there, shaving before showering makes perfect sense. You get rid of the stubble and then you jump in the shower to remove any stray hairs on your body.
An important element is missing from this picture, though. Soft hair and open pores promote a good shave that won’t irritate your skin.
Dry hair is stiff and more difficult for your razor to cut. It needs to be significantly suppler if you want a smooth shave.
If your pores are clogged with oil and dirt, your razor will just spread them and damage the skin. This results in rashes that make future shaves even more complicated.
So if you’re shaving before your shower, you need to follow a simple two-step procedure beforehand:
- Wash your face to remove any dirt build-up. This will help prevent irritation.
- Apply a washcloth soaked in warm water to your face for about 3 minutes. This will raise the hair, making it easier for the razor to reach. The stubble will also be much softer, ensuring smooth strokes.
After this, you can shave as you would normally and then proceed with your shower without worry.
Go Electric
It’s important to note that all this applies to shaving with razor blades. But you might be wondering if you should go for an electric shaver before or after showering.
If you want to avoid the hassle of softening your facial hair before shaving, an electric shaver is your best option. Most of these work best on dry hair, so you shouldn’t use them right after a shower.
If you really want to step up your shaving game, however, you can invest in an electric razor that works with both dry and wet stubble. The Braun Series 7 7865cc is an excellent choice that is designed to minimize skin irritation while still giving you a very close shave.
Shaving After a Shower
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to prep your skin for shaving if you’re doing it after a shower. The warm shower water will do a fine job of cleaning your skin, softening your hair, and opening your pores. This is why we think post-shower shaving is the way to go!
It’s simple to do really. As soon as you’re out of the shower, go to your sink and shave. Don’t wait too long because you need to take advantage of the softness of your skin and hair.
You should obviously keep track of your shaving, which is why you might consider getting a fogless mirror. Remember, you’re in a time crunch after your shower, so waiting for the mist to clear is not advised.
There’s nothing preventing you from shaving while in the shower, either. The convenience of hair going straight down the drain is great, plus running water can ensure smooth strokes.
Other Things to Consider
Deciding on whether you should shave before or after showering is only part of the job. If you want healthy skin without irritations, you need to introduce some changes to your routine. Here are a few things you might want to incorporate into your shaving process for optimal results.
Find a Good Razor
Do some digging and figure out what’s best for you. Try to avoid multi-blade razors, as they scrape the skin and increase the chance of ingrown hairs. Instead, go for a safety razor, or make the switch to electric shavers.
Take Care of your Tools
For electric razors, use maintenance oil and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for optimum performance. Replace blades on cartridge razors regularly. Never shave with a dull blade, as this sets you up for skin problems.
Reconsider your Shaving Cream
The pressurized shaving foams that most men use today are usually subpar. The more traditional creams retain heat and moisture in your skin. This lubrication ensures that the blade will just glide over your skin with ease.
Use a Shaving Brush
You might have thought that they’re a thing of the past, but shaving brushes are great for cleaning your skin and preparing it for shaving. They help the shaving cream reach deeper into the pores, making individual hairs more manageable.
Slap on some Pre-shave Oil
This is an agent with different natural ingredients that moisturize your skin and create an amazingly slick surface for your razor to glide on. This helps reduce small abrasions which can be especially damaging to sensitive skin. There’s a variety of pre-shave products specifically for electric shaving.
Don’t skip the Aftershave
You don’t want skin that’s flaky and damaged from shaving. A good aftershave will provide instant hydration and close your pores, so your skin can recover quickly. The cool scent it leaves on your skin is an added bonus.
With all the above in mind, is it better to shave before or after a shower? The answer depends on your needs, but we’re inclined to go for post-shower shaves. The benefits of softer hair and skin are just irreplaceable.
Whenever you choose to shave, take into account the different ways you can improve your experience. The healthy, toned-out skin you get as a result will be enough of a reward.
