Surviving Your First Shave: Tips and Tricks for Teens
Key Takeaways
- Proper Preparation Matters: Always exfoliate before shaving to remove dead skin and prepare facial hair. Use warm water to soften beard hair for a smoother first shave experience.
- Choosing the Right Tools: Select between electric shavers and traditional razors based on your skin sensitivity. For teens learning how to shave for the first time, consider starting with an electric trimmer before transitioning to razors.
- Shaving Technique and Direction: Learn the correct angle and whether to shave with or against the grain based on your skin type. Understanding proper shaving direction helps prevent razor bumps and irritation.
- Post-Shave Care Essentials: Apply aftershave balm to soothe skin and prevent razor burn. Establish a regular skin care routine that includes moisturizing after each shave.
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: Know how to address razor bumps, cuts, and irritation that often occur during first shaves, especially with sensitive teenage skin.
Are you a teenager getting ready to shave for the first time? Congratulations! It's a big milestone, but it can also be a bit intimidating, and there are some important things to keep in mind to make sure you have a successful, comfortable experience.
From choosing the best razor for a teenage boy and what supplies you may want to keep on hand, here are some tips and tricks to help you survive your first shave.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start shaving, it's important to gather all the necessary supplies you will need. You have two options when it comes to razors - electric or manual. Electric razors are generally easier to use and require less skill, but they may not provide as close of a shave as a manual razor. Manual razors, on the other hand, require a bit more skill and technique but can provide a closer shave.
If you’re using a manual razor, get your shaving cream or gel ready, and have a clean towel on hand to help you dry off your face after you've finished. For the best start to a good shave, have a look around for a comprehensive first shaving kit for teenager, or if you want to make it really special, shop for a personalised razor gift set.
Wet Your Skin
Before you apply shaving cream or gel, it's important to wet your skin with warm water because it helps to soften your facial hair, making it easier to shave. Soft hair is also less likely to get caught in the razor, reducing the risk of nicks and cuts.
Warm water also helps to open up your pores, making it easier to get a closer shave. And, when your pores are open, the hair is closer to the surface of your skin, which makes it easier to cut. Wetting your skin with warm water also helps to reduce the risk of irritation and razor burn, leading to a better after-shave experience.
Use Shaving Cream or Gel
Shaving cream or gel is an essential part of your shaving kit. Shaving cream or gel helps to lubricate your skin, reducing the friction between the razor and your skin, which can help to reduce the risk of cuts, nicks, and razor burns.
There are many different types of shaving cream or gel available, so choose one that works well for your skin type. Some people prefer to use a foam or gel, while others prefer a cream, so try a few different types to see which one works best for you.
When to Start Shaving
You might be asking, “What age should I start shaving?” and that can vary, as it depends on when your facial hair begins to grow. For most people, facial hair begins to grow around the age of 12 or 13, although it can start earlier or later.
You may want to wait until your facial hair becomes more noticeable, or until you feel more comfortable with the idea of shaving before you go out and buy your supplies.
Shaving Technique and Direction
One of the most common questions teens have is whether to shave with or against the grain. For your first few shaves, it's best to go with the grain (in the direction your hair grows) to minimize irritation. While shaving against the grain can provide a closer shave, it also increases the risk of razor bumps and cuts—especially when you're just starting out.
Pay attention to how your facial hair grows, as it may point in different directions in various areas of your face. Take your time and use short, gentle strokes rather than long ones. Hold your razor at approximately a 30-degree angle to your skin for the best results.
Post-Shave Care
After you've finished shaving, rinse your face with cool water to close your pores and remove any remaining shaving cream. Gently pat (don't rub) your face dry with a clean towel. Apply an alcohol-free aftershave balm or moisturizer to soothe your skin and prevent irritation.
This step is crucial as it helps prevent razor burn and keeps your skin hydrated. If you notice any small cuts, you can use an alum block or styptic pencil to stop bleeding quickly. Remember that your skin needs time to adjust to regular shaving, so don't be discouraged if you experience some irritation during your first few attempts.
Dealing with Common First-Time Issues
Many teens experience razor bumps, razor burn, or small cuts during their first shaves. If you get razor bumps (small, irritated bumps that appear after shaving), try applying a cool compress and avoiding shaving the area until it heals. For razor burn (redness and irritation), aloe vera gel can provide soothing relief.
If you accidentally cut yourself, apply pressure with a clean tissue until the bleeding stops. Remember that these issues are normal and will become less frequent as you improve your technique. Exfoliating 1-2 times per week can help prevent ingrown hairs that often plague new shavers.
