The present invention relates to a method of improving shaving comfort by softening the hair to be shaved so as to reduce the cutting force required to cut it. The novel method comprises carrying out the following sequential steps:(a) contacting an area of hair to be shaved with a reducing agent that breaks disulfide linkages in hair;(b) contacting the area of hair treated in step (a) with a humectant and allowing it to dry or partially dry;(c) contacting the area treated in step (b) with water to hydrate the hair; and(d) shaving the hydrated hair of step (c).