An Acute Question: When to Shave, Before or After a Shower?

This article has garnered nitty-gritty factors and pros and cons when choosing your ideal shaving time.
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Last updated: August 19, 2023
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Being a man gets accompanied by regular morning shaving routines to suit an appealing look. However, after the first few shaves, you will identify factors and reasons to reevaluate your shaving timing. Now let’s come to the main question, should you shave before or after a shower?

Everybody got their own opinions, while others rely on myths such as frequent shaving causes intense hair growth. There are several factors that you should scrutinize before choosing your shaving time. Type of gadget, skin sensitivity, hair softness, and products to use when shaving are all paramount considerations.

Such factors will help you gauge your results based on shaving time. This guide to the best shavers can help you get a shaver that serves all skin types and needs.

Suppose You Shave Before a Shower

An Acute Question: When to Shave, Before or After a Shower?
Shaving before a shower increases the chance of shaving irritation and razor burns.

You may be entangled on whether to shave before or after a shower. Dry shaves are recommended when you are pressed by time. Electric razors perform best before a shower as the hair strands stand firm, making it easier for cuts by the rotating blade. It is also fast, which can save you in case you are on a tight schedule.

Also, an electric razor may deliver impeccable results when the hair is dry, as dry hair strands do not clog to the gadget. So, is it better to shave before or after a shower? The answer could be before, as there is an easier time for clean-up. This is because shaving causes hair to spread all over your neck and shoulders, which would demand getting back in the bathroom had you showered already.

Leaving such hairs around your neck and shirt can irritate you during the day. According to advice disseminated by Nivea Trusted Source Should you shave before or after a shower? | NIVEA MEN Learn about the benefits of the traditional post-shower shave, the advantages of a pre-shower shaving routine and why you might want to shave in the shower. www.nivea.co.uk , showering after shaves eliminates any debris on the face, which may cause infections, especially if there are cuts.

However, dry shaves can easily cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. Pre-shower shaves are likely to cause burns, skin reddening, and cuts that can elevate itching.

This method misses the exfoliating process, which is an imperative step for opening the pores. It also aids in ‘sticking out’ the hair further.

Pores that are clogged with oil and other debris can cause skin damage and rashes when shaved with a dry razor. It is recommended that you choose a gentle electric shaver that will save you all the bad reactions, especially on sensitive skin. Also, a shaver that incorporates speed and comfort is the best for dry shaves, like Philips Norelco AT830.

Pros and Cons

Below is a table that outlines the advantages and disadvantages of practicing shaves before a shower. This will aid in precise evaluation.

PROS

CONS

  • Easier for clean-up
  • It is a fast method
  • Easy time on the razor
  • Best for electric shavers
  • Time-efficient as there is no getting to the shower twice
  • May cause skin irritation
  • Damage of skin due to clogged pores
  • Not compatible with sensitive skin
  • Do not promote exfoliation process
  • May cause rashes and skin cuts

Suppose You Shave After a Shower

An Acute Question: When to Shave, Before or After a Shower?
You can apply some oil to your face after shaving your beard to keep the skin soft.

When you are wondering whether to shave the face before or after the shower, keep in mind that efficiency works best when shaving after a shower. This is because steam prepares the skin for shaving. It aids in cleaning the skin, softening hair, and opening up the pores.

Soft hair is easier to cut with minimal irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Water softens the hair, and the application of beard oil enhances the seamless gliding of the razor. Based on a medical review by Cynthia Cobb on Healthline Trusted Source How to Apply Beard Oil to Moisturize and Care for Your Whiskers | Healthline Despite what you may have heard, there’s no evidence that beard oil makes your beard grow faster. What does it do, and how do you use it? www.healthline.com , the best time to apply the pre-shave oil is after washing your face or taking a shower.

It is recommended that you dry the beard to make sure that it is damp. Long and dry beards require more oil. People who experience razor burns and bumps can dwell on shaving after a shower. It also reduces the amount of clean-up on your sink as there is minimal hair scattering around your bathroom. Shaving after a shower ensures that you achieve the closest shave possible.

Conversely, cleaning up the pre-shave oil may be a bit messy and consume more time. Shaving after a shower is not also ideal for an electric shaver as it may damage the gadget. You may require a wet and dry shaving gadget such as the Panasonic ARC4 Electric Shaver. The device is convenient and a high-performance shaver. It also has a flexible pivoting head and a comfortable handle that offers an outstanding shaving experience.

