Is face shaving the secret to that ultimate bridal glow?

As bizarre as it may sound, face shaving is very much a real thing. In fact, many women swear by it—and not just for peach fuzz removal. When done correctly, it can be a total game changer for smoother makeup, clearer skin, and that elusive lit-from-within glow. But when done wrong (or without precautions), it can cause more harm than good.

And while there's a ton of information floating around online, face shaving still comes with its fair share of myths, doubts, and “should I really be doing this?” energy—especially when prepping for something as big as your wedding day.

So, to help you sort fact from fiction, we spoke to two skin experts: Dr. Niti Gaur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Citrine Clinic, Gurgaon, and Dr. Debeshi Roy, medical head and founder of Lueur Aesthetics. From do’s and don’ts to product recommendations, they break it all down—no filter, no fluff.

The benefits of face shaving

Yes, it’s more than just hair removal. “Face shaving is the secret hack to flawless makeup,” says Dr. Roy. “It also gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead cells—if done correctly, of course.” Regular shaving (about once a week) can leave your skin feeling smoother, looking brighter, and acting like the perfect canvas for your bridal base.

Afraid of facial hair growing back thicker? It's a myth

Worried that shaving your face will make your hair grow back thicker or darker? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns, but according to Dr. Roy, it’s completely unfounded. “Shaving has no effect on the thickness, colour, or rate of hair growth. You’re only cutting the hair at the surface, which can make it feel slightly blunt as it grows back—but it’s not actually coarser.”

Precautions are better than a cure

If you’re going to do this, don’t wing it. Dr. Roy emphasises the importance of pre- and post-shave care to avoid breakouts or irritation. “Always prep your skin before shaving—think clean, soft, and maybe even a little steamy (hello, warm towel!). After shaving, use a gentle moisturiser and skip actives like retinol or AHAs for at least 24 hours. And don’t forget your sunscreen—freshly shaved skin is extra delicate.”

A quick and safe at-home routine

Wedding prep can be hectic, so if you’re planning to shave at home, keep it simple. Dr. Gaur recommends using a disposable razor to minimise the risk of bacterial transfer. “Use short, even strokes in the direction of hair growth. Start with a freshly cleansed face, apply a gentle shaving cream or aloe vera gel, and pull the skin taut as you go. Rinse, pat dry, and follow with a fragrance-free moisturiser—chamomile or aloe-based ones work great for their calming, anti-inflammatory properties.”

What if you have acne?

Shaving with acne-prone skin can be tricky, but not impossible. “Having the right tools and routine can reduce inflammation and avoid aggravating the skin,” explains Dr. Gaur. “A pre- and post-shave cleanser is essential to reduce bacteria and ensure a smoother glide. Avoid shaving directly over active, cystic breakouts—and don’t skip the moisturiser.”

Good prep = better results

You don’t want to deal with last-minute irritation, so prep ahead. “Cleanse your skin thoroughly,” says Dr. Roy. “If you can, use a gentle exfoliating scrub the night before to loosen dead skin. A layer of aloe vera gel or shaving cream during the shave will help the razor glide smoothly and reduce friction.”

Can I wear makeup right after?

We know you’re excited to start that bridal beat, but maybe wait a bit. “It’s best to avoid makeup immediately after shaving,” advises Dr. Gaur. “But if you have to, make sure your skin is clean and soothed first.” Her top precautions?

• Cleanse thoroughly to remove any shaving cream or oil residue.
• Use a mild moisturiser to calm the skin.
• Avoid makeup with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances, which can trigger breakouts or irritation.

When’s the best time to shave before the wedding?

Dr. Gaur recommends shaving 2–3 days before your big day, depending on your hair growth. “This gives your skin time to settle before the makeup marathons begin.” With multiple events (and layers of foundation!) on the cards, giving your face time to breathe can make a world of difference.

Face shaving can be the glow-up step your pre-wedding skincare routine didn’t know it needed—if you do it right. With the proper prep, the right tools, and a little expert-backed care, it can help you achieve that dreamy, glass-skin base for your big day (and all the events leading up to it). But remember: it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re new to it, do a trial run a few weeks before the wedding, and always give your skin time to recover.

Because glowing skin isn’t just about makeup—it starts with how you prep the canvas.

Lead Image: Janhvi Kapoor/Instagram

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