2026 Mock 14 steps to a face shave drape and procedures

In New Jersey, shaving is a required practical skill for both barbering and cosmetology/hairstyling licenses, and it is heavily evaluated on sanitation, safety, and proper razor technique. Training includes significant hands-on hours dedicated to shaving procedures.  What most schools in NJ teach (and what the State Board expects during the practical exam) is commonly known as the “14-step shave procedure.” Below is a clean, exam-ready breakdown you can use for teaching, studying, or performing. New Jersey State Board Shaving Procedure (Step-by-Step) 1. Sanitize & Set Up    •   Sanitize hands    •   Disinfect workstation and chair    •   Set up clean implements (razor, towels, shaving cream, etc.)    •   Place a new blade into razor (in front of examiner) 2. Client Preparation    •   Proper draping (neck strip + cape)    •   Apply towel or prepare face for service    •   Consult briefly (even if mannequin) 3. Soften the Beard    •   Apply warm towel to soften hair and open pores    •   Apply shaving cream evenly using circular motions 4. Razor Handling    •   Hold razor correctly (freehand position)    •   Maintain proper angle (about 30°) to avoid cuts Shaving Strokes (Core of the Exam) You must demonstrate both strokes clearly: 5. Freehand Stroke    •   Razor in dominant hand    •   Stroke with the grain    •   Stretch skin with opposite hand 6. Backhand Stroke    •   Reverse hand position    •   Used on opposite side of face    •   Maintain control and visibility 👉 These strokes are essential—examiners are watching technique closely.  ⸻ Shaving Sections of the Face (Usually divided into multiple sections/zones) 7. Right Side of Face    •   Start at sideburn    •   Work downward in sections 8. Left Side of Face    •   Mirror the same technique    •   Maintain consistent strokes 9. Mustache Area    •   Careful, short strokes    •   Stretch skin downward 10. Chin Area    •   Extra tension on skin    •   Short, controlled strokes 11. Neck Area    •   Follow hair growth pattern    •   Use light pressure Post-Shave Procedure 12. Remove Lather    •   Use clean towel to remove remaining cream 13. Apply Aftercare    •   Apply astringent or soothing product    •   (Simulated in exam—no real chemicals needed) 14. Final Sanitation    •   Remove blade → dispose in sharps container    •   Clean and disinfect tools    •   Remove drape properly    •   Sanitize hands again Important NJ State Board Rules    •   Safety = automatic pass/fail factor    •   Always:       •   Keep razor closed or safe when not in use       •   Never wipe blade on client       •   Always dispose of blade properly    •   Infection control is heavily emphasized in NJ law and training  ⸻ Pro Tips for Passing in New Jersey    •   Narrate your steps (some examiners expect verbalization)    •   Exaggerate skin stretching so it’s clearly visible    •   Keep movements organized and confident    •   Never cross-contaminate (this is where many students fail) 2) Decontamination & Sanitation Instructions Lay out all tools/equipment before starting (as site permits). Work area must remain orderly, neat, and clean at all times. Floor must be swept and work area cleaned at completion. Steps: Proper sanitation practices are demonstrated throughout the exam. Station is properly decontaminated; tools are placed on towels or paper towels in a safe and sanitary manner. Implements are clean, decontaminated, sanitary, and in good condition. Candidate sanitized hands at the start of the exam. Candidate uses good sanitary habits throughout the exam Candidate uses good sanitary habits throughout the exam. Good sanitation is maintained while performing services on the model. Good sanitation is maintained when handling tools and implements. Cleanup is completed: floor swept; station clean; if candidate is called back to clean, this is reflected in the score. 3) Shaving (Mock Shave) Time allotted: 12 minutes Instructions Prepare model for a mock shave; remove blade/guard from razor. Drape model; apply shaving cream using proper shaving techniques. Steps: Model properly draped. Mock hot-towel application performed. Shaving cream applied properly (rotary motion with cushions of fingers). Proper standing position; shaving steps completed in proper order using proper razor positions. Fingers kept behind razor when stretching skin. Proper removal of shaving cream from razor during shave (wipe back of blade first). Good safety methods handling razor; proper palming; razor closed when not in use. Mock application of witch hazel and talc performed (simulation). Razor properly sanitized before and after shave using 70% alcohol.