How to Shave in The Shower or Bath

Want to know whether shaving in a shower or a bath works better for you? Learn key steps for both to ensure the best results and prevent skin irritation.

Woman shaving her legs in the bathroom

Shave before or after a shower? Or, learn the fundamental steps for shaving while bathing in either a shower or a bath to ensure your best results and avoid nicks and skin irritation.

Is shaving in a shower or bath better?

Woman shaving her leg with a razor in a bathroom

Whether you shave in the shower or the bath comes down to personal preference. What’s more important is how you shave. Learn shaving tips for each individual area of the body to ensure the best results and reduce irritation. And, if you need a new razor for your next shave, discover how you can build your own.

How should I shower and shave?

Mom watching her daughter shave her leg

Shaving in the shower can be quick, convenient, safe and effective by following the right steps.

Use a shower mat to prevent slips

Shower head on a bathmat

The shower floor can be slippery, so make sure to have a strong shower mat or adhesive treads in place when you shave to avoid accidental cuts and nicks from slipping.

Exfoliate your skin

Female hand applying a brown scrubbing product onto her leg

Exfoliating with a gentle scrub or loofah will help prep your skin for the shaving process by removing any dead skin cells and protect against skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

Find a comfortable position or sit on a bench to shave your legs

Woman shaving her leg in the bathroom

If you want to shave your legs in the shower but can’t find a comfortable position, try a shower stool or bench. Not only will you be more comfortable, but using a stool or bench can provide a safer experience by bringing you closer to your legs as you shave.

Be sure to soak your skin

Legs covered in foam in a bathtub

Give your skin enough time, three to five minutes, to hydrate in the shower to avoid irritation.

Use a sharp razor that’s easy to grip

Silver razor with a detached oval razor head above it

When shaving in the shower, use a razor with an easy-to-grip handle for better control. You also want to use sharp razor blades to prevent skin irritation, nicks and cuts.

Apply shaving gel

Venus Satin Care Aloe Vera shower gel and razor

Shaving gel preserves moisture, helps the razor glide across your skin and shows where you have shaved already to avoid re-shaving over an area and causing irritation.

Shave in steady strokes

Shave in light, steady strokes in the direction of the hair growth, and if you need a closer shave, reapply shave gel and go against the grain. Once you’re finished shaving be careful when stepping out of the shower, pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer.

How should I shave in the bath?

Foamy legs in shaving with Venus razor

If you prefer a bath over a shower, protect your skin while shaving in a bath by following a few key steps.

Use a bathmat to prevent slips

A blue scrubbing rubber

Although you might think you are more secure in a bath than in the shower, you can still slip and slide. Be sure to have a bathmat or adhesive treads in place so you can be safe and secure while you shave and safeguard your skin from accidental nicks and cuts.

Exfoliate your skin

Female hand applying a brown scrubbing product onto her leg

Just like before shaving in the shower, exfoliation is a great way to prepare your skin. Use a loofah or gentle scrub to remove any dead skin cells before you shave.

Consider water temperature

Bathtub with running water

Water that’s too hot can irritate and dry out your skin. When shaving in the bath, you want the water to be warm to cool to prevent irritation.

Make sure to hydrate your skin

Foamy legs in the bathtub

Although most of your skin is underwater, make sure all the areas you plan to shave soak for about three minutes in the bath or apply a warm, wet washcloth to your skin.

Use a sharp razor

Oval razor head with a blue lubrastrip and 5 blades

Whether you shave in the bath, in a shower or under running water, always use a sharp razor. Dull razor blades increase the chances of razor burn, ingrown hairs and skin irritation, so replace your blade often.

Apply shaving cream as often as needed

Woman shaving her leg with a razor in a bathroom

Your skin may soak in water while taking a bath, but you still need shaving cream to preserve moisture. And be sure to reapply shave gel if it washes off before you shave.

Take your time when shaving your legs in the bath

Woman shaving her leg in a bathroom

You may have to hold your leg up or prop it on the side of the tub to shave in the bath, so shave in slow, steady strokes to avoid nicks and cuts if you accidentally slip or move. Once finished, carefully step out of the tub, pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer.