Most guys learned how to shave from our fathers, or from TV—neither of which are necessarily reliable sources when it comes to skincare. But shaving is a lifelong habit, and bad techniques are hard to break. Fortunately, we consulted some grooming experts for our complete guide on shaving techniques and products.

Double Edge Safety Razors


What are they? After straight blades, double edge safety razors are among the oldest tools for shaving. A steel razor blade, sharp on both ends, is held in place between a handle and guard that gently bends the blade to the ideal angle for shaving. They’re also easy to clean.

What they do best: Because they contain a single sharp blade and a rounded head, you have control over which angle you hold the razor and how much pressure you use to shave with. Plus, having only one blade on each side means that there’s no tugging as can happen with multi-blade razors. These are an ideal option for guys with curly hair that are more prone to getting ingrown hairs.

When to replace them: Anytime a blade starts to drag, scratch, or tug at your skin, replace it immediately. Dull blades are more likely to cause cuts and infections. While the metal blades themselves get replaced, the handles can make a bathroom look elegant and last for years. They can even become a family heirloom.

Disadvantages: Changing the blades requires extra caution to avoid cutting your fingers. Be sure to dispose of used blades carefully (especially if you have small kids or pets that go through the trash).

Expert Recommendation: Bevel Safety Razor, $49.95.

Compared to disposables, Bevel razors claim to give users clearer skin around the neck and jaw.

Multiblade Disposable Razors

What are they? These razors' multiple blades work in unison to pull at and slice facial hair. They offer a closer shave than other types of razors, which only skim the surface.

When to replace: Clogged blades harbor germs that can lead to infection, ingrown hairs, and acne, so if the blades aren't clean with a simple rinse of water, replace the razor immediately. If a razor starts to drag, scratch, or tug at your skin, throw it out. If buying new razors is a hassle, consider a subscription service like Dollar Shave Club or Gilette on Demand. Not only do you save money, you can reorder with just a text message.

Disadvantages: Multiblade razors can promote ingrown hairs, and their close placement means they're more likely to get clogged with whiskers and shaving cream.

Expert Recommendation: Defender Razor, $4.95.

The Defender's wider-spaced blades and flexible head makes getting in close a breeze, with less irritation and fewer clogs.

Straight Razors

What are they?

Though imposing, straight razoes are the most traditional tool for getting a close shave. If you’ve never had a professional straight-blade shave, consider trying one at a quality barber shop. (If you're getting married Doorbell Barbers will even get your groomsmen looking sharp on-location.)

What they do best:

Straight razors give a super-close shave and stay sharper longer than disposable razors. (They also reduce waste.) Special straps are available to clean, resharpen, and realign the blades. The blades are replaceable, but a well-made handle can be made of stainless steel with accents of wood or other materials, and can be passed on for generations.

Disadvantages:

Never drag any razor sideways as serious cuts could occur. While straight razor handles have built-in guards to prevent you from cutting too deeply, the fold-open design lacks the T-shape of disposable and safety razors that ergonomically encourages users to only move the blades in a safe direction.

Expert Recommendation: The Art of Shaving, $55-$335.

Straight Foil Electric Shaver

What is it?

A battery-operated shaver with internal cutting elements and a protective metal “foil” mesh.

Advantages:

These are great for shaving quickly with little prep or cleanup, and wet/dry models are safe to use in the shower (saving time and making cleanup as easy as rinsing fallout down the drain).

Disadvantages:

Most shave oils are too thick to use with electric shavers, but other skin-prep options exist. Jack Black makes a light Electric Shave Enhancer you can apply to soften facial hair and reduce irritation.

Expert Recommendation: Braun Series 9 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver for Men with Clean & Dry System, $263.

This top-of-the-line shaver comes with a charging station that cleans, sanitizes, lubricates, and recharges after each use. Refillable cartridges contain a special fluid that kill germs and keeps the cutting blocks running smoothly.

Rotary Shaver

What is it?

Similar to foil shavers, these usually have three round mechanical trimmers. Price can range from $30 to $300, depending on quality and whether you choose waterproof or self-cleaning features.

Advantages:

The rounded heads are helpful for guys whose hair grows in different directions, and they get around facial contours more easily—a plus for guys with strong jaws or a prominent Adam’s apple. They’re also good for back or body hair.

Disadvantages:

While foil shavers have a “straight-across” cutting surface, these are rounded, making them a little trickier when it comes to shaving near sideburns, mustaches. Using a razor blade could make it easier to shape these detailed areas, though some rotary shaving kits come with an attachment for use precision shaves.

Expert Recommendation: Philips Norelco Shaver 9700, $300.

This rotary shaver comes with a self-cleaning and charging base, precision trimmer attachment, and a facial cleansing brush that can be used over the whole face with any cleanser to eliminate dirt and debris, exfoliate, and help prevent acne. Electronic buttons adjust the speed for sensitive skin, daily use, or a faster shave. The wet/dry capability of this shaver allows you to use traditional shaving cream to reduce irritation, but without clogging the device.

Pre-Shave Oil

What is it?

A skin-friendly oil blend that helps razor blades glide across skin without irritation, while still cutting facial hair.

Advantages:

Pre-shave oils reduce irritation from blade shaving by softening skin and essentially lubricating the surface of your skin. Kristan Serafino, who is one of Hollywood’s go-to celebrity men’s groomers recommends applying a hot towel before shaving to allow the hair follicles to swell. She then applies a dime sized amount of Brooklyn Grooming Red Hook Shaving Oil. The organic sesame and avocado oils join forces together with holistic cure-all castor oil and vitamin E to give a velvety, buttery smoothness." Apply shaving foam or shaving cream right on top of the shave oil and shave as usual.

Disadvantages:

Most pre-shave oils are formulated for blade shaves, but could become messy or hard to clean from electric shavers.

Expert Recommendation: Brooklyn Grooming Red Hook Shaving Oil, $29.

This oil can also used after you shave to moisturize skin and soften stubble, or can be applied directly to longer facial hair to keep beard and stubble soft.

Shaving Gel

What is it?

A gel based formula in a pressurized can. Compared to shaving foam, shave gel tends to be lighter and rinse more easily.

Advantages:

A little goes a long way. Because the formulas are under pressure, you get more product in just one can than you do from shave creams that come in squeeze tubes or jars. The foaming action can help to lift whiskers making them easier to shave.

Disadvantages:

Some formulas can be waxy or goopy making it clog up razor blade if you use too much. Sometimes the ingredients that are required to create pressure can be potentially harmful to your health in the long run.

Expert Recommendation: Gillette Fusion ProGlide Sensitive 2-in-1 Shave Gel, $4.99.

The unique packaging of this shave gel has a window on the side so you can tell when it’s almost empty, and the nozzle prevents foam from overflowing.

Shaving Cream

What is it?

Shaving creams usually come in jars or squeeze tubes since they tend to be a little thicker than shaving foam or gel.

Advantages:

Cream based, these formulas are great for men with dry skin, skin that’s easily irritated, or men with coarse hair. Cream formulas can more easily be derived from naturally moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or vegetable glycerin. The richness of these ingredients means less dryness and flakiness which ultimately means a smoother shave the next day.

Disadvantages:

Thicker formulas can sometimes clog disposable razors, and without the foaming action of gel, they won’t lift hair to help cut it. To get the best of both, splash water on your face, and massage the cream into your stubble, or use a cruelty free synthetic badger hair brush (like the one from The Body Shop) to create more of a lather and help lift whiskers.

Expert Recommendation: Prospector Co. Burroughs Shave Cream, $20.

Made of essential oils, herbs, and vitamins, this alcohol free formula reduce blade irritation, moisturizes skin, and has a warm woodsy scent.

Toner or Aftershave Liquid

What is it?

An alcohol based liquid you splash on with clean hands, or sweep over freshly shaved skin with a cotton pad. Compared to pure astringents, these often contain less alcohol and other skincare ingredients so they’re less irritating.

Advantages:

The antiseptic properties of ingredients like alcohol and witch hazel kills germs and to help prevent nicks and cuts from getting infected.

Disadvantages:

Most formulas are made with high levels of synthetic alcohol which, while effective at killing germs, can also sting or overly dry skin with excessive use.

Expert Recommendation: Dr. Alkaitis Organic Herbal Toner, $60.

Made with organic grape alcohol, aloe vera, witch hazel, and a variety of herbs this lightweight liquid kills germs without irritation and helps skin heal quickly.

After Shave Balm and Gel

What are they?

These formulas are less “watery” than astringents, often contain less alcohol, and can be applied with just your fingers.

Advantages:

The richer formulas won’t drip and are a little slower to absorb, allowing them more time to soothe sensitive skin.

Expert Recommendation: Kiehl’s “Close-Shavers” Squadron Post Shave Repair Gel, $22.

Made of 90% aloe vera, this formula prevents redness and strengthens skin to give you a more comfortable shave the next morning.