Your Step-by-Step Post-Shave Routine | Gillette UK (2024)

Your shaving routine shouldn’t end with the last stroke of your razor. Whether you’ve been shaving for years or you’re doing it for the first time, following a post-shave routine can be the key to smooth and youthful skin. However, it can require some expert guidance.

Luckily for you, our Gillette experts have created a comprehensive step-by-step guide to good habits that should be included in your post-shave routine. From knowing whether you should wash your face before or after shaving to how to keep skin smooth after shaving, here’s how to perfect your post-shave routine.

1. Choose the Right Shaving Products

It’s important to consider your pre-shave routine alongside your post-shave routine.

Using shaving products that don’t suit your skin can cause irritation, such as shaving rash and razor bumps. The best way to avoid this is by choosing a razor blade and a shaving gel or foam that suits your skin type which helps to lay the foundations for an effective shave.

2. Cleanse Your Face

You should wash your face both before and after shaving. Washing before shaving helps to soften wiry hairs, making them easier to shave, while washing your face with warm water after shaving cleans the skin of excess hair and product. We recommend spending at least 30 seconds washing your face and neck so you can be sure nothing is missed.

If you’re wondering if you should exfoliate before or after shaving, the answer is always before. Exfoliating before shaving clears the skin of dead cells and daily grime, lifting hairs for a smoother shave. Whereas exfoliating after shaving can irritate the skin, which could cause considerable discomfort.

 3.  Splash with Cold Water

The next step in your post-shave routine is to rinse your face with cold water. Let your tap run cold and splash your face with water. Cold water is great for soothing irritated patches of skin and it’ll make you feel a whole lot more awake!

4. Gently Dry Your Skin

Next, dry your face and neck off by patting gently with a towel. Ensure you are using a clean towel to prevent spreading germs or bacteria onto your skin and avoid vigorous rubbing as this will increase irritation

5. Apply a Post-Shave Balm

To finish your post-shave routine, apply an aftershave balm or moisturiser to help soothe your skin and reduce any discomfort from stinging and redness.

Read on to discover the importance of post-shave balms and the best type for you.

What is a Post-Shave Balm?

Even with the best tools and techniques, shaving can be stressful for your skin. A post-shave balm provides you with some much-needed nourishment, helping to restore and revitalise your skin.

Applying a post-shave balm reintroduces moisture into your skin barrier, preventing your skin from drying out and becoming tight. Consistent application will ensure that the surface of your skin is smooth and prepped for your next shave.

Types of Post-Shave Balm

When selecting a post-shave balm it is important to consider your skin type. Do you have sensitive, dry or oily skin? Different skin types require different care. To achieve a high-quality shave every time, make sure the products in your post-shave routine are tailored to your specific skin type. Gillette post-shave products have something to suit every skin type.

Our Gillette SKIN Ultra Sensitive Balm is the perfect post-shave balm if you have sensitive skin. Dermatologically tested and approved by the British Skin Foundation, this will keep your sensitive skin protected and soothed.

A lightweight, alcohol-free formula that contains nourishing shea butter and Vitamin E, this post-shave balm helps to replenish the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it looking and feeling healthy.

Dry and oily skin types will benefit from our Gillette Aftershave Moisturiser. Designed to be applied directly after shaving, this post-shave balm hydrates, soothes and protects freshly shaved skin for the smoothest finish.

Containing SPF 15, this moisturiser helps to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, effectively slowing the signs of ageing on your skin.

How to Apply a Post-Shave Balm

To get the most from your aftershave balm, apply a pea-sized amount to your hand and gently massage the product onto your face and neck. Allow the product to settle on your skin and work its magic.

TOP TIP: massage from the bottom of your neck up to your face as this helps to promote blood circulation and aids in skin cell rejuvenation.

Beard Oil

If you’ve opted to keep some facial hair when shaving, applying beard oil is recommended. Beard oil is designed to soften and condition any beard style or hair, from lumberjack to van dyke. Much like applying a post-shave balm to look after your skin, app lying beard oil looks after your facial hair.

Our King C. Gillette Beard Oil is formulated with extracts of avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond and argan oil for ultimate beard nourishment. Applying after shaving, helps to keep both the hair and the skin underneath hydrated, preventing dryness which can lead to uncomfortable itching and flaking.

How to Apply a Beard Oil

A little beard oil goes a long way. Using a few drops, work the beard oil into your beard using your hands. Start by massaging the skin underneath the hair, before gradually working it into the hair. If you have a longer beard, use a comb to help distribute the oil.

Once finished, style your facial hair as normal.

TOP TIP: Applying beard oil before going to bed acts as a hair mask, working overnight to soften your beard. If you like to mix up your style, an overnight beard oil application can make shaving a beard to clean shaven much easier.

Get into Good Post-Shave Habits

Making changes to your existing routine can be tough at first, but try to get in the habit of taking just a few more minutes every day to care for your skin.

Whether you prefer to shave in the morning or at night, whether you’re at home or on holiday, don’t ruin a great shave with a bad post-shave routine. Cleanse, moisturise and soothe your skin after shaving to keep it looking and feeling its best.

To discover more tips and tricks for your shaving and grooming routines, visit our blog.