Should I shave daily?

How often should you shave?

For maintaining a smooth finish, daily shaving or shaving every few days are both reasonable options. Shaving cuts hair at the skin surface, so the result lasts only until hair grows above that surface again. Frequent shaving can cause irritation, cuts, razor burn and ingrown hairs. A daily schedule is an appearance choice, not a skin health requirement.1

Razor bump prevention needs a different decision. When hairs have time to grow and curl back into the skin, shaving daily or every two to three days can help prevent bumps. But when hairs are cut so short that they retract beneath the surface, a closer, more frequent shave can keep the problem going. For existing ingrown hairs, try shaving every second day rather than daily and leave at least 1 mm of stubble. Coarse or curly hair is more prone to ingrowing.345

How to make regular shaving less irritating

Wet shaving uses a manual razor, while dry shaving uses an electric razor, so the equipment has already chosen most of the vocabulary. An electric razor with safeguards is an option for dry or irritated skin, although active irritation is a reason to pause shaving first.26

1. 1Wash the area with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Shave at the end of a shower, or soften the hair with a warm, damp washcloth.
2. 2Apply moisturizing shaving cream or gel. Leave it on for two to three minutes to soften the hair before using the razor.
3. 3Shave in the direction the hair grows. Use as few strokes as possible, ideally one pass, and rinse the blade after every stroke.
4. 4If you get ingrown hairs, avoid stretching the skin tight and try a single blade. Leave some stubble rather than chasing the closest possible shave.
5. 5Rinse away the shaving cream and hold a cool, damp cloth against the shaved area. Finish with a gentle moisturizer.
6. 6Replace a disposable razor after five to seven shaves, or sooner if it becomes blunt or damaged. Store it somewhere dry. Clean an electric razor every five to seven shaves.

What should you expect?

Hair can become visible again within hours or a few days. Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker: the cut end is blunt, which makes regrowth feel stiffer and look thicker. If you stop hair removal because of persistent razor bumps, inflammation can take four to six weeks to settle. Continuing to shave can keep those bumps coming back.25

Can you use aftershave daily?

A gentle moisturizer can be used daily, including after each shave. Aftershave can mean a soothing skin product or a fragrance, so the name is doing two jobs and explaining neither. Choose by the formula rather than treating every bottle labelled aftershave as the same kind of care.467

What aftershave is suitable for daily use?

Choose a gentle moisturizer or a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce irritation. Avoid alcohol based aftershaves, which dry skin and can irritate it; a moisturizer is more helpful for most people. Look for fragrance free products rather than relying on an unscented label, which can include masking fragrance. Fragranced products can cause irritation or an allergic rash, including after repeated use. Stop using a product that causes burning, itching or a rash.67

When should you stop or get help?

Pause shaving until irritation resolves, and do not pick or squeeze ingrown hairs. See a dermatologist if bumps persist despite changing your habits, because persistent bumps can leave scars. Seek medical help if an ingrown hair or the surrounding area becomes very painful, hot or swollen, or if you develop a fever, shivering or feel very unwell.234