How to Shave With Conditioner

Co-authored by Timmy Yanchun

Last Updated: November 29, 2024

Since hair conditioner is designed to soften hair, it doubles as a perfectly serviceable substitute for traditional shaving cream. Whether you've run out of shaving cream of just prefer the silky feel of conditioner, try shaving with it!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Hydrating the Area to Be Shaved

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Remove all dirt and grime that may clog your razor or find its way into any nicks or cuts that may occur with shaving.
Take a shower before shaving to ensure ample time for your hair to absorb the water. Otherwise, rinse the area to be shaved and apply a warm, wet towel for a few minutes, allowing your hair to grow wet and weak.

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Apply conditioner. Use enough to cover the entire area to be shaved. For thicker and/or coarser hair, apply more as needed. Work it in to ensure your roots absorb as much as the rest of your hair. Give your hair a minute or two to absorb it.
- Do your research. Conditioner serves as an adequate substitute for shaving products in a pinch. However, since it was not designed for this specific use, it may not have been tested for it.^{[1]
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  Research source} For long-term use, do some comparison-shopping. Check labels for any warnings, recommendations, or red-flag ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, which dehydrates the skin and removes natural oils. For best peace of mind, use a toxin-free product made with natural herbal ingredients.
Remove all traces of conditioner. Ensure a tight, firm grip on your razor.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Shaving

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1
Select the right razor. Use a five-blade razor to decrease razor burn.^{[2]
X
Research source}. Check the blades for any nicks or dullness. Change the blades if needed to ensure a smoother shave. Rinse your razor under hot water to lubricate the blades and remove any dust, dirt, or leftover hair from previous shaves.
- For coarser hair, use a men’s razor, which is designed specifically for tough hair.^{[3]
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  Research source}
Avoid clogging your razor right from the start. Begin wherever your hair is thinnest. Save the thickest, coarsest areas for last, which will allow more time for your hair to absorb the conditioner.
Shave in the direction that your hair grows. Avoid the nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs that are more likely to occur when shaving “against the grain.”
Shave only a short stretch at time to avoid clogging your razor.^{[4]
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Research source} Rinse the blades after each stroke to remove hairs, conditioner, and gunk.
Resist pushing the razor hard against your skin and hair, which will increase irritation and the likelihood of razor burn and bumps. Replace the blades if you’re unable to shave without pressing hard, since this probably means the original blades are too dull.
As you near the end, add more to thicker, coarser hair if the original application seems to have worn off. Give your hair a minute to absorb the new application.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing Off and Cleaning Up

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1
Rinse your blade when finished. Remove all traces of hair and conditioner. Flick excess water off by shaking the razor. Allow it to air-dry by propping the razor blades-up so they’re not resting in any water that may pool underneath.
- If you shaved in the shower, remove the razor and keep it where it will stay dry until your next shave, since water dulls the blades over time.^{[5]
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  Research source}
Rinse with warm water, removing all traces of shaving. Wash with face or body wash, preferably one with tea tree oil and witch hazel as ingredients, which will help soothe and heal your skin.
Use cool water, which will close your skin’s pores. Then pat dry, using a clean towel, and apply aftershave lotion or conditioner.

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Can this process work on legs?

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Yes, it can work on any body part.

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Can I shave my mustache with conditioner?

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Yes.

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Which type of conditioner is suitable for shaving?

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High-end conditioners aren't necessary for shaving; however, cheap conditioners may be more likely to contain harsher chemicals. Since the act of shaving also strips layers of skin off of your body as well as hair, use natural herbal products for long-term use.

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Tips

Replace manual razors before they get dull. Using a new, sharp razor gives a closer shave and ensures you don't press down too hard on your skin to overcompensate for a dull razor.

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If the area you are shaving has very coarse hair, apply conditioner ahead of time and let it sit for 10 or more minutes.

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Consider using an electric shaver with a built-in gel dispenser if razor rash continues.

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Warnings

High-end conditioners aren't necessary for shaving;^{[6]
X
Research source} however, cheap conditioners may be more likely to contain harsher chemicals. Since the act of shaving also strips layers of skin off of your body as well as hair, use natural herbal products for long-term use.

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Only replace shaving cream with conditioner in emergency, as it’s not made for shaving.

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