Now let’s be honest for a moment. How many times have you heard someone ask Wait, do women shave their faces? followed by your inner voice asking Should I try it too? Girl if you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered if that peach fuzz is affecting your glow-up you’re not alone.
Face shaving was something I thought only influencers or celebrities did. However, after giving it a try my skin changed. I’m going to give you all the details right here so don’t worry if you’re wondering if this is a brilliant beauty trick or a recipe for trouble.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about face shaving for women from skin preparation to whether dermatologists are genuinely responsible for this trend. Fasten your seatbelt best friend!
In This Article,
Can Women Shave Their Face? Um… YES!
Absolutely! I want to state unequivocally that women are completely capable of shaving their faces. There is no stigma, no restriction that limits it to men, and no—your hair won’t grow back thicker like a man’s beard which is one of the biggest myths ever.
Females also have facial hair; some have peach fuzz while others may have darker more noticeable hair. Occasionally this can cause uneven makeup or hinder the proper absorption of skincare products.
There is more to face shaving than just shaving off hair. Actually the secret to that incredibly smooth glass skin appearance is a mild type of exfoliation.
Is It Okay to Shave Your Face? Let’s Talk Science
A lot of us were raised with the belief that face shaving for women would result in the growth of a beard. No, that simply isn’t true. The truth is that shaving only removes hair from the surface and the roots are left unaffected.
Therefore just because the tip seems a little blunt at first doesn’t necessarily mean that the hair is darker or thicker. Scientifically speaking, shaving your face is a type of mechanical exfoliation which means you are simultaneously removing hair and dead skin cells.
Your face appears instantly smoother and brighter as a result. Shaving your face is therefore perfectly acceptable as long as you do it properly.
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Do Dermatologists Recommend Face Shaving for Women?
Alright I had to do my research for this one because I didn’t want to look foolish. In fact many dermatologists advocate for face shaving provided it is done in a safe manner. A DIY version of dermaplaning, a procedure that exfoliates and gets rid of fine hairs (vellus hair) is what it’s commonly called.
Typically dermatologists advise the following:
- Use face-specific razors.
- Avoid active breakouts. It is not acceptable to shave over pimples.
- Before and after, prepare and moisturize your skin.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian of New York City shaving the face can be both safe and advantageous if done correctly particularly for more seamless makeup application and skincare absorption.
Derm-approved then.
How to Prep Your Face for Shaving (This Part is So Important!)
I was unaware of the significance of preparation until I began shaving my face. Believe me when I say that skipping this could cause skin irritation. I personally always prepare my face like this.
1. Cleanse Thoroughly
Let’s start with a blank slate. To get rid of makeup oil and debris I always wash my face with a mild cleanser. This lessens the likelihood that bacteria will proliferate and result in breakouts.
2. Make sure your skin is completely dry
Should you choose to use a facial razor, always shave on dry skin. It improves exfoliation and gives you greater control. Don’t rub your face, just pat it dry.
3. Use a Sterilized Razor
I shave my face with a sanitized single-blade razor made especially for ladies. Use a dull razor or a body razor at all costs.
4. Pull Your Skin Tight
Shave in short downward strokes while holding your skin tightly with one hand. Go slowly, you’re not in a race!
How Often Should I Shave My Face? (Let’s Be Realistic)
Frequently my friends ask me this question. The truth is that it depends on how your skin and hair grow. Once a week works well for me. Some people do it once a month while others do it every two weeks.
This is a general guideline:
- Once a week for normal skin.
- Every 10 to 14 days for sensitive skin.
- Every 5 to 7 days for thicker hair or faster growth.
Do not go overboard. In particular if you’re exfoliating your skin in other ways it needs time to recuperate in between shaves.
Wash Face Before or After Shaving? Here’s the Right Order
This is a frequently asked question that is very simple to get wrong.
You should always wash your face before shaving.
Cleaning ensures that your razor glides smoothly and that you don’t get infections or clogged pores by removing oil makeup and dirt.
I do not advise using harsh cleansers to wash after shaving. Instead:
- Gently rinse with warm water.
- Use aloe vera or a calming toner.
- Use a moisturizing serum or moisturizer to seal in moisture (ideally without any scent).
The secret to preventing redness and bumps is to take care of yourself after shaving!
