In short: For a thorough wet shave, you need well-softened hair, shaving gel or foam, a sharp blade, and light strokes without pressure. Gillette recommends soaking your hair with warm water for three full minutes and shaving with the grain first. Here is the step-by-step guide – for the face with the Fusion5 system and for legs and underarms with the Venus system.
What you need
- A system razor with a sharp replacement blade, for example, a handle from the Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide series or a Gillette Venus handle with replacement blades
- Shaving gel or shaving foam
- Warm water and a clean towel
- Afterward: a moisturizing balm or an alcohol-free moisturizer
Wet shaving the face – step by step
- Soften the hair. According to Gillette, you should soak your beard hair with warm water for three full minutes, ideally under a warm shower. According to the manufacturer, proper preparation can reduce the force required for shaving by up to 70%.
- Apply shaving gel. A moisturizing gel or foam makes the hair softer; Gillette also mentions protection against nicks and cuts.
- Find the grain. Run your hand over your skin: where you feel resistance, you are going against the grain. The direction can vary on your cheeks, chin, and neck.
- Shave with the grain first. Gillette recommends shaving in the direction of hair growth to avoid skin irritation. For a closer shave, perform a second pass across the grain and a final pass against the grain. If your skin is prone to irritation, it is better to stick to the direction of growth.
- Light strokes, no pressure. According to Gillette, pressure does not improve the shave and can irritate the skin. The pivoting blade head adapts to your contours.
- Rinse the blade occasionally. Rinse the blade under water every few strokes; otherwise, hair will get stuck between the blades. Never tap the razor against the edge of the sink.
- Rinse and care. Rinse your face with cold water, pat dry gently, and apply a moisturizing balm.
Legs and underarms with the Venus system
- Moisten the skin well. Again, about three minutes of warm water makes the hair softer. Gillette Venus also recommends exfoliating before shaving to remove dead skin cells.
- Apply shaving gel generously. According to Gillette Venus, a thick layer helps prevent moisture loss and irritation.
- Legs: shave upwards starting from the ankle.
- Underarms: Hair grows in different directions here – so shave in multiple directions.
- Bikini line: first with the grain, then with short strokes against the grain.
- Afterward: rinse with cool water, pat dry gently, and apply an alcohol-free moisturizer.
Changing the blade for Fusion5 and Venus
According to Gillette, system razors have a button on the handle: pressing it releases the old blade. Then, snap the new blade onto the handle until it is secure. Hold the blade by the plastic sides, not the cutting edges.
You change our replacement blades in the same way. Replacement blades for Fusion5 fit handles from the Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide series; replacement blades for Venus fit Gillette Venus handles with replacement blades. Mach3, Sensor, and Venus disposable razors do not fit – details can be found in our guide Which blade fits which handle?, and for Venus in the guide Gillette Venus replacement blades.
When is a new blade due?
Gillette cites up to ten shaves per blade as a rule of thumb – or five to seven for thick hair or shaving against the grain. According to Gillette, it is time for a new blade at the latest when you notice nicks, cuts, or redness after shaving. Detailed benchmarks can be found in the guide How often should you change your razor blade? If your skin is irritated after shaving, the tips in the guide Avoiding razor bumps and razor burn will help.
Blade care and proper storage
- Rinse thoroughly after shaving – ideally from the back through the blade head as well.
- Shake off rather than wipe with a towel so the fine edges are not damaged.
- Store in a dry place and do not leave in the shower.
Suitable replacement blades
Replacement blades for Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide – Value Pack · Replacement blades for Gillette Venus – Value Pack · all versions in the categories Replacement blades for Gillette Fusion5 and Women's razor blades. Shipping within Germany is free, and the delivery time is generally 1–3 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I soak the hair before shaving?
Gillette recommends three full minutes of warm water, for example in the shower.
Shave with or against the grain?
With the grain first. For a closer shave, follow with a pass across the grain and finally against the grain. If your skin is irritated, it is better to stick to the direction of growth.
Do replacement blades for Fusion5 fit a Mach3 handle?
No. Mach3 and Sensor have a different blade attachment than Fusion5 ProGlide.
Where do I dispose of the old blade?
In the general household waste – wrapped in paper or collected in a sturdy box so that no one gets hurt. Details in the guide Disposing of razor blades.
Manufacturer information: Gillette – Wet shaving: Tips for success, Gillette – In which direction to shave your beard?, Gillette – Avoiding shaving nicks, Gillette – Changing the razor blade, Gillette Venus – Guide to proper shaving (Status: October 2026).
Note: All brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and only indicate which devices our products are intended for. Our products are third-party replacement products and not original Gillette products.