7. CCA Study Notes: Safe Shaving, Hair Removal, and Grooming Assistance

The Big Picture

Shaving and hair removal are personal grooming choices. Some clients shave themselves, while others need help. The client’s condition, preferences, and care plan help guide the type of assistance provided.

Safety matters because shaving can cause cuts, nicks, and skin irritation. The CCA needs to prepare the skin carefully, use the correct shaver, follow workplace rules, and respect the client’s grooming choices.

Look for Nova Scotia CCA Notes throughout this page for current provincial guidance.

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Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know

Shaving and Hair Removal Are Client-Centred

Clients may remove unwanted hair for comfort and a sense of well-being. Hair removal methods include:

• shaving
• depilation by tweezing
• depilation using chemical hair removers
• waxing

The client may shave independently or need assistance. Shaving may take place at the sink, at the bedside, or in bed.

CCA action: Check what the care plan specifies. Ask your supervisor if you have questions about which hair-removal technique to use.

The type of shaver depends on the client’s condition, preference, and care plan.

Support the Client’s Independence

Encourage the client to do as much of the shaving as safely possible.

Shaving care should support the client’s:

• dignity
• independence
• individualized care
• preferences
• privacy
• safety

Caring for Beards and Moustaches

Beards and moustaches need daily care because food and drainage from the mouth or nose can collect in the hair.

Daily washing and combing are usually enough to keep them clean.

Ask the client how they want their beard or moustache groomed.

Avoid: Never trim or shave a client’s beard or moustache without the client’s consent.

Shaving the Legs and Underarms

Shaving practices differ between individuals and cultures. A client may shave only the lower legs, shave to mid-thigh, or shave the entire leg.

Shave the legs and underarms after the bath, when the skin is soft. You can collect the client’s shaving supplies with the bath supplies.

Use soap and water or shaving cream to make a lather.

Rinse the razor in a kidney basin rather than in the bathwater.

The general shaving safety guidelines also apply to the legs and underarms.

Remember the Direction of Hair Growth

The direction of shaving changes with the body area.

• For the face, shave in the direction of hair growth.
• For the underarms, shave in the direction of hair growth.
• For the legs, shave upward from the ankles, against the direction of hair growth.

Stretch the skin taut when needed.

Rinse the shaved area completely when finished.

Pubic Hair and Grooming Choices

Pubic hair grows in the frontal genital area, the crotch, and the upper inner legs.

In most cases, pubic hair begins to appear within 3 years after puberty.

As a person ages, body hair may decrease and may become grey or white.

Pubic hair grooming is important to some individuals. Some people choose to remove it. Cultural practices also affect these choices. Some cultures, including Muslim cultures, have rules involving trimming or removing pubic hair.

Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps

An ingrown hair, also called a razor bump, happens when a hair does not grow straight out of its follicle opening. Instead, the hair curls into the side of the hair follicle or into the skin.

This causes inflammation. The surrounding skin may become red and painful.

The inflammation may lead to:

• a papule or pustule ⓘ
• a cyst, also called a nodule
• tenderness
• a larger inflamed area if the hair continues growing into nearby skin
• permanent scarring
• changes in skin colour

Report: If you observe ingrown hairs, report and record them according to agency policy.

Pubic Hair Removal and the CCA Role

A support worker may sometimes be asked to remove some or all of a client’s pubic hair when the task falls within agency policy.

The pubic area is delicate. Razors can cause nicks, and sharp scissors can cause cuts.

When this care is required:

• act in a tactful and professional manner
• protect the client’s privacy
• preserve the client’s dignity
• follow the care plan for the required steps

Role limit: Pubic hair removal must fit the agency’s policies and the client’s care plan.

Check Employer Policy Before Shaving

Some employers do not allow support workers to shave certain clients under any circumstances.

For those employers, this prohibition applies to clients who:

• have diabetes
• have ingrown hairs or skin irritation
• are combative
• take medication that affects blood clotting

Safety: Always follow your employer’s policy. Shaving can cause injury.

Follow Standard Practices

While shaving a client, follow Standard Practices.

This includes:

• proper hand hygiene
• wearing gloves

Each client should have their own razor or shaver.

Safety: Do not use the same razor or shaver between clients because pathogens can spread from one client to another.

Prepare the Client and Skin

Follow the care plan for the type of shaver the client uses.

Protect linens and clothing before starting:

• Place a towel under the body part being shaved.
• When shaving the face, place a towel over the client’s shoulders.

Before shaving facial hair, place a warm, moist cloth on the skin to soften the hair.

When using a manual razor, apply shaving cream after the warm, moist cloth. This helps soften the skin and hair before shaving.

Shaving can cut, nick, or irritate the skin. Prepare the skin and hair properly, then shave carefully.

Preparing to Shave a Client

Before shaving:

1. Identify the client according to employer policy.
2. Explain what you will be doing.
3. Perform proper hand hygiene.
4. Gather all supplies before starting.
5. Arrange the supplies within easy reach.
6. Provide privacy and perform hand hygiene again.
7. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height when applicable.
8. Follow the care plan for bed rail use.

