When shaving a patient, you should use electric clippers for safety

September 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hair removal should only occur when absolutely necessary for a medical procedure. Therefore, when shaving a patient, you should always adhere to strict safety protocols, prioritize their comfort, and use clippers to minimize infection risk.

Quick Summary

To ensure patient safety, use electric clippers instead of traditional razors whenever possible to prevent the skin nicks and micro-abrasions that can lead to surgical site infections. Always obtain patient consent, wear gloves, and assess for any contraindications, such as anticoagulant medications or skin conditions, before proceeding with the procedure.

Key Points

Prioritize Safety: Always use electric clippers with a single-use head instead of a traditional razor to avoid micro-abrasions and reduce infection risk, particularly for surgical preparation.
Obtain Consent: Clearly explain the procedure to the patient and get their consent before beginning, respecting their privacy and dignity.
Assess Patient Risk: Before shaving, check the patient’s medical history for anticoagulants (blood thinners) or pre-existing skin conditions that may increase bleeding or irritation.
Ensure Proper Setup: Assemble all necessary equipment, such as gloves and clippers, and place a towel to protect the patient from loose hair.
Use Proper Technique: Gently pull the skin taut and shave in the direction of hair growth with short, smooth strokes to minimize irritation and maximize comfort.
Perform Post-Procedure Care: Rinse and pat the area dry, and apply moisturizer or aftershave if the patient desires, avoiding any irritated areas.

Prioritizing Patient Safety: Clipping Over Shaving

In clinical settings, the decision to remove a patient’s hair must always be made with the highest regard for their safety and health. While traditional wet shaving has been a common practice for grooming, modern medical guidelines have evolved, especially concerning surgical procedures. Numerous studies, including a comprehensive review by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, have shown that using a standard razor can create microscopic cuts in the skin, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria and significantly increase the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). For this reason, many healthcare facilities now mandate the use of electric clippers with a disposable head for any necessary hair removal, particularly before surgery. The best practice is to remove hair only when it interferes with the medical procedure itself. If hair removal is required, it should be timed as close to the procedure as possible and performed outside of the operating room to contain clipped hair.

Preparing the Environment and Patient

Before any patient shaving procedure, meticulous preparation is essential. This not only ensures the patient's physical well-being but also respects their privacy and dignity.

Explain the procedure: Always communicate clearly with the patient, explaining why the hair removal is necessary, what to expect, and answering any questions they may have. Obtaining verbal consent is a crucial step.
Gather supplies: Assemble all necessary equipment in one place before beginning. This includes the electric clippers with a single-use head, disposable gloves, towels to protect clothing, a basin of water (if needed), and a mirror for the patient.
Ensure privacy and comfort: Close the door and pull the privacy curtain. Adjust the bed to a safe working height, lock the brakes, and ensure the patient is in a comfortable, well-lit position.
Assess for contraindications: Before starting, check for any reasons not to proceed with shaving. This is a critical step, especially concerning skin integrity. Be on the lookout for conditions such as rashes, infections, fragile skin, or pustular acne.
Consider patient medications: It is vital to consult a chart for medications, especially if the patient is on anticoagulants (blood thinners). For these patients, an electric razor is the only safe option, as a minor nick from a blade could lead to excessive bleeding.

Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Patient Hair Removal

Using Electric Clippers

When shaving a patient with electric clippers, follow these steps to ensure a safe and hygienic experience:

Perform hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and put on clean, disposable gloves.
Protect the patient: Place a towel or linen cloth over the patient's chest and shoulders to catch any loose hair.
Hold the skin taut: Gently pull the skin taut with one hand to create a smooth surface for the clippers.
Clip hair carefully: Guide the clippers gently over the desired area. For most electric clippers, using back-and-forth strokes or a circular motion works best, depending on the shaver head. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Remove clipped hair: Once finished, use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose hairs. Avoid brushing or blowing the hair, which can spread microorganisms.
Apply aftercare (optional): If the patient desires, a non-greasy lotion can be applied to soothe the skin, avoiding any irritated or broken areas.
Discard materials properly: Dispose of the single-use clipper head and gloves in the appropriate waste receptacle. Clean and disinfect reusable equipment according to facility policy.

Comparison of Shaving Methods


Feature	Electric Clippers	Traditional Razor	Chemical Depilatory Cream
Infection Risk	Low (no skin breaks)	High (can cause micro-abrasions)	Low (no skin breaks)
Skin Irritation	Minimal	Moderate (razor burn, ingrown hairs)	Moderate to High (allergic reaction possible)
Best for Anticoagulants?	Yes	No (high risk of bleeding)	Yes, if no known allergies
Ease of Use	High	High	Low (requires patch test)
Speed	Fast	Fast	Slow (requires waiting period)
Cleanup	Easy (contained)	Requires careful rinsing and disposal	Requires wiping and rinsing
Common Use	Pre-surgical prep, routine grooming	Everyday personal grooming	Sensitive skin, specific procedures

Other Considerations and Guidelines

Oral and Patient Care

Shaving is often a part of a larger personal care routine for patients. It's important to integrate it seamlessly with other hygiene tasks. For example, during oral care, pay attention to the skin around the mouth and beard area. Following a shave, a patient's face should be rinsed and dried completely before applying aftershave or moisturizer. For patients who are confused, disoriented, or combative, assistance is always required, and an electric razor is the safest choice.

Reporting and Documentation

After completing the procedure, it is important to document it thoroughly in the patient's record. Note any unusual observations, such as skin conditions, cuts, or bleeding. Promptly inform a supervisor of any adverse outcomes, such as skin irritation or nicks, as this is crucial for the patient's safety and continued care. This documentation helps to maintain a clear record of the patient's condition and the care provided.

Alternatives to Shaving

In some medical contexts, alternatives to traditional razors and clippers may be considered. Depilatory creams can remove hair without causing cuts, though they require a patch test to check for allergic reactions. For routine, non-critical grooming, hair-inhibiting lotions or creams exist, though their use is typically not suited for acute care settings and is generally a personal preference.

For more detailed, evidence-based recommendations on infection prevention in surgical settings, consult the official guidelines from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This ensures adherence to the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Conclusion

Mastering the proper technique for patient hair removal is a fundamental skill in healthcare. By prioritizing patient safety, understanding the risks associated with different methods, and following a methodical procedure, caregivers can provide a safe, respectful, and hygienic experience. The consensus from medical authorities is clear: when shaving a patient, you should use electric clippers over razors to minimize infection risk, especially in the surgical setting. Always seek consent, assess for individual risks, and document the process to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason is to minimize the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). Electric clippers do not break the skin, unlike a traditional razor which can cause microscopic cuts where bacteria can enter and multiply.

If a patient is on anticoagulants (blood thinners), you should only use an electric razor for shaving. Using a traditional razor could cause a cut that leads to excessive, uncontrolled bleeding.

You can ensure a patient's comfort and privacy by explaining the procedure, obtaining consent, closing the door and curtains, and adjusting the bed to a comfortable height. Using proper technique and being mindful of the patient's preferences also helps.

If hair removal is deemed necessary before surgery, medical guidelines recommend using electric clippers as close to the time of surgery as possible, and performing it outside the operating room to prevent contamination from loose hair.

After the procedure, you should document that shaving was performed, the method used (e.g., electric clippers), and any unusual observations, such as skin irritation, redness, or cuts.

While electric clippers are the safest method, a wet shave may be used for routine grooming if the patient is not on anticoagulants, does not have fragile skin, and gives explicit consent. Always use a sharp, fresh blade.

Necessary equipment includes electric clippers with a single-use head, disposable gloves, towels for protection, and possibly shaving cream and a basin for a wet shave. A mirror for the patient is also helpful.