There is no better time to start teaching your son to shave than when they begin talking about it. As you know, shaving is a rite of passage. It’s the pivotal point in life when a boy knows that he is turning into a man. This will provide you with a way to make this a special bonding moment with you and your son. Can you remember when you first started shaving? You get a little stubble on your face, and you just know the world is your oyster.
Usually, the proper age to start shaving is when your teen reaches puberty. These days, puberty can begin as early as 11. However, usually, your son will start showing signs that he is growing facial hair any time between age 13 to around 16-years-old. However, every teen is different, so it is possible that you may not need to pull out that shaving kit for beginners until much later. Even so, you must begin to have the talk with your son and have the razors for beginners on hand when you do need them.
Best Way to Teach Your Son to Shave
There are several tips you can consider when teaching your son to shave. When it’s the proper age to start shaving get ready to show him those tried-and-true shaving techniques that were passed on you from the person that taught you. Here are several tips that will help make this rite of passage a special one for you and your son.
Selecting a High-Quality Razor
You should prepare to teach your child the benefits of both types of shaving tools, the razor blade, and the electric razor. You can start off teaching him about the razor blades and discuss that these usually will give him a very close and accurate shave. Be sure to tell him that it takes time to get the hang of it and that he will eventually be an expert at all of the “manly-man” techniques you are trying to show him. However, showing him how to use an electric razor is also important.
There are many great electric razors for beginners, such as the Limural Men’s Electric Razor found on Amazon, that can help your son understand that shaving can be quick, convenient, and close.
Teach Your Teen to Prepare His Face
If you elect to use the blade razor to initially teach your son, then you will need to show him how you prepare your face for shaving. This will include telling him to start with a clean and wet face. Next, he will then need to lather his face with shaving cream. Be sure to discuss the reason for using shaving cream, to prevent nasty knicks, cuts, or skin irritation.
If you notice that your son has sensitive skin, you can try shaving creams made for this issue, such as the Gillette Pure Soothing Shaving Cream with Aloe, the Art of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream for Men, or the Art of Shaving Sandalwood Cream for Men.
Shaving vs. Trimming
Being well-groomed is the main point of shaving. So, it makes sense to discuss the best time to shave versus the best time for your son to trim his face. If your son has sensitive skin that may be prone to breakouts or razor bumps, you can find a trimmer that may work best for him.
Trimmers, such as the Wahl Professional Series Trimmer or the Braun Electric Series 3 Razor with Precision Trimmer, are a gentler option. Trimmers are also designed for close shaving and for shaping your beard. However, they can also help your son avoid skin breakouts when he is at the proper age to start shaving.
Showing Him Grandpa’s Shaving Techniques
Ok, you may have the proprietary techniques that were passed on to you to help you get your beard game right and reduce those cuts and nicks. However, there are several steps you can prepare for when you are considering what age should a boy start shaving. Here are some easy steps for teaching your son how to shave:
- Step 1: Clean your face and use an acne treatment if necessary. Ensure that the face is left hydrated.
- Step 2: Lather the shaving cream until it’s foamy and then apply it to the face.
- Step 3: If reusing a razor blade, have your child check the blade for dullness and ensure there is no rusting.
- Step 4: Use gentle and light strokes around the face both against and with the grain to begin removing hair.
- Step 5: Apply a good aftershave lotion or moisturizer that does not irritate your son’s skin.
A Word About Pimples
Several skin issues can cause irritation during the shaving process. Your son’s beard area can be full of pimples or bumps that should be treated. You can talk with your dermatologist about pretreating your son’s skin before he begins a shaving routine. So, before you pull out your son’s new shaving kit for beginners, make sure you are prepared to deal with any pimples or razor bumps as a part of teaching your son to shave.
Other Facial Irritations
There is another common shaving monster that you and your son may also have to deal with after he begins to shave. Shaving can also cause your son to grow pseudofolliculitis barbae. This is a very itchy and irritating issue that is also known as “razor bumps”. Make sure to tell your son that he should not be embarrassed by this because it is common. In fact, there are more than three million men in the US that deal with razor bumps each year.
The symptoms of razor bumps are usually easy to spot. Razor bumps are usually slightly darker than regular facial skin and are located around your son’s hair follicles. They can also feature reddened and small bumps that are clustered together. Razor bumps usually begin because little curly hairs roll back up into the skin and then cause the skin to swell and become very irritated.
