A Beginner’s Guide to Shaving: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth, Comfortable Shave
|
Shaving should be simple, right? Grab a razor, slap on some foam, and go.
So why does it leave you with burning skin, ingrown hairs, and an uneven shave?
The truth is, shaving is a skill - one that most guys were never properly taught. The right technique, the best products, and a little know-how can mean the difference between a smooth, clean shave and a face full of razor burn and frustration.
But don’t worry - you’ve got this.
We’re here to walk you through exactly how to shave properly - from choosing the right products to mastering your technique.
So you’ll never have to deal with painful post-shave irritation again.
Let’s get started.
Smooth Shaving Is an Art
A great shave isn’t just about removing facial hair - it’s about protecting and caring for your skin.
Think of it like this: If you were polishing a luxury car, you wouldn’t just grab the nearest sponge and go at it - you’d use the right tools and technique to avoid scratches.
Shaving is the same. With a little practice and the right products, you’ll get a close, comfortable shave-without the nicks, redness, or bumps.
The best part? Once you master this, you’ll have great shaves for life.
Good Technique + The Best Products = A Great Shave
If your current shaving routine leaves your skin feeling sore and irritated, don’t sweat it. A few tweaks to your technique (and a switch to high-quality skincare) can transform your experience.
Here’s exactly how to get a smooth, irritation-free shave - every time.
ACTION PLAN: A Step-by-Step Routine for the Perfect Shave
If you want a clean, comfortable shave, follow these four essential steps:
Step 1: Prep Your Skin with Warm Water
And use Otis Skincare DAILY FACE WASH
🔹 Why You Need It: A great shave starts before you even touch the razor. Washing your face removes dirt, oil, and dead skin - helping the razor glide smoothly and reducing the risk of razor burn.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Cleanses & softens hair for an easier shave
✔️ Removes oil & bacteria to prevent post-shave breakouts
✔️ Exfoliates away dead skin cells to stop the chance of ingrown hairs
✔️ Hydrates skin, keeping it smooth and irritation-free
Pro Tip: Shave after a warm shower to open up pores and soften hair even more.
We’ve got more on prepping your skin here: “ How to Prep Your Skin for the Perfect Shave”.
Step 2: Protect your skin with a quality shave cream
Apply Otis Skincare PROTECTIVE SHAVE CREAM
🔹 Why You Need It: A premium shave cream forms a protective barrier between your skin and the razor, ensuring a smooth glide and reducing the risk of nicks, cuts, and irritation.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Lubricates for a Smooth Shave: Enriched with Apricot Stone Oil, it softens facial hair and provides excellent lubrication, allowing the razor to glide effortlessly over your skin.
✔️ Moisturizes and Nourishes: Shea Butter and Glycerin deeply hydrate and condition your skin, preventing dryness and leaving it feeling soft and supple.
✔️ Soothes and Protects: Aloe Vera calms the skin, while Tea Tree Oil's purifying properties help reduce redness and prevent post-shave irritation.
Pro Tip: Use your fingers to apply the shave cream in gentle, circular motions, ensuring even coverage and allowing the nourishing ingredients to penetrate the skin effectively.
Step 3: Use a Sharp, High-Quality Razor
🔹 Why You Need It: A dull blade tugs at the hair instead of cutting cleanly, leading to razor burn, bumps, and irritation.
🔹 Shaving Technique:
✔️ Replace your blade every 5-7 shaves to avoid dullness
✔️ Shave with the grain first to minimize irritation
✔️ Don’t press too hard - let the razor do the work
Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to ingrown hairs, consider using a single-blade razor - it reduces irritation compared to multi-blade razors.
Step 4: Moisturize & Soothe
With our HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER
🔹 Why You Need It: Shaving removes a layer of skin cells, which can leave your face feeling dry and sensitive. A hydrating, lightweight moisturizer restores moisture and prevents post-shave irritation.
🔹 What It Does:
✔️ Soothes razor burn & irritation
✔️ Hydrates skin to prevent dryness & tightness
✔️ Strengthens the skin barrier, reducing redness & inflammation
Pro Tip: Skip aftershaves with alcohol - they dry out the skin and cause more irritation than they prevent.
Step 5: Prevent Ingrown Hairs
With gently exfoliating Otis Skincare DAILY FACE WASH
🔹 Why You Need It: If you struggle with ingrown hairs, it’s because dead skin cells trap the hair beneath the surface. Regular exfoliation keeps skin clear and prevents this from happening.
🔹 What To Do:
✔️ Use a gentle exfoliating face wash every day
✔️ Apply a warm compress before shaving to open pores
✔️ Moisturize daily - hydrated skin is less prone to ingrown hairs
Pro Tip: Don’t shave too close! Ultra-close shaves increase the risk of hairs curling back into the skin.
You can read more here: "The Number ONE Way to Stop Ingrown Hairs".
FAQs About Shaving & Skin Irritation
Why does my skin always burn after shaving?
You’re likely pressing too hard, using a dull blade, or skipping moisturizer. Use light strokes, replace your blade often, and always hydrate after shaving.
How do I prevent ingrown hairs?
Regular exfoliation and hydration help. Also, shaving with the grain and avoiding super-close shaves reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.
Should I shave before or after a shower?
After! A warm shower softens facial hair, making shaving easier and reducing irritation.
What’s the best razor for sensitive skin?
A single-blade razor (or a sharp, high-quality multi-blade razor) is best for reducing irritation and razor bumps.
How often should I shave?
That depends on your skin type. If you’re prone to irritation, shave every other day instead of daily to let your skin recover.
The Takeaway
Shaving doesn’t have to be frustrating.
Using the right technique, investing in quality products, and following a solid routine, you can get a smooth, irritation-free shave-every time.
🔹 Step 1: Cleanse with our Daily Face Wash to remove oil and soften hair
🔹 Step 2: Protect with Otis Protective Shave Cream to lubricate, nourish and form a protective barrier
🔹 Step 3: Use a sharp razor and shave with light, controlled strokes
🔹 Step 4: Hydrate with Otis Hydrating Daily Moisturizer to prevent razor burn
🔹 Step 5: Exfoliate regularly to stop ingrown hairs before they start
With this simple routine, you’ll never have to deal with shaving irritation, redness, or ingrown hairs again.
UPGRADE YOUR SHAVING ROUTINE TODAY
RESPECT FOR YOUR SKIN
RELATED READING
References:
Draelos ZD. The science behind skin care: Cleansers . J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;17(1):8-14. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12469. Epub 2017 Dec 12. PMID: 29231284.
Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options . Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 Apr 16;12:241-247. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S149250. PMID: 31354326; PMCID: PMC6585396.
Rawlings AV, Harding CR. Moisturization and skin barrier function . Dermatol Ther. 2004;17 Suppl 1:43-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x. PMID: 14728698.
Cowley K, Vanoosthuyze K. The biomechanics of blade shaving . Int J Cosmet Sci. 2016 Jun;38 Suppl 1:17-23. doi: 10.1111/ics.12330. PMID: 27212467.
Maurer M, Rietzler M, Burghardt R, Siebenhaar F. The male beard hair and facial skin - challenges for shaving . Int J Cosmet Sci. 2016 Jun;38 Suppl 1:3-9. doi: 10.1111/ics.12328. PMID: 27212465.
