Wet and Dry Shaving
We've created our guide for dry and wet shaving focused on each method's benefits and drawbacks. This way you can decide for yourself which is better for your everyday needs.
You wouldn't think that shaving will raise such a debate among men! Against the grain or with the grain? Dry or wet? Fortunately, we solved the first question in our previous encounter. On today's list? Dry and wet shaving.
It is safe to conclude that shaving is a significant part of a man's grooming routine. Wet shaving is the conventional method implying soaking the area to be shaved in warm water and then applying a foam or gel on the face. After that, shaving with a sharp razor blade is recommended.
Dry shaving is the opposite and usually involves an electric shaver, shaving soaps or creams and surprise...no water. People who want a fast shaving typically go for the dry shaving method. Both methods have advantages and work differently according to your skin type and routine.
Men's Wet Shaving: A Complete Guide
Wet shaving includes water, shaving gel or cream, and a sharp razor blade. Wet shaving also involves using brushes and different types of pre-shaving creams. The shaving gel or cream forms a protective layer on top of the skin that makes your shaving experience more comfortable. Protect both your face and neck with a shaving gel or cream to avoid irritation and redness.
Benefits of Wet Shaving
Clean Shave
When you use the wet shaving method, the razor blade cuts your hairs closer to the skin's surface. Therefore, you will get a smoother, cleaner shave compared to a dry shave. You will also notice that hairs will grow slower, and the time needed between shaves is longer.
Wet shaving, no doubt, will give you a precise and neat shave. It may also help you reduce ingrown hairs and irritations. But, to achieve an itch-free skin when the strands grow back, you need to moisturise daily. It's essential!
Self Care Ritual
Wet shaving is like a spa ritual. You need to take time to do it properly. The steps you need to take to prep your skin before a shave are essential. You have to pause your hectic life for a moment, use quality shaving products and enjoy the experience. If you don't have time, then go for a dry shave.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating means clearing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, to help new cells emerge better and faster. Through shaving, you wipe out debris and impurities often trapped between the hairs. How? The thin, sharp blades remove the skin's top layer, revealing a brighter, healthier complexion. It is quite similar to dermaplaning, a cosmetic procedure that uses a thin blade to remove dead skin cells, aiming for a smooth, youthful, and radiant appearance.
Cost-Efficient
Wet shaving is less expensive compared to dry shaving. Razor blades are significantly cheaper than electric shavers. You indeed have to change the blades more often, but overall, shaving with a safety razor is cost-efficient and inexpensive.
Drawbacks of Wet Shaving
Razor Burns and Flaky Skin
If you rush when shaving, you may scratch the skin with your razor, so a degree of slight discomfort is inevitable. Redness and post-shaving pain are usually the results of a too sharp razor blade or lousy technique. Luckily, you can learn to minimise the risk of razor burns and itchiness by using high-quality shaving products, moisturiser and with a little patience.
Nicks and Cuts
Wet shaving sometimes leaves small cuts on your skin. If you are a beginner, handling certain razor blades can be challenging. But over time, with practice, you will learn how to make it a comfortable, enjoyable experience and master a closer shave technique. Don't forget to apply aftershave lotions or moisturisers to help heal faster.
Men's Dry Shaving: A Complete Guide
Dry shaving is a method that does not require soap, cream, water, or any other shaving product type. Most commonly, dry shaving implies an electric razor.
The key difference between dry and wet shaving is the way the razor cuts your hairs. Wet shaving is the conventional method because it cuts the strands below the skin's surface, while electric shavers cut the hairs above the skin's surface.
Men with sensitive skin prefer this method, as it trims the hairs at a certain distance from the skin, avoiding cuts. Depending on the electric razor's quality, you can choose a machine that will provide a closer shave.
Benefits of Dry Shaving
Less Irritations
Dry shaving tends to decrease irritation because the razor does not come in contact with the surface of the skin and cuts the hair strands above the skin. When hairs are growing back, they don't penetrate the skin as it happens with a traditional shave. The result? Fewer irritations and no itchiness.
Save Time
Dry shaving takes less time because you don't have all those preparation steps and is the perfect choice for busy men, always on the run. Without changing blade heads, you will operate an electric shaver quick and easy for years.
It can be a decisive factor on whether you want a wet or a dry shaving on a busy Monday morning. It is also travel friendly, so you can take your electric shaver with you wherever you want.
Drawbacks of Wet Shaving
Expensive
The most budget-friendly method of shaving is with a safety razor period. Electric shavers, come at a higher price. Dry shaving may be expensive at first, but you can see it as an investment. It depends on your skin needs and your concerns. However, you will still be saving some money by not buying shaving products.
Which is men's favourite method of shaving?
There is no right or wrong way of shaving. Ultimately the choice is entirely yours and use the #DHShavingClub to show us your favourite way to shave! If you master the technique of a clean, barber-like shave, then you will love wet shaving. If time is of the essence, then you will be team "electric razors". For tips on how to find the perfect style of wet shave read our guide on "Shaving with or against the Grain".
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