THE ULTIMATE 5 STEP SHAVING ROUTINE
Learning how to shave your face properly is one of those essential grooming skills that makes a real difference to your daily routine. Over a lifetime, the average man spends thousands of hours at the bathroom sink, so it's worth getting your technique right. From pre-shave prep and proper technique to post-shave care and moisturising, these five Kiehl's-approved steps cover everything you need for a close, smooth, and comfortable shave every time. For more info on wet shaving vs dry shaving, explore our complete guide to choosing the right shaving method for your skin.
Men's Shaving Guide: Key Takeaways
- A great shave starts at the sink; prepping your skin with warm water and a cleanser softens hair and stops razor drag.
- Save your skin from angry red bumps by making sure to shave with the grain using light strokes and a fresh, sharp blade.
- Don't wait for the sting—apply a soothing post-shave treatment immediately to calm irritation and protect your skin barrier.
- Lock in comfort with a daily moisturiser to restore hydration and make your next shave even smoother.
- Whether you're rocking designer stubble or a full beard, use a nourishing facial oil to keep your facial hair soft and the skin underneath happy.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin Before You Shave
A great pre-shave routine is all in the preparation. The shower is a great place to start, because warm water and steam help soften facial hair and open pores, making it easier for the blade to cut cleanly. Begin by applying a gentle cleanser to soften the hair further. We recommend the Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, which contains caffeine and Vitamin E and refreshes skin for a healthier looking appearance. Follow up with the Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells contributing to 'razor drag' and increasing the chance of discomfort when shaving.
Top tip: Don't have time for a shower? Apply a damp, warm towel to your face for a minute or two instead.
Step 2: How to Shave Your Face Properly
To shave your face properly, start by applying a cleanser or oil to help your razor glide smoothly over the skin. To help prevent bumps, we recommend lathering up with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser. The gentle formula turns into a light foam on contact with the face, acting as a great partner to your razor. Apply first in a circular motion to coat the hair from all angles, then finish with upward strokes to lift the hairs away from the face.
Now you're ready for the razor. Just remember to shave with the grain, using light, gentle strokes and avoiding pressing too hard. Make sure you're using a sharp razor, as dull blades are typically one of the most common causes of razor burn and irritation. Rinse your blade after every few strokes to keep it clear of hair and product build-up.
Top tip: When shaping up facial hair, switch to Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil - a lightweight oil that allows for a more precise finish while softening the skin.
Step 3: Soothe and Protect Your Skin Post-Shave
Applying a post-shave treatment immediately after shaving is typically the best way to prevent razor burn and soothe irritation. Rather than wait until you're experiencing discomfort to address it, we recommend reaching for a targeted product straight away. We recommend Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, formulated with colloidal oatmeal, which provides instant hydration to help soothe razor burn sensations and visible signs of discomfort. Its formula works to immediately nourish and calm the skin barrier.
If you're prone to ingrown hairs, this step is especially important, as it helps reduce the inflammation that traps hair beneath the skin's surface. Even with the best technique, shaving can cause micro-irritation, so applying a targeted treatment afterwards makes a real difference.
Top tip: Just as the hot water opened your pores, use a cold splash at the end of a shave to tighten them.
Step 4: Moisturise to Lock in Comfort
Shaving is a ritual most guys would be happy to live without, which makes skipping the aftercare tempting. Do that though, and you could be left with a compromised skin barrier that leads to something far more uncomfortable. Shaving may leave the skin feeling dehydrated, but applying a light moisturiser after shaving can help restore hydration. We recommend Facial Fuel Moisturiser for post-shave hydration. Enriched with vitamins C and E as well as chestnut extract, its non-oily formula helps to moisturise the skin while controlling shine.
Or you may prefer Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which we recommend as an excellent face moisturiser: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. This iconic moisturiser is loaded with hydration heavy-hitters and provides up to 24-hour hydration. If you have sensitive skin, switch your morning shave to a night time routine when you can take more time and care. If you're shaving in the morning, consider following up with an SPF to protect freshly shaved skin from UV exposure.
Top tip: Don't just moisturise after shaving. Do this morning and night to smooth out the skin and improve razor glide.
Step 5: Groom and Maintain Your Beard
No two beards are the same, which means no two beard care routines are either. But just because your idea of a daily trim ends at maintaining a neat neckline doesn't mean the hard work is over. Whether you have designer stubble or full facial hair, beard oil is a men's grooming essential for keeping your skin (and what's sprouting out of it) as luscious as it can be.
We recommend adding Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate to your grooming kit. Enriched with botanical oils including lavender and squalane, this formula softens the hair to reduce discomfort and hydrates the skin underneath. All while leaving behind a fresh, calming scent. Adding a facial oil to your shaving routine keeps both skin and facial hair in top condition between shaves.
Top tip: Apply two to three drops of the formula to facial hair every day and use a comb to disperse it through bushier beards.
