For many gentlemen, the morning shave is a chore that interrupts those precious extra snoozing minutes. For some, it can even be a source of great discomfort. Shaving can cause irritation to the skin whether you are choosing wet or dry shave techniques. However, we know that men's shaving is a fine art, and if you are wondering which method truly is better, we have put together this handy guide to have you looking smooth and sleek every time you step out of the bathroom.
Dry shaving might seem like the most convenient option as you don't need to lather up and can simply run an electric razor over your face for almost instant results. You can also perform a dry shave just about anywhere if you have a battery-powered shaver. In the toilets at work, or even in your car right before a date if you are worried about your stubble infringing on your chances of a kiss.
A shaving shop will almost always try to sell you on a dry shave because they are in the market of electric razors. Sure, there are perks, but there are also a few downsides. While many think that dry shaving causes less irritation than wet shaving, this isn't necessarily the case. The buzz of the electric blade brings its own risks. You might end up with what they call 'razor rash', and it is much easier to miss patches with an electric blade. Also, as we all know, fast isn't always better. There are actually many perks that come with choosing the tried and true method of the wet shave.
There are many wet shave converts out there, who once they have mastered the technique, will happily sing its praises. For starters, wet shaving is a tradition that we all probably got passed down from our fathers or grandfathers, and it has a certain sophistication about it that dry shaving doesn't have.
Not to get too spiritual, but there is something meditative about the ritual of a slow and steady wet shave. The simple fact of the matter is that you will never get as close a shave with dry methods as you will with a wet shave. Each step of wet shaving, from applying shaving creams, to multiple passes of the blade, is designed for maximum effectiveness.
To optimise your wet shave you can use a pre-shave oil and shaving cream to prepare your pores and skin, making the task of removing tough whiskers less arduous and less damaging to the skin. These days shaving kits and safety razors are incredibly sharp for optimal results. We recommend the three-pass technique which involves completing one pass with the grain of the hair, one across the grain, and one against the grain to have you looking and feeling baby-smooth. If you are prone to irritation there are plenty of balms and aftershaves to soothe irritated skin.
There you have it.
While dry shaving is certainly quick and easy, the wet shave still wins out. Maybe we are suckers for tradition, or maybe we have seen enough faces to know what really works!
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