How to Teach a Teenager to Shave

Learn how to teach a teenager to shave so that the young man gradually learns how to do it himself without getting hurt.
How to Teach a Teenager to Shave
Pedro González Núñez

Reviewed and approved by the child educator Pedro González Núñez.

Last update: 27 December, 2022

One fine day our children grow up and this is an impossible reality to change. They develop, become more autonomous, and mature every day. That’s when parents have doubts about how to accompany them and, in that sense, how to teach a teenager to shave is one of the most common questions that come up.

As with all life lessons, the first shave is a special time for men. Therefore, we must ensure that this is the case and try not to treat it as an unimportant procedure. In addition, we must let them try to do it alone and even let them make mistakes as many times as necessary.

With our proper accompaniment, this experience will remain in their memory, like their first love or the first day of high school.

Learn how to teach a teenager to shave

The physical changes of puberty are enormous and generally take place after the age of 10 or 12. Our children gain height, acne appears on their faces, and also, the first hairs on the mustache area begin to grow.

This innocent peach fuzz often arouses some embarrassment in teens and can lead to dislike of their appearance. In fact, many times, the social environment pressures them to proceed to shave as soon as possible.

With that being said, we’re going to teach you step-by-step how to teach your teenager to shave for the first time. Don’t miss a thing!

1. Select the right razor

A teenager with shaving cream on his face looking at a razor.

Choosing a suitable razor is the most important step of all. You can use an electric one or opt for blades, but in any case, you should prioritize quality. Especially if the boy suffers from acne, as shaving hair with a face full of pimples is something quite uncomfortable.

In addition, the skin of young people is soft and thin, so we must look for a machine that adapts well to it and that’s easy to handle. That way, your son will use it with complete peace of mind and comfort.

2. Choose the time of day to do it

It doesn’t matter what time of day you choose to start shaving lessons.

Just as you select a relaxed moment to start the complementary feeding of a baby, you must choose the most opportune moment to teach a teenager to shave. For example, when he’s calm, relaxed, and interested in trying. That way, you’ll be able to minimize any fear or anxiety.

As for the skin, the best time to shave it is usually at night. At the end of the day, the tissues relax and it’s easier to carry out the process without accidental injury.

3. Prepare the youth man’s skin

Before shaving the face of the young man, you need to prepare the skin to limit irritation. For example, with a shaving gel or foam, depending on your preferences. Of course, these products shouldn’t contain alcohol.

4. Begin shaving with light pressure

You must tell your son to start shaving with light pressure because if he presses on the skin too much it can become red and irritated. And in the worst of cases, they can produce unwanted cuts.

Instead of a single strong pass, it’s best to try several gentle passes in an upward and downward direction.

5. Use both hands

It’s important to note that it’s best to use both hands to shave: While one grips the razor, the other stretches the skin where the device is going to pass. This way, you tighten the skin to facilitate shaving.

6. Finish off with an aftershave

Once the shave is finished, you need to wash the area well and then apply a quality aftershave . This way, all the shaved skin is hydrated, relaxed, and its pores are closed.

As with shaving foam or gel, choose an alcohol-free product to avoid further irritation and itching.

A teenager touching his stubble and smiling.

7. Clean the razor at the end of use

Whether you use an electric machine or a razor, after shaving, the adolescent must clean the device properly. Hot water is a great strategy to remove traces of cream, foam, gel, or hair. Remember, if you’re son’s using an eclectic shaver, he must make sure it’s unplugged before getting it wet.

It’s important that the appliance dries naturally, as the use of towels or papers can damage it and dull it.

Teach your child to shave and welcome him into the adult world

With this guide on how to teach a teenager to shave, your child will learn how to remove hair from his face without irritating his skin. This will allow him to feel better about himself when he looks in the mirror and will take him into a new stage of life.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Alberca, F. (2015). Adolescentes. Manual de instrucciones (Prácticos). Barcelona: Booket.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.