Why Your Shaving Routine Matters

Many shaving problems, such as razor bumps, cuts, and dryness, can be attributed to poor technique or missing important steps.

A good shaving routine helps:

• Reduce irritation and razor bumps
• Prevent ingrown hairs
• Improve skin smoothness
• Extend the life of your razor
• Make shaving quicker and easier over time

Want to avoid irritation completely? Read our Shaving Tips for Sensitive Skin: The Shaving Club Guide

The Ultimate Shaving Routine…Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start with Warm Water

Always begin your shave by applying warm water to the area you plan to shave. This softens hair and opens your pores, making it easier for the razor to cut hair cleanly.

Best practice:

• Shave after or during a shower
• Allow at least 2–3 minutes to let the hair soften

Skipping this step can lead to the razor tugging at hair and leaving skin red and irritated.

Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin

Before shaving, cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil and bacteria. This step will help to:

• Reduce the risk of breakouts after shaving
• Allow your razor to glide more smoothly
• Keep your blades cleaner and helping them to last longer

Step 3: Apply a Shaving Gel or Cream

It’s important to use a good shaving gel or cream to create a protective barrier between your skin and the blade. The benefits of this are:

• Reduced friction, cuts and nicks
• A smoother glide

After applying an even layer, let it sit for a few seconds before shaving. This will help to soften the hair and skin further in preparation for you shave.

Step 4: Use a Sharp, High-Quality Razor

Your razor is one of the most important parts of your routine, so use the best quality blade that you can. However, even the best razors need to be looked after and changed regularly. To get the best results when shaving with your quality razor:

• Make sure your blades are sharp and clean
• Replace blades every 5–7 shaves
• Rinse your razor regularly during your shave

A quality razor helps minimise irritation and gives a closer, more comfortable shave. Explore our high-quality razors and blade refills and discover your best shave yet.

Step 5: Shave With the Grain

Always shave in the direction your hair grows.

Why this matters:

• Reduces razor bumps and ingrown hairs
• Minimises irritation
• Protects sensitive skin

If you need a closer shave still, consider reapplying your shaving cream and shaving across the hairs. However, always avoid shaving against your hair growth.

Struggling with razor bumps? Get more Shaving Tips

Step 6: Use Light, Gentle Strokes

If you have a quality razor, then you just need to let the razor do the work. Don’t press too hard, simply let the blade glide over your skin. Shaving Club’s tips include:

• Using short, controlled passes over skin
• Avoiding shaving over the same area repeatedly
• Keeping the razor pressure light on your skin

Too much pressure is one of the most common mistakes in shaving and can lead to red, irritated skin and razor burn.

Step 7: Rinse Your Blade Often

It’s important to rinse your razor after every few strokes. This remove hair and shaving cream buildup and helps:

• Keep the blade sharp and effective
• Prevent clogging
• Reduce skin irritation

Step 8: Rinse with Cool Water

Once you have finished shaving, rinse your skin with cool water. Rinsing with cool water helps:

• Calm the skin
• Close your pores
• Reduce redness and irritation

Step 9: Pat Dry and Moisturise

After shaving, your skin is extra sensitive, so, make sure not to rub your skin. Instead, gently pat your skin dry and always apply a moisturiser or soothing lotion.

Keeping skin hydrated is key to maintaining smooth, healthy-looking skin and preventing dryness.

Step 10: Maintain Your Razor

Taking care of your razor is an essential part of your shaving routine. After each shave:

• Rinse your razor thoroughly
• Shake any excess water off your razor
• Store your razor in a dry place

Learn more about blade care and subscriptions. 

How Often Should You Shave?

This is a question the Shaving Club team gets asked a lot. Not an easy one to answer as every one’s needs and skin types differ. How often you shave will depend on your hair type, skin sensitivity and grooming needs. As a general guide:

• Face: every 1–3 days
• Legs: every 2–4 days
• Underarms: every 2–3 days
• Bikini area: every 3–5 days

It is important to avoid shaving too frequently if your skin is prone to irritation.

Adjusting Your Routine for Different Areas

Different parts of your body require slightly different shaving techniques to achieve smooth skin:

• Face: Use gentle strokes and take your time
• Legs: Use long, even strokes and keep skin hydrated
• Underarms: Shave in multiple directions as hair grows unevenly
• Bikini area: Always use a sharp blade and shave in the direction of hair growth.
  Read more about bikini line shaving.

Common Shaving Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a routine, small mistakes can lead to irritation:

• Dry shaving
• Using dull blades
• Pressing too hard
• Skipping moisturiser
• Shaving too quickly

Fixing and avoiding these can instantly improve your results and deliver a smoother shave.

The Bottom Line

The perfect shaving routine doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs to be consistent. By following the right steps:

• Prep your skin properly
• Use a high-quality razor
• Shave with care
• Finish with proper aftercare

…you can achieve a smooth, comfortable shave every time.

Ready to upgrade your routine? Explore our range of razors and shaving essentials designed for a smoother, irritation-free experience.