4.6 Shaving the Client

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 their upper lip and chin, and they or their family may wish to have these 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 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 (starting on the neck vs. starting with the sideburns), and ask what types of products they like. Always wear gloves during shaving due to the risk of bleeding. While consideration is given for the type of razor a client prefers, electric razors are most often used in care facilities due to the risk of injury from manual razors and the fact that some clients are on medication or have conditions that 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.

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.	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.
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.

Shaving Underarms and Legs

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.