The Best Way to Shave:
A Complete SmartShave Guide
Everything UK men need to know for a close, comfortable, irritation-free shave — every single morning.
Most men spend years shaving the wrong way — pressing too hard, using a blunt blade, skipping prep — and wondering why their skin looks angry every morning. The good news? Getting a great shave isn’t complicated. It just takes the right tools and the right technique.
Whether you’re new to wet shaving or looking to level up a routine that’s gotten a bit sloppy, this guide covers everything: preparation, technique, aftercare, and how SmartShave fits into a genuinely smart grooming routine. Let’s get into it.
Why Shaving Technique Actually Matters
It’s tempting to think of shaving as something you just do — a mindless few minutes before the day begins. But the skin on your face is remarkably sensitive. Repeated daily contact with a razor blade, done badly, causes cumulative irritation: razor burn, ingrown hairs, redness, and uneven patches that linger well into the afternoon.
The root cause of almost every shaving complaint — from bumps to burns — comes down to three things: a dull blade, poor preparation, and too much pressure. Fix those three things, and your shave transforms. SmartShave is designed to help you fix all three without spending a fortune.
The SmartShave Step-by-Step Routine
Follow this six-step method for a close, comfortable shave every time — whether you’re using SmartShave’s 3-blade or 5-blade razor.
Prep your skin with heat
Shave after a warm shower whenever possible. The steam softens your facial hair and opens your pores, dramatically reducing the resistance the blade needs to overcome. If you can’t shower first, press a warm, damp flannel against your face for 60–90 seconds. Never shave on cold, dry skin — it’s the fastest route to irritation.
Apply a quality shaving cream or gel
A good shaving product does two things: it lubricates the skin so the blade glides cleanly, and it holds hairs upright so the blade can cut them at the base. Work your cream or gel into a lather with damp fingers or a shaving brush. SmartShave razors already feature built-in aloe vera and vitamin E lubrication strips, but pairing them with a decent product delivers even better results — especially on sensitive skin.
Shave with the grain on the first pass
Map the direction your hair grows — it varies across different parts of your face — and shave in that direction on your first pass. Use short, light strokes and let the blade do the work. Do not press down. Rinse the razor every two or three strokes to prevent clogging, which causes dragging. SmartShave’s pivoting head follows the contours of your face automatically, making this step more forgiving.
Take a second pass for closeness (optional)
If you want a closer finish, reapply a thin layer of product and shave across the grain — not against it yet. This catches any remaining stubble without significantly increasing the risk of irritation. Going against the grain is the closest possible shave, but only do it if your skin handles it comfortably. For sensitive skin, two passes with the grain and across is usually more than enough.
Rinse with cool water and pat dry
Once you’re done, rinse your face with cool or cold water. This closes your pores, reduces any surface redness, and firms up the skin after the heat of shaving. Pat — don’t rub — your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Rubbing inflamed, freshly shaved skin is an easy way to cause unnecessary irritation.
Apply aftershave balm and moisturise
Shaving removes a thin layer of skin cells alongside the hair — your skin genuinely needs to recover afterwards. Apply an aftershave balm (not an alcohol-heavy splash, which stings and dries the skin) containing calming ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, or vitamin E. Follow up with a light moisturiser if you have dry skin. SmartShave’s complementary aftercare range is formulated to work alongside their blades for maximum comfort.
Replace your SmartShave blade every 5–7 shaves. A dull blade doesn’t cut hair cleanly — it catches and tugs at it, which is the number one cause of razor burn and bumps. SmartShave’s monthly subscription automatically delivers fresh blades so you never have to think about it.
Do’s and Don’ts for the Perfect Shave
Refine your routine further with these practical rules. Small habits compound over time — both good and bad ones.
