The ultimate guide to first shave for teens (without red bumps)

The first shave is a milestone. It's also where many encounter the first red bumps, stinging and uncertain questions. Fortunately, it can be done calmly, safely and without drama. With the right preparation, a light hand and products that suit the skin, the result will be smooth, clean and comfortable.

Why do bumps appear on first shave?

Red bumps after shaving typically occur when the skin becomes irritated or when cut hairs start growing at an angle and back into the skin. This happens more often in the beginning, when the technique is not fully established.

The most common causes:

• Dry shave without water or foam
• Dull or dirty leaves
• Shaving against the direction of the hair
• Too much pressure with the scraper
• Inadequate cleansing of the skin before shaving

Teenage skin can be extra sensitive. Some have thick hair and delicate skin. Others are oily around the nose, cheeks and chin. Both scenarios make the skin more reactive if shaving becomes too hard or too dry.

Gear that makes it easier

A small setup makes a big difference. Have this ready before you start:

• Warm water, a clean towel and a mild facial cleanser
• A clean, sharp scraper
• An unscented shaving foam or gel
• A soothing aftercare without alcohol

If you're a beginner or have sensitive skin, an unscented and antibacterial gel can be a great choice. For example, try our shaving gel designed for sensitive skin and to prevent bumps: shaving gel. If you have very sensitive or dry skin, a soft, unscented foam is also a good choice: sensitive shaving foam. Finish with a cooling, alcohol-free treatment that soothes and moisturizes to prevent skin flare-ups: aftershave balm.

Our products are fragrance-free, dye-free and developed with organic ingredients where possible. The patented gel and foam formulation helps keep skin calm and reduce the risk of irritation.

Prepare your skin

Soft hair is easy to shave. Hard, dry hair scrapes and tears the skin.

• Wash your face thoroughly in warm water. A short warm bath before shaving is ideal.
• Cleanse the skin with a mild facial cleanser. For oily skin, a cleanser with salicylic acid can help.
• If your skin tolerates it, you can lightly exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week. Use a gentle scrub or a soft face brush to remove dead skin cells.
• Apply an even layer of shaving foam or gel to the area to be shaved. Wait half to a full minute to allow the hairs to soften and stand up.

A good rule of thumb: If the product feels like a gliding layer between skin and scraper, you're good to go.

The technique step by step

Here's a calm and safe way to approach shaving:

1. Check the direction of hair growth Look and feel how the hairs lie. The direction can change from cheeks to chin and neck.
2. Start with the hairs Hold the razor at about a 30 degree angle. Use short, light strokes in the direction of hair growth. Apply as little pressure as possible.
3. Rinse often Rinse the squeegee in warm water after every one or two strokes to prevent hair and foam from building up on the blades.
4. Re-lather as needed If you need to do an area again, apply a thin layer of foam or gel again. Do not dry shave the same area.
5. Tough spots Under the nose and around the chin, you can tighten the skin slightly with a finger. This gives a flatter surface.
6. One to two passes maximum The more times you go over the same area, the more friction and irritation. Stick to one pass, two if necessary.
7. Stop while the going is good If there's a single stubborn hair, leave it for next time. The skin will thank you.

Special advice for different skin types

• Sensitive skin Choose unscented products without alcohol and dyes. Use a very light hand and take breaks between shaves to allow the skin to calm down. Foam or gel with a soothing profile is a good choice.
• Oily or acne-prone skin Cleanse your face thoroughly first. Choose oil-free products. Avoid shaving directly over active pimples and do not apply pressure. Change blades frequently to avoid bacterial build-up.
• Dry skin Provide extra moisture before and after. An unscented, gentle foam may feel more comfortable. Finish with a good, alcohol-free moisturizer.

Manual scraper or electric?

Both solutions can work for teenagers.

