Purpose

• Many men shave for comfort and well-being. Many women shave their legs and underarms. Some women shave facial hair. Or they may use other hair removal methods.
• Safety razors (blade razors) or electric shavers are used. Patients and residents may have their own electric shavers. If the agency’s shaver is used, clean it before and after use. To brush out whiskers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also follow agency policy for cleaning electric shavers.
• Safety razors have razor blades. They can cause nicks and cuts. Do not use safety razors on persons who have healing problems or on those taking anticoagulants (drugs that prevent or slow blood clotting). Bleeding occurs easily and is hard to stop. A nick or cut can cause serious bleeding. Use electric shavers instead.
• Soften the beard before shaving. To do so, apply a moist, warm washcloth or towel for a few minutes. Then pat dry the face and apply talcum powder if using an electric shaver. For a safety razor, lather the face with soap and water or shaving cream.

Equipment

Roll cursor over items to see labels. For the purposes of clearly depicting the equipment, a barrier is not shown in this photo. When providing care, a barrier should always be placed on the surface before placing the equipment.

Wash basin

Hand towel

Bath towel

Talcum powder

Shaving cream, soap or pre-shave lotion

Washcloth

Electric shaver

Safety razor

After-shave or lotion

Paper towels

Gloves

Delegation

• Follow delegation guidelines. Before shaving the person’s face, obtain this information from the nurse and care plan:
  • What shaver to use—electric or safety
  • If the person takes anticoagulant drugs
  • When to shave the person
  • What facial hair to shave
  • If there are tender or sensitive areas on the person’s face
  • What observations to report and record
  • When to report observations
  • What patient or resident concerns to report at once

Preparation

• Observe quality-of-life measures.
• Review the information under Delegation and Safety and Comfort.
• Practice hand hygiene.
• Collect the equipment.
• Arrange paper towels and supplies on the over-bed table.
• Identify the person. Check the ID bracelet against the assignment sheet. Also call the person by name.
• Provide for privacy.
• Raise the bed for body mechanics. Bed rails are up if used.

Safety

• Safety razors are very sharp. Protect the person and yourself from nicks and cuts. Prevent contact with blood. For an electric shaver, follow safety measures for electrical equipment.
• Rinse the safety razor often. Rinsing removes whiskers and lather. Then wipe the razor. To protect yourself from cuts:
  • Place several thicknesses of tissues or paper towels on the over-bed table. Do not hold them in your hand.
  • Wipe the razor on the tissues or paper towels.
• Follow Standard Precautions and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Discard used razor blades and disposable shavers in the sharps container. Do not re-cap the razor.

Comfort

• In some men, the neck area below the jaw is tender and sensitive. Some electric shavers become very warm or hot while in use. The heat can irritate the skin. Shave tender areas first while the shaver is cool. Then move to other areas of the face.
• To soften the skin and open pores, apply heat before shaving.
• Some people apply lotion or after-shave to the skin after shaving. Lotion softens the skin. After-shave closes skin pores.

Follow-up Care

• Provide for comfort.
• Place the call light within reach.
• Lower the bed to its lowest position. Raise or lower bed rails. Follow the care plan.
• Clean, rinse, dry, and return equipment and supplies to their proper place. Discard razor blade or disposable razor into the sharps container. Discard other disposable items. Wear gloves.
• Unscreen the person.
• Complete a safety check of the room.
• Follow agency policy for dirty linens.
• Remove and discard gloves. Practice hand hygiene.

Reporting/Recording

• Report and record your observations, including:
  • Nicks, cuts, irritation, or bleeding (report at once)
  • Other observations.