When is the Best Time to Shave Your Face?

Wondering whether you should shave in the morning or at night, before or after your shower? It's a great question, and we have answers.

The timing of your shave might seem like a minor detail, but it can actually make a noticeable difference in how smooth your shave feels, how long it lasts, and how your skin reacts.

In this guide, we'll break down the science and methods behind the best time to shave, plus tips to figure out what works best for your routine and style.

Morning vs. Evening Shaving: What the Science Says

Most dermatologists and grooming experts agree that morning is generally the best time to shave your face. Here's why.

Timing Your Morning Shave (Post Puffiness)

While you sleep, fluids accumulate in your face, causing slight puffiness and swelling. This natural overnight swelling can actually make hair follicles less accessible, creating an uneven shaving surface.

Think about how your face looks first thing in the morning versus after you've been up and moving around for half an hour. That difference matters when you're trying to get a close, even shave.

The key is timing your shave at least 20-30 minutes after you wake up. This gives your face time to "wake up." The puffiness subsides, your skin firms up, and you get better blade contact with the hair shaft. If you shave immediately after rolling out of bed, you're working with a slightly swollen canvas that can lead to missed spots and uneven results.

Morning Shaves Last Longer Throughout Your Day

Your facial hair grows continuously, but most guys notice the fastest growth happens overnight and in the early morning hours. By shaving in the morning after this growth spurt, you're essentially resetting the clock and maximizing the time before stubble becomes visible again.

If you shave at night, you're going to bed with a perfectly smooth face that no one sees, and by the time you're heading into work or social situations the next day, you've already got noticeable regrowth. For most guys, that means you'll look less polished when it actually matters. If you're after that smooth and polished look, morning shaves are the way to go!

The Shower Question: Before, During, or After?

Here's where things get interesting, because the relationship between showering and shaving is arguably more important than the time of day.

After a Warm Shower: The Gold Standard

Shaving immediately after a shower is widely considered the optimal approach, and there's solid science to back it up. Warm water and steam do several things for your skin and facial hair:

Hair softens significantly in warm water. A study in the International Journal of Trichology found that hair can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, which makes it considerably softer and easier to cut. Dry hair is tougher and more resistant to the blade, which means more tugging, pulling, and irritation.

The warmth also causes your pores to dilate slightly, allowing for a closer shave and reducing the likelihood of trapped hair (which can lead to ingrown hairs and razor burn). Additionally, your skin's natural oil production is more regulated after a warm shower, creating an ideal surface for shaving products to work effectively.

The ideal routine? Take your normal shower, let the steam work its magic for a few minutes, then shave immediately after while your skin is still slightly damp and warm.

During Your Shower: A Convenient Alternative

Some guys prefer to shave as part of their shower routine, and while this can work, it comes with trade-offs. The continuous warm water keeps your hair soft and pores open, which is great. However, you're dealing with steam, mirrors that fog up (if you even have one in the shower), and less precision overall.

Shower-shaving works best for quick maintenance shaves and when you're not too concerned about getting an ultra-close shave. It's convenient and time-efficient, but you sacrifice some control and visibility.

Should You Ever Shave Before Your Shower?

Shaving on completely dry skin with dry hair is the hardest on both your blade and your face. The hair is tougher, your skin is less supple, and you're much more likely to experience irritation, nicks, and razor burn. While some guys do this out of convenience or habit, it's not the optimal approach if you care about skin health and shave quality.

If you absolutely must shave before showering, then try the warm towel trick. Soak a clean towel in hot water, wring it out, and press it against your face for 1-2 minutes. This mimics the steam effect of a shower and prepares your skin in a similar way. 

Now, maybe you're rushing out the door. At a minimum, splash warm water on your face for 30-60 seconds and apply a quality pre-shave oil to soften the hair and create a protective barrier. 

What About Pre-Shave Prep Timing?

Beyond just when you shave, how you prepare your skin matters tremendously. Even if you're shaving at the ideal time (morning, post-shower), rushing through prep can undermine your results.

Give shaving products time to work! If you're using a pre-shave oil, let it sit on the skin for 30-60 seconds to penetrate the hair and skin before applying shaving cream. If you're using shaving gel (which you absolutely should be), allow some additional time here as well for the products to further soften your hair and improve lubrication.

Matching Shave Timing to Your Lifestyle

While a morning-after-shower shave is the ideal, real life doesn't always cooperate. Here's how to optimize based on your actual routine:

If you shower at night, you can still shave in the morning, just splash warm water on your face for a minute, use a pre-shave oil, and take a bit more time with prep. Your shave won't be quite as effortless as after a shower, but it'll still be better than shaving on completely dry skin.

If you work out in the morning, shower after your workout, then shave. The increased blood flow from exercise actually enhances the benefits of a post-shower shave.

If you're shaving with sensitive skin, give yourself extra time in the morning. Rushing through a shave is one of the fastest ways to irritate sensitive skin. If mornings are chaotic, consider shaving the night before important events where you need to look particularly sharp; you just might have some shadow by evening.

If you travel frequently, hotel bathrooms often have excellent lighting and mirrors, making morning shaves easier. Stick to your post-shower routine even when you're on the road for consistency.

Making Smooth Moves

The best time to shave your face is in the morning, about 20-30 minutes after waking up, immediately following a warm shower. This combination gives you the longest-lasting results, the smoothest shave, and the least amount of irritation. 

But the "best" time is also the time that fits your life and that you can execute consistently with proper prep. A well-prepped evening shave will always beat a rushed, dry morning shave. 

Key things to remember are to always soften your hair with warm water or steam. Make sure to give your products time to work! And don't rush through the process. Think of shaving as a personal moment of self-care. 

Whether you're reaching for a straight-edge razor, cartridge razor, or electric trimmer, having quality tools and products that work with your skin makes all the difference. Check out The Beard Club for grooming and shaving essentials designed to help you get the best results, no matter when you choose to shave.