Why Wet Shaving?
Many men underestimate the awesomeness from truly enjoying a great wet shave.
Wet shaving is a traditional shaving technique that is making a comeback today. Wet shaving is seen as a complicated and expensive shaving technique. However, after some practice and a little experience, you will likely discover that wet shaving is actually cheaper than purchasing and using cartridge or disposable razor blades. Wet shaving is also better for your skin.
Once offered by many 1950s small-town barbershops, wet shaving can be done right in your own home; you just need the right tools for the job.
Read on for some super-quick tips on how to get a good wet shave that will leave you looking and feeling great.
– Cool vs. Warm Water. Of course, you can’t very well wet shave without, well, water. Some shaving enthusiasts claim that cool water is better for wet shaving than warm water. Others believe the opposite. This really comes down to preference, and possibly the season.
Regardless of whether you prefer warm or cool water, you need a lot of it in order to properly prepare your face and your razor for shaving. In fact, some shaving enthusiasts will tell you that it can up to three minutes to thoroughly prepare yourself for a good wet shave!
Although it may require some extra time up front, you will be glad you did.
– Rinse Regularly. If you use shaving creams, gels, soaps or pre-shave oils, then be sure your razor is thoroughly rinsed and cleaned before and after every shave. This will not only ensure that your razor doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria, but it will also keep your razor clean of dried paste, soap, gunk and who knows what else…
– Can the Can. If you use pressurized canned shaving cream, don’t. Not only are canned shaving creams less than environmentally friendly, but they also contain other chemicals, artificial ingredients, and lubricants that do nothing but irritate the skin.
If you suffer from razor burn constantly, the first thing you should ditch is canned shaving cream. If you must use a product, try using a pre-shave oil, shaving soap, or shaving cream that comes in a tube or gel form. Depending on the brand, these products still aren’t the best, but anything is better than canned shaving cream.
– Use the Right Razor. Yes, there is a “right” and “wrong” razor to use for wet shaving. Again, this is another area that is based on personal preference, however, the latest and greatest and most expensive razor doesn’t necessarily mean you will experience a better shave.
For example, a razor that is designed with seven blades and promises you a closer, smoother shave is probably nothing more than marketing hype. In fact, these multi-blade razors increase friction, which is the primary culprit for razor burn.
By using a single-blade razor, or two blades max, you can give yourself the same—if not better—and safer shave with fewer nicks, cuts, and razor burn breakouts.
Discover What Gives You a Great Shave
Finally, the last—and perhaps the most important tip—is to know thyself. Only you know how fast your beard grows, which product(s) work and which do not, how your skin reacts to shaving, and what causes razor burn and ingrown hairs. Therefore, it’s best to keep these things in mind when altering your shaving technique.
All in all, a wet shave is beneficial for a number of reasons, which we outlined above. Because wet shaving provides you with additional protection and lubrication, you will notice fewer nicks, cuts, and razor burn breakouts, making it the better option for your skin and safer overall.
About the Author: Josh Chou, wet shave consultant at shave.net, a Seattle-based grooming product brand that provides traditional wet shaving and cartridge razor shaving to real men looking for a real shave.