How to Shave With an Electric Razor Without Cutting Yourself

For optimum results, use an electric razor on dry skin.
... Brand X Pictures/Stockbyte/Getty Images

When it’s time to get rid of unwanted hair, skip the wet-shave technique and use an electric razor. With an electric razor, you’re less likely to end up with nicks and razor burn -- like you might with a disposable razor -- and you will get just as close of a shave. Whether you’re a man who wants to remove some facial hair or a woman who’s sick of cutting her legs with a manual razor, you can get a smooth, cut-free shave with an electric razor if used properly.

Take a warm shower before shaving. This will help make the hair follicles soft and easier to remove, which allows for a cleaner shave. Wash the area you’ll be shaving well with a washcloth and soap or body wash to remove dead skin. Dry your skin thoroughly with a towel to remove any moisture.

Hold the electric shaver in your dominant hand. Pull the area of skin you’re shaving taut with your other hand.

Move the electric shaver slowly over your skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. If you’re using a shaver with a rotary head, move it over the skin in small, circular motions. If the shaver doesn’t have a rotary head, move it straight over the skin. Apply gentle pressure and avoid going over the same spot of skin more than a couple of times. If you’re using an electric shaver to shave your legs, straighten out the leg when you get to the knee to prevent cutting yourself.

Continue moving the razor over your skin while pulling the skin taut until you have shaved all of the desired area. Run your hand over the skin to check for any missed hairs. If you’ve missed any, move the shaver over that area again.

Wash the skin with warm water and a washcloth to remove any stray hairs. Pat the skin dry with a towel. Apply moisturizer.

  • Electric shavers will likely generate some heat. If you have sensitive areas of the face, shave those areas first to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
  • Clean your electric razor after each use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, as this will vary among models.

Kimbry Parker has been writing since 1998 and has published content on various websites. Parker has experience writing on a variety of topics such as health, parenting, home improvement and decorating. She is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication.

×