Tired of dealing with peach fuzz? Shaving your face is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair and smooth out your skin (oh, and that myth that shaving your hair makes it grow back thicker? It’s just that—a myth!).[1] In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about shaving your face, including what to use and how to avoid irritation. For baby smooth skin, read on!

Things You Should Know

  • Use a single-blade disposable razor for best results. Wash and dry your face before shaving so your skin is clean and free of oil and grime.
  • Apply shaving gel to your face, and use 1 hand to pull your skin taut. Use short, even strokes in the direction your hair grows to shave.
  • When you’re done, rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry. Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent irritation.
1

Wash and dry your face.

  1. Clean your skin for a smooth, long-lasting shave. Wet your hands and face with warm water and apply a coin-sized amount of cleanser to your face.[2] Massage the product in gently with your fingers. Then, rinse your face with water or use a damp washcloth to wipe away any residue.[3]
    • It’s best to start with a fresh, clean face so that the blade glides smoothly over your skin. Plus, washing your face before shaving helps prevent breakouts, especially if your skin is prone to acne.
    • A cleanser will slightly dry out and tighten your skin, making the roots of your hair easier to reach.
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2

Use a single-blade disposable face razor.

  1. Single-blade straight razors are made to shave off peach fuzz. When it comes to shaving your face, don’t reach for the same razor you use on your legs or underarms. Instead, get a face razor (also sometimes called an eyebrow razor) for a close, clean shave. These razors are made to shave your face, so they’re less irritating for your skin.[4]
    • You can typically find these in multi-packs for under $5.
    • Always use a new razor when shaving your face. Using a dull razor can cause irritation and make your skin break out.
    • If you have sensitive skin, consider using an electric face razor instead. It won’t give you as close of a shave, but it will irritate your skin less.
3

Apply shaving gel to your face.

4

Pull your skin taut with 1 hand.

  1. Pulling your skin taut helps the razor glide over it smoothly. The goal is to create a smooth base, preventing razor nicks and making the roots of the hairs easy to access. Press your fingers gently but firmly into your skin to pull it flat across your bone structure. Direct your skin up and towards the outside of your face, rather than down or toward the center.[6]
    • If you’re shaving along your upper lip, for instance, you can press your upper lip against or around your teeth to stretch and smooth out that part of skin.
    • Or, if you’re shaving your sideburns, place your fingers just above the area you’ll be shaving and pull that part of skin up and back in the direction of your ear.
6

Shave in short, downward strokes.

9

Moisturize your skin after shaving.

About This Article

Karina Villalta
Co-authored by:
Certified Esthetician
This article was co-authored by Karina Villalta and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines. This article has been viewed 60,796 times.
4 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: December 12, 2022
Views: 60,796
Categories: Shaving
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