--- source_url: "https://www.gents.com/text/shaving-routine-from-start-to-finish?utm_source=openai" title: "Shaving routine - from start to finish | Gents" mirrored_at: 2026-08-31T01:31:46.912Z host: www.gents.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.gents.com/text/shaving-routine-from-start-to-finish__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.gents.com/text/shaving-routine-from-start-to-finish?utm_source=openai ### Looking for a clear and straightforward overview of the different steps of shaving so you can finally get started with proper wet shaving? You’ve come to the right place. Below is a balanced and practical guide to the shaving ritual – from start to finish. ![rakningnyburjare](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/upload/banners/Gents%20Journal/rakningnyburjare.jpg) * * * #### Summary - A shaving routine is more than a few strokes with a razor — it’s a complete process that prepares, protects and cares for the skin before, during and after shaving. - The right steps — such as cleansing, softening, shaving technique and after-shave — reduce irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. - Choosing the right products for your skin type and beard growth makes a noticeable difference in both comfort and results. * * * #### 1\. The groundwork – cleansing and pre-shave The foundation of all shaving — as with most things — is preparation, preparation and preparation. A classic approach is to shave in or after a shower, when the bathroom is warm and humid, making both skin and beard hair softer. Even better is cleansing the face with warm water before shaving to remove dirt, oil and impurities. This helps prevent irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs by creating a clean surface for the blade, softening the hairs and preparing the skin for a closer shave. Clean, hydrated skin also allows the blade to glide more easily and reduces the risk of cuts and infections. Use a mild facial cleanser such as Gents Skin — which deeply cleanses, protects the skin barrier, hydrates and is fragrance-free — and preferably skip drying the face. Keep the skin slightly damp. Exfoliate the skin once a week if possible — a gentle scrub removes dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Massage gently and avoid scrubbing too hard. - [ ![Gents Skin Cleanser, blue plastic tube with white cap, 150ml](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/61/114061.jpeg) Gents Skin Cleanser 100 ml 1 $32 ](https://www.gents.com/gents-skin-cleanser) - [ ![Face scrub by Gents (Skin), blue tube with white cap, 150ml.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/69/114069.jpeg) Gents Skin Face Scrub 75 ml 1 $32 ](https://www.gents.com/gents-skin-face-scrub) If you have particularly coarse beard growth and/or dry, sensitive skin, a [pre-shave](https://www.gents.com/pre-shave) product can be helpful. Some prefer classic shaving oil, while others use a pre-shave paste applied as a thin film and left on for a minute before shaving. - [ ![Proraso pre-shave cream for sensitive skin, white jar with green and red accents, 100ml, box included](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/90/43990.jpg) Proraso Pre-Shave Cream Sensitive Green Tea 100 ml 218 $9 ](https://www.gents.com/proraso-pre-shave-cream-sensitive-green-tea) #### 2\. Shaving lather Next comes the shaving lather — ideally a proper [shaving cream](https://www.gents.com/rakkram) or [shaving soap](https://www.gents.com/raktval), both worked up with warm water and a [shaving brush](https://www.gents.com/rakborstar) into a dense, creamy lather that provides protection and optimal glide for the razor. Shaving soap requires slightly more time and technique due to its firmer consistency, but it’s a ritual true shaving enthusiasts swear by. Work up the lather with a wet brush (adding water gradually if needed) until it resembles soft ice cream or thick whipped cream. When finished, rinse the brush, gently squeeze out excess water and hang it to dry. Shaving cream is worked up in the same way with warm water and provides equally rich lather, but its softer, paste-like texture also allows you to apply it quickly using your fingers — especially practical when travelling. Use light, quick circular motions so the hairs are lifted rather than pressed into the skin. - [ ![Shaving brush by Gents, pure badger bristles, black glossy handle, compact size, no additional items.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/86/39886.jpg) Gents Shaving Brush Pure Badger 226 $35 ](https://www.gents.com/gents-shaving-brush-pure-badger) - [ ![Shaving brush and razor stand by Sailor, chrome finish with textured grip, vertical bar and two-pronged top, no additional items.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/90/20290.jpg) Sailor's Shaving Brush- and Razor Stand 561 $27 ](https://www.gents.com/shaving-brush-and-razor-stand) - [ ![Benjamin Barber Shaving Soap Saffron & Leather](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/97/99197.jpeg) Benjamin Barber Shaving Soap Saffron & Leather 100 g 170 $13 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-saffron-leather-shaving-soap) - [ ![Soap net by Soap Net brand, white mesh bag with black drawstring, containing round soap bar](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/46/69746.jpg) Sailor's Soap Net - For a rich lather 49 $4.90 ](https://www.gents.com/soap-net-for-a-rich-lather) - [ ![Shaving brush by Benjamin Barber (Classic), wood handle with silver base, brown box with artwork, no accessories.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/78/76778.jpeg) Benjamin Barber Classic Shaving Brush Wood 1 $55 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-classic-shaving-brush-wood) - [ ![Shaving cream by Benjamin Barber (Black Oak) in a glossy brown tube, with matching illustrated box, 100ml.