Unlock the Shaving Secrets Grooming Editors Swear By—Your Face Will Never Be the Same!

Ever wonder why some guys glide through a shave like pros, while others walk away with flaming red skin and regret? Shaving isn’t just slapping a razor on your face and hoping for the best—it’s a ritual, a rite of passage almost as crucial as learning that flip-flops and jeans are a fashion faux pas. Skipping the prep or rushing the process doesn’t just lead to nicks and burns; it can seriously wreck your skin’s vibe. Believe me, no razor, electric or manual, is magic enough to save a careless shave. Ready to ditch the irritation and avoid looking like you just went toe-to-toe with the Joker? Let’s break down the art and science behind a flawless shave—your skin will thank you for it. LEARN MORE

LEARNING TO SHAVE properly is a key rite of passage for men—nearly as important as realizing flip-flops and jeans are never a good combo. Circumventing this lesson can wreak havoc on your skin, no matter the razor you use. Sure, electric razors streamline the process, but there is still a risk of skin damage when shaving without strategy or preparation.

Skipping proper shave prep lets dead skin and oil build up, clogging your razor and dragging it across your face. Without softening the hair or opening the pores, the blade tugs (instead of gliding), increasing the chance of cuts and irritation, says Dermatologist Dr. David Manion, MD, FAAD. Shaving with poor lubrication or—gulp—completely dry scrapes off the top layer of skin, often leading to razor burn, redness, and ingrown hairs.

If you keep this rough routine going, it causes chronic inflammation and uneven skin texture. Not to mention, possible Joker-esque scars. So follow these steps before you feel the need to reach for the clown makeup.

Step One: Trim Hair

If you’re a traditionally scruffy dude, it’s important not to dive immediately into shaving. Anything beyond six or seven days of facial hair is too much to shave with a razor. It’s even less for those with thick hair or sensitive skin. Don’t fret, it’s an easy fix. Simply trim your beard with the lowest guard on your beard trimmer before shaving. Plus, it’ll be the least stressful beard trim of your life since there is no need to focus on keeping everything even and crisp, as you’ll be shaving it all anyway. The Philips Norelco OneBlade is perfect for this with a super-gentle head that encourages speedy movements, but it also never gets too close, so you won’t have to worry about going too short to shave.

Step Two: Prep Skin

Before you take a blade to your face, it’s important to prepare your skin properly. First, clean your face using hot water and a gentle cleanser or face wash. This will remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria that can clog the razor, create irritation, or, in extreme cases, cause infection, says Dr. Manion. Fragrance-free options like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, as artificial scents can further increase the risk of irritation and razor burn. Exfoliation is also crucial before shaving, as it removes dead skin cells that can clog your razor and cause uneven shaving. It then helps lift hairs away from the skin, making them easier to shave and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

To streamline these two steps, look for an exfoliating face wash, like Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Face Wash orHarry’s Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. For extra credit, however, cleanse and then use a gentle scrub to fully prep your face. This will ensure the smoothest shave possible by further clearing any lingering dead skin cells and unplugging pores, while also lifting hairs away from the skin. The Baxter of California Facial Scrub is a perfect option that’s suitable for all skin types. The Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub, however, is designed specifically to be used pre-shave with a vitamin C-led formula that leaves skin smooth, soft, and ready for the blades.

Step Three: Lather

When thinking of pre-shave rituals, applying shaving cream or pre-shave oil is likely top of mind. But it’s a classic step for good reason. Shaving cream or pre-shave oil lubricates the skin, greatly reducing friction, cuts, and irritation. Not to mention, if you use a cartridge blade, shaving without either will be straight up painful (and possibly scarring). Use a thin, even layer of shaving cream (about an almond-sized amount) or three to five drops of pre-shave oil to create a slick surface for the razor. While it’s still better to do too much than too little, over-lathering can clog your blade and reduce effectiveness, increasing the risk of irritation and cuts.

My go-to is Cremo Sensitive Shave Cream. It’s got that classic barbershop quality thickness, but feels soft and silky on skin. The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil is hard to beat on the oil front. It features a blend of castor oil, olive oil, and essential oils that softens hair, cushions the skin, and creates a slick, nourishing layer that feels smooth and non-greasy, allowing for a close, irritation-free shave.

