Shaving routine – from start to finish

Looking for a clear and straightforward overview of the different steps of shaving so you can finally get started with proper wet shaving? You’ve come to the right place. Below is a balanced and practical guide to the shaving ritual – from start to finish.

Summary

A shaving routine is more than a few strokes with a razor — it’s a complete process that prepares, protects and cares for the skin before, during and after shaving.
The right steps — such as cleansing, softening, shaving technique and after-shave — reduce irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Choosing the right products for your skin type and beard growth makes a noticeable difference in both comfort and results.

1. The groundwork – cleansing and
pre-shave

The foundation of all shaving — as with most things — is preparation, preparation and preparation. A classic approach is to shave in or after a shower, when the bathroom is warm and humid, making both skin and beard hair softer.

Even better is cleansing the face with warm water before shaving to remove dirt, oil and impurities. This helps prevent irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs by creating a clean surface for the blade, softening the hairs and preparing the skin for a closer shave. Clean, hydrated skin also allows the blade to glide more easily and reduces the risk of cuts and infections. Use a mild facial cleanser such as Gents Skin — which deeply cleanses, protects the skin barrier, hydrates and is fragrance-free — and preferably skip drying the face. Keep the skin slightly damp.

Exfoliate the skin once a week if possible — a gentle scrub removes dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Massage gently and avoid scrubbing too hard.

If you have particularly coarse beard growth and/or dry, sensitive skin, a pre-shave product can be helpful. Some prefer classic shaving oil, while others use a pre-shave paste applied as a thin film and left on for a minute before shaving.

2. Shaving lather

Next comes the shaving lather — ideally a proper shaving cream or shaving soap, both worked up with warm water and a shaving brush into a dense, creamy lather that provides protection and optimal glide for the razor.

Shaving soap requires slightly more time and technique due to its firmer consistency, but it’s a ritual true shaving enthusiasts swear by. Work up the lather with a wet brush (adding water gradually if needed) until it resembles soft ice cream or thick whipped cream. When finished, rinse the brush, gently squeeze out excess water and hang it to dry.

Shaving cream is worked up in the same way with warm water and provides equally rich lather, but its softer, paste-like texture also allows you to apply it quickly using your fingers — especially practical when travelling. Use light, quick circular motions so the hairs are lifted rather than pressed into the skin.

3. Safety razor: time to shave

At Gents, we always recommend choosing a traditional safety razor with sharp double-edge blades. They are unmatched when it comes to a close, skin-friendly shave. Double-edge blades are also far more affordable than cartridge blades, while often delivering better performance.

We particularly recommend the new Sailor’s 99R with its classic butterfly mechanism, making blade changes quick and easy — simply twist the handle and the head opens, no disassembly required. The latest version also features improved blade exposure, making it suitable for both normal and very coarse beards, even on sensitive skin.

If you prefer a milder razor and have lighter beard growth, Sailor’s 98R is a good alternative, featuring a traditional three-piece head that you manually disassemble to change blades.

4. Post-shave

After shaving, the skin should be hydrated and soothed using after-shave products.

A classic after-shave splash containing alcohol (and often fragrance) can be drying and irritating for sensitive skin, although brands like Proraso offer well-balanced formulas. Otherwise, we recommend a after-shave balm, which is moisturising, soothing and generally contains less fragrance. After-shave gel, offered by brands such as Benjamin Barber and Sailor’s, is a gel-based alternative combining alcohol, scent and hydrating properties.

5. Finish with a moisturiser

Ending your routine with a face cream — or moisturiser — is a pleasant and effective final step.

You may wonder: if I’ve already used a hydrating after-shave balm, do I really need a face cream? Not necessarily — not for everyone. However, they serve different purposes. A balm is designed to calm irritation and soothe post-shave skin, while a moisturiser is a daily product that maintains the skin’s moisture balance. A moisturiser can also be applied to the entire face as a final hydration step after cleansing.

That’s it — you’ve completed the full shaving routine. A proper shave from start to finish. And if bad luck strikes and you nick yourself along the way, simply reach for an alum stick to stop the bleeding instantly.