Should You Shave Before or After a Shower for Best Results?

Achieving a clean and comfortable shave in the morning is a struggle most men are experiencing. If you’ve ever searched for a barbershop near me to get expert advice, you’re not alone. Every week, Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon receives clients who are eager to learn whether it makes any difference if you jump into the shower before picking up the razor.

Getting an effective shave depends a lot on the way you prepare your skin. Many men wonder, should you shave before or after a shower? This guide reveals what advantages and disadvantages you may get depending on whether you decide to do one thing before another. Following these tips, you'll be able to make your skin ready for the shave and get amazing results every day.

Shaving Before Taking Shower

There is an opinion that a shave before rather than after shower is more convenient. Indeed, when you use this method, you can stand at the sink, shave carefully while watching yourself in a clear mirror. All that trimming and cream will wash away automatically once you take a shower.

At the same time, you should understand that using this technique has certain disadvantages. First of all, shaving dry or wetting your skin just with cold water means that the follicles on your face are still tight. It means that the razor blade has to put extra effort into removing your facial hair.

Shaving After You Wash Yourself

If you choose to do everything vice versa, you'll feel that shaving becomes much more comfortable. Ten minutes of washing under hot water can dramatically change the condition of your skin making it much easier for the razor blade. Hot water widens your pores and softens your skin making it possible to shave effectively. For many men debating a shave before shower or after, the comfort and effectiveness of a post-shower shave often make a noticeable difference.

Despite the fact that shaving afterward involves some additional cleaning (rinse your face and clean up the sink basin), fogging the mirror, it provides a lot of benefits making it very popular. Besides, many gentlemen find it relaxing to shave in the warmth after taking a shower.

The Secret of Successful Shave

In order to reveal why there are some differences between these two techniques, it is worth understanding why shaving before or after shower is a rather difficult procedure. Facial hair is naturally tough and thick. Besides, they are covered with a protein known as keratin. Hot water can break down this protective protein, and the follicle becomes loose and swollen.

As we've already mentioned, if your hair becomes soft, it will become easier to remove it from the skin. It means that the razor won't have to put much effort into its removal. As a result, the blade will stay sharper for a longer period of time avoiding unnecessary micro-injuries and irritation.

Finding the Best Routine for You

There is no universal rule regarding which option is better - to shave before washing or vice versa. For many, the debate between shaving after shower or before shower comes down to your personal characteristics. In fact, shaving after shower or before shower is a personal choice that should be based on what your skin and hair respond to best. If you have thin and soft hair and resilient skin, you can try either of these options without any worries. However, if your skin is particularly sensitive, you'd better wait till you take your morning shower.

Try different ways and understand which of them works better for your skin. If you still suffer from razor burns and irritations despite the efforts made, book your appointment and visit our salon for advice!