How to shave in the shower without bumps or cuts

Quick answer Shave at the end of your shower, when hair is softest. Use shaving cream or gel, a sharp blade and light strokes in the direction your hair grows, rinsing the blade after each stroke. Replace blades every 5–7 shaves and store your razor dry, outside the shower.

Shaving in the shower is convenient, and done well it's one of the gentlest ways to shave: warm water softens the hair, so the blade cuts cleanly with less tugging. The keys are timing, a sharp blade and the right direction.

Shave at the end of your shower

Wash your hair and body first, then shave. By then, several minutes of warm water have softened hair and skin, and your skin is free of excess oil and dead cells. Softer hair is also less likely to curl back into the skin and cause bumps. If you shave outside the shower, hold a warm, damp washcloth on the area for a few minutes first.

Prep in three steps

1. Cleanse the area with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply shaving cream or gel in an even layer. If your skin is dry or sensitive, choose one labeled for sensitive skin. Never shave dry skin.
3. Step out of the direct spray so the water doesn't rinse the cream away while you shave.

If you get ingrown hairs, gentle exfoliation 1–2 times a week can help free trapped hairs. Do it on a different day from shaving, not right before. See how often to exfoliate.

Technique: direction, pressure, rinsing

• Shave in the direction your hair grows. It's not as close as shaving against the grain, but it lowers the risk of razor bumps and razor burn. To find the direction, run your hand over the hair or check in a mirror. Underarm hair often grows in several directions, so use short strokes and adjust as you go.
• Use light pressure and let the blade do the work.
• Rinse the blade after every stroke to clear hair and cream.
• Use as few strokes as possible, and don't go over the same spot again and again.
• Go slowly over curves such as knees, ankles and the bikini line. Trimming long hair first makes these areas easier.
• Never shave over pimples, cuts or raised bumps.

Blade and razor care

• Replace the blade, or toss a disposable razor, after about 5–7 shaves, or sooner if it tugs. A dull blade causes more irritation and nicks.
• Store your razor dry. Rinse it, shake off the water and keep it out of the shower and off a wet sink between shaves, so bacteria don't grow on it.
• Don't share razors.

Aftercare

1. Rinse with cool water, or press a cool, damp cloth on the area for a minute.
2. Pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or soothing aftershave balm. Skip products with lots of alcohol or fragrance.
4. For the next 1–2 days, skip scrubs, loofahs and exfoliating acids on freshly shaved skin.
5. If deodorant stings after shaving your underarms, shave at night instead of in the morning.

Bumps and ingrown hairs

Razor bumps and ingrown hairs are more common if you have curly or coarse hair. If they keep coming back:

• Don't shave too closely. Leaving about 1 mm of stubble, for example with an electric trimmer, can help.
• Find a rhythm that suits you. Some people get fewer bumps shaving daily or every 2–3 days, others by shaving less often. Notice what your skin prefers.
• Don't pick, scratch or squeeze bumps. That can lead to infection, dark marks and scars.
• Consider other methods, such as an electric razor, a hair removal cream (after a patch test) or laser hair removal with a dermatologist.

Read more about ingrown hairs, and see where shaving fits in the full shower routine.