12.5.4: Procedure- Shaving the Patient

Shaving facial hair may help a patient 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 patient to appear familiar to their family and friends, which can be comforting during periods of illness. Before shaving a patient, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should obtain their consent. Inquire about their preferences as to products used such as shaving cream and aftershave, and the style they prefer to wear their facial hair.

Always wear gloves during shaving due to the risk of bleeding. Use the type of razor a patient prefers. Always check with a supervisor and the Care Plan to ensure that the patient can be shaved with a razor that has a blade. Some patients are on medication or have conditions that put them at a higher risk of bleeding. Their doctor may only want them to use an electric razor. Shaving cream should always be used with razor blades. Shaving cream is not to be used when using an electric razor. Never use someone else’s razor on a patient. Blood borne diseases can be spread this way due to the possibility of blood on the patient’s razor.

1. Explain the procedure to patient.
2. Wash and dry your hands. Always wear gloves when shaving.
3. Assemble equipment (e.g. razor/electric razor, shaving cream, wash cloths, towels, basin with water, lotion, aftershave).
4. Provide for privacy and comfort. If the patient is in a bed, adjust the bed to safe working height. Lock the brakes. If the patient is sitting in a wheelchair, ensure the brakes are on. Use proper body mechanics while shaving the patient. Never lean or bend over the patient.
5. Place a towel under patient’s chin, covering his shoulders and front of his chest.
6. If the patient is able to shave independently, place all equipment and supplies within reach and provide assistance as needed. Ensure razor blades are sharp, as a dull blade can irritate the skin and increase the risk of cuts and bleeding.
7. Wash the patient’s face with warm water, leaving the area to be shaved wet. You can leave a warm towel on the patient’s face and neck for several minutes to help soften their hair. This helps to avoid cuts and makes for a smoother shave. If using an electric shaver, dry the patient’s face after washing it.
8. Rub shaving cream into patient’s beard and mustache if using a razor. The shaving cream helps to 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.
11. Shave beards in downward strokes, and use upward strokes on the neck.
12. Rinse the razor often. Apply shaving cream as needed. Ensure the water temperature does not get too cool while shaving.
13. 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 patient’s chin and neck.
14. Once shaving is complete, rinse and pat dry the patient’s face. Offer a mirror so they may inspect the shave. Touch up any areas the patient requests.
15. If the patient has cuts from shaving, blot the area with a gauze pad until it stops bleeding.
16. Apply moisturizer and/or aftershave, per patient request and preferences. Avoid applying lotion or aftershave to irritated or cut skin.
17. Ensure the bed is at its lowest height and side rails are up to ensure safety.
18. Remove your gloves. Wash and dry your hands.
19. Document completion of task and record any changes in condition or behavior. Report any skin conditions observed, such as red, irritated skin, broken skin, or pimples, boils, or cuts. Inform a supervisor of any cuts the patient received during shaving.

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 women also like to shave their knee to thigh area. Ask the patient 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.