Face Shaving for Women Benefits (That I Totally Love)
To tell the truth I was a little scared the first time I shaved my face. But after I saw the outcomes I developed an obsession.
What I personally went through is as follows:
- Instant glow: My skin had a more youthful glowing appearance.
- Perfect makeup: The foundation applied smoothly.
- Better product absorption: Serums absorbed more quickly.
- Skin felt softer to the touch and had a smoother texture.
- The peach fuzz finally disappeared from my face.
If you enjoy that dewy airbrushed look this is truly revolutionary.
Face Shaving for Women: Pros and Cons (Let’s Be Honest)
Because no beauty trick is flawless and I’ve undoubtedly learned from a few mistakes, let’s dissect this.
Pros.
- Removes dead skin and peach fuzz
- Gives skin a glowing smooth finish
- Applying makeup is a dream
- Minimizes the visible appearance of pores
- Mild exfoliation devoid of acids
Cons
- When done improperly it can irritate the skin
- Unsuitable for sensitive or acne-prone areas
- Requires frequent maintenance because hair regrows
- You must use clean tools to prevent breakouts
- Not recommended for skin types that are extremely sensitive or reactive
Be prepared if you decide to try this and then be kind to your skin afterwards.
Let’s Talk Aftercare (Don’t Skip This Part!)
I can’t wrap this up without telling you what I do after shaving because it has a huge impact on how your skin feels and recovers.
This is my go-to aftercare regimen:
- Take a lukewarm shower
- Don’t rub instead pat dry with a fresh towel
- Use a calming toner without alcohol or aloe vera gel
- Apply a light hydrating moisturizer afterward
- Stay away from active ingredients (such as retinol or AHAs) and makeup for at least 24 hours
I promise that your skin will appreciate it.
7 Myths and Facts About Face Shaving for Women
| Myths | Facts |
| Hair grows back thicker after shaving. | No shaving has no effect on the thickness or growth pattern of your hair even though it may initially feel thicker due to the blunt edge. |
| Only men ought to shave their faces. | Women have facial hair too — and shaving it is totally normal, safe, and often recommended by skincare experts. |
| Shaving leads to acne. | Not if you use a clean razor and properly prepare your skin. Actually shaving can help avoid clogged pores and remove dead skin. |
| The texture of your skin is ruined. | In actuality, shaving can leave your face feeling incredibly smooth and gently exfoliate the skin. |
| You must shave every day. | The majority of women only shave once a week or less frequently depending on their hair growth so the answer is no. |
| Shaving cream is a necessity. | The truth is that shaving only requires a clean face and occasionally a small amount of aloe gel or facial oil. Shaving creams with a lot of foam is unnecessary. |
| Dermatologists are against shaving. | Dermaplaning, in particular, is advised by many dermatologists for smoother skin and improved product absorption. |
So… Is Face Shaving a Skin-Smoothing Hack or a Bad Idea?
Sincerely if done correctly I’d say it’s a huge skin-smoothing victory.
The catch is that it isn’t for everyone. If you suffer from eczema, active acne or extremely reactive skin shaving may be more detrimental than beneficial.
The secret is to:
- Get your skin looking its best.
- Put the proper tools to use.
- After that moisturize and calm.
- Take note of your skin’s reaction.
I consider it a game-changer for my glow-up. To start though you could test it out on a tiny section of your jawline to see how your skin responds if you’re still apprehensive.
BTW—Double Cleansing Is Your Skin’s Best Friend
I always advise double cleansing whether or not you’re shaving your face. This is especially important right before shaving or at the end of a long day. I have a detailed explanation of that right here if you’re unsure of what it is or why it matters.
What is Double Cleaning? It is the key to skin that glows. Avoid dozing off about it.
FAQs About Face Shaving for Women (Quick Answers!)
Q: What is face shaving for women called?
A: Professionally performed, commonly referred to as dermaplaning. It is commonly referred to as face shaving or facial shaving at home.
Q: What is face shaving for women?
A: Face shaving is the process of using a tiny specially made razor to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair. It makes skin smoother and improves product absorption.
Face shaving for women is a customized skin care option regardless of whether you’re a fan or just a fad. It can significantly increase your glow if done properly. See if your skin enjoys it as much as mine does girl and give it a try.