What Order Should You Shave Your Face? Recommended Shaving Order for Most People
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Many people focus on choosing the right razor or shaving cream, but the order in which you shave can also affect comfort and shaving results.
For most people, the recommended shaving order is:
- Cheeks
- Sideburns
- Upper Lip
- Chin
- Neck
Starting with easier areas and leaving thicker or more sensitive areas until later gives facial hair more time to soften before the razor reaches it.
There is no single shaving order that works for everyone. However, many wet shavers and barbers recommend starting with easier areas and leaving thicker or more sensitive areas until later in the shave.
In this guide, you'll learn the recommended shaving order, why it matters, and why many people choose to shave their neck last.
Does Shaving Order Really Matter?
Yes, shaving order can make a difference.
Facial hair is not equally thick across every part of the face. Hair on the cheeks is often softer, while hair on the upper lip, chin, and neck is usually coarser and more difficult to shave.
By shaving easier areas first, shaving cream and moisture have more time to soften thicker hair. This can make shaving more comfortable and may help reduce irritation.
Shaving order is not the most important factor in a comfortable shave, but it can help improve preparation for areas with thicker facial hair.
What Is the Recommended Order to Shave Your Face?
For most people, the following order works well:
1. Cheeks
The cheeks are often the easiest area to shave because the hair tends to be softer and grows in a more predictable direction.
2. Sideburns
Sideburns are usually straightforward to shave and serve as a natural transition before moving to thicker facial hair.
3. Upper Lip
The upper lip often contains thicker hair than the cheeks, making it a good area to shave after easier sections.
4. Chin
The chin often contains some of the thickest facial hair, so many people prefer shaving it later.
5. Neck
The neck is often more sensitive than other parts of the face and may contain hair growing in several different directions. Extra preparation time can make shaving more comfortable.
Why Do Many People Shave Their Neck Last?
Many people experience razor burn, redness, or ingrown hairs on the neck because the hair often grows in multiple directions.
Shaving the neck can be more challenging than shaving the cheeks or sideburns.
Many people prefer shaving the neck last because it gives shaving cream and moisture more time to soften the hair before shaving.
If you often experience irritation on your neck after shaving, you may also want to read our guide on why the neck becomes irritated after shaving.
Should You Shave With or Against the Grain First?
For most people, it is best to shave with the grain first.
Shaving with the grain means moving the razor in the same direction that your facial hair naturally grows.
- Less irritation
- Reduced pulling
- Greater comfort
- Lower risk of ingrown hairs
If you want a closer shave, complete the first pass with the grain before deciding whether additional passes are necessary.
Not sure which direction your beard grows? Read our guide on shaving with or against the grain.
Does the Shaving Order Change for Sensitive Skin?
People with sensitive skin often benefit from giving shaving cream additional time to soften facial hair before shaving more difficult areas.
For this reason, many people with sensitive skin prefer leaving the chin and neck until later in the shave.
Common Shaving Mistakes
Using Too Much Pressure
Pressing harder does not necessarily produce a better shave. In many cases, excessive pressure increases irritation and redness.
Ignoring Hair Growth Direction
Hair growth patterns vary from person to person, especially on the neck. Understanding your natural growth pattern can help improve comfort.
If post-shave redness is a common problem, see our guide on post-shave redness and irritation.
Recommended Option for a Smoother Shave
While shaving order can improve comfort, the razor itself also plays an important role in control and shaving performance.
For those looking for greater precision, explore our Feather Artist Club SS Shavette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should you shave your face?
For most people, the recommended order is cheeks, sideburns, upper lip, chin, and neck.
Should you shave your neck first or last?
Most people prefer shaving their neck last because it gives the hair more time to soften before shaving.
Should you shave with or against the grain first?
You should usually shave with the grain first to help reduce irritation and improve comfort.
Can shaving order help reduce razor burn?
Shaving order alone will not eliminate razor burn, but leaving thicker or more sensitive areas until later may help improve comfort for some people.
Does shaving order matter for sensitive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin prefer shaving easier areas first and leaving the neck until later so facial hair has more time to soften before shaving.
Conclusion
For most people, the recommended shaving order is:
- Cheeks
- Sideburns
- Upper Lip
- Chin
- Neck
This approach gives thicker and more sensitive areas additional time to soften before shaving.
Combined with shaving with the grain first and proper technique, it can help create a smoother and more comfortable shaving experience.