Is It Better To Shave Before or After a Shower?

Most men don’t put too much thought into whether they should shave or shower first. You’ve likely done it one way or the other since puberty and never questioned whether it’s right or wrong. The truth is, there isn’t a single, definitive answer to the question, “Is it better to shave before or after a shower?” But there are advantages to each approach depending on the kind of facial hair you’re growing and how you maintain it. 

This article will help you decide if your current shaving routine is right for you, or whether you should try shaving at a different time. Plus, we’ll show you a step-by-step process that’ll get you the best shave in no time.

How Warm Water Preps Your Skin and Hair

Regardless of when you choose to shave, your skin will benefit from a warm water soak in the following ways:

• Softened hair for an easier cut: Warm water penetrates the outer cuticle layer of your hairs to reach keratin proteins in the center. As the proteins absorb water, they swell, causing the hair shaft to expand slightly, which lifts and opens the cuticle. This causes the hair to lose its rigidity, making it pliable and easy to cut.

• Hydrated and plump skin: Just like hair, the outermost layer of your skin cells absorbs water and swells. This plumps the skin, smoothing out small contours and wrinkles so your razor glides smoothly.

• Relaxed muscles: Your hair follicles are connected to tiny muscles called arrector pili, which create goosebumps when they contract. Warm water causes local blood vessels to widen, increasing blood flow and relaxing those tiny muscles to allow for easier shaving over smoother skin.

• Loosened sebum: Skin and facial hair are coated in natural oils (sebum). Warm water helps loosen and liquefy these surface oils, allowing shaving creams and butters to penetrate the hair and skin faster. 

All this might make you think the obvious answer is that you should always shave after a shower, then. But you can also get a better shave by washing your face beforehand.

Benefits of Shaving Before Your Shower

Wet shaving before a shower gives similar benefits to shaving after. Plus, you get the added bonus of washing everything off in the shower rather than at the sink. 

Prefer to use an electric razor? A dry shave before your shower has the following benefits:

• Time savings: When you shave dry, you don’t need to apply water or shaving cream, and the guard keeps you from nicking yourself easily. It’s quick to pass over your facial hair, so you can still look good when you need to rush out the door.

• Easier cleanup: The drier hairs don’t stick as much in the sink, so they’re easier to swipe out.

Benefits of Shaving After Your Shower

When you have the time for a proper shave, doing it after the shower has several benefits over just washing your face:

• Softer hair and easier-to-cut follicles: The steam from your shower creates a humid environment where your hair has longer to absorb water and stay saturated. This keeps your hair softer for longer, allowing you to get a clean cut on every strand.

• Lower risk of razor burn and nicks: Warm skin is relaxed and free from goosebumps, leaving less texture for your razor to get caught on. This reduces the drag that leads to nicks, razor burn, and razor bumps. 

• Longer-lasting blades: Softer hairs may cause less damage to your razor blades, leading to fewer chips and a longer shelf life.

Should You Shave Before or After a Shower?

There are benefits to both approaches. Which one is best for you depends on whether you want a silky smooth shave or just a quick trim before heading out the door:

• Shave before your shower if you just need a quick touch-up before you head out the door. For clean-shaven guys, that means an electric razor hurriedly rubbed across your face. For those with a beard or a Movember Mustache, use a beard trimmer to shape it and maybe a safety razor to quickly touch up the lines.

• Shave after your shower if you want a top-notch clean shave. It takes more time and involves plenty of cleanup. But after a shower, your hair and skin are in perfect shape for a shave. You’ll get closer cuts every time, especially with a good shaving cream, gel, or butter.

Can You Shave in the Shower?

Yes, you can shave during your shower. You won’t get the closest-possible shave, but it doesn’t take nearly as long as shaving after the shower. It also makes cleanup easy as long as you have a drain catch. 

When using a traditional razor, you’ll probably want to try a shaving cream alternative that works well in the shower, like conditioner, shaving butter, or bar soap. If you opt for an electric razor, make sure it’s rated for “Wet/Dry” use. Electrocution isn’t a great way to start your day.

How To Build a Shaving Routine Around Your Shower

So, now you know how to decide whether it’s better to shave before or after your shower (or even during it!). Next, it’s time to fit that choice into your grooming routine. Whether you opt for a quick shave or the full experience, here’s a solid shaving process that fits into any routine.

Cleanse Your Face First

Regardless of the timing of your shave, wash your face first. Even just a quick scrub with some face wash and a short warm water rinse will do the trick. It’ll help melt away that sebum, leaving you with a clean canvas for shaving.

Prep With Shave Butter

Apply some natural shaving butter or cream to soften and your facial hair and reduce friction. You’ll get more precise lines and a cleaner shave. If you’re shaving in the shower, shaving butter, natural conditioner, or moisturizing bar soap all hold up against the humidity. If you’re just doing a quick dry trim, skip this step as long as you use an electric razor or scissors.

Shave With the Grain in Short Strokes

Use short, even strokes, and go with the grain. Hold your razor at 30–45 degrees to get the most out of your blade on every pass. Don’t apply too much pressure, as that’ll cause the friction you want to avoid, and you’ll dull the blades faster. Instead, think of it like your own little zen garden on your face. Use calm, patient movements and pay attention to the contours that make your face unique. For a closer shave, reapply your chosen lubrication, and do a second pass against the grain.

Rinse and Pat Dry

After you’ve cut those last few errant hairs, it’s time for a good rinse with some lukewarm or cool water. This will help you remove excess product and any hairs trying to hitch a ride. Use a soft towel to gently pat your face dry. Don’t rub; friction from the towel can bother your freshly shaven cheeks.

Apply a Post-Shave Balm or Moisturizer

Treat your skin to some TLC with a hydrating balm or moisturizer. Remember that you just ran a sharp blade across it. Plus, your razor took some dead skin cells along with it. A bit of post-shave care will help it bounce back. 

Get a Closer Shave With the Right Prep

As you’ve probably noticed by now, getting the best shave relies on your prep as much as it does on your technique. A good face wash beforehand clears off dead skin cells and sebum that interfere with a close shave. Meanwhile, warm water will soften facial hair and prep it for easy cutting.

Dr. Squatch has you covered when it comes to all your pre and post-shave needs. We have shave butter to help your razor glide smoothly, a proper safety razor for a close shave, and a post-shave balm to soothe your skin. You deserve the best, and we want you to have it.

FAQ

Should You Shave Before Bed or in the Morning?

When you shave should ideally coincide with when you like to shower. If you’re a morning shower guy, you’ll start your day with a clean, freshly shaven face. But if you’re always in a rush, night shaving may work better for you. Shaving around your nighttime shower means you’ll enjoy a relaxed evening of self-pampering. But if your hair grows quickly, you may wake up with a five a.m. shadow.

Is It Okay To Shave Without Showering at All?

Yes, but dry shaving is best done with an electric razor to reduce the risk of nicks and razor burn. Warm water from a shower — or even just washing your face — helps soften your hairs and hydrate your skin for an easier shave. The moisture from shower steam only improves those conditions.

Should You Wash Your Face Before or After Shaving?

You should wash your face with warm water before you shave to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can ruin your shave. Then, after you shave, give yourself a rinse with lukewarm or cool water to remove excess product and errant hairs. You can wash your face a second time after shaving with a mild cleanser if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.