Establishing a Routine
Consistency is key when developing good shaving habits. Decide whether morning or evening shaving works better for your schedule. Most teens don't need to shave daily when first starting—every 2-3 days is often sufficient. Pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust accordingly.
Clean your razor after each use and replace blades regularly (typically every 5-7 shaves) to ensure you're always using a sharp blade. A dull blade requires more pressure, which increases the chance of cuts and irritation. Creating a regular routine will help make shaving a comfortable part of your grooming habits rather than a stressful experience.
Shaving for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but with the right supplies, techniques, and attitude, you can have a successful and comfortable experience. Follow these tips and tricks, take your time, and be patient. Before you know it, you'll be a shaving pro!
Frequently Asked Questions
- You should exfoliate before shaving. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps lift the hair follicles, allowing for a closer, smoother shave with less irritation. Use a gentle facial scrub and warm water about 5 minutes before applying shaving cream.
- There's no specific "right age" to start shaving. Most boys begin to develop facial hair between 12-16 years old, but it varies greatly depending on genetics. The best time to start is when you notice enough facial hair that you want to remove it, or when you feel self-conscious about it.
- For beginners, an electric shaver is generally easier and safer. Electric shavers reduce the risk of cuts and are more forgiving with technique. Once you're comfortable with the shaving process, you can transition to a manual razor for a closer shave if desired.
- To prevent razor burn: always use warm water to soften hair first, apply plenty of shaving cream or gel, shave with the grain using light pressure, use short strokes, rinse your blade frequently, and apply a soothing aftershave balm (not alcohol-based) when finished. Never shave over dry skin.
- Always shave with the grain (in the direction your hair grows) for your first several shaves. While shaving against the grain provides a closer shave, it significantly increases the risk of irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs—especially for beginners with sensitive teenage skin.
- When first starting, most teens only need to shave every 2-3 days, as facial hair typically grows lighter and slower. Don't feel pressured to shave daily, as over-shaving can irritate young skin. Pay attention to your hair growth pattern and adjust accordingly.
- Beginners should use a gentle, fragrance-free shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive skin, a razor with multiple blades and a pivoting head, and an alcohol-free aftershave balm or moisturizer. A pre-shave oil can also help if you have particularly coarse hair or sensitive skin.
- For small cuts, apply direct pressure with a clean tissue or towel for 30-60 seconds. Styptic pencils or alum blocks are excellent for quickly stopping bleeding from minor nicks. Cold water can also help constrict blood vessels. Avoid touching the area repeatedly after bleeding stops.
- Yes, shaving cream or gel is essential, especially for beginners. It lubricates the skin, softens hair, and creates a protective barrier between your skin and the razor. Never dry shave or use soap as a substitute, as this dramatically increases the risk of cuts, irritation, and razor burn.
- For beginners, a razor with 2-3 blades and a pivoting head that follows facial contours is ideal. Look for options with a moisture strip and guard to help prevent nicks. Many brands offer starter razors specifically designed for teens that provide a good balance of safety and effectiveness.
- It's time for your first shave when your facial hair becomes noticeable enough to make you feel self-conscious, or when it's visible from a distance. Some teens start when they have a light mustache or scattered facial hair, while others wait until they have more substantial growth.
- When shaving your neck for the first time, first identify which direction your hair grows (often upward on the neck). Stretch the skin gently with your free hand to create a flat surface, use light pressure, and take short, careful strokes. The neck area has sensitive skin, so go slowly and be extra careful around the Adam's apple.
- It's best to shower before shaving. The warm water and steam from the shower soften your facial hair and open your pores, making shaving easier and more comfortable. If you can't shower, at least wash your face with warm water for 2-3 minutes before applying shaving cream.
- When first starting out, be extra cautious around the Adam's apple, jawline, and upper lip—these areas are more prone to cuts. Also avoid shaving over acne, moles, scabs, or irritated skin, as this can cause further irritation or bleeding.
- Don't rush your first shave—plan to spend 10-15 minutes to do it properly. This includes preparation time, actual shaving, and post-shave care. Taking your time helps prevent cuts and ensures you don't miss any spots. As you gain experience, you'll naturally become faster while maintaining good technique.
Shoumya Chowdhury
Shoumya Chowdhury is a Master of Information Technology student at the University of Melbourne, with a background in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Previously, he worked as a Civil Servant in Bangladesh, where she mentored students and contributed to STEM education.
Passionate about AI, SEO, Web Development and data science, he enjoys breaking down complex topics into engaging and insightful content. When he’s not coding or researching, she loves writing, exploring new ideas, and sharing knowledge through blogs.