How to Shave in The Shower or Bath

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

Woman shaving her leg with a razor while seated in a bathroom, surrounded by personal care products.

Learn the fundamental steps for shaving while washing in either a shower or a bath to ensure your best results and avoid scratches and skin irritation.

Is shaving in a bath or a shower better?

A wooden brush, beige and brown towels set against a light blue background, ideal for self-care routines.

Whether you shave in the shower or the bath comes down to personal preference. What’s more important is how you shave. Learn how to shave each individual area of the body to ensure the best results and reduce irritation.

How should I shave in the shower?

Two women enjoying a beauty routine; one shaving her leg while the other expresses excitement.

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

Use shower mat to prevent slipping

Chrome showerhead resting on blue textured mat with water droplets, highlighting a modern bathroom setting.

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

Exfoliate your skin

A hand with pink nail polish applying a brown sugar scrub on skin for exfoliation and skincare treatment.

Exfoliating with a gentle scrub or loofah will help prepare 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 shower stool to shave your legs

Woman shaving her leg in a bright bathroom with turquoise tiles and natural sunlight streaming through.

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 shower stool or bench can provide a safer experience by bringing you closer to your legs as you shave.

Be sure to soak your skin

Feet resting in a bathtub filled with bubbles, showcasing relaxation and self-care at home.

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

Venus razor with a shiny metallic handle and detachable blade on a light green background.

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

Apply shaving gel

Hand holding Satin Care Aloe Vera Glide, a sensitive shave gel with a Venus razor, against a light background.

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. Read more on which shaving gel you should use.

Shave in steady strokes

Profile view of a young woman with dark hair, looking thoughtfully to the side against a light background.

Shave in light, steady strokes in the direction of the hair growth, and if you need a closer shave, reapply shaving 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 moisturiser.

How should I shave in the bath?

Woman shaving her leg while sitting on the edge of a bathtub in a blue bathroom setting.

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

Use a bathmat to prevent slipping

Round textured bath mat with aqua-colored bubbles, providing safety and comfort in wet areas.

Although you might think you are more secure in a bath than 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 protect your skin from accidental scratches and cuts.

Exfoliate your skin

Hand applying a brown exfoliating scrub to the leg, highlighting skincare and pampering.

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

Close-up view of two vintage taps with water flowing into a white bathtub.

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

Lathered legs partially submerged in a bubble bath, showcasing relaxation and self-care aesthetics.

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

Use a sharp razor

Venus Sharp razor blade refill cartridge on a light blue background, showcasing its sleek design and functionality for smooth shaving.

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

Apply shaving cream as often as needed

A person shaving their leg while sitting on a bathtub in a bright bathroom setting.

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 using Venus Swirl Razor to shave her leg while sitting on a bath ledge in a light blue bathroom.

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