This is a question I hear all the time with good reason. A proper shave isn’t a quick process and if you can stretch out the time between them that is a big bonus. And You know, there really isn’t a definitive answer to this question. But, I can definitely point out a few advantages and disadvantages for each in the above video. Or, if you’d simply like to just read my thoughts, please see below!
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The Morning Shave
Pros.
- The shadow fighter – Some men’s beards can be both darker and tougher, so a morning shave can help to prolong the dreaded 5 o’clock shadow.
- Rise & Shine – we all have our ways of waking up in the morning. For some, the step-by-step approach to shaving: Prep, Shave & Refresh (see my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips), can help do the trick!
Cons.
Nicks/Irritation – Getting out of the door in the morning, can at times be a “mad dash”. So, having this type of a routine in the morning, may do your face more harm than good!
The Evening Shave
Pros.
- Slow -n- Steady – An evening shave can provide more time to getting a closer and “cleaner looking” shave.
- The Healing Effect – While we sleep, our bodies including our skin, regroup and heal. For this reason, newly shaved skin has the opportunity to “heal itself” before the morning grind.
Cons.
The tough beard – If your beard is dark and very heavy, another shave may be necessary in the morning.
Morning: MAD DASH – Get out of bed earlier, take time to relax and enjoy the morning. That would be time management and is vital to relieve stress (an unhealthy factor in life). So the “CON” is just laziness…LOL
Morning shave, skin puffier from vertical position all night, not as close of a shave.
Every man from time to time will find themselves rushing to get out of the door several times in their lives. So if this practice becomes more of a habit, an evening shave is more ideal. Also, puffy skin in the morning is truly on a case by case basis, since every person’s skin reacts differently to diet and hours of rest.
Thanks Anthony!
Anthony, do you sleep standing up? Most of us lay down in the “horizontal” position.
I usually trim my beard because I’d look like 12 if I’d do a clean shave. But recently I started shaving before going to bed and it feels much better.
I have more time for the shave and my skin definitely feels better.
I am becoming a fan of the Night before shave. It allows me to take my time and enjoy the process more. If I do a two pass shave the correct way it gives me a much better shave than a morning one pass or a hurried two pass.
I can also take my time because my 17 month old son is asleep when I shave at night!
I don’t think I’ve ever shaved in the morning. I couldn’t be bothered with the added hassle while my brain isn’t fully awake. I have very fine and light hair and so I don’t have to worry about a sinister five o’clock shadow. In fact, when I shave, all I have to do is rub my stubble with hot water for a minute or so and that makes it soft enough to cut comfortably.
I switched from a morning to an evening shave. I use a straight razor, shaving soap, and do a 2 pass shave. The whole process takes ~ 15 minutes. Also, I’m more relaxed in the evening and less likely to nick myself.
Great list of pros and cons! Lately it seems that the five o’clock shadow is coming into style. This makes it great if you really want to do an evening shave. To avoid irritation and nicks while shaving, try using a pre-shave oil.
Why have your beard growing while you’re sleeping?
If you feel like the morning Is stressful… why not shave at night just before bed? Also, you don’t have that red skin thing In the morning, looking like Freddy Kreuger or an alcoholic