Should You Wash Your Face Before or After Shaving? A Grooming Guide

When you were first learning to shave , questions like “Should you wash your face before or after shaving?” probably took a backseat to more pressing ones like, “Which direction do I go?” and “Am I doing this right?” Sooner or later, though, you settle into a comfortable shaving routine and have time to dive into the finer details of your regimen.

Washing your face is a key component of a comfortable shave, and there’s a right way (and time) to do it. Read on for a step-by-step face-washing guide that’ll have you ready to shave in record time without redness, nicks, or ingrown hairs.

Do You Wash Your Face Before or After Shaving?

For the best results, wash your face both before and after shaving.

Why You Should Wash Your Face Before Shaving

Face wash removes all the grime and dead skin that can catch on your razor, causing it to skip or clog. A clean surface allows your razor and any shave butter or cream to glide across without dragging or snagging. Meanwhile, warm water softens your coarse facial hairs so the blade can slice through them more easily.

Why You Should Also Wash After Shaving

Shaving makes quite a mess on its own, so you should also wash your face afterward. You’ll remove any leftover product, as well as all the tiny cut hairs that could clog your pores. A clean rinse also reveals any errant hairs you missed so you can go back in and touch them up. Once you’ve toweled off, finish with a post-shave balmto soothe your skin so it feels refreshed all day long.

Benefits of Cleansing Your Face Before Shaving

If you tend to get nicks or ingrown hairs, adding a pre-shave wash to your grooming routine might be just what you need. Try it out the next time you shave, and you’ll quickly discover several noticeable benefits.

Fewer Nicks and Less Razor Burn

With less dead skin clogging up your blade, you’ll get less friction, which is arguably the most crucial factor in getting a close shave. When the razor glides easily over your skin, it doesn’t pull or tear, which is precisely what causes nicks, razor burns, and razor bumps. Combining a pre-wash scrub with the right shaving productsmay help alleviate many of these little annoyances that come with shaving.

Lower Risk of Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs happen when cut strands curl back and continue growing sideways under the surface of the skin. A buildup of dead skin cells and grime can trap hairs inside their follicles, blocking their exit path. Using a gentle facial cleanser before shaving clears away all that dirt and debris so the hairs can grow straight outward.

Better Performance From Your Shaving Products

Without a barrier of dirt and oil trapping the hairs flat against your skin, your razor will make better contact with each individual strand. That means you’ll need fewer passes to get the job done, reducing the chance of redness. And if you’re shaping your beard, goatee, or Movember mustache, a clean surface lets you see better for sharper lines.

Softer Facial Hair and a Closer Shave

Warm water softens facial hairs, making them easier to cut. And clean skin allows the razor to sit flush against your skin for a closer shave without any dead skin speed bumps. That’s especially important if you want to get clean beard or mustache lines that require some precise shaving.

How To Wash Your Face Before Shaving: 4 Steps

Here’s a four-step guide for getting your skin and hair ready for the razor. Unless you’re hurrying out the door, don’t rush this. You’ll get the best results if you take your time.

1. Wet Your Face With Warm Water

Wet a washcloth with warm water, and press your face into it for a few seconds just to warm everything up. Then, squeeze that cloth and dab it around your face to get your skin and facial hair good and wet.

2. Apply Face Wash

Put a coin-sized dollop of face wash onto your washcloth, and rub it together to get the soap lathered. Make sure you’re using a face cleanser that’s good for your skin type:

• For normal skin, a natural bar soap is a solid choice. It’s dermatologist tested and made with naturally derived ingredients for a comfortable clean.

• For oily skin, an exfoliating face wash is your best bet. It removes excess oil and lifts trapped hairs from clogged follicles.

• For dry skin, a refreshing face wash works well. This product cleanses and hydrates your skin at the same time.

3. Massage in Circular Motions and Rinse

Whichever product you’re using, rub it into your skin with gentle, circular motions to remove dead skin cells. If you have a lot of facial hair, scrub the soap in deeply to get it down to the skin. It helps to work upward from the neck with your fingers so you can get in under the grain of your hair. When you rinse off, use warm water to keep your skin and hair soft and pliable.

4. Move Straight to Shaving Without Waiting

Once all the soap is off your face, move straight into applying your chosen shaving cream or alternative . Your skin is warmed up, clean, and ready for shaving. But the clock is ticking down before your face dries off and cools down. Start your shave in the toughest areas first, like the neck and chin, to take full advantage of the pre-shave wash.

Should You Exfoliate Before or After Shaving?

Shaving is a form of exfoliation, so you should generally avoid over-exfoliating your skin beforehand. If you have particularly oily skin or lots of ingrown hairs, use a gentle exfoliant before to help remove dead skin cells and release trapped strands. Otherwise, opt for a refreshing face wash like Cool Fresh Aloeto soothe your skin before you shave.

Start Every Shave With the Right Face Wash

Giving your face a deep clean is an excellent way to level up your shaving routine for a closer shave and glowing skin. It’s a simple step to add before and after your groom, and the right products can help you make the most of it.

Whatever your shaving technique, Dr. Squatch has a product for you. Our natural bar soaps are a great cleanser and come in a variety of scents and grit levels, and our face washes offer plenty of choice, too. They’re all made with the best ingredients Mother Nature provides to help people look and smell like champions.

FAQ

Should You Shave Wet or Dry?

You can shave wet or dry, depending on your preference. Wet shaving is the better option for a smooth, close shave that’s gentler on your skin. But it’s also time-consuming. Dry shaving is the opposite: It takes less time, but doesn't offer a close or comfortable shave. The trick is to do a bit of both, wet shaving two or three times a week and dry shaving in between to take care of any stubble.

What Happens If You Skip Washing Your Face Before Shaving?

If you skip washing your face before shaving, your blade will have a tougher time getting through your facial hair. That’s because the skin is still tight, dirty, and oily. Your blade will have to cut through all that to reach the hairs, and it will get gunked up and dull in the process. In the short term, that means more redness, nicks, and razor burn. In the long run, it also means buying replacement blades more often.