As a person who has been doing wet shaving since he started shaving, I can tell you that it is one of the easiest ways to maintain a clean shave. I try to list all the wet shaving basics that you need to know to have the perfect shave.
For starters. A traditional wet shaving kit includes a safety razor, shaving cream, and a shaving brush. Modern wet shave kits are built around the same items – but there are many more options available thanks to advancements in shaving technology and knowledge.
For instance, there are brands where you can build your wet shaving kit. Tailored to your skin type and grooming needs to achieve the best shaving experience. But before you buy your wet-shaving gear, understand what wet shaving is and how it can benefit your life.
What is Wet Shaving?
First, wet shaving is the method of cutting off hair close to damp skin. Your skin could be wet from warm water (showering is always a good idea before shaving to soften your skin and facial hair) or from a shaving foam or gel.
Nowadays, you can do shaving in a million ways.
If wet shaving is too much hassle, you can use the latest and greatest electric tools that promise to shave off your beard without leaving any irritation on your skin. But there is something special about the traditional way of shaving. Wet shaving is nothing new, but it’s getting more popular as more guys recognize the benefits it can have over dry shaving.
But can you wet shave every day? The answer is yes. If you want to have the smoothest look every day, I recommend you buy a high-quality wet shaving kit and use it every night – or in the morning, whichever you prefer.
What is the Difference Between Wet and Dry Shaving?
When you shave your beard using a razor blade, the hair is cut with a single stroke of the blade. With an electric shaver, the hair is cut between two blades in a scissor-like motion. The only real benefit of dry shaving is occasional convenience.
For example, if the water in your home is turned off and you need to prepare for a big date or job interview, an electric razor may be a better choice than a traditional razor blade. On the other hand, if you want to learn about the benefits of wet shaving – read along.
Benefits of Wet Shaving
Dry shaving vs. wet shaving – to anyone experienced with wet shaving before, the benefits are clear. A traditional wet shave helps you achieve the closest shaving experience – it gives a smoother and cleaner feeling. It can also help reduce the uncomfortable effects of shaving, such as skin irritation or ingrown hairs.
A lot of men believe they have sensitive skin – because they suffer from razor burn and other side effects when shaving. In reality, it is likely just down to the type of razor and products they’re using.
Most of the negative effects of shaving come as a result of not having the proper lubrication, often down to cheaper modern products. Taking the time to do a wet shave can be much kinder on the skin and reduce any after-effects.
The Price of Traditional Wet Shaving
Beyond a smoother experience, wet shaving with a traditional razor can work out far cheaper than plastic multi-blade cartridge razors. Although a safety razor and shaving brush require an initial investment, replacement blades are inexpensive for safety razors. In addition, shaving soaps and creams will last longer than any shaving foam or gel.
The Feeling of Wet Shaving
If you are like me who appreciates not only the function of his tools but also their aesthetics, there are other benefits to the traditional approach. Shaving soap in its wooden bowl will always look better on the side of the sink than an aerosol can filled with a chemical gloop.
On top of this, a lot of men who have switched their modern razors for traditional ones have found that the whole process becomes less of a hassle and more of a pleasure. Carefully shaving with quality products that give a more luxurious feel will not only get better results but also grant a more enjoyable process.
Does Wet Shaving Help You Grow a Stronger Beard?
The belief that shaving can help your facial hair grow makes no sense when you think about it logically. How does removing three or four days of growth make a beard come in faster?
You’ve now reset your beard to zero and need to wait three or four days to get back to where you were. In the meantime, you’ll notice that growth doesn’t speed up.
Although wet shaving won’t help you with the speed of your beard growth, it should be noted that it is the best approach for shaving if you are going for that clean look.
When you wet shave, you will find that your face is less irritated afterward compared to with some dry shavers. It is simply because wet shaving leaves your skin more lubricated so that the razor can smoothly zip across it – but this is only true if you do it with proper technique.
How to Wet Shave: Step by Step
To answer it shortly, to wet shave, start by preparing your supplies, hydrating your face with warm water, applying shaving cream generously, shaving in the direction of hair growth with a sharp blade, rinsing the razor often, finishing with cold water, and applying aftershave or moisturizer before cleaning and storing your equipment.
A good wet shave includes these five steps:
1. Take a Warm Shower
Soften your hair and skin with hot water for a few minutes before you shave to make it easier for your razor to glide over your skin and cut through your hair. Washing your face gets the job done as well, but a shower is the preferred way.
2. Apply Shaving Cream
Create a lather with your shaving gel or foam to look after your skin and help your razor along.
3. Shave
The choice of shaving with or against the grain is yours, but avoid pressing too hard on your skin. Allow your razor to do the work, regardless of whether you’re using a single or multiblade razor. Always be cautious not to drag the razor across your face, as this could lead to cuts.
4. Rinse Regularly
Wash off your blades with warm water after every few strokes to keep your face moist and to stop any excess gel and hair clogging up your blades.
5. Moisturise
Soothe and hydrate your skin after shaving by applying moisturizing post-shaving products.
The Perfect Wet Shaving Kits for Men
Discover the ideal wet shaving kits for men. These kits offer everything needed for a seamless wet shaving experience, including high-quality razors, soothing shaving creams, and precise accessories. Elevate your grooming routine with the perfect wet shaving kits.
Gillette Fusion5 Razor Kit
Experience truly smooth shaves with the Gillette 5-blade Fusion5 razor. The fading lubrication strips, 5 gentle blades, and skin-prepping micro fins ensure a consistently comfortable and easy shaving experience.
Dolirox Shaving Kit for Men
Get the ultimate men’s care package: an all-inclusive shaving kit with 8 essentials including a Straight Razor, pre-shave oil, shaving cream, brush, after-shave lotion, and more. Achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave with a natural sandalwood scent. Perfect as a thoughtful gift.
LEPONIX Wet Shaving Kit for Men
The package includes:
- Double Edge Safety shaving Razors with ten replacement blades
- Shaving Brush,
- Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil,
- Shaving Butter,
- Aftershave Balm,
- Shaving Apron Bib and Portable Linen Bag for traveling.
Final Verdict
In summary, I am not against dry shaving or modern technologies at all. However, there is something unique about wet shaving with traditional tools; after all, they have endured the test of time for a reason. I drew much information and inspiration from Gillette, Traditional Shaving, and Beard Guidance while writing this article.
So, if you want to learn more about wet shaving, check out their writings as well. Learning how to wet shave properly should be a must to learn, as you will most likely do wet shaving when you go on holiday or a long weekend.
It is easier to carry your traditional razor and your shaving cream or gel in a travel container in your Dopp kit than an electric razor.
Keep on reading: What to Keep in Your Dopp Kit: Best Grooming Items