• Manual scraper Often gives the smoothest result. Choose sharp blades and minimal force. Modern 5-bladed blades can help you shave in a few strokes, which many find more gentle. Change blades often.
• Electric shaver
  May feel safer in the beginning because it doesn't cut the hair right down to the skin surface. This can reduce the risk of bumps for some, especially if the skin is very sensitive. Run slowly and patiently and clean the machine after use.

If in doubt, start with what you feel most comfortable with. If you want to use a razor but are nervous, you can start by trimming the length short with a machine and only then do a light wet shave.

Hygiene and maintenance

Cleanliness and sharp leaves are almost half the secret.

• Do not share scraper or towel with others
• Rinse the scraper thoroughly under warm water during and after use
• Dry the leaves lightly and store them in an airy place
• Change blades approximately every 5 to 7 shaves, more often if you have thick hair
• Cleanse skin and hands before shaving

If you suffer from blisters, take extra care to scald the blade with warm water before use. Avoid wiping the blades hard against cloths as this can damage the edge.

Aftershave that keeps skin calm

When you're done:

• Rinse with cold water
• Pat skin dry, avoid rubbing
• Use a non-alcoholic aftercare

A good aftercare treatment both cools and moisturizes. Choose an unscented cream or gel that soothes. Our aftershave balm is designed to do just that, and it works together with shaving foam or gel to calm the skin.

If you shave often, think about daily light care with a mild moisturizer. Sunscreen on bright days is also a good idea as freshly shaved skin is more sensitive.

If beard plague or ingrown hairs appear

It happens to many, especially in the beginning. Do this:

• Take a short break from shaving to let your skin calm down
• Warm compress for a few minutes a couple of times a day
• Gentle exfoliation 2 to 3 times a week with a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid
• Avoid poking and pinching
• Choose shaving products without perfume and alcohol and change blades often

When you start again, go slowly. Massage shaving foam or gel in well, wait half a minute and only shave with the hairs in short strokes.

Checklist: Ready, set, shave

A simple list to have on the mirror for the first month:

• Check leaves: sharp, clean, not damaged
• Hot water and facial cleanser ready
• Apply plenty of foam or gel, wait 30 to 60 seconds
• Shave with the hairs, short strokes, low pressure
• Rinse scraper frequently in warm water
• Re-lather if an area needs to be taken again
• Rinse with cold water, pat dry, apply alcohol-free aftercare

Small guide for the upper and lower lip, chin and neck

• Upper lip
  Hold the lip lightly with one hand. Use very short strokes from the nose downwards. Rinse often.
• Chin
  The skin is harder and the hairs are often thicker. Proceed slowly, possibly in two passes with a new layer of foam in between.
• Neck
  Hair can grow in several directions. Check the direction first and shave in small sections. Avoid pressure.
• Jawline
  Tighten the skin lightly with a finger so the scraper makes flat contact and keep the angle flat.

Small mistakes that cause unnecessary buds

Most people make the same mistakes in the beginning. Fortunately, they're easy to fix.

• Too little product
  A dry or almost dry shave causes friction. Use plenty of foam or gel and let it work.
• Too much pressure
  The blade should glide, not be pressed. If the hairs are hard, the solution is softening and sharper blades, not more pressure.
• Too many repetitions
  If you drive over the same spot five to six times, you are asking for trouble. Max one to two times per area.
• Dull leaves
  A dull leaf smells of scratches. Change more often than you think.

Mini-table: Problem and solution

A simple plan for the first 30 days

• Week 1 Shave every third day. Focus on preparation and light strokes. Use plenty of product and cold water after.
• Week 2 Keep the same rhythm. Note where the hairs grow in different directions. Change the blade if there is the slightest sign of dullness.
• Week 3 If your skin is calm, you can shave a little more often. Keep shaving with the hairs. Re-lather if needed.
• Week 4 Fine-tune. If you have some areas that are bothering you, try softening more, changing the angle slightly and keeping the pressure down. Consider light exfoliation twice a week if you get ingrown hairs.

Small changes make a big difference. The best shave is not the fastest, but the most gentle. Warm water, time, a light hand and gentle products make the experience pleasant, even on a Monday morning.