Is Shaving Your Face Bad for a Woman?

October 09, 2022

By: Truly Beauty

You’ve seen the Insta and TikTok girlies raving about face shaving and smoother skin, but is shaving your face bad for a woman?

Face shaving (a.k.a. dermaplaning) has become a go-to for women looking to soften skin texture, boost glow, and create a smooth canvas for makeup. Still, the question remains: is face shaving for women worth it? Or do the risks outweigh the results?

Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about shaving your face as a woman. 

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Is Shaving Your Face Bad for a Woman?

Let’s cut to the chase: no, shaving your face as a woman isn’t bad for your skin. When done properly, facial shaving can help your skincare absorb better (and ultimately work better) and your makeup glide on smoother for a flawless finish. But like anything in beauty, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Let’s break down the facts so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Benefits of Face Shaving for Women

1. Smoother Skin Texture

Removing peach fuzz and dead skin cells leaves your skin feeling baby soft. Your serums absorb better, your makeup glides on better, and your skin reflects light better for an ultra-dewy and glowing finish.

2. Gentle Exfoliation

Shaving is essentially a mild form of physical exfoliation. It sloughs off the top layer of dead skin cells, which can brighten dullness and help prevent clogged pores. That's why your skin feels noticeably softer after shaving.

3. Flawless Makeup Application

Foundation and concealer cling to peach fuzz. When that fuzz is gone? You’re left with a smooth, even base. No more cakey buildup or patchiness.

4. Boosted Skincare Performance

By removing the layer of buildup sitting on your skin, your actives—like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid—can penetrate more effectively and do their job better.

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Downsides of Shaving Your Face As a Woman

1. Irritation & Redness

If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, shaving can trigger irritation. Using a dull blade, shaving too often, or skipping prep can leave skin red or bumpy.

2. Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are possible, especially if you use pressure or shave against the grain. Always shave with gentle, downward strokes.

3. Not Ideal for Active Breakouts

Shaving over pimples can spread bacteria and slow healing. If you’re breaking out, give your skin a minute to recover before reaching for the razor.

How to Shave Your Face for Women

If you’re curious and want to try it, here’s your quick-start guide to face shaving:

Step 1: Wash & Exfoliate Your Face

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Wash and exfoliate your face before shaving to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells for a smoother glide. Clean skin = less risk of irritation or clogged pores.

Step 2: Use the Right Razor

Skip your leg razor. Use a small, single-blade facial razor or dermaplaning tool made specifically for delicate areas.

Step 3: Apply Shave Butter

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Especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, apply a thin layer of shave butter for extra protection and cushioning between your skin and razor.

Step 4: Be Gentle

Hold your skin taut and use gentle, downward strokes. Avoid going over the same area more than once.

Step 5: Hydrate Afterward

Follow up with a soothing serum or moisturizer—think hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or aloe—to calm the skin and lock in hydration.

Step 6: Always End With SPF

Freshly shaved skin is extra sensitive to UV rays. Don’t forget sunscreen the next morning (or every morning, let’s be real).

FAQs: Face Shaving for Women 

Is It Bad to Shave Your Face as a Woman?

Not at all, as long as you shave properly. It can be a game-changer for texture, glow, and makeup payoff. Just know your skin, go slow, and treat it gently before and after. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re curious? Consider this your official green light to give it a go.

Will the Hair Grow Back Thicker?

Nope. Shaving doesn’t change the color, thickness, or growth rate of your hair. It may feel slightly blunt at first because of the straight cut from the razor, but rest assured, you're not growing a beard.

How Often Should I Shave My Face?

Now you know is shaving your face bad you're probably wondering how often you can shave your face. Everyone's hair growth cycle is different. If you have a faster hair growth rate, you'll find yourself shaving more often. Some women even shave their faces daily to keep skin soft and smooth. For those with a normal hair growth rate, shaving weekly should be more than enough.

Who Should Skip Face Shaving?

If you have cystic acne, rosacea, active skin infections or super sensitive or reactive skin then shaving might not be your best move. 

Do Dermatologists Recommend Face Shaving?

Most dermatologists agree that shaving your face is safe. Whether you're shaving your face or body hair, there's always the risk of nicks, cuts, razor burn, and ingrowns. However, provided that you follow a good shaving routine for your face, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a smooth, irritation-free shave every time.

Is shaving your face bad? Not if you do it right! Facial hair removal is all down to your personal preference. Follow our woman's face shaving routine above for a smooth shave every single time. 

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