Do you desire a closer and much smoother shave? Wet shaving is your answer. Wet shaving is used to distinguish this technique from the “I’m in a hurry” dry shaving inspired by electric razors.

This “lost” art of shaving involves cutting down facial hair with warm water. Well, you’ll also need shaving cream or soap to soften and cushion your face and beard in readiness for the close cut.

There are plenty of single-bladed and multi-bladed razors on the market for the job. But truly traditional shaving relies on the former razors achieved using safety razors or straight razors.

Why Wet Shave

Before aerosol, the fast life, and fast dry shaves, men took time to intricately cut their beards. Every stroke was purposeful and exuded male mastery.

We have nothing against electric razors, you can find some fantastic options on the market. But then dry shaving has been associated with razor burns, nicks, and dreadful ingrown hairs since you’re running a razor against a not-so-smooth surface.

Dry shaving with the help of an electric razor also doesn’t cut nearly as low as wet shaves do, increasing the likelihood of skin irritation.

Compare that to wet shaving where you can make precision adjustments along with tricky areas like under your chin or jaw corners. It results in way fewer razor bumps, inflammations, swellings, and ingrown hairs.

The closer cuts you achieve through wet shaves translate to longer stays between shaves. No worrying about unwanted scruffy stubble.

Let’s not forget the calming effect the technique can have on you. Taking time to lather up then make repeated gentle passes along your skin is therapeutic, allowing you to mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Wet Shaving Tips

If you’re a beginner, here are some tips for you:

  • Step 1: Most men shave immediately after a shower which means their faces and beard are already softened. If you’re not taking a shower just yet, splash warm water all over your face severally to moisten your skin and hair.
  • Step 2: Some men apply pre-shave oil for extra lubrication and minimize irritation, but it’s not compulsory. If you do apply pre-shave oil, give it some 30 seconds or so, to gt into the skin before applying shaving cream, otherwise, skip to step 3.
  • Step 3: If you’re using shaving soap, mix it up with some water in a bowl for a nice consistency then use a shaving brush to evenly distribute it on your face. With shaving cream, it goes directly onto a shaving brush or your hands for spreading.  Shaving cream lifts the hairs, making for a closer shave.
  • Step 4: It’s time to shave. Let your passes go with the grain and then across the grain, but don’t press too hard and risk damage to your skin. If your skin isn’t overly sensitive, you can gently shave against the grain to capture stubborn hairs.
  • Step 5: Rinse off excess cream with cool water and finish by applying a moisturizing aftershave to soothe the now sensitive skin and hydrate it.

Rinse the razor under running water, preferably hot water to rid it of debris that may attract bacteria. Give it a good shake and store it upright. Bathrooms aren’t ideal storage places for razors as they get damp and warm whenever you shower.

Wet Shaving Accessories

We can go the caveman way and get things done with a razor and soap. Or we can invest in some wet shaving accessories, alongside your branded razor, to make the experience worthwhile.

  • Shaving Cream: These are synonymous with wet shaves and take on different forms including traditional shaving creams, latherless creams, gels, and soap. Many can be loaded onto your hands or brush for application, while others need to be mixed in a bowl.
  • Pre-Shave Oil: Typically made from natural oils, pre-shave oils are helpful for those with sensitive skin. The oils help ready the skin and beard for a shave, making the whole experience more comfortable.
  • Shaving Brushes: These brushes gently exfoliate the skin, resulting in a much cleaner look once you’re done shaving. Brushes also generate thicker lathers giving your skin that extra cushion.
  • Aftershave: Shaving can cause feelings of tightness and dry out your skin. An aftershave helps rehydrate your skin, alleviating irritation and preventing outbreaks and infections resulting from cuts. Some aftershaves are scented, giving off a nice aroma.

Busting Wet Shaving Myths

Let’s bust some shaving myths now that we’re here:

  • Myth No 1: Wet shaving stimulates growth. Genes are responsible for how fast your facial hair grows.
  • Myth No 2: Shaving damages your skin. A poorly designed razor or one whose blades are dull or old can irritate or cut your skin. The shaving technique also affects the outcome. Spend some quality time prepping your skin and don’t press the razor too hard.
  • Myth No 3: You should change razor blades weekly. The timing works differently for different men. How soon you should change the blade will depend on its quality, the number of times you shave, and the way you store your razor.