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Shaving Two Days in a Row (While Avoiding Pain and Irritation)

Your usual shave routine has you grabbing your razor every other day. What would happen if you chose to shave every day instead? Would it irritate your face?

Shaving two days in a row is common practice, especially for those who prefer to be clean-shaven in the workplace. For most men, it is possible to shave every day without pain or irritation if proper pre- and post-shave routines are followed. However, those with extra-sensitive skin or a skin condition may benefit from less frequent shaving.

If you want to avoid issues when shaving two consecutive days, read on!

Is it okay to shave two days in a row?

Shaving two days in a row is a popular choice for men. In fact, many men choose to shave every single day. Statistics show that 32% of men in the 30+ age group make shaving or trimming their beard a daily habit.

It is okay to shave two days in a row if needed. Specific job roles can require a clean-shaven face while working. If facial hair grows fast, everyday shaving may be required. To achieve an irritation-free shave on consecutive days, prep your face with warm water, work up a good, frothy lather, and use a clean, sharp razor to shave against the grain. Splash your face with cold water and apply a moisturizing lotion to ensure the regular shaving doesn’t dry your face out.

If you want to make the move to daily shaving, taking care of the facial skin before, during, and after your shave is integral to avoiding red, bumpy, and itchy skin.

How often should men shave their faces?

The frequency of shaving is really a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. A college student may go days without shaving enjoying some scruff, while an attorney may choose to shave at the first sign of stubble.

Men should shave as often as their preferences and lifestyle dictate. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to shave frequency. 

Facial hair growth rates vary greatly, and so do employment grooming standards. The past decade has seen an increase in facial hair flexibility in the workplace. If a man decides to let some stubble show or even a full beard grow, chances are it will be acceptable.

There are some job roles where personal or client safety dictates a stricter grooming policy. In these cases, shaving more often is necessary. When polled, over 60% of men choose to shave several times a week or more.

Fun Fact: Rulers like Peter the Great of Russia and King Henry VIII once instituted a beard tax. If you had facial hair, you were required to pay for the privilege. If you shirked your tax obligation, you were forced to shave it off publicly. 

Potential problems with shaving two days in a row

While shaving two days in a row is perfectly normal, there are some issues that can rear their ugly heads. Fortunately, most problems can be avoided with some simple shave prep and planning.

Some common issues that an increase in shave frequency can bring include:

  • Razor burn
  • Ingrown hairs (Razor bumps)
  • Folliculitis

Let’s look at each of these potential complications in more detail.

Razor burn

One of the primary issues with frequent shaving is an unsightly, itchy rash otherwise known as razor burn.

Razor burn is caused by friction against the skin. It most likely occurs if you aren’t using enough lather or if your razor is dull or dirty.  

Ingrown hairs (Razor bumps)

Another painful problem that can occur with frequent shaving is ingrown hairs.

Ingrown hairs look similar to razor burn but appear as pimple-like bumps instead of a flat rash. An ingrown hair is a hair strand that grows back into the skin.

If left untreated, they can become infected and painful.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a more inflamed version of ingrown hairs. When on the face, the term pseudofolliculitis barbae is used.

Men with coarse, curly hair are at a greater risk of developing this condition. For some, it is a chronic issue that limits their shaving frequency.

Tips for shaving two days in a row

Whether for your job or a special occasion, deciding to shave more frequently may be warranted. All new endeavors take some preparation to ensure success. 

Shaving two days in a row can be a successful endeavor when following a few simple tips during the process.

For best results, follow these tips for shaving on consecutive days:

  1. Prep with warm water
  2. Use a frothy lather
  3. Use a clean, sharp razor
  4. Shave across the grain
  5. Splash with cold water
  6. Apply a moisturizing lotion

1. Prep with warm water

Prepping your face with warm water before you shave softens the hair and opens up your pores.

If shaving at the sink, run warm water over a washcloth and place it on your face for a minute. If shaving in the shower is your jam, let the warm steam do the work for you.

2. Use a frothy lather

A rich, frothy lather throughout your entire shave is paramount to an irritation-free result as lather reduces friction against your skin.

Using a shaving brush to apply the lather also provides exfoliation.

3. Use a clean, sharp razor

To reduce pulling and tugging on your skin, a clean, sharp razor is necessary.

Disposable razors and cartridge razors can easily get clogged with dead skin and soap residue. For a close shave with a sharp blade, use a safety razor or straight razor instead.

4. Shave across the grain

Your shaving technique can have a big effect on whether you experience pain or irritation.

Going against the growth of your hair can lead to ingrown hairs. Shaving in the same direction as your hair growth or across the grain will reduce the risk of cuts, nicks, and bumps.

If using a single-blade razor, make sure you allow enough time to make slow passes. A rush job can have painful consequences.

5. Splash with cold water

After shaving, make sure to splash your face with cold water.

Just like warm water opened your pores before the shave, cold water closes them.

This step is important because it reduces the risk of bacteria entering your pores which can cause irritation and infection. It also feels super refreshing.

6. Apply a moisturizing lotion or balm

Aftershave care is just as important as the shave itself.

Applying a moisturizing lotion or balm with skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe protects your skin from irritation.

Aftershave splashes can be drying, which can exacerbate skin issues.