As the mercury rises on the thermometer, it’s essential to adjust your grooming routine to beat the heat. Between hot weather, sweat and sun exposure, summer can be harsh on your skin and beard. So, here’s our guide on how to stay cool, fresh and well-groomed all summer long, plus a closer look at some of the best, most cooling summer soaps.
Summer shaving tips and beard care
When the sun’s out in full force, your grooming routine needs to work a little harder. Heat, sweat and UV exposure can take a toll on both your skin and your beard, but with a few smart tweaks, you can stay cool, comfortable and looking your best. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 tried-and-tested summer grooming tips to keep your facial hair soft, your skin soothed, and your style sharp. (And yes, we’ll also point you to some of our favourite shaving soaps for an even fresher finish.)
1. Hydrate from the inside out
Ensure you drink plenty of water to maintain skin elasticity and minimise razor drag.
2. Pre-shave prep
Take a warm shower to open pores, then apply a conditioner or oil to soften coarse facial hair.
3. Choose cooling soaps
Opt for menthol-infused or citrus soaps that cleanse, hydrate and refresh.
4. Use beard-friendly oils
Lightweight oils, such as jojoba or grapeseed, help soften hair and tame flyaways without the need for extra heat.
5. Shave with the grain
Begin with the hair growth direction to prevent irritation, then re-lather for a closer, cooler finish.
6. Post-Shave TLC
Use a cooling aftershave balm containing aloe vera or witch hazel to soothe any micro-irritations.
7. Sun protection
Apply SPF-infused moisturiser or use a light balm with SPF to shield exposed facial areas.
8. Maintain your beard style
Trim regularly and use a comb to train hair growth, keeping it neat and less prone to sweat.
9. Shaving frequency
Trim stubble daily or every other day to reduce irritation and sweat accumulation.
10. Choose lightweight beard oils
Seasonal blends with argan or almond oil are non-greasy and absorb quickly in warmer weather.
Best shaving soaps for summer
At Blades & Whiskers, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite artisan soaps that are perfect for summer. Looking for that extra cooling kick? Keep an eye out for the ones marked with an asterisk – they’re packed with menthol for a refreshing boost when the heat’s on.
Zingari Man Il Signore Shaving Soap
This Sicilian-inspired soap blends citrus, lavender, sage and woody undertones in a Sego tallow base, delivering elite glide and cushion. A well-balanced formula with goat’s milk, shea butter, jojoba and oat oils ensures deep hydration and a luxurious post-shave sensation.
Zingari Man The Brewer Shaving Soap
Following Zingari’s craft approach, The Brewer celebrates rich hops and tropical fruits like guava, mango and pineapple, balanced with subtle musk and passionfruit. Made in the same ultra-slick Sego base, you can expect a creamy lather, excellent protection and a velvety post-shave feeling.
Moon Soaps Santa Cruz Shaving Soap
Moon Soaps Santa Cruz captures the spirit of sun-soaked summer days, Santa Cruz is a creamy, tropical blend of coconut, ripe banana, juicy pineapple, sweet vanilla cotton candy, warm beach sand, amber and caramel perfect for those hot summer mornings.
Stirling Glacial Lemon Chill Shaving Soap*
A refreshing powerhouse, this zesty lemon and intense menthol combine for an exhilarating shave experience. The glacial series is renowned for its cooling feel and excellent slickness, featuring a skin-nourishing tallow and shea base ideal for hot and humid days.
Stirling Iced Pineapple Shaving Soap*
Sweet pineapple gets a menthol blast in this limited-edition summer scent. Enriched with tallow, lanolin and shea butter, it offers thick, cushiony lather and sensational post-shave comfort. Reviewers note its refreshing feel and ‘freezer-head’ cold sensation that invigorates the skin.
Stirling Margaritas In The Arctic Shaving Soap*
This fun, fruity soap blends lime, tequila and menthol for a tropical twist with a cooling finish. The Arctic Touch keeps you feeling revitalised. One of our best sellers.
Stirling Orange Chill Shaving Soap*
Juicy orange meets crisp menthol in this vibrant summer soap. It delivers the traditional Stirling lather with an uplifting scent and a tingle that freshens the skin after shaving.
Proraso Eucalyptus & Menthol Shaving Soap Bowl*
A classic Italian formulation, this invigorating eucalyptus is paired with menthol in a smooth, glycerin-rich bowl soap. It softens facial hair, refreshes the skin and helps prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn.
Putting It All Together: Your Summer Shaving Routine
So, by applying our 10 top summer shaving tips and using any of the above cooling soaps, you have everything you need to keep your facial hair looking its best. Here’s a quick reminder of what you need to do.
1. Pre-Shave
Shower, then apply pre-shave oil and let it absorb for a minute before lathering.
2. Lather Up
Load your brush, create a dense, cool lather, and apply in circular motions.
3. Shaving Technique
First pass with the grain, then re-lather for a second pass if needed - always rinsing with cool water.
4. Post-Shave Care
Rinse, pat dry, and apply a cooling aftershave balm or lightweight oil, then comb or style as required.
5. Maintenance
Clean your safety razor, blades and shaving brushes after each use, store them dry, and rehydrate your skin daily to keep it fresh and healthy.
Why the essentials matter
Summer’s heat and humidity can cause facial hair to feel rough, clog the skin, and lead to razor burn and irritation. But with cooling soaps, light oils, and consistent hydration, you can:
Prevent irritation – Menthol soaps close pores and reduce redness.
Enhance comfort – Cooling ingredients soothe skin post-shave.
Maintain style – Regular trims and grooming prevent patchiness and itch.
Look fresh – A clean, styled beard is a polished summer accessory.
A great summer shave is all about staying cool, hydrated and well-groomed without overheating your routine. Cooling, menthol-infused shaving soaps like those we’ve featured above bring refreshing power and hydration, while oils and small routine tweaks help preserve your style and skin comfort.
For an even smoother, irritation-free shave, consider switching to a safety razor with double-edge blades. Not only do they offer a closer, more precise shave, but they’re also gentler on the skin, reducing razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. Plus, they’re more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run!
So, whether you’re hitting the beach or enjoying a backyard BBQ, equip yourself with these grooming essentials — and the right razor — to enjoy the season looking sharp and feeling fresh.