Whether to wet shave or dry shave is a question that men have struggled with since, well, the invention of the electric shaver. Men have been removing their facial hair for thousands of years, and they have been using various means to do so. For many men, shaving their facial hair is at the heart of the grooming process – their razor is the key that unlocks and starts their day.
Wet shaving (blade shaving) and dry shaving (electric shaving) can both be incredibly effective, so it ultimately comes down to your personal choice, as well as what’s best for your skin type.
To help you decide which shaving technique you should go for, here’s more detail about how each method works, and their different benefits.
Wet Shaving vs. Dry Shaving: What’s the Difference?
Wet Shaving with a Razor- Wet shaving is the method of cutting off hair very close to wet skin. Usually the shaving is achieved with a razor blade and the hair is cut with a single stroke of the blade.
Dry Shaving with an Electric Shaver, the hair is cut between two blades, in a scissor-like motion, often without water.
What is Wet Shaving?
Wet shaving is making a comeback. The popularity of electric shavers made wet shaving seem slightly old-fashioned for a while, but lots of men are now recognising that a wet shave can have added benefits for their skin.
To get the best from a wet shave, cover your face and neck in a shaving gel or shaving foam before using a razor blade to remove your facial hair.
Creating a lather with your chosen shaving product can help your razor to glide across your face more smoothly for a more comfortable shave. Decide whether a gel or foam is best for you here.
If you’re using the right shaving products for your skin type – the Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive range is ideal for sensitive skin, for example – you’ll be providing your skin with extra protection while you shave.