Help me to buy the right things for a teen boy to start shaving

[daffodilandtulip]

Just that really. Single parent with no male input so feeling a bit lost!

Is wet or dry the best for the first fluffs? Any favoured brands? Just a razor and foam or other bits needed?

Electric razor, ours got something like this www.boots.com/philips-s1231-shaver-edrp-10275852 and still uses it. Less chance of cuts with one of these, just shave dry.

My ds has a similar shaver to the one PP posted

There are a couple of fab youtubers who do videos for just this kind of thing. For when a childs dad isn't around for whatever reason, deployment, death, single parenthood etc. Have a look for "Dad, How do I?"

When Dd started shaving her legs I bought her a range of things to try, different razors, foams etc. If I had a son I'd do the same and let him work out what works for him.

I'd go for a simple wet shave 2/3 bladed razor, some foam and aftershave moisturiser. It's more about technique though to get a good result without cutting yourself. But then I've never used an electric razor. Despite my Dad getting me some stuff I was left to work it out for myself. Not the best way! So YouTube probably a good shout.

My ds has never used a razor and had a wet shave
He seems happy enough with his electric shaver

Electric shavers are basically idiot proof so ideal at first but I would talk to him, but also do you have any men in your life that could help talk to him, perhaps a close friend/partner of close friend or even a close colleague, I did this in reverse for a friend whose wife had died and had no female relatives, as his dd was a but embarrassed talking to her dad about female things (bras in particular!) it was an honour to be asked to be honest.

16yr old DS has this one. He's not that hairy and uses it every other week.
I told him to go careful in case it irriated his skin and he watched a couple of you tube videos.

@Singleandproud what a great idea, he's obsessed with YouTube, never thought of that!

@gogohmm no male influence around sadly, all my friends are also single with either girls or much younger boys, I have no family and I work alone. (Our life isn't as sad as that makes it sound 🤣.)

my teens (both sexes) have electric shavers.

easy and safe to use.
they have rechargable & waterproof ones that they can use in thd shower or bath. one of the big brands (I think phillips)

Daft question but with the electric ones, do you still use shaving foam? I've only ever used razors!

No you don't need gel or foam with the electric ones. Can often be used with wet or dry skin

i asked ds what he preferred. If he wanted to try wet shaving or and electric shaver. He chose the electric some some of his friends prefer a wet shave. Might be better asking him if he has a preference.

I'd consider a beard trimmer. Mine were very proud of their stubble and haven't been clean shaven in years.

I started DS off with a Harry's starter set (and a blade subscription but in the early days they need new blades very infrequently).

Hi I have just spotted this online for my teenage son think I am going to get him it for Christmas, looks good & even has instructions it a teen vibe .
good luck

Hello

As previous posters have said, get an electric razor. A three headed one with a trimmer on the back should suffice. Also, consider one that is rechargeable. Most bathrooms have a two pin socket for charging them (similar to an electric toothbrush). You can spend a fortune on electric razors, but you should be able to find one...I would stay with the well known brands, either Braun or Phillips.....I've also linked one here

Philips Electric Shaver 3000 Series - Wet & Dry Electric Shaver for Men with SkinProtect Technology in Dark Moon, Pop-up Beard Trimmer, Cordless Shaver (Model S3145/00) : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

As for wet shaving, this has advantages and disadvantages. It provides a much closer shave than an electric, but takes longer to do. It also exfoliates, but can irritate skin, esp if he suffers with acne.

Once you have got the main bits, the biggest outlay with wet shaving are the blades. They can be expensive, and the only way to find out which ones suit best are to try them. Gillette and Harrys are popular, with the blades available in most large supermarkets.

With wet shaving, the idea is to reduce friction, which can irritate the skin. I would recommend wet shaving in the shower first....this allows you to soften the hairs (as they get thicker with age) which makes shaving easier. I would always use a shaving oil...link below

Pre Shave Oil – Murdock London

This will last about six months, as you only need a small amount. Rub this into the beard for a few minutes before you start to shave.

I would also recommend a decent shave cream....I use Body Shop, as it lasts for ages, and is relatively cheap compared to some....link below...

Aloe Shaving Cream | Maca Root Shave Cream | The Body Shop

Body Shop have offers on so you can save money if you look. You only need a small amount of this when you shave, and again, rub this in well before you start to shave.

Both the oil and the cream together will reduce friction and hopefully provide a quality shave.

Hair on your face grows in different directions, especially on your neck, so it's worth advising your son to spend time when learning to shave. Some advise to always shave in the direction of the hair growth (for example, if you shave your legs, shaving down towards your feet is with the growth, shaving away from your feet is against the growth) but I have no issues with shaving against the growth. This will depend on you son's skin type and how thick the hair on his face grows over time. He will soon see which option works for him.

He could also moisturise after shaving if this helps with his skin, but please tell him never to put/spray aftershave on his face.....think of Kevin in Home Alone!

I hope this helps......

I think for simplicity at this stage you really can't beat an electric one as linked above. Im in a similar position to you op..ds didnt want to ask his Grandad or uncle, or his dad actually (we're divorced and they're not close). I talked him through the theory and stood with him while he used it the first few times but now he just does it. He's very cack handed and clumsy generally but he can manage this fine.
Also, I teach teenage boys and I'd be amazed if any of them were doing a complex three or four step process with pre and post shave balms etc.