Dry Shaving VS Wet Shaving - What Works For Your Skin?

With the plethora of shaving equipment and accessories at our disposal, it is far too apparent that there is more than one way of shaving now. And clearly, what works for you can only be found through a series of trial and error. But if you are certainly overwhelmed about which shaving method works for you- dry or wet, here’s what you need to know to have the smoothest shaving experience. 

What Is Dry Or Wet Shaving? 

Before we get into the basics of the pros of cons of each shaving style and then which best suits your skin type, let’s discuss what each of these individually means. 

Wet Shaving: The process of wet shaving starts by preparing your skin with water, shaving foam, soap, or cream. Traditionally, it was done with a shaving brush that was used to lather up your skin. It gives you the closest shave possible because hair dipped in water and foam becomes softer and easier to cut. However, the idea of manually shaving your face or other delicate parts of your body required method, precision, and years of practicing. 

Dry Shaving: Dry shaving is the result of modern innovation since it is done with an electric razor. With it, one doesn’t have to worry about getting your skin wet or lathered. This is because an electric razor can cut through both wet or dry hair since it only trims the hair above the surface of the skin. However, the lack of use of lubricants has people questioning its ability to give us soft, smooth skin. 

Pros & Cons

If you are confused about which shaving method you should opt for, here are the pros and cons of the same to understand their benefits and drawbacks. 

• Wet Shaving-

Pros: Since you will be using some kind of lubricant the fraction between your skin and razor will be comparatively lesser, giving you less chance of pulling on your skin and irritation. It also provides that smooth glide on your skin with fewer razor burns and ingrown hair as a wet surface is easier to shave. Furthermore, shaving done via razors ensures a closer shave with smoother skin that takes longer to grow back. 

Cons: Since you will be using a manual razor and if you haven’t practiced enough, the chances of nicks and cuts increase a lot. Once shaved, the sharp points can sometimes irritate the underside of the skin causing itchiness. Because the razorblade is in contact with the skin, it has an abrasive effect and can lead to dryness and irritation -- especially if the skin isn’t properly lubricated or moisturized.  Therefore, you need to learn the art of shaving with the grain to get pronounced results. While shaving against the grain usually produces a closer shave and faster results, it is more likely to cause irritation and razor burns. 

• Dry Shaving- 

Pros: The reason the use of an electric razor sounds so appealing to a lot of individuals is how hassle-free and easy it is. Without the need for shaving creams or soaps or a long bath routine, one can quite simply spend less time in front of the bathroom mirror with an electric shaver. Since the razor does most of the work for you, it is also clear that you will be left with fewer nicks and cuts and you can shave smoothly in any direction. It reduces irritation, minimizes abrasion and they help you shave difficult areas like the upper lip or eyebrows with ease and precision. 

Cons: While dry shaving sounds like a treat for those who don't want to get into the lengthy process of shaving, it sure is a nightmare for people with sensitive skin. Shaving without foam can irritate the skin causing redness and bumps along the way. It also doesn’t produce a closer shave as compared to a razor. Dry shaving requires electric razors that require high maintenance and cleaning than simple razors. 

How Can You Figure Out Which Method Works Best For You? 

As established before, while each method has its setbacks and advantages, there are a few determining factors that can help you understand which way will work best for you. 

• Speed: See how much time you have to spend in the bathroom. If you are in a hurry and can’t follow all the preparation steps wet shaving comes with, just go for a quick dry shave instead. Simply apply a good moisturizer after you shave to prevent razor bumps. 

• Shaving Experience: Wet shaving requires you to know how to shave properly and with precision. So if you don’t think you are prepared enough for the same or are worried about giving yourself cuts, just switch to a dry shave. 

• Nicks & Cuts: Dry shaving results in fewer nicks and cuts than wet shaving. This is because the blade of an electric shaver doesn’t actually come into contact with the skin and therefore can’t cut you. This is why dry shaving is faster than wet, but also why wet shaving produces a closer shave and a more luxurious experience.

• Price: Electric razors cost more than your normal razors. However, it can be expensive in the long run to keep on replacing your razor heads or blades. You also save some bucks on shaving creams and soap when you shift to dry shaving but an electric razor might need more maintenance.

All in all, you need to make a conscious choice while deciding which shaving method you want to choose.  Body razors,  facial electric trimmers and facial razors work well on different skin types and textures to give you smooth, beautiful skin.