Woman in bathroom sitting on a bath tub, shaving her armpit.
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Gillette Venus

Writer and expert07 Dec 2022

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.

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?

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.

Young woman sits on a stool in the bathroom and shaves her forearm

How should I shave in the shower?

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

Woman of African descent shaving her armpit
Step 1

Use shower mat to prevent slipping

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.

The shower handle is on the wet blue carpet
Step 2

Exfoliate your skin

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.

Hand with pink nails applying brown scrub to skin, presenting beauty treatment for exfoliation and skin care.
Step 3

Find a comfortable position or sit on a shower stool to shave your legs

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.

Woman shaving her calf in the bathroom
Step 4

Be sure to soak your skin

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

Soapy legs in the bathtub
Step 5

Use a sharp razor that’s easy to grip

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.

Gillette Venus Pro Smooth Sensitive Razor
Step 6

Apply shaving gel

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.

Gillette Venus Satin Care Aloe Vera
Step 7

Shave in steady strokes

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.

Woman in a blue bathroom shaving her left thigh with a ComfortGlide razor

How should I shave in the bath?

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

A woman shaves her armpit hair with a pink razor, surrounded by bubbles and soft light from a nearby window.
Step 1

Use a bathmat to prevent slipping

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.

Blue bath mat
Step 2

Exfoliate your skin

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.

Hand with pink nails applying brown scrub to skin, presenting beauty treatment for exfoliation and skin care.
Step 3

Consider water temperature

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.

Water flows out of the bathtub faucet
Step 4

Make sure to hydrate your skin

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.

Soapy legs in the bathtub
Step 5

Use a sharp razor

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.

Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Razor Refill
Step 6

Apply shaving cream as often as needed

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.

Woman sits in the bathroom and shaves her knee
Step 7

Take your time when shaving your legs in the bath

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.

A woman with curly hair shaves her leg in the bathroom.

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