PREP
The two minutes that make the biggest difference to your shave.
If you want a more comfortable shave, the most useful thing you can change usually isn’t the razor. It’s what you do in the two minutes before the blade touches your skin. Good prep softens the hair, cleans the skin and gives the razor a smooth surface to glide across.
Dry, stiff hair is harder to cut, which means more pressure, more passes and more chances of nicks and irritation. A little preparation makes the hair softer and the skin better protected, so the whole shave goes more easily.
The Three-Step Prep Routine
Cleanse the area with warm water and, if you like, a gentle face wash. This removes surface oil and dirt that can clog the blade, and it’s the first step in softening the hair.
Action: Use warm, not hot, water.Hair absorbs water and becomes softer and easier to cut. The simplest way to take advantage of this is to shave after a warm shower.
Action: No shower? Hold a warm, damp towel on your face for a minute or two.Apply an even layer of shaving cream or gel to the whole area. Use clean fingertips, working in small circles to lift the hairs.
Action: Leave it for a few seconds before the first stroke.Cream, Gel or Foam?
Rich and cushioning, a good all-rounder.
Clear, so you can see where you’re shaving. Good for detailed areas.
Quick and convenient, though it can feel lighter than cream.
The best choice is whichever your skin finds comfortable. If you’re not sure, try a product made for sensitive skin.
Optional Extras
Once or twice a week to lift dead skin. Go gently.
If your skin feels dry or tight. Not essential, but some people like it.
Prep Mistakes vs the Better Way
✗ The Common Mistakes
- Shaving on dry skin or with just water
- Using too little cream, so it disappears halfway through
- Starting before the hair has softened
- Exfoliating hard right before shaving
✓ The Better Way
- Wash with warm water first
- An even, generous layer of cream or gel
- Give the hair a minute or two to soften
- Exfoliate gently, and not every day
- Skin washed with warm water
- Hair softened (after a shower or with a warm towel)
- Fresh blade on the razor
- Even layer of cream or gel applied
- Moisturiser ready for afterwards
Great Prep Deserves a Great Razor
Prep does half the work. The razor does the rest. SmartShave razors pair a pivoting action head with precision-built carbon steel blades and a strip with vitamin E and aloe, so the blade glides over well-prepared skin instead of dragging across it.
- Premium handle with a quality rubber grip
- Pivoting action head
- Strip with vitamin E and aloe
- Free UK delivery
What customers say
“Very good quality yet reasonably priced”
“I particularly liked the flexibility of the head whilst shaving”
“My now razor of choice”
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. Read them all on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions
You can in a pinch, but dedicated shaving cream is designed to give the blade more glide and protect your skin. Soap can leave skin feeling dry.
No. Warm water and a good shaving cream cover the essentials. Pre-shave oil is an optional extra for dry or sensitive skin.
About two minutes, or less if you’re shaving straight after a shower.
Check your blade and your technique. A worn blade or too much pressure causes irritation even on well-prepared skin. See our razor burn guide for fixes.
Two minutes of prep makes the hair softer, the skin better protected and the shave easier. Once your skin is ready, technique takes over: read our full step-by-step guide for the rest of the routine.