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.
One commonly recommended shaving order is:
- Cheeks
- Sideburns
- Upper Lip
- Chin
- Neck
Starting with easier areas allows shaving cream, soap, and water more time to soften thicker facial hair before the razor reaches it.
There is no single shaving order that works for everyone. However, many barbers and traditional wet shavers recommend starting with easier areas and leaving thicker or more sensitive areas until later in the shave.
In this guide, you'll learn a commonly recommended shaving order, why it may improve comfort, 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 tends to be softer, while hair on the upper lip, chin, and neck is often coarser and more difficult to shave.
By shaving easier areas first, shaving cream and moisture have more time to soften thicker facial hair. This may make shaving more comfortable and may help reduce irritation.
While research specifically comparing different shaving orders is limited, this approach is widely recommended in traditional wet shaving because facial hair has more time to absorb water and soften before shaving thicker areas.
Shaving order is not the most important factor in achieving a comfortable shave, but it can improve preparation for areas with coarser facial hair.
What Is a Commonly Recommended Order to Shave Your Face?
For many 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 usually grows in a more predictable direction.
2. Sideburns
Sideburns are usually straightforward to shave and provide a natural transition before moving to areas with coarser facial hair.
3. Upper Lip
The upper lip often contains thicker hair than the cheeks, making it a practical area to shave after easier sections.
4. Chin
The chin commonly has some of the coarsest facial hair, so many people prefer shaving it later after the beard has had additional time to soften.
5. Neck
The neck is often more prone to irritation because facial hair commonly grows in multiple directions and the skin stretches during shaving. Giving shaving cream more time to soften the hair may improve comfort.
Why Do Many People Shave Their Neck Last?
The neck is a common area for razor burn and irritation because facial 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 allows shaving cream and moisture more time to soften the hair before shaving.
If you often experience irritation on your neck after shaving, understanding your hair growth pattern and preparing the skin properly may help improve comfort.
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.
If you're unsure which direction your beard grows, take a moment before shaving to observe the natural grain on different areas of your face and neck.
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 and reduce unnecessary irritation.
If post-shave redness is a recurring problem, reviewing your shaving technique and skin preparation may help reduce irritation.
Recommended Option for a Smoother Shave
While shaving order can improve comfort, good blade control and proper technique are equally important for achieving a close, comfortable shave.
For those looking for greater precision, explore our Feather Artist Club SS Shavette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should you shave your face?
A commonly recommended order is cheeks, sideburns, upper lip, chin, and neck. However, the best order may vary depending on your beard growth and skin sensitivity.
Should you shave your neck first or last?
Many people prefer shaving their neck last because it gives shaving cream and moisture more time to soften the hair 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 shaving cream has more time to soften facial hair before shaving.
Conclusion
One commonly recommended shaving order is:
- Cheeks
- Sideburns
- Upper Lip
- Chin
- Neck
This approach allows shaving cream and moisture more time to soften thicker facial hair before shaving more challenging areas.
Although there is no single shaving order that works for everyone, many traditional wet shavers and barbers recommend this sequence because it may improve comfort.
Combined with shaving with the grain first and using proper technique, it can help create a smoother and more comfortable shaving experience.
If you continue to experience persistent razor burn, painful ingrown hairs, or signs of a skin infection, consider consulting a healthcare professional or dermatologist.