There are some things you can do to help your son prevent razor bumps. Keep in mind that if razor bumps persist, this is another issue you can talk with your dermatologist about to find the best solutions. With a good self-care routine, you can teach your son the following steps to help prevent pesky razor bumps.
- Ensure that your son is shaving with a sharp razor blade
- Tell your son to avoid dry shaving.
- Moisturize your razor after each stroke
- Use a gentle exfoliant after shaving to clean away any bacteria around the face.
- Avoid popping razor bumps like they are pimples. They need to heal on their own.
- Using an electric razor can help avoid razor bumps.
- Avoid shaving daily.
Razorblade Cleaning and Maintenance
Although your grandpa probably tapped his shaver onto the sink to clean it of debris, this is not the best method. Tapping your blade razor against your sink could potentially damage the hardware around it. However, thank goodness for modern shaving kits. Many shaving kits now come with brushes. As a result, your son can brush away any debris on his razor. Furthermore, electric shaving kits also come with brushes that can allow your son to brush away any excess hairs that may be lodged in the compartment after he empties it. Teaching your son shaving techniques should include telling him to simply rinse his razor blade after shaving and to use a clean towel to gently pat it dry after he is done.
Safety Tips You Can Share
Your teen must understand the important safety tips of shaving. One safety tip includes helping him avoid cutting himself with the razor. With inexperience, your son may be tempted to brush his fingers over the razor blade to feel how sharp it is. You can teach him to visually look at the razor blade to identify its sharpness. Share with him the best time to replace it is usually after 5 to 6 uses for disposable razor blades. Furthermore, make sure he never uses a blade that has signs of rust or red spots.
Another safety tip that is worth discussing with your son is the amount of pressure that he should use while he shaves. This takes practice as you know and if he shaves too harshly, he may experience skin irritation or cuts. If this occurs, be sure to teach your son to disinfect any cuts or irritation that may occur as a safety precaution.
However, another way to teach your son to shave is to have him practice on a piece of fruit, such as a tomato. You can tell him the fruit is like his skin and that he must shaver gently to avoid cutting the skin on the fruit. You can do this by lathering up the tomato or other fruit with shaving cream. Next, your son can begin practicing shaving the skin of the fruit, so that he can learn how much pressure to apply to his face.
Of course, he can begin practicing on his face next. You can use hand-over-hand to show him how much pressure he can use on his face. This is not just for razor blades. You also need to teach him how much pressure he needs to apply when using an electric razor as well. Of course, an electric razor should never be fully submerged in water. However, some kits do offer electric razors that are waterproof. Therefore, these razors can be used in the shower.
Other Shaving Considerations for Your Teen
Other considerations for teaching your son to shave should include telling him the best times to shave. Initially, he will not need to shave each day because he will most likely not have much hair growth. Although each day he will want to feel like a man by shaving, tell him that shaving every day at this point will not be necessary. Even as an adult, shaving every day may cause additional irritation. This may also be true for your son who is just starting to shave.
Teaching your shaving techniques should be a fun process that he will remember for years to come. Whether you select razors for beginners or a new shaving kit for beginners it is important to prepare for the proper age to start shaving. Teaching your son to shave will be an exciting time for both you and him. Your son will probably have all kinds of questions to ask you. So make sure that you are prepared and be patient during this process. Don’t worry you will be fine. He will want to know how to get his beard game just right and you have all the experience to teach him. So now when he asks what age should a boy start shaving you are now ready for this rite of passage.
Takeaway
In conclusion, teaching your son to shave is a significant milestone in both your lives, marking his transition from boyhood to manhood. This experience offers an invaluable opportunity for bonding, sharing wisdom, and passing down traditions. When determining the proper age to start shaving, it’s essential to consider not just physical signs of puberty but also your son’s curiosity and readiness to learn. Whether you opt for traditional razor blades or introduce him to electric razors, the focus should be on safety, technique, and skin care.
By selecting high-quality shaving tools, educating him on face preparation, discussing the differences between shaving and trimming, and sharing personal tips and techniques, you equip your son with the knowledge and skills he needs for a lifetime of proper grooming. Remember to address common concerns such as dealing with pimples, preventing and treating razor bumps, and understanding the importance of razor maintenance.
Safety tips are crucial, from handling razors properly to understanding the pressure needed to avoid cuts and skin irritation. As your son embarks on this journey, your guidance and support will not only ensure he masters the art of shaving but also strengthens your relationship during this pivotal moment in his life. With patience, practice, and your expert guidance, your son will gain confidence and pride in his grooming routine, carrying forward the lessons learned during these special bonding moments.
