Advantages and Disadvantages of Wet and Dry Shaving

Shaving is the most popular way for men and women to remove unwanted hair. It’s more convenient and cost-effective than other modern hair removal methods. One can shave using the wet method, which relies on water and lather to make the shaving process easy and smooth, or, when pressed for time, shave dry—that is, without water or lather.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding one’s skin type is one factor that can help decide which method would be most helpful.

In this blog post, we will go through the pros and cons of each method so that you can make the right choice for your regular shaving routine.

• Wet Shaving
  • Advantages of Wet Shaving
  • Disadvantages of Wet Shaving
• Dry Shaving
  • Advantages of Dry Shaving
  • Disadvantages of Dry Shaving
• Conclusion: Wet Shave or Dry Shave?

Wet Shaving

This is the classic form of shaving.

The earliest known evidence of this method was found in Sumer¹ in 3000 BC. Archaeologists documented traces of a substance that combined wood alkali and animal fat, which was applied to the beard as a shaving preparation.

Modern wet shaving methods have gone far from simple fat and burnt wood. There are now shaving soaps, creams, and disposable razors, which make the entire experience easy and convenient for just about anyone.

Like all things, it also has its pros and cons.

Advantages of Wet Shaving

• Gives you the closest shave
  
  Since the hair is soaked in water and later covered with soap lather, it becomes softer and more manageable. It makes it easy for modern razors, such as the straight razor, to shave off the hair closely with little or no damage to the skin.
  
  
• Offers superior exfoliation action
  
  The combined action of the various shaving products and modern razor design allows the blades to remove even dead skin cells, leaving smooth, soft, and fresh skin. This is why men’s skin always has a youthful glow after a shave.

Disadvantages of Wet Shaving

• Learning curve
  
  Not only does one need to learn which shaving product would give the best shaving experience, but one must also learn how to wield a razor. Shaving experts have always recommended the straight razor as the best tool for wet shaving, but using a straight razor isn’t as easy as it seems. One will have to undergo a period of accidental nicks and cuts before mastering the art of wet shaving.
  
  That said, there are other alternatives to a straight razor. One can even use a disposable razor with multiple blades for wet shaving, although we guarantee it won’t give you a clean and smooth shave like a straight razor.
  
  
• Requires time
  
  One needs to set aside time for wet shaving. There’s an art to wet shaving that cannot be rushed. It starts with the straight razor itself. One has to strop it before using it. Then, one needs to prepare the face for the shave and move on to preparing the lather for your face. Only then can one start shaving with a razor.
  
  To do this, one must wake up early to commit time to wet shaving. While this may undoubtedly cramp your morning routine, getting a close and smooth shave isn’t a bad trade-off—not when it will make you feel awesome and ready to conquer the day.

Dry Shaving

Simply put, dry shaving is when you don’t have time to shave leisurely. You just grab an electric shaver or even a disposable razor and go right ahead, shaving all the hair off your face.

No need for water, gel, or shaving cream. That’s as dry as a shaving could be. It is quick and hassle-free for anyone running on a speed dial.

Advantages of Dry Shaving

• Convenient and easy
  
  Modern razor technology, exemplified by Gillette and Schick, has made it convenient for men to get a quick shave. To start shaving, one just needs to insert the battery for an electric shaver or remove a disposable cartridge razor from its packaging.
  
  These dry shavers sometimes come with trimming functions that control the shaving length. You can manage a perfectly groomed beard with these shavers.
  
  
• Cuts hairs from a distance
  
  Without water or lather, the hairs are stiff and not flexible. This means that when the blade shaves through the hair, the stiffness prevents the razor from coming in close contact with the skin. This eliminates the risk of developing ingrown hairs that would later grow into razor bumps because the razor won’t cut the hair below the skin layer.

Disadvantages of Dry Shaving

• Not thorough
  
  Dry shaving won’t certainly give you a close and smooth shave. A dry shaver may even need to shave more frequently because the hair could show again at the end of the day. At .5mm beard growth per day², that is a big possibility!
  
  
• Skin irritation
  
  Those with sensitive skin might think twice before dry shaving. Because there is no lather to buffer the blade and no water to moisturize the skin, it may become tender and irritated when the blade starts cutting hair. Dry skin will feel worse as it won’t feel smooth throughout the shaving process.

Conclusion: Wet Shave or Dry Shave?

The Gaswain Safety Razor and Stand Kit includes a durable double-edged safety razor, a sturdy stand for organized storage, a high-quality shaving brush, and a luxurious shaving soap—everything you need for the perfect wet shaving experience.

Your skin type, time to spare, and budget will undoubtedly influence your decision on whether to dry or wet shave. If you need a convenient and quick method, dry shaving is the way to go. But if you need something that will last longer and result in a more smooth and close shave, then wet shaving would be your logical choice.  

Here at Naked Armor, we love to wet shave. We offer the best products for the best wet shaving results. We carry a top-of-the-line inventory of safety and straight razors crafted in high-grade Japanese, Carbon, and Damascus steel and luxurious handles made of wood, metal, and more. These razors make the shaving experience smooth and easy, as the blades effortlessly cut through the hair.

We also offer artisanal, top-quality shaving soaps, scuttle kits, and other products, all designed to provide a luxurious shaving experience for both normal and sensitive skin.

With Naked Armor, we guarantee an excellent wet shaving experience. Get a Safety Razor Kit now. Click Add to Cart below.

More Naked Armor Reads

The Science of Wet Shaving
Wet Shaving Tips and Tricks for Men
10 Essential Wet Shaving Tips for Men

References

1. Big Rick. (2019, August 31). The oldest shaving cream in existence? Badger & Blade. https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/the-oldest-shaving-cream-in-existence.572949/
2. Anonymous. (2009, October 27). Beard Growth Rate. PolarTREC. https://www.polartrec.com/forum/icecube-in-ice-antarctic-telescope/beard-growth-rate