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/74/83874.png) Benjamin Barber Shaving Cream Black Oak 100 ml 24 $35 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-shaving-cream-black-oak) #### 3\. Safety razor: time to shave At Gents, we always recommend choosing a traditional [safety razor](https://www.gents.com/sakerhetshyvlar) with sharp double-edge blades. They are unmatched when it comes to a close, skin-friendly shave. [Double-edge blades](https://www.gents.com/dubbelrakblad) are also far more affordable than cartridge blades, while often delivering better performance. We particularly recommend the new Sailor’s 99R with its classic butterfly mechanism, making blade changes quick and easy — simply twist the handle and the head opens, no disassembly required. The latest version also features improved blade exposure, making it suitable for both normal and very coarse beards, even on sensitive skin. If you prefer a milder razor and have lighter beard growth, Sailor’s 98R is a good alternative, featuring a traditional three-piece head that you manually disassemble to change blades. - [ ![Safety razor by Sailor's (Butterfly), chrome finish, with textured handle, shown with brown cardboard box, model 99R.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/53/106153.jpeg) Sailor's Safety Razor Butterfly – Chrome Finish 99R 241 $29 ](https://www.gents.com/sailors-safety-razor-butterfly-chrome-finish-99r) - [ ![Sailor's safety razor 98R, chrome finish, textured handle, packaged with brown cardboard box, 98mm length.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/49/106149.jpeg) Sailor's Safety Razor 98R 183 $29 ](https://www.gents.com/sailors-safety-razor-98r) - [ ![Double edge razor blades, Sailor's, in black plastic case with beige label, five pieces, includes one loose blade.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/74/81274.jpeg) Sailor's Double Edge Razor Blades 5 pcs 1-pack 244 $2.90 ](https://www.gents.com/sailor-s-double-edge-blades-5-pack) - [ ![Sailor's razor blade bank in matte silver metal, arched design with visible razor slot, compact size.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/66/85266.jpeg) Sailor's Razorblade Bank 44 $14 ](https://www.gents.com/sailor-s-razorblade-bank) - [ ![Sailor's Blade Guard in silver cylinder with black logo, paired with illustrated cardboard box.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/10/82510.jpeg) Sailor's Blade Guard 13 $6.50 ](https://www.gents.com/sailor-s-blade-guard) #### 4\. Post-shave After shaving, the skin should be hydrated and soothed using after-shave products. A classic **after-shave splash** containing alcohol (and often fragrance) can be drying and irritating for sensitive skin, although brands like Proraso offer well-balanced formulas. Otherwise, we recommend a **after-shave balm**, which is moisturising, soothing and generally contains less fragrance. **After-shave gel**, offered by brands such as Benjamin Barber and Sailor’s, is a gel-based alternative combining alcohol, scent and hydrating properties. - [ ![Aftershave gel by Benjamin Barber (Saffron & Leather), in a clear and black pump bottle, 75ml.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/74/70874.jpeg) Benjamin Barber Aftershave Gel Saffron & Leather 50 ml 213 $35 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-aftershave-gel-saffron-leather) - [ ![Shave gel, Benjamin Barber, white and gold pump bottle, 50ml, no extra items included](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/78/70878.jpeg) Benjamin Barber Post Shave Gel 70 $29 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-post-shave-gel) - [ ![Sailor's aftershave (Desert) in an amber glass bottle with black dropper cap, 30ml](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/14/82214.jpeg) Sailor's Aftershave Desert 30 ml 15 $15 ](https://www.gents.com/sailor-s-aftershave-desert) - [ ![Benjamin Barber Black Oak after shave balm in brown tube, 100 ml, alongside decorative box with nature artwork.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/78/83878.png) Benjamin Barber After Shave Balm Black Oak 100 ml 165 $45 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-after-shave-balm-black-oak-100-ml) - [ ![Sailor's aftershave collection, amber glass bottles with droppers, 30ml each, scents: Antarctica, Desert, Forest.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/54/82354.jpeg) Sailor's Aftershave Collection 8 Package deal $41 $45 \-9% Lowest price in the last 30 days: $41 ](https://www.gents.com/sailor-s-aftershave-collection) #### 5\. Finish with a moisturiser Ending your routine with a face cream — or moisturiser — is a pleasant and effective final step. You may wonder: _**if I’ve already used a hydrating after-shave balm, do I really need a face cream?**_ Not necessarily — not for everyone. However, they serve different purposes. A balm is designed to calm irritation and soothe post-shave skin, while a moisturiser is a daily product that maintains the skin’s moisture balance. A moisturiser can also be applied to the entire face as a final hydration step after cleansing. - [ ![Facial moisturizer, Gents (Skin line), blue tube with white cap, 100ml, no additional items.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/77/114077.jpeg) Gents Skin Facial Moisturizer 75 ml 3 $37 ](https://www.gents.com/gents-skin-facial-moisturizer) - [ ![Gents facial moisturizer, blue travel-size tube with white text, no companion items in frame](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/21/114121.jpeg) Gents Skin Facial Moisturizer Travel Size 7 ml 2 $2.90 ](https://www.gents.com/gents-skin-facial-moisturizer-travel-size) - [ ![Gents Skin Trio, travel-size set includes blue tubes of cleanser, facial moisturizer, and face scrub, each 1 oz.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/41/114141.jpeg) Gents Skin Trio System Travel-Size 1 Package deal $8.90 ](https://www.gents.com/gents-skin-trio-system-travel-size) That’s it — you’ve completed the full shaving routine. A proper shave from start to finish. And if bad luck strikes and you nick yourself along the way, simply reach for an [alum stick](https://www.gents.com/alun) to stop the bleeding instantly. - [ ![Styptic alum pencil, Benjamin Barber, clear tube with white cap, single stick, intended for shaving nicks.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/82/72282.jpeg) Benjamin Barber Styptic Alum Pencil – When shaving accidents happen 12 g 1181 $8.50 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-styptic-alum-pencil-htm) - [ ![Alum block by Benjamin Barber in a clear plastic case with red and gold label, 110g.](https://res.cloudinary.com/gentscloud/image/upload/c_fill,h_250,w_250/f_auto/q_auto/upload/product_images/22/82122.jpeg) Benjamin Barber Alum Block 110 g 345 $13 ](https://www.gents.com/benjamin-barber-alum-block-110-g) That’s the finish line — and a genuinely pleasant shaving experience as a bonus. Not all that complicated after all, right?