How to Shave Your Chin

Rinse the razor between each shave down the chin line.

While growing up, boys often watch their dads or grandfathers shave to learn the proper technique. Still, the chin area is small and can be tricky to shave because of the chin bone and bottom lip. It can be difficult to maneuver around the area. When learning how to shave this area, take your time and go slow to prevent unwanted scratches or cuts. Once you master the chin, the process will go quicker

Things You'll Need

• Pre-shave lotion
• Face wash
• Cartridge razor
• Lather
• Clean cloth
• After-shave lotion

Instructions

1. Prepare the area prior to shaving. This is the most important step because when the skin is not prepped, the whiskers are rough and steel-like and will cause irritation to the skin. Prepping is done by moistening the area with a pre-shave lotion or face wash. Many men prefer to shave directly after a shower or bath because the skin is soft from the steam, soap and water.

2. Create a lather to apply to the skin prior to running the razor across. There are two ways to apply lather -- with your hands or a shaving brush. If you apply with your hands, simply squirt a foam shaving lather into your hands and apply a thin coating to the chin area. Applying the lather with a shaving brush is slightly different. Pre-soak the shaving brush in water, and drop a nickel-size dollop of shaving cream into a mug. Pull the shaving brush from the water and insert it into the mug. Swirl the brush around to work up lather, and apply.

3. Remove the safety cover from your cartridge razor and hold it just under your lower lip. Pull your lower lip inward, similar to biting it with your upper teeth, to pull the chin skin taut.

4. Apply slight pressure to the razor and pull it downward, from the lower lip to just under the chin area. Move the side of the shave and repeat. Continue shaving in a downward direction until the area is smooth.

5. Wash the lather away from the face using cool or warm water, and dry the face with a clean cloth. Apply an after-shave lotion to prevent any irritation to the chin area.

Tips & Warnings

• Go slow when shaving. It will be worth the extra few minutes of shaving to avoid minor cuts.

• Do not shave the chin from side to side, as this will cause irritation.

• Avoid dry shaving, this will irritate and cut the skin.

References

• Gillette: How to Shave and Shaving Tips
• Shaving 101; A Test in Patience: Teaching Your Teen to Shave; Mike Sandoval; July 16, 2010
• "Today"; How to Get That Perfect Shave; Corey Greenberg; Jan. 30, 2005