- Shave on clean, warm, hydrated skin
- Use short, light strokes with no pressure
- Rinse the blade every 2–3 strokes
- Replace blades every 5–7 shaves
- Always moisturise after shaving
- Store your razor in a dry spot between uses
- Press hard or scrape the blade
- Shave dry skin without product
- Use the same blade for weeks on end
- Rub your face dry with a rough towel
- Shave against the grain on sensitive areas
- Skip aftercare when you’re in a hurry
Why SmartShave Is the Smarter Choice
SmartShave is built around a simple idea: a quality shave shouldn’t cost a fortune, and you shouldn’t have to remember to restock blades. The UK-based subscription service delivers fresh cartridges directly to your door each month, removing both the cost and the friction of keeping up with a proper shaving routine.
The razors themselves — available in 3-blade and 5-blade configurations — feature ceramic-coated carbon steel blades for sharpness, pivoting action heads that follow facial contours, and integrated aloe vera and vitamin E lubrication strips to minimise irritation pass after pass. The handles are weighty and well-balanced, with quality rubber grips that make short-stroked, controlled shaving natural rather than effortful.
Compared to supermarket brands like Gillette, SmartShave delivers equivalent or better blade quality at a fraction of the ongoing cost. For UK men paying over the odds for refill cartridges month after month, the switch is a straightforward one.
Start Your SmartShave Subscription
Starter kit from £7.99. Fresh blades delivered monthly. Cancel any time.
Common Shaving Problems — and How SmartShave Helps
Razor burn
Razor burn is almost always caused by a dull blade, insufficient lubrication, or too many passes. SmartShave’s sharp, fresh blades cut cleanly in fewer strokes, and the vitamin E and aloe strips provide continuous lubrication throughout each shave — reducing the need for repeated passes over the same area.
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs form when cut hairs curl back into the skin rather than growing outward. Shaving with the grain, using a sharp blade, and keeping skin hydrated with a post-shave balm all dramatically reduce their frequency. SmartShave’s multi-blade design lifts hairs before cutting, producing a cleaner cut that’s less prone to curling back.
Sensitive skin
Men with sensitive skin often find that multi-blade razors from supermarket shelves cause redness and irritation. SmartShave razors are specifically engineered to reduce friction and minimise the number of passes needed. Fewer passes means less contact, which means less irritation — simple physics, and a genuine design priority for SmartShave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my SmartShave blade?
Every 5–7 shaves, or roughly once a week if you shave daily. SmartShave’s monthly subscription delivers 4 replacement blades — one for each week of the month — so you’re always shaving with a sharp edge.
Is SmartShave suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. SmartShave’s razors are designed to reduce friction and minimise repeat passes. The built-in aloe vera and vitamin E lubrication strips soothe skin during shaving, making them well suited for men who experience redness or irritation with standard razors.
Should I use a 3-blade or 5-blade SmartShave razor?
The 3-blade Smart SB3 is ideal for everyday use and sensitive skin. The 5-blade Smart GG5 delivers a closer finish and suits men who shave less frequently or want maximum closeness in a single pass. Both come with a handle in your first delivery.
Can I use SmartShave to shave my head or body?
Absolutely. Many SmartShave customers use their razors for body shaving as well as the face. The pivoting head and sharp blades work well on the head, neck, and body — always use a generous amount of product and replace blades regularly.
Is SmartShave available across the UK?
Yes — SmartShave is fully available across the UK, with fast delivery via second-class post. Most orders arrive within 2–5 days, and your monthly subscription arrives automatically without you needing to reorder.
The Bottom Line
The best way to shave is also the simplest: warm skin, a sharp blade, light strokes with the grain, and proper aftercare. None of this is complicated — it just requires good habits and the right tools.
SmartShave gives you both. Sharp blades delivered to your door, sensibly priced, with none of the brand premium you’d pay for the same thing on a supermarket shelf. For UK men who want a consistently great shave without fuss or expense, it’s the most rational choice on the market.
Ready to make the switch? Start your SmartShave subscription today and experience the difference a properly sharp blade makes from day one.