How to Shave A Man

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Why is it important to keep a man's face shaved?

Shaving is a necessary part of a man's personal care even if he is ill. Unless he wears a beard, keeping the whiskers off his face may make him more comfortable. Shaving keeps his skin from being itchy and irritated.

How often should a man's face be shaved?

A health caregiver will tell you when it is OK to shave. If there are no skin problems, such as cuts or sores, a man can be shaved every day. This can be done even when he is bedridden.

How do you shave a man's face using a safety razor?

Ask the man if he wants to help with the shaving. He may want to do it himself or may only need a little help. Let him help as much as he can. Follow these steps when shaving a man's beard:

• Place the following items within easy reach.
  • Disposable gloves.
  • Clean, sharp safety razor.
  • Shaving cream or soap and brush.
  • Towel and washcloths.
  • Basin filled with warm water.
  • After shave lotion and talcum powder, if the man wants to use it.
  • Mirror.
• Get the man ready for his shave.
  • If allowed, raise the head of the bed. Help the man to a sitting position to make it easier to shave.
  • If the man is not alert, put a waterproof pad under his head and neck. This will keep water and soap from running behind it.
  • Cover the man's chest and shoulders with a towel and tuck it under his chin. This helps to protect the bed from getting wet and also catches the falling whiskers.
  • Make sure there is enough light in the room. You may need an extra lamp close to the bed so you can see well.
• Begin shaving.
  • Put on the disposable gloves.
  • Wet a washcloth with warm water and gently wet the man's beard area. The beard should be wet for one or two minutes before shaving. This will help the skin and beard to become soft.
  • Put a layer of shaving cream over the beard area.
  • With one hand, gently stretch the skin. With your other hand, start shaving.
  • Start with the sideburns with short, firm strokes in the direction the hair grows. This prevents skin irritation.
  • Rinse the razor often to remove the whiskers and shaving cream from it.
  • Move from the sideburns down toward the chin and across the cheeks.
  • You may need to ask the man to turn his head or to puff his cheeks. This will help you shave the areas that are hard to reach.
  • Continue to wet his face, and apply more shave cream or soap as needed.
  • Use very gentle strokes when shaving sensitive areas, such as his neck, and around the nose and mouth. This helps prevent nicks and cuts on the skin.
• Finish the shave.
  • When you finish shaving the man, put clean, warm water in the basin.
  • Wet a fresh washcloth with the warm water to rinse the man's face. This will help remove the remaining shaving cream.
  • Gently dry his face with a clean, soft towel.
  • Put after shave lotion on his face if he wants it.
  • Clean and put away the items used for shaving.

How do you shave a man's face using an electric shaver?

Electric shavers may be easier to use than regular razors if the man wants to help shave himself. This is especially true if the man cannot move very well or is weak. The following steps will help when shaving a man's beard area.

• Place the following items within easy reach.
  • Disposable gloves.
  • Electric shaver.
  • Towel.
  • Pre-shave and after shave lotion.
  • Mirror.
  • Grounded, three-pronged electric plug.
• Get the man ready for his shave.
  • If allowed, raise the head of the bed. Help the man to a sitting position to make it easier to shave.
  • Cover his chest and shoulders with a towel and tuck it under his chin.
  • Make sure there is enough light in the room. You may need an extra lamp close to the bed so you can see well.
• Begin shaving.
  • Plug in the shaver.
  • Put on disposable gloves.
  • Apply pre-shave lotion.
  • Turn on the electric shaver.
  • Press the shaver firmly against the skin on his face, using circular motions.
  • Shave each area of the man's face until it looks and feels smooth. If he is alert, ask him if it feels all right to him.
• Finish the shave.
  • Put after shave lotion on the man's face if he wants to use it.
  • Clean the shaver head and put it away.
  • Clean and put away other items used for shaving.

What are some safety tips for shaving a man?

• Make sure the cord of the electric shaver is in good condition. Do not use it if the cord is torn or cracked.
• Do not use a wet washcloth on the man's face when using an electric shaver.
  • Do not use shaving cream.
  • Use only a pre-shave lotion that is meant to be used with electric shavers.
• Make sure to check with the man's caregiver before using a safety razor. Do not use a safety razor if the man is taking medicines such as blood thinners.
• Check the blade to make sure it is clean, rust-free and sharp.
• Do not share a safety razor or electric shaver with others.
• When using an extra lamp close to the bed, do not direct the light onto the man's eyes.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your illness, injury, surgery, or procedure and about shaving. You can then discuss your treatment options with your caregivers. You can work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer