4.6 Shaving the Client

Tracy M. Christianson, RN, MN, DHEd, CCNE; Kimberley Morris, RN, BN, MN

4.6 Shaving the Client

Shaving

Shaving facial hair may help a client feel good about themselves and helps them to maintain their appearance in the way it was prior to becoming unable to provide their own care. It also helps the client to appear familiar and well-cared to their family and friends, which can be comforting during periods of illness. What is not often highlighted is that some women may also need shaving. As women age, excess hair may appear on the upper lip and chin and they or their family may wish to have this areas shaved.

Remember to always allow the person to do the shaving if they are able to. The HCA can help by preparing the items they will use for shaving. You can also hold up the hand mirror or provide extra light so they can see better. However, before taking on the task of shaving a client, HCAs should obtain their consent. Inquire about their preferences as they will have a certain way based on years of shaving routine (start on the neck vs. starting with the sideburns); also what types of products they like. Always wear gloves during shaving due to the risk of bleeding. While using the type of razor a client prefers, most often electric razors are used in care facilities due to the risk of injury and some clients are on medication or have conditions that also put them at a higher risk of bleeding. So it is always important to check the Care Plan to ensure that the client can be shaved with a razor that has a blade. Shaving cream should always be used with safety razor blades. Shaving cream is not to be used when using an electric razor. Never share or use someone else’s razor on a client as blood borne diseases can be spread this way due to the possibility of blood on the client’s razor.

Shaving the Client

Table 4.6.1 Procedure: Shaving the Client


STEP	ACTION	REASON
1.	Explain the procedure to the client.
2.	Wash and dry your hands. Always wear gloves when shaving.
3.	Assemble equipment, for example: safety razor/electric razor shaving cream washcloths towels, basin with water lotion aftershave
4.	Provide privacy and comfort to the client. If the client is in a bed, adjust the bed to a safe working height. Lock the brakes. If the client is sitting in a wheelchair, ensure the brakes are on.
5.	Place a towel under client’s chin, covering their shoulders and the front of their chest.
6.	If the client is able to shave independently, place all equipment and supplies within reach and help as needed. Ensure safety razor blades are sharp.	A dull blade can irritate the skin and increase the risk of cuts and bleeding.
7.	Wash the client’s face with warm water, leaving the area to be shaved wet. You can leave a warm towel on the client’s face and neck for several minutes to help soften their hair. If using an electric shaver, dry the client’s face after washing it.	This helps avoid cuts and makes for a smoother shave.
8.	Rub shaving cream into client’s beard and mustache if using a razor.	Figure 4.6.1 Using Shaving Cream or Wet Shaving (Image courtesy of Lbeaumont/ Wikimedia Commons.) CC BY-SA 4.0 The shaving cream helps soften the skin and hair, and provides a smoother shave.
9.	Pull skin taut in the area to be shaved. Shave one area at a time.
10.	Shave using gentle, short strokes in the same direction. Shave in the direction of hair growth.	Figure 4.6.2 Man getting his beard shaved. (Image courtesy of RODNAE Productions/ Pexels.) Pexels License
11.	Rinse the safety razor often. Apply shaving cream as needed. Ensure the water temperature does not get too cool while shaving. If using an electric razor, pull skin taut. If using a foil shaver (a single head shaver, which is usually rectangular shaped), shave with smooth and even movements in an up and down direction along the line of hair growth. If using a three head shaver (a shaver with three round heads set inside a triangle), shave in a circular motion. Make sure to shave the client’s chin and neck.
12.	Once shaving is complete, rinse and pat dry the client’s face. Offer a mirror so they can inspect the shave. Touch up any areas the client requests.
13.	If the client has cuts from shaving, blot the area with a gauze pad until it stops bleeding.
14.	Apply moisturizer and/or aftershave, per the client’s request and preferences.	Avoid applying lotion or aftershave to irritated or cut skin.
15.	Ensure the bed is at its lowest height, and side rails are up.	Ensure safety.
16.	Remove your gloves. Wash and dry your hands.
17.	Document and report any cuts the client received during shaving and/or any skin conditions observed, such as red, irritated skin, broken skin, or pimples, boils, or cuts.

To assist with shaving underarms and legs, follow the same procedures and guidelines as above. Shave leg hair from ankle to knee, using short, smooth strokes upward. Some clients also like to shave their knee to thigh area. Ask the client what their preference is. Apply shaving cream to legs or underarms prior to shaving. Ensure the razor used is sharp, not dull. Shave underarm hair in short, smooth strokes. Underarm hair can grow in all directions. Always shave in the direction of hair growth.

Watch the video, Helping Someone Shave, presented by the St. Elizabeth Foundation on YouTube CareChannel (2019). This video demonstrates the techniques for Personal Hygiene Care when you help someone shave.

License

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Personal Care Skills for Health Care Assistants Copyright © 2023 by Tracy Christianson and Kimberly Morris, Thompson Rivers University. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.