I prefer the sandalwood scent, but there is a fragrance-free option as well for those with sensitive skin. While many electric razors can give you a smooth shave completely dry, pre-shave oil is best for these tools and will go a long way in minimizing damage. Shaving cream can clog up certain models, and using nothing raises the risk of irritation.

Step Four: Shave

Who would’ve thought the actual shaving wouldn’t happen until step four? The truth is that if you follow the appropriate pre-shave prep, the shaving itself is pretty easy. The only real mistake you can make during this step is shaving in the wrong direction or applying too much (or too little) pressure. Sure, you may also miss a spot, but that’s easily avoided by, er, using a mirror. Be sure to shave in slow strokes with the grain, says Dr. Manion. Going against it will risk irritation, burns, and cuts. He recommends starting towards the top of the beard line and shaving downward to the neck.

If you feel tugging or hear scraping, you’re using too much pressure—let the razor glide gently with minimal force for a smooth shave. On some spots, especially around the curves of your face, it helps to gently pull back the skin for a straighter canvas to shave. When using an electric razor, you can get away with going against the grain without aggravating skin, but it’s best to avoid this to minimize the risk of irritation. Dr. Manion warns against going over the same area. Also, always shave with a sharp, clean razor. Most standard cartridge razors need to be replaced every five to seven shaves, while electric razors should have their blades replaced every 12 to 18 months.

Cartridge razors are rarely flashy, but the Gillette Labs Heated Razor breaks the mold with real innovation, delivering the most comfortable and luxurious shave I’ve ever had. Its sleek design, instant heating ability, and clean performance make it the best option. For electric razor devotees, there can never be enough said about the Braun Series 9 Pro Plus. I’ve tested every electric razor out there, and this one remains far and above the rest.

It delivers the closest, smoothest, and most irritation-free shave by combining surgical-grade steel blades, AutoSense technology that senses hair density and reacts accordingly, and a skin-comfort pre-shave head that lifts and cuts hair for added precision. It packs in a waterproof build, 60-minute battery life, and the SmartCare station, a high-tech stand that cleans and charges the razor automatically for maximum convenience.

Step Five: Tend To the Skin

We end where we began, in many ways. After shaving, wash your face one more time. This removes leftover cream, oil, loose hairs, and bacteria, helping prevent clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. Then, apply aftershave to soothe the skin and close your pores. Follow it up with a moisturizer to rehydrate, repair the skin barrier, and lock in lasting moisture. Those three steps are non-negotiable, but I’ll often toss a post-shave toner in there after the wash to further prevent irritation and help restore the skin’s natural pH, which can be disrupted by shaving creams and razors.

Specifically, I grab The Shop’s Aftershave Toner. This anti-bump solution from LeBron James’s grooming line features a formula boosted by witch hazel, glycerin, and salicylic acid to calm inflammation, disinfect the skin (preventing infection and breakouts), and close pores. For aftershave, Bevel’s Post-Shave Balm also features witch hazel, along with other natural skin-soothers, like shea butter, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil, to calm the face.

When moisturizing after a shave, I like to stay as natural as possible, and Jackfir’s The Classic Daily Moisturizer proves the perfect option. Without any synthetic ingredients that aggravate sensitive skin—which after shaving, most of us have—this cream relies on an All-Star roster of organics. There is aloe vera to minimize inflammation and brighten skin; squalane to reduce fine lines and help retain moisture; and niacinamide to strengthen the skin’s barrier and regulate oil production, which helps prevent ingrown hairs and improve overall texture.

If you really don’t have the time (or energy) for an after-shave and moisturizer, Dr. Squatch Soothing Post Shave comes as close as you can get to achieving both steps in one product, thanks to its nourishing formula that features shea butter and bisabolol, and creamy finish. Plus, the Wood Barrel Bourbon option smells incredible without being overpowering, like too many aftershaves, making it ideal for layering.

Everything You Need for the Perfect Shave

Meet the Expert

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Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.

Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.