How to Shave in a Hurry - Tips & Tricks for a Quick Shave

Looking for a fast shave? An electric shaver combines speed and versatility. You can shave as you walk around a room or sit in a parked car. Just don’t shave when you’re actually driving!

Electric shavers are easy to transport, too. They’re lightweight and portable. You can keep one in your car or carry-on. They’re even TSA compliant.

Even if you normally use a manual razor, you might want to keep a waterproof electric shaver in your bathroom for emergencies. You can shave (no pun intended) some time off your morning routine by using the electric shaver in the shower.

Don’t have an electric razor? You can still get a quick shave with a razor. The key here is to streamline your regular wet shaving routine. I generally recommend using standard products and avoid trying to do your normal routine - nothing wrong with one day off when your need to do things fast.

Hot water softens beard hairs making them easier to shave. Usually it's a good practice to wash your face slowly with hot water. But since we're doing things fast here, wash your face quickly with some hot water before shaving.

If you're planning to take a shower then you can skip this step.

Pre-shave oil helps prep your skin for shaving. While the added protection against razor burn is nice, you’re trying to move as quickly as possible. Skipping the pre-shave to save time is fine every once in a while.

You have two options here. You can use a shaving bar and a shaving brush to make lather. While this lets you create the best lather, it’s also too time-consuming for our hurried purposes.

When speed is of the essence, you’re going to want a can of shaving cream. If you normally use a shaving bar, you’ll want to get a small can to keep in the cabinet for emergencies. Shaving cream can be applied directly to your damp face which will save a lot of time.

Try to avoid using a soap as a replacement for shaving cream or lather just because you're in a hurry, it will dry your skin.

Tip: Go for a regular off the shelf shaving gel - apply with your hands or a brush.

Do you need a high-quality safety razor or will a cheap disposable razor do the job?

Safety razor in my opinion is not the tool you want to use when you're in a hurry, especially if you're not very skilled at this.

Tip: Go for a disposable razor.

After your face is lathered you’re ready to shave. 

Hopefully you don’t have particularly thick growth because you want to shave with as few strokes as possible. Ideally, no more than one pass in each area. Of course, that’s not always possible but try your best. Shave with the grain, which is the direction your facial hair grows naturally.

Strive for longer passes instead of short, quick ones. This will create a more efficient shave. Be sure to rinse your blade thoroughly between passes. A clean blade will provide a smoother shave.

After you’re done with the bulk of your shaving routine, you’ll have a better idea of how much time you have left. If you can quickly apply some aftershave cream, that’s great. But don’t worry if you can’t. Aftershave cream helps keep your skin soft and comfortable over time. Skipping a day is perfectly fine if you’re in a rush.

The faster you’re trying to shave, the more likely you are to accidentally cut yourself. Hopefully you don’t have any nicks, but it’s good to be prepared to deal with one or two.

I've made a guide on stopping shaving cuts. You have a few options when it comes to stopping them:

You probably want to avoid tissue paper squares when you’re in a rush. While the little TP squares can be effective, they’re also easy to forget about. You have enough on your mind when you’re in a rush. Don’t be the guy who shows up in with toilet papers squares stuck to his face!

Of course, the best way to shave is when you can take your time and do it right. But here are some tips that will help you plan for an unplanned rush: