Go to AAD Home
Donate For Public and Patients Store Search
Go to AAD Home
Main menu
Membership
Meetings & Education
Practice management
Clinical & quality
Publications & apps
Career development
Advocacy
Back
Account
Pay dues
Member ID
Join the AAD
Member benefits
Find a member
AAD election
AAD governance
Support AAD
AAD Help Center
2025 Annual Meeting
2025 Innovation Academy
Academy meetings archive
Professional education
Claim CME & view transcript
Upcoming events
Residents & medical students
Patient education materials
DataDerm
Coding Resource Center
MIPS & fee schedule
Teledermatology
EHR & health tech
Insurance & drugs
Compliance & practice scope
Managing your practice
Clinical guidelines
Quality measures
DataDerm
Quality & patient safety
Clinical Community
Clinical care resources
Position statements
JAAD
JAAD International
JAAD Case Reports
Dermatology World
DermWorld Insights & Inquiries
Derm Coding Consult
DermWorld Meeting News
Impact Report
Other publications
Academy Apps
Job board
Join or sell a practice
Burnout & wellness
Career launch
Diversity
Awards, grants, and scholarships
Leadership Institute
Volunteer opportunities
Ethics & professionalism
Take action
Advocacy priorities
State advocacy resources
Legislative Conference
Position statements
Promote the specialty
Key Contacts
Patient advocate resources
SkinPAC
Advocacy Update
Welcome!

Tips for men: how to shave

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (Feb. 13, 2018) —There is no shortage of men’s razors and other shaving tools on the market, but do any of them offer the perfect shave? According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s less about which tools you use, and more about your shaving preparation and technique.

“The perfect shave is a combination of art and trial and error,” said board-certified dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine in New York. “That said, there are steps you can take to help ensure a clean and comfortable shave.”

For the best shave, Dr. Anolik recommends the following tips:

  1. Wet your skin and hair to soften it. A great time to shave is right after a shower, as your skin will be warm and moist and free of excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog up your razor blade.
  2. Apply a foaming shaving cream. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, look for a shaving cream that says “sensitive skin” on the label. Using a circular motion, apply a small amount of the cream to your face using your fingers or a shave brush. A shave brush can help by lifting the hairs and more evenly coating them with the shaving cream.
  3. Let the cream sit for two to three minutes. Particularly if you have thicker facial hair, this helps the shaving cream penetrate the hairs and soften them. While you wait, you can brush your teeth or comb your hair.
  4. Shave in the direction that your hair grows. This is an important step to help prevent razor bumps and burns.
  5. Rinse after each swipe of the razor. In addition, make sure you change your blade or throw away disposable razors after five to seven shaves to minimize irritation.
  6. After shaving, rinse your face with cold water to reduce inflammation. Then apply a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher. The moisturizer will help close your pores and trap water in your skin, while the sunscreen will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
  7. Store your razor in a dry area. In between shaves, make sure your razor dries completely to prevent bacteria from growing on it. Do not leave your razor in the shower or on a wet sink.

“If you’re using the right technique but still experiencing razor bumps, razor burns or ingrown hairs, consider switching razors,” said Dr. Anolik. “For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well, or shave too closely to their skin. Try using a single- or two-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving. If you have questions about how to shave or take care of your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist.”

These tips are demonstrated in “Tips for Men: How to Shave,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.

About the AAD

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).