Pros and Cons

Having a detailed explanation of shaving after a shower, let’s engage a hawk’s eye on its advantages and disadvantages.

PROS CONS
  • Shaves with minimal irritation
  • Helps in cleaning the skin
  • Softens the hair for easy glide
  • Effective for opening up the pores
  • Enhances close shaves
  • Serves well on a sensitive skin
  • May cause damage to an electric shaver
  • Time-consuming
  • Long beards require much pre-shave oil that can be messy during clean-up

Can You Shave in the Shower?

Rather than pre and post-shower shaves, you may be asking whether you can shave in the shower. It may be ideal if you want to hit two birds with one stone, that is, efficiency and time-saving. It is also a comfortable way to shave as the environment around the shower suits the utmost cleanliness. Additionally, the steam from the hot shower opens your skin pores and softens the hair for faster shaving.

Running water promotes faster clean-up as it rinses off stray hairs and the cream off your body. However, the usage of electric devices in a shower can be pretty risky due to electric shock or damage to the device. Thus, it’s recommended that you use a conventional razor or a waterproof device. You can dwell on wet/dry shavers to mitigate any possible risk when shaving in the shower.

The lack of a fog-free mirror may be a significant obstacle during shower shaves.

Though there are no grounded scientific researches on water temperatures towards shaving, there has been a debate on the option to choose. Most men prefer shaving with warm or hot water as it may be more comfortable.

Some speculations have stated that cold water shaving may be better for the skin as warm water may dry out the skin. Moreover, cold water may enhance closer shaves with less irritation.

Tips After Shaving

Shaving is a critical routine in a man’s life. Having familiarized yourself with shaving beard before or after a shower, let’s articulate what is best for you after shaving:

Evade Sun’s Heat

It is recommended that you protect your skin for about 24 hours before exposing it to the sun. This is based on Harvard Health Publishing Trusted Source Sun-Damaged Skin | Harvard Health Although most people love the warmth and light of the sun, too much sun exposure can significantly damage human skin. www.health.harvard.edu , which states that too much exposure can damage unprotected skin. They note that the sun may distort the skin’s lubrication which may cause significant changes in the skin’s structure.

Replace Your Razors Regularly

An Acute Question: When to Shave, Before or After a Shower?
Modern razors are designed to last for between 5-10 shaves.

The skin is a sensitive organ that requires prime care. When your razor accumulates waste, it would be wise if you had an immediate replacement. Even if it executes good shaving but has clogged gunk, replacing it would elevate your shaving health. This is because waste may introduce bacteria in the open pores and cuts, which may cause serious infection.

Avoid Applying Products That Contain Alcohol

After shaving, it is recommended that you refrain from utilizing products that contain alcohol. Though manufacturers of these products claim that they may soothe razor burns, they may end up burning the skin. This may prolong the healing process and cause long-term effects.

Always Moisturize

Skin experts have recommended that you moisturize the skin after shaving as it aids in skin hydration. This is because the skin loses moisture when exposed to water for a longer duration. This will ensure that you have an easy time during your next shave. It also attenuates skin irritation, bumping, and inflammation.

Final Thoughts

Having read the above article, you are well enlightened on whether it is better to shave before or after a shower. Dry shaves are effective if you are in a hurry as the blades have an easier time cutting off the firm hair strands. Also, shaving before a shower ensures that you have an easy time for clean-up.

However, dry shaves may cause skin irritation, rashes, and cuts. Also, it may cause skin damage due to clogged pores and dirt on the skin. Post-shower shaves are ideal for skin maintenance as they have minimal irritation. They also operate on a clean skin surface with open pores, which causes a smooth glide. It may time consuming while cleaning the beard oil, and it’s not applicable with electric shavers unless waterproof.

You may also opt-in for shaving in the shower, which promotes time-saving and efficiency. There are also some vital after shave tips such as avoiding the sun, regular replacement of razors, skin moisturization, and avoiding applying alcoholic products. So, what have you decided: to shave before or after a shower?

References

1.
Should you shave before or after a shower? | NIVEA MEN
Learn about the benefits of the traditional post-shower shave, the advantages of a pre-shower shaving routine and why you might want to shave in the shower.
2.
How to Apply Beard Oil to Moisturize and Care for Your Whiskers | Healthline
Despite what you may have heard, there’s no evidence that beard oil makes your beard grow faster. What does it do, and how do you use it?
3.
Sun-Damaged Skin | Harvard Health
Although most people love the warmth and light of the sun, too much sun exposure can significantly damage human skin.

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