shave 101
how to shave properly
A great shave isn’t as simple as grabbing a razor and going to town. As most of us have experienced first-hand, a bad shave routine will leave your skin with razor burn, cuts, redness, and ingrown hair. The goal is smooth skin; not an angry, irritated skin barrier.
Patience, the right products, and a step-by-step process will help prevent accidents and leave you with super-smooth, incident-free skin. Whether you’re a daily shaver or only reach for your razor every once in a while, this guide will help you hack your shave routine and change your shave game forever.
why shaving the right way matters
Rushing through your shave routine and using the wrong products will leave your skin in distress. A thoughtful shaving routine helps:
- Soften hairs for an easier, more seamless shave
- Reduce irritation and painful, stubborn ingrown hairs
- Maintain skin hydration and softness
- Improve how moisture absorbs post-shave
When done right, shaving can feel less like a chore and more like a relaxing and gratifying self-care ritual.
choosing your shaving tools
The right tools can make all the difference in how your shave looks and feels. A sharp, clean razor is key for a smooth glide and precise results—old or clogged blades are more likely to snag hair and irritate skin. Look for a razor that feels comfortable in your hand and offers good control, especially around curves and sensitive areas. Just as important is using a shaving product that provides cushion and slip, helping your razor move easily across the skin while reducing friction. Together, the right razor and a supportive shave formula set you up for a safer, smoother shave.
best razors for women
Multi-blade razors can offer a closer shave, while single-blade options may work better for sensitive skin. Always use a sharp, clean razor, as old, dull blades tug at hair and increase irritation. If you notice rust, replace blades regularly (about every 5–10 shaves, depending on hair thickness).
shave oil vs. cream
When shaving, moisture at every step is key, so you’ll want to use a nourishing shave cream or shave oil instead of drying, air-filled foams. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or oils that help the razor glide smoothly.
If you’re targeting hard-to-reach areas and need something with lots of slip and instant hydration, reach for a shave oil.
Try: Cashmere Shave Oil
Cashmere Shave Oil is packed with our Cashmere Skin Complex™, a luxe blend of shea, cocoa, and argan butters and oils that deeply nourish and cushion skin for a protected shave and silky-smooth after-feel
If you want something richer that leaves you with all-day moisture, grab a shave cream.
Our Shave Cream’s shea, glycerin, and aloe vera formula is rich and comforting, doubling as an in-shower body lotion for 24-hour moisture and a smooth razor glide.
how to shave properly (step-by-step)
1. prep your skin before you shave
While your shave tools are key, you’ll see even more shaving success when you prep before the razor touches your skin.
Start with a thorough body wash to remove sweat and dirt that can get trapped into pores.
Try: Cashmere Body Wash
This step is more than just cleansing. It's your first chance to hydrate skin and create a clean, smooth canvas.
After cleansing, elevate your shave prep with gentle exfoliation that sweeps away dead skin, keeping your skin feeling smooth.
Try: Cashmere Skin Pre-Shave Scrub
This nourishing sugar scrub, infused with hydrating oils, buffs away buildup to reveal softer, brighter skin and help prevent ingrown hairs.
2. shaving down vs against hair
Shaving downward, in the direction hair grows – or with the grain – is the gentlest, least accident-prone approach. It helps reduce razor burn, redness, and ingrown hairs, which is especially important in sensitive areas like the bikini line.
Shaving against the grain gives a closer shave, but it can also increase friction and irritation. If you choose this method, make sure your skin is properly prepped for hydration, use a sanitary razor and comforting cream or oil, and take it slow and steady.
A good rule of thumb: start by shaving with the grain, then carefully go against it, only if needed.
3. how often you should shave
How often you shave depends on hair growth, skin sensitivity, and personal preference. Some people shave daily, while others wait several days, weeks, or longer between shaves.
While there’s no universal shave schedule, you can take cues from your skin to determine when your next shave should be. If your skin feels irritated, giving it a break between shaves until irritation subsides can help maintain its moisture barrier and prevent its condition from worsening.
In between shaves, keep skin soft and help strengthen its barrier with daily moisturizing so that, when it’s time for another shave routine, you’re good to go.
4. shaving sensitive areas
Sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini line, face, and neck need extra care. Always start with clean skin and use warm water to soften hair and open pores. With gentle pressure, short strokes, and a shave cream or oil designed to calm and cushion skin, you can safely shave your most sensitive parts.
After shaving sensitive areas, rinse with cool water to calm the skin, and follow up with a soothing, moisturizing lotion containing ingredients such as aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal.
5. after-shave care for smooth skin
Your shave routine doesn’t end once you step out of the shower. How you treat the skin post-shave matters just as much as the shave itself.
After shaving, your skin is at its most vulnerable. Make sure to avoid aggressive drying with a rough towel and steer clear of any harsh physical or chemical exfoliation post-shave.
While pores are open and water is still on the skin, take this opportunity to moisturize immediately to instantly lock in all that hydration you just worked so meticulously for, and to soothe any irritation that might be present. Reach for lotions or oils that replenish hydration and help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, especially if your skin tends to feel tight or dry post-shave.
bonus shaving tips you'll actually use
how do you avoid nicks, cuts, and irritation?
When shaving, gentleness is always best. Let your clean sharp razor should be able to do the legwork, as applying extra pressure might just lead to cuts, nicks, and irritation, especially on delicate skin.
If you find yourself needing to press down, it may be time to replace your blade. A sharp razor glides easily and reduces the temptation to apply extra pressure.
when should you change your shaving blades?
Dull and dirty blades can tug at hair and scrape skin, leading to irritation and ingrown hairs. If you're using a disposable or single-use razor, avoid reusing it. For reusable razors, a good rule of thumb is to replace the blade after 5-7 shaves, or sooner if you notice tugging or discomfort.
how do you shave around your knees & ankles?
Knees and ankles can be tricky. These areas are bonier and less smooth than the rest of the legs, so they need a little extra care and patience.
For knees, exfoliation is key. After a good exfoliation, bend the knee at about a 90-degree angle to help flatten the skin over the bone. Shave slowly using short, horizontal strokes to prevent the razor from catching in curves. Start by shaving with the grain, and only go against the grain if needed, using the lightest touch possible.
For ankles, point your toes to stretch the skin and shave carefully around the bone. A generous layer of shave cream or oil and a slow, steady approach can help reduce the risk of nicks in this extra-sensitive area.
how should you clean and store your razor?
After shaving, rinse your razor well to remove hair, product, and dead skin. Shake off excess water and store it in a dry place, standing upright or outside the shower if possible.
Keeping your razor clean and dry helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and keeps blades sharper for longer, making every shave smoother and safer.
build your shaving routine with eos
A smooth shave starts with products that care for your skin every step of the way. From rich, cushiony shave creams to round-the-clock moisturizing body lotions, eos formulas are designed to support soft, hydrated skin before, during, and after shaving.
Whether you’re shaving daily or occasionally, building a routine with eos helps turn shaving into a feel-good, luxurious ritual.
