Is It Better To Shave At Night Or In The Morning? 

Shaving is a habitual part of people’s routine and some people consider it a morning tradition. But why in the morning?  This question might have also crossed your mind: should you shave at night or in the morning? Which can give better results? Is there any difference in shaving time for males and females? And the series of such questions continues. In this article, we will share the pros and cons of both options, supported by statistical data and scientific evidence, which can help you conclude your decision. 

Why Should I Shave At Night? 

Shaving is not about removing hair before going out; it is a part of self-grooming and requires proper technique and attention. The shaving results can depend on many factors, including hair type, hair characteristics (coarse, curled, or light), shaving techniques (direction of razor, sharp or dull razors), direction and growth pattern of hair, differences in hair growth between different genders, skin type, and most importantly, time of day. 

Let’s explore the answer to the question: Should I shave at night or morning? 

Pros of Shaving at Night

Skin Rejuvenation 

Skin experts say that the skin repairs itself during sleep hours. This is because collagen synthesis peaks from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.  Furthermore, skin repairs the daily damage caused by pollution and UV rays during this time. Hormones that are responsible for growth are generally more released during the night, such as melatonin and growth hormone (GH), which play a key role in skin rejuvenation. When you shave at night, followed by moisturizer and skin hydration, it boosts skin repair and gives a natural glow in the morning. 

Time Management 

Shaving at night provides a relaxing environment, and you can shave with focused attention and proper technique. Nighttime body shavers are more likely to apply body moisturizers than people who shave in the morning due to a lack of time for morning rituals. 

Smoother skin in the morning 

Imagine waking up with hairless and smooth skin in the morning. Doesn’t it feel amazing? Yes. This is the major benefit of shaving at night. Any wear or tear done during the shave is naturally repaired and healed overnight, resulting in smooth and silky skin.  

Improved sleep quality 

Shaving gives psychological relaxation. The after-care routine signals the body to relax, thus improving sleep quality. 

The Cons of Shaving at Night 

Rate of hair growth 

Hair does not grow at the same rate for everyone. Some people can feel fresh and smooth after the night shave routine, while others may notice the appearance of small hair bumps the next morning, resulting in a rough skin appearance. 

Skin sensitivity

Some people have hypersensitive skin at night as compared to daytime. Therefore, they may encounter skin irritation or allergies, which in turn can lead to disturbed sleep. 

Exposure to bed bacteria 

Freshly shaved skin turns out to be more sensitive and irritated, making it more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. The germs on your bed, pillow, or blanket can cause breakouts or infections (in rare cases). 

Artificial Lighting 

When relaxing on a beach, have you noticed some patchy hair areas on your legs even after shaving? This is one of the most irritating situations and is mainly due to visibility issues. Artificial lights provide less visibility than natural sunlight, leading to missing spots or irregular shaving. 

Pros Of Shaving In The Morning 

Skin response

Due to skin’s natural healing abilities at night, skin appears to be more hydrated during the day than at night. Therefore, it is beneficial to shave on hydrated skin to avoid razor cuts, scratches, or rashes. Shaving on dry skin turns out to be a harsh procedure for skin and hair, and it can traumatize the hair follicle, leading to thicker and faster hair growth.

Shaving removes dead skin. 

Shaving in the morning can work as a natural exfoliant, resulting in a more fresh skin texture for the day. 

Visibility 

Natural light in the morning provides better visibility than at night, ensuring even shaving. 

Exposure to bacteria 

Shaving in the morning can potentially save you from bacteria and sweat exposure.

Psychological Discipline 

Experts suggest that spending time on self-grooming at the start of the day boosts your confidence and provides a sense of completion and discipline. Research suggests that people with disciplined morning routines, including self-grooming activities such as shaving, are 17% more productive and motivated than people who do not have any morning routines. 

Cons Of Shaving In The Morning 

Morning Rush and Pressure of Time 

Laziness can lead to a rushed morning routine. For some people, such as women with kids and jobs, it is difficult to manage everything at once in the morning. They have to manage oral hygiene, breakfast, dressing, preparing lunch boxes, preparing for work, and looking out for some household tasks. This puts a lot of time pressure on shaving in the morning and can result in increased shaving mistakes. 

Immediate Exposure 

According to the American Dermatological Association, shaving during the day leads to immediate exposure to environmental stress factors such as UV rays, dirt, air pollution, and bacteria. This will lead to discomfort, redness, and skin irritation throughout the day. 

Application of Makeup 

For example, you shaved in the morning, and now you have to immediately get ready and put on makeup to go out and start your day. When you apply makeup or other skin products, such as sunblock, to freshly shaved skin, you are more likely to get skin irritation, clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and dark spots. 

What Can You Conclude? Can You Shave At Night Or Morning?

From the above analysis, we can conclude that the best time to shave, whether it is at night or in the morning, completely depends on the following factors: 

• Hair growth rate 
• Skin sensitivity 
• Personal schedules and routines 
• Expected outcomes 

Therefore, the best choice depends on the personal needs and lifestyle of the person. 

FAQs

Q1. When is the best time to shave your pubes? 

It is important to consider the following factors when deciding when to shave your pubes:. 

• Shave after the warm bath to allow the pores to open.
• You can shave your pubic hair at night to allow the skin time to heal.  
• Consider your rate of hair growth, hair growth pattern, type of hair, skin type, and skin sensitivity before making any decision. 
• Avoid exercising immediately after shaving, as it may traumatize the hair follicles. 
• Comfort and ease of the daily routine. 

Q2. Male vs. female: Should I shave at night?

Men usually have faster hair growth and thicker facial hair.  Therefore, they can benefit from shaving in the morning to maintain their fresh appearance throughout the day. On the other hand, females with more skin sensitivity and more rushed morning routines can prefer shaving at night. This will allow them to overcome the sensitivity with natural, night-dependent skin repair mechanisms. However, following a post-shave skincare routine is important to further avoid skin irritation and redness. 

Q3. How can I avoid itchiness after shaving in the morning? 

Post-shave itchiness is common. People use different products according to their needs and preferences to avoid this itchiness. However, it is important to apply alcohol-free moisturizer, aloe vera gel, or after-shave products to avoid such itchiness. Also, tight clothing should be avoided to avoid friction with the skin.