For many of us, showering and shaving are two important parts of our daily personal care.
You might think that as long as you have a new razor and enough moisture for the blades to glide smoothly over your skin, you’re good to go.
For the best experience, some people may wonder if they should shave before or after the shower. The answer may surprise you.
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The Importance of Shaving
There are many benefits to shaving besides looking more professional. First, shaving isn’t just about removing hair. It also removes dead skin cells and other debris from the surface.
Shaving can provide you with better overall hygiene. Bacteria can build up in disheveled beards. If you want to grow a beard, it’s okay to have a beard but be sure to keep it.
Finally, a freshly shaved face can make you look years younger. It rejuvenates you, which can be a big plus if you’re still dating.
Should You Shave Before Shower?
If you use an electric shaver or beard trimmer, shaving before the shower is a good option, as these tools work better on dry hair. So, if you’ve been using an electric trimmer to trim the edges of your chin strap or give yourself a stylish shaggy stubble, this might be your best bet. Plus, when you shower after shaving, you can thoroughly rinse off any loose hair, skin particles, and residual shaving cream or soap, preventing them from getting stuck and potentially irritating your skin during the day.
However, shaving before the shower has a distinct disadvantage, as it means the shaved skin is dry and less wet, even if you’ve wet it. This can increase irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin types, so if you’re prone to redness and razor burns, you may want to consider shaving after the shower. However, if you don’t have sensitive skin and you like the speed of shaving before the shower, then this might be for you. Just remember to apply a good coat of lip balm after shaving.
Pros and Cons of Shaving Before Your Shower
The biggest benefit of shaving before the shower is that it saves time. If you shave late, you can skip the shower. Just make sure to apply more deodorant and cologne.
The main problem is that your skin is still dry. You want to make sure to wet it properly and then apply the right amount of shaving cream. This provides adequate cushioning between the blade and the skin.
Should You Shave After Shower?
Shaving after the shower is a classic, so for many of us, this routine feels like a tried and true method of safety. A warm shower softens the skin, washes away dirt and impurities, and opens up pores. This means that with plenty of help from shaving cream, soap, or other shaving products, the razor can glide easily over the skin with less risk of abrasion, redness, and dryness. This makes it more suitable for those with sensitive and irritated skin. If you have this experience, it is best to choose a shaver with built-in lubrication.
All of this sounds great, but it’s worth remembering that shaving after the shower usually takes longer. You must also make sure to rinse off the excess shaving cream, soap, or loose hair thoroughly. In addition, you have to deal with the trouble of the mirror being covered with fog. And, after-shower shaving is the domain of traditional razors; using an electric shaver or beard trimmer won’t work on wet skin and facial hair.
Pros and Cons of Shaving After Your Shower
First, your skin and hair are wet after a shower. This provides better lubrication for your blades.
On top of that, the steam from a hot bath will open up your pores. This makes it easier to remove the toughest hair.
However, you want to make sure you take advantage of this right after you shave. Over time, your pores close again and you lose your window of opportunity.
The main downside is that you have to be careful with strands that stray all over you. You just took a shower and you don’t want to get in the tub anymore.
Should You Shave In The Shower?
If you’re in a very hurry, shaving in the shower may be your best bet. Of course, electric shavers and trimmers can never be paired with running water! But if you want to save time while sticking with a classic shaver, this might work for you. Of course, in the shower, you can get all the warmth and moisture you need for a shave. Your skin and facial hair are softened and slightly raised, making it easier to shave and the razor to glide over the skin more easily.
However, the difficulty with getting a good beard in the shower compared to shaving at the sink is getting the right mirrors and lighting. To get a good shave in the shower, you’ll need to find a mirror that’s fog-proof and make sure there’s a good direct light source. If you can’t see what you’re doing, you might miss a point and end up looking incomplete or even giving yourself a serious wound. But if you can create a shower shaving setup that works for you, it can be a great way to save time while also getting a quality shave.
Which Shaving Method is Better?
Honestly, it’s a matter of personal preference, and as long as you take the necessary precautions, either way, you’ll be fine.
You might even want to shave in the shower. That way, when the razor comes out, your skin is already soaked.
If you plan to go down this path, then you should invest in a shower mirror. You usually hang it from the faucet so you can make sure you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
Tips for a Great Shaving Experience
To ensure a smooth shave, you should move the blade in the direction of the skin. Follow the grain so you have less chance of cutting yourself.
After shaving, you should keep the shaver in a dry place to prevent bacteria from building up. To further reduce irritation, you should throw away the shaver after five to seven uses.
All of these tips apply to all of your body hair. You can stay fluid without sacrificing comfort.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each approach. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether you shave before, during, or after the shower. As long as your beauty routine works for you, that’s all that matters.