As you grow older, not only do you learn new things, but you also gain new responsibilities. Shaving your facial hair is one such instance. Perhaps you read or watched a tutorial on how to shave, with what razor and after what type of shave cream, but you still see issues such as razor bumps and razor burns. You need a shaving process that works for your facial hair and skin, and this article can help you with that. Is it better to shave before or after showering? Heck, why not during a shower? Well, let’s look at the pros and cons to help you decide which one suits you the most.
Table Of Contents
Shave After Or Before Showering
The choice might not be obvious to some, so if you’re on the fence, this comparison will help you decide.
Shaving Before A Shower
Shaving before showering, or dry shaving as some might call it, is something many men do at first. It’s quick and easy, especially with electric razors, but what are all the pros and cons?
Pros
- Quick: The biggest benefit is that you can shave before showering to save time. An electric razor is recommended for this process because it works well with dry hair. If you don’t want to use an electric device, moisturize your skin and use shaving cream before shaving.
- Easy Cleanup: Another advantage when it comes to speed is that instead of running to catch all the itchy hairs you would after a shower, here you rid yourself of the excess hair during your shower.
Cons
- Bad For Sensitive Skin: A pre-shower shave is mostly done with dry skin. Shaving in such a condition leads to skin irritation and razor burn. You can potentially damage new skin with this method.
Greater Chance Of - Ingrown Hair: There is a greater risk of ingrown hair follicles during your dry shave. Sharp hairs that regrow after a dry shave can more likely go back into your skin causing ingrown hairs.
- Lower Chance Of A Close Shave: Shaving before a hot shower means that your pores will likely be closed off, meaning that your hair follicles won’t stick out entirely. Rinsing your face with hot water or dabbing it with a hot towel lowers the chance, but doesn’t eliminate it like taking a shower would.
Shaving After A Shower
People tend to recommend shaving after you shower the most, but why?
Pros
- A Closer Shave: A hot shower opens up pores enabling the hair follicles to reach out, allowing you to shave the hair close to the base. For a great shave, it works especially well with safety razors but a cartridge razor will also work.
- Great If You Have Sensitive Skin: If your skin is sensitive, this is the best time to shave since it can help you minimize razor burn. You want as many safety layers as possible between your skin and the razor blade for the razor to slide smoothly across. Pre-shave oil and or cream will make it an even more comfortable shave.
- Lower Probability Of Razor Burns And Bumps: A better shaving experience lends itself to lower chances of razor bumps and burns. Shaving after a shower also decreases the likelihood of acne, zits and ingrown hairs.
Cons
- Slow: Other than prep work that needs to be done, having to rinse and wash all the excess hairs off your face, neck or any area you’ve chosen to shave is taxing on your time. We’ve already mentioned using pre-shave oil, but you might want to invest in a shaving cream warmer instead.
Shaving In The Shower
This action requires a minor adjustment to your shower routine. A shower makes it far easier to get through your hair, and if we’re talking male pubic hair, it is the best option for the job. That being said, is wet shaving during a shower a good idea if we’re talking about a beard?
Waiting till after the shower is always a safe bet, but if you’re in a hurry then go for it since you pretty much have most of the benefits of an after-shower shave, minus the built-up steam. For a clean shave in a shower, you might want to purchase a shower mirror so you don’t miss anything.
Make sure not to put your razor anywhere where it could fall into the bath or shower. It can pick up bacteria and germs which could infect you if you cut yourself during a shave. Disinfect with alcohol if such a thing happens.
Shaving Tips
Shaving tips you can take to the bank:
- Exfoliate Your Skin Before Shaving: Exfoliating is very important since it helps you get rid of dead skin cells. You can visit our blog post to find out more about exfoliating before and after shaving.
- Apply Shaving Cream With A Brush: It’s always a good idea since a brush has much better coverage than fingers ever could.
- Shave Vertically In The Direction Your Hair Grows: It is the best method to prevent scars, burns and ingrown hair.
- Rinse Your Razor Every Few Swipes: If you do this often, chances are you will have a good shave.
- Shave Even When Traveling: Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean that you should stop shaving. Make sure to check our travel shaver reviews for the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Shave Before Or After A Shower?
You should shave after a shower most of the time, but it’s up to you. Shave before a shower if you only have an electric shaver and are in a hurry. Shave during if you’re in a hurry but want all the benefits of an after-shower shave. Shave after a shower most of the time if you want the best results.
Should You Shave Your Legs Before Or After A Shower?
You should shave your legs after a shower. The pores open up with all the heat and steam from showering. This leads to a much smoother and more complete shave which you just can’t do with electric shavers and dry leg skin. You can also do it during your shower.
Is It Better To Shave Your Face Before Or After A Shower?
It’s better to shave your face after a shower. Still, it depends on experience. Some people get a good job done before a shower, while some get it done during a shower all the same. The reason you’d want to do it after a shower is because your skin and beard are soft and ready.
Will Shaving In The Shower Clog The Drain?
Shaving in the shower can clog the drain if your hairs are long enough. Choosing to forcefully remove your hairs via shaving can no doubt clog the drain if you’re shaving long hairs. You shouldn’t fret about such a problem if you’re shaving short hair, as it will pass through with ease.
Can You Shave In The Shower Without Shaving Cream?
You can shave in the shower without shaving cream. Shaving cream is not needed when you’re wet shaving in the shower because you get continuous moisture and humidity. The only reason to use shaving cream would be if you’re shaving prior to a shower or having a post-shower shave.
Conclusion
It’s really important that you shave the way that feels right to you. Whether you choose to shave before or after you shower, there are pros and cons to everything. Hopefully, now you’re more educated on the topic and ready to move forth. Best of luck to you and remember, regardless of your choice, shave carefully.