Shaving supplies include:

• wash basin
• bath and face towels
• washcloth
• manual razor or electric shaver, according to the care plan
• mirror
• shaving cream, soap, or lotion
• optional shaving brush
• aftershave lotion for men
• tissues and paper towels
• gloves

Positioning and Preparing the Client for Shaving

1. Fill the basin with warm water.
2. Place the basin within easy reach.
3. Lower the bed rail nearest you if it is raised.
4. Assist the client into the semi-Fowler’s position if allowed.
5. If semi-Fowler’s is not possible, use the supine position.
6. Adjust the lighting so you can clearly see the client’s face.
7. Place a bath towel across the client’s chest.
8. Let the client use a mirror.
9. Position the work surface for easy reach.

Good lighting helps reduce shaving errors.

Method 1: Manual Shaver

For a manual shave:

1. Secure the razor blade firmly.
2. Wash the client’s face and leave it wet.
3. Wet a washcloth or face towel with warm water and wring it out.
4. Place the warm cloth on the client’s face for a few minutes.
5. Put on gloves.
6. Apply shaving cream using your hands or a shaving brush.
7. Hold the skin taut with one hand.
8. Shave in the direction of hair growth.
9. Use longer strokes on larger facial areas.
10. Use shorter strokes around the chin and lips.
11. Rinse the razor often and shake off extra water and lather.
12. Apply direct pressure if an area bleeds.
13. Wash away the remaining shaving cream or soap.
14. Dry the client’s face with a towel.

A warm, wet towel softens the beard. Shaving cream lubricates the skin and also helps soften facial hair.

Some clients prefer a manual razor because they feel it gives a closer shave. Follow the care plan.

Method 2: Electric Shaver

Electric shaving uses different preparation.

1. Put on gloves.
2. Keep the client’s face dry.
3. Do not apply shaving cream.
4. Do not apply a warm cloth.
5. Hold the skin taut with one hand.
6. Turn on the shaver.
7. Move it over the hair using a back-and-forth or circular motion.
8. Apply direct pressure to any area that bleeds.

Safety: An electric shaver is always used when the client takes certain medications or is prone to bleeding easily. Check the care plan.

Finishing the Shave

After shaving:

1. Apply aftershave lotion if the client requests it.
2. Remove the towel and gloves.
3. Perform proper hand hygiene.
4. Move the work surface aside when applicable.
5. Make sure the client is safe and comfortable.
6. Place the call bell within reach when applicable.
7. Return the bed to its lowest position.
8. Follow the care plan for bed rail use.
9. Clean and return reusable equipment.
10. Discard disposable items and wear gloves while cleaning.
11. Clean the work surface.
12. Remove privacy measures.
13. Handle dirty linen according to employer policy.
14. Perform proper hand hygiene.

Report and Record: Record and report your actions and observations according to employer policy.

Report: Tell your supervisor about shaving nicks or bleeding.

Handling Razors and Sharps Safely

Follow Standard Practices to prevent contact with blood.

Handle razor blades and disposable shavers with extreme care to protect yourself from cuts.

Discard disposable razors and blades in a sharps container.

Follow employer policy for sharps disposal.

If a Nick or Cut Happens

Wear gloves and apply direct pressure to a nick or cut on the client.

Report: Report nicks, cuts, or skin irritation to your supervisor at once.

Electric Shaver Safety

Before each use, make sure the electric shaver is in good working order.

Follow the required safety rules for electrical equipment.

Electric shavers also need regular cleaning and maintenance.

Electric Shaver Maintenance

Regular cleaning can help the electric shaver last longer and can reduce skin irritation and the risk of injury to the client.

After each use:

• Remove the cutting head.
• Tap hair particles into a tissue.
• Discard the tissue.
• Use the shaver’s cleaning brush to remove remaining hair particles.

Some manufacturers recommend spraying the shaver about once a week with a special product that lubricates and degreases the blades.

Replace cutters and the foil surface periodically according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Electric shavers should also be emptied after every use.

Avoid: Never rinse an electric razor under running water unless the manufacturer’s instructions say this is safe.

Avoid: Never immerse an electric razor in water.

Shaving Clients With Dementia

Manual shavers are generally not used for clients with dementia.

An electric razor may also cause problems because the buzzing sound may startle the client. A client may also be unfamiliar with the razor and may not understand what is happening.

The client may resist care or make sudden movements.

Introduce the razor to the client every time it is used. Use a gentle, nonthreatening tone of voice and body language.

Most agencies allow only electric shavers for these clients because sudden movements increase the risk of serious nicks and cuts.

Clients Taking Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are described here as medications that slow blood clotting.

Safety: Never use a manual shaver with an open blade on a client taking this type of medication.

A nick or cut may cause serious bleeding.

Electric shavers are preferable for clients taking these medications.

If the care plan does not tell you which type of razor to use, ask your supervisor.

Clients Receiving Oxygen

Safety: Do not use an electric shaver on a client receiving oxygen.

A spark from the electric shaver could cause a fire.

When an Electric Razor Scratches the Client

If an electric razor scratches the client’s face, have the shaver repaired at once.

Report and record the scratches.

Most agencies and facilities also require an incident report.

Common Mix-Ups

Wrong Idea	Better Idea
Prepare a manual and electric shave the same way.	Manual shaving uses a wet face, warm cloth, and shaving cream. Electric shaving requires a dry face without cream or a warm cloth.
Ignore a small shaving nick.	Apply direct pressure and report nicks or bleeding to the supervisor.