Shaving in the shower is convenient, and the warm water does half of the preparation for you. Hair that has been soaked for a few minutes is softer and much easier to cut, which means fewer passes, less pressure and less irritation. A little planning, mainly about timing and blade care, gives a closer and more comfortable shave.
Why the shower helps
- Warm water softens hair. Dry hair is tough. Hydrated hair cuts more easily.
- Skin is clean, so the blade glides without dragging through oil and dead cells.
- Rinsing is easy.
Timing: shave at the end
Wash your hair and body first, and shave last. By then your skin and hair will have had several minutes in warm water. Avoid very long, hot showers before shaving, though. Skin that is wrinkled and swollen with water is easier to nick.
Step by step
1. Prepare
Gently cleanse the area. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, exfoliate lightly with a washcloth or a mild scrub before shaving, not after. See How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal.
2. Step out of the spray
Move the area you are shaving away from the running water, so that the shaving product is not rinsed off at once.
3. Apply a shaving gel or cream
Use a product made for shaving, and leave it on for a minute. It holds water against the hair and helps the blade to glide. Soap or body wash will do in an emergency, but they give less protection and can be drying. Hair conditioner is a common stand-in.
4. Shave with light strokes
- Use a sharp, clean blade.
- Let the razor do the work. Do not press.
- Shaving in the direction of hair growth causes the least irritation and the fewest ingrown hairs. Shaving against the direction of growth gives a closer result, with more risk.
- Use short strokes on curves, such as knees and ankles.
- Pull the skin gently taut on the underarms and the bikini line.
5. Rinse the blade after every stroke or two
A clogged blade drags.
6. Rinse your skin
Rinse with lukewarm water. A cooler rinse can feel soothing.
7. Pat dry and moisturize
Apply a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer. Avoid perfumed products and exfoliating acids for a day.
Area-by-area notes
| Area | Tips |
|---|---|
| Legs | Start at the ankle with long, light strokes; bend the knee to flatten the skin over it. See How to Shave Your Legs with Less Irritation |
| Underarms | Hair grows in several directions; raise your arm fully and shave up, down and sideways with light strokes. See Underarm Hair Removal: Methods and Aftercare |
| Bikini line | Trim long hair first; shave in the direction of growth; use a fresh blade |
| Arms, stomach, toes | Short, light strokes with plenty of gel |
Looking after the razor
- Rinse it thoroughly after shaving, and shake off the water.
- Store it dry, outside the shower. A razor that sits in a wet shower rusts and collects bacteria.
- Change the blade or disposable razor after about five to seven shaves, or sooner if it tugs.
- Do not share razors.
- Do not tap the blade on the tiles or wipe it with a towel, which damages the edge.
Safety in the shower
- Use a non-slip mat.
- Sit on a shower stool or the edge of the bath for legs, if your balance is uncertain.
- Take your time around knees, ankles and the back of the thighs.
- If you cut yourself, rinse, press with a clean tissue for a few minutes and keep products off the cut.
Preventing irritation
- Never dry shave.
- Do not go over the same patch again and again. Reapply gel first.
- Avoid shaving over spots, rashes or sunburn.
- Wear loose clothing afterwards.
- Do not use a rough loofah on freshly shaved skin.
If you often get redness or bumps, Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care explains the difference between razor burn and ingrown hairs and how to treat each.
Is the shower always the best place?
If your bathroom is small, the lighting is poor or you tend to rush, shaving at the edge of the bath or the basin, after a shower, can be safer and just as effective. The complete shower sequence is in Shower Routine: Simple Steps for Daily Body Care.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Shave Your Legs with Less Irritation
- Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care
- How to Prepare Your Skin for Hair Removal
- Underarm Hair Removal: Methods and Aftercare
- Shower Routine: Simple Steps for Daily Body Care
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Should I shave at the start or end of my shower?
At the end. A few minutes of warm water softens the hair and makes it easier to cut.
Can I use soap instead of shaving cream?
You can, but shaving gel or cream gives better glide and protection. Soap can dry the skin and make nicks more likely.
How often should I replace my razor?
After about five to seven shaves, or as soon as it feels dull, tugs at the hair or shows rust.