Is It Better To Shave Wet Or Dry? Find Out Which Is Right for You

You might shave every day without ever wondering whether it’s better to shave wet or dry. After all, as long as the hair is gone, what does it matter? It turns out that evaluating a wet versus dry shave comes down to more than just personal preference. Each method impacts your skin, time, and grooming results differently. 

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both approaches to help you decide which method best suits your face and schedule. You’ll also find a few recommendations along the way to help you pick the products that’ll give you the best shaving experience.

What’s Wet Shaving?

Wet shaving is when you use water and a shave butter, cream , or soap to build a lather, softening and suspending hairs as you cut them. Most often, it’s done with a straight or safety razor , but you can use certain electric razors marked for wet or dry use. As you glide the razor over your skin, the blade slices each hair strand flush with the skin. This results in a closer shave , but it takes a bit of finesse to do right. You’ll want to make sure the blade is at the right angle (about 30–40 degrees), the weight of the razor is doing the work, and you’re using short strokes to avoid nicks and cuts.

What’s Dry Shaving?

Dry shaving is shaving without using any water, soap, or shaving products to prepare the hairs being cut. You need an electric shaver to dry shave without causing razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs because traditional razors create friction on unlubricated skin. 

Using scissors or an electric trimmer, snip longer hairs to a manageable length of about one to three millimeters to avoid clogging the razor and to prevent pulling. Then, run an electric razor over the leftover stubble. As you press the head into your skin, the tiny hairs poke through the holes in the guard, where tiny rotating blades cut them with a scissor-like action. This results in a shave that’s not quite as close as with a razor blade, but it’s quicker and less likely to cause nicks and cuts.

Pros and Cons of Wet vs. Dry Shaving

Wet shaving the old-fashioned way provides a closer shave, but it also means buying shaving cream regularly and spending an awful lot of time cleaning out your sink. And while dry shaving isn’t bad, it does have some downsides worth noting. It’s fast and convenient, but this method doesn’t offer as close of a cut, and it requires maintaining an electric razor.

Here’s how wet and dry shaving compare in key areas.

Shave Closeness

• Wet shaving: A single blade gliding through a medium like shaving cream or butter has the best chance at gently slicing each hair strand flush with the skin.

• Dry shaving: Guards block hairs from fully reaching the blades, preventing a flush shave. 

Time Commitment and Speed

• Wet shaving: Wet shaving takes about 30 minutes for setup, shaving, and cleanup, which isn’t always easy to fit into a busy schedule.

• Dry Shaving: An electric shaver with a fresh blade can chop those whiskers in five minutes, which is ideal when you’re getting ready in a rush . You don’t need water, cream, or even a sink to get rid of your five o’clock shadow.

Lubrication and Maneuverability

• Wet shaving: The lubrication provided by your shaving product reduces friction. But you need to pay attention to the angle of the blade and use short, deliberate strokes to cut the hairs cleanly rather than tanking on them.

• Dry shaving: The blades can catch on stubborn stubble and unlubricated skin, creating redness. But you can move up, down, or side to side freely because any hair that reaches the blades gets cut instantly.

Risk of Injury

• Wet shaving: A dull blade or a bad angle can cause nicks and cuts that take time to heal.

• Dry shaving: Electric razors have a guard that prevents them from cutting or nicking your skin unless you use the tool improperly.

Costs and Maintenance

• Wet shaving: Products like replacement blades, preferred lubrication, and aftershave can add up over time. Cleaning involves disassembling the head and rinsing under water.

• Dry shaving: You must clean, charge, and oil your electric razor to keep it performing well. Replacing the razor heads keeps it sharp and prevents clogging but can also add cost.

Which Shave is Right For You?

Choosing between wet and dry shaving comes down to your schedule needs and how much effort you want to put into your routine:

• Choose wet shaving if you prioritize a close shave, traditional grooming ritual, and precise results. You’ll trade electric hardware maintenance for frequent blade replacements and shaving cream refills.

• Choose dry shaving if you value speed, convenience, and flexibility above all else. You’ll finish your shave in five minutes and eliminate the risk of nicks and cuts, but your shave won’t be quite as close.

Get the Most From Your Wet Shave

Whether you wet or dry shave comes down to personal preference and time constraints. But when you do have the time and space for a proper wet shave, you’ll want to make the most of it by using the right products for your skin.

Dr. Squatch has a full lineup of shaving products made with naturally derived ingredients to help you get a close and comfortable shave. Our shave butter provides a smooth glide, while our safety razor gives a flawless finish. And if you’re trimming your beard rather than going for a clean look, use our beard oil to care for those hairs you choose not to shave.

FAQ

Can You Use Shaving Cream With an Electric Razor?

Yes, as long as your electric razor is marked for wet or dry use, you can use shaving cream. These electric shavers are designed to prevent liquid from getting into the motor. If you try to use shaving cream, butter, or gel in an electric razor that isn’t rated for wet use, it can gunk up and become unusable.

How Do You Prevent Razor Burn When Shaving?

The best way to prevent razor burn is to use the right shaving lubricant. A shaving cream, butter, or gel will provide a cushion between the blade and your skin, reducing your risk of developing razor burn.