Wet Shaving is the Shaving with Shaving Soap or Shaving Oil and various supplies such as a shaving brush and a Shaving Bowl. This is in contrast to "dry Shaving", where men only use an electric Electric Shaver. In this article, we will explain exactly what wet Shaving is, what the benefits of wet Shaving are, what you need for it, and how you can proceed.
What is wet Shaving?
The name may already reveal the answer, but in case there is any doubt, wet Shaving essentially means "Shaving with water". Therefore, no electric Electric Shaver is involved. For a traditional wet shave, you also need a form of Shaving Soap or cream to effectively lather your Face. A shaving brush is also involved. This can be a traditionally made shaving brush with badger hair, boar hair, horsehair, or synthetic bristles. With a traditional wet shave, you use a razor with a single blade. Wet Shaving can be done with both an open razor and a safety razor.
Although traditional wet Shaving initially seems more expensive than using a Electric Shaver and/or modern disposable razors, it doesn't have to be. A single purchase is usually enough to last for months. Moreover, it's about your Face, so it's worth the investment!
Why wet Shaving?
The men who have experience with wet Shaving are more than aware of the benefits of wet Shaving. A traditional wet shave simply gives a smoother result and a cleaner-feeling skin than using a device or disposable razor.
Reduces discomfort
Wet Shaving can also help reduce the uncomfortable effects of Shaving, such as ingrown hairs. Although many men think they have sensitive skin due to shaving irritation and other side effects when Shaving, it is likely only due to the type of razor and products used. Most negative effects of Shaving are the result of not having the right, often cheap products.
Is relatively cheaper
Wet Shaving can even be significantly cheaper than using plastic Razors with multiple blades. Although a safety razor and a shaving brush can be an investment, replacement blades are much cheaper for safety razors, and Shaving Soap and creams last much longer than a Shaving Foam or -Hair Gel which you use in combination with disposable razors.
It's an enjoyable activity
Many men have preceded you and have exchanged their modern Razor Blades and/or exchanged their Electric Shaver for the traditional wet Shaving. All in all, traditional wet Shaving is less hassle and will give you more enjoyment. Carefully Shaving with quality products, which give a more luxurious feel, will not only achieve better results but will also make Shaving much more fun to do!
The bottom line; wet Shaving is a much better shave that reduces or prevents skin irritation.
Step-by-step plan for wet Shaving
Now we will explain to you step by step how you can make your traditional wet shave a success.
What you need
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Lukewarm water
Water is indispensable, it softens your Beard, lubricates your pores, and prepares your Face for a shave. There are men who like to Shaving by the sink after a nice warm shower. This is of course ideal since the Moustache and beard hairs have just been warmed up and cleaned. But it is also a good idea to skip the shower and just place a nice warm towel on your chin. -
Shaving brush
You use a shaving brush to create and apply the foam to your Face. In terms of shaving brushes, you have the choice of badger, horse, boar, and synthetic Hair, it just depends on which type of brush best suits your Face and preferences. -
Shaving Bowl
Using a Shaving Bowl is not essential, but it does give you the opportunity to create the best Shaving Foam. -
Shaving Soap or Shaving Cream
During wet Shaving, you obviously want to use a quality soap or cream to whip up a Shaving Foam with your shaving brush. For most men, we recommend starting with creams - it's very easy to whip up a nice bowl full.
Whether you use a soap or a cream, it is important to whip up a Shaving Foam that resembles whipped cream. To do this, you may need to vary the amount of water on your shaving brush to find out which amount creates the best foam. -
Razor
Just one blade - as long as it is sharp - is fine and is much less irritating to the skin than a razor with multiple blades. We recommend using a type of razor with one blade, a Safety Razor is then the best