
Stubble is the most inconvenient thing ever when you’re in a hurry. The solution would seem straightforward; just shave more often, right?
Unfortunately, to prevent irritation or clogged pores, you need an extra-mild cleanser and a quality shaving gel or cream, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Women have access to oodles of different products designed to help them shave—but what about men? There are tons of top shaving creams and gels that help provide a close, comfortable shave without irritation.
Even if you have the best shaving cream, what about using it the right way to get a slippery smooth shave? Don’t worry; this article has got you covered!
What Is Shaving Cream?
Shaving cream is a cosmetic product that reduces friction between the skin and the razor, improves razor glide, and provides a protective layer for the skin. Shaving creams are often used with traditional manual razors and some electric razors.
First produced in 1919, it is the shaving product that has been around for decades. The first shaving creams were made with soap, which helped to soften hair and create a smooth shave.
Today, shaving cream contains a specialized formula that helps to protect skin from nicks and cuts while helping to create a close shave.
Types of Shaving Cream
Shaving cream comes in two main types:
- Lathering – which requires a brush to use
- Brushless – which you apply directly from the can
Lathering shaving cream provides better moisturization and soothing than a typical shave foam and contains cleansers to wash your face. The moisturizing agents in the shaving cream help keep your skin healthy while reducing breakouts caused by irritation.
Brushless shaving cream is usually sold in an aerosol can. It goes on your face straight from the can, so you don’t need to lather it up. This cuts down on time and removes the need to clean up spills from the sink or floor during application.
Why Should You Use a Shaving Cream?
Is shaving cream better than foam? Of course!
When it comes to shaving, it’s not just about what you use but how you use it. Shaving cream is one of the most effective ways to protect the skin and promote smooth, comfortable shaves.
The foamy cream helps you cut the hair more efficiently and cleanly, leaving your skin feeling smooth rather than chafed and uncomfortable after shaving.
Basically, the hydrating ingredients in these creams soften your hair and protect your sensitive skin from razor burn and post-shave acne and bumps.
Besides, shaving creams nourish your skin with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and essential oils like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil.
Different Methods to Use Shaving Cream for a Smoothest Shave Ever!
Like lotions and creams, you can use shaving cream in multiple ways. Whether you’re using it on your face or body, you can use the following ways to apply shaving cream.
Shaving Brush and a Bowl
A shaving bowl is a tool you won’t need unless you buy a shaving brush. If you do, make sure you have a suitable bowl for it. Its job is to hold the lather of shaving cream or soap.
Furthermore, a brush is one of the most important parts of a great shave. If you’re serious about your grooming routine, it’s worth investing in a good shaving brush.
It is a soft-bristled brush that you can use to apply soap or cream to your face. The bristles of the brush help raise the hairs on your skin, creating a richer lather and improving razor glide over the skin. A high-quality shaving brush made of horse, boar, or badger hair will last many years if properly cared for.
Direct Face Application
Some men like to lather their shaving cream with a brush in a bowl, then apply it directly to their beard hair. However, many prefer to skip all of the mess and apply it directly to their wet brush.
Lathering in Hands
Don’t have a shaving bowl? No worries. Just wet your brush and rub it on your hand before lathering up. Voila!
Shaving cream applied directly to your face or lathered in your hands is much messier than it should be. Moreover, it can be tough to get even coverage. You may have a spotty application, which is the opposite of what you want when shaving.
What Is the Best Way to Shave Using a Shaving Cream?
So, how do you properly use shaving cream? Shaving cream is essential for keeping your skin moisturized during and after shaving, whether with a razor or an electric shaver. To get the most out of your shaving cream, follow these steps; prepare, apply, shave, clean, and aftercare!
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Preparation
The key to great shaving is preparation. Whether you shave in the shower or after, you should always apply shaving cream with a brush to your face.
If you’re using a bowl to lather your shaving cream, scoop enough cream with your brush to cover your whole beard. You can save time by lathering only once.
Using your fingertips, add a few drops of water at a time until you get a smooth, creamy lather. If you see too many bubbles, you have added too much water.
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Application
Just dip a brush into a bowl full of shaving cream, then start blending across your face in circles until a layer of foam covers all areas. Apply the lather first to your cheeks and move down to your chin and mustache.
Be careful not to overdo the application. You only need a substantial amount of cream on your beard to make the hair smooth.
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Grab Your Razor & Shave
When it comes to shaving, the direction you run your razor is critical. It’s tempting to shave against the grain. In reality, it irritates the hair follicle and results in blemishes and irritation bumps.
Keep your skin clean by rinsing your razor with water and swirling it around in a bowl after each downward stroke. Then, rinse it under running water as you shave to keep the backed-up hairs from building up.
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Clean up the Mess
Run your hand over your face to check for missed patches after shaving. Rinse off any remaining shaving cream with warm water. Cold water will close your pores and prevent dirt from entering. So, switch to cold water for a final rinse once you’ve rinsed off the cream and hair.
Then pat dry your face using a clean towel. To avoid irritation and redness, use alcohol-free aftershave to calm those areas.
How Do You Use Shaving Cream for Armpits?
You can use shaving cream for your armpits just like for your face and other body parts. Shaving cream will provide lubrication and act as a barrier between your skin and the razor, keeping you from bleeding or cutting yourself.
However, the way you use shaving cream will be unique because armpit hair is coarser than other body hair. Therefore, it may take longer to remove cleanly. In fact, some people even prefer to shave after they shower so that their hair is softer.
Can You Use Shaving Cream for Pubic Hair?
You can use shaving cream for pubic hair if it is more comfortable than water and soap. Shaving cream lathers quickly and spreads easily, helping to prevent cuts and nicks, which are common with pubic hair shaving.
If you choose to shave down there, you should still consider buying shaving cream specifically designed for the pubic region. This will help reduce any unwanted hair removal bumps.
Is Shaving Gel Better Than Shaving Cream?
Many people have difficulty identifying the difference between shaving cream and shaving gel. There is one significant difference: shaving creams create a frothy protective barrier between the blade and your skin. In contrast, gels are thicker and more transparent, like water.
Shaving gel is a more concentrated form of shaving cream. So, the gel is excellent for sensitive skin. Because it provides a moisture-rich layer between your face and your razor blade, it helps reduce irritation and redness.
Conclusion
Shaving cream is a product used to provide a close and comfortable shave. It consists of a foam or gel, which, when applied to the face, smoothes out wrinkles, preventing skin from scratching. A shaving brush is often used with the cream to produce a thick lather that softens hairs before shaving. Shaving creams can also be used without a brush, resulting in less lubrication and less protection against nicks and cuts.

Hi, I’m Theo, and I started Shaving Parlour to help men everywhere get the best shave of their lives. Check out my popular guides on Safety Razors, Shaving Cream, Shaving Brushes, Beard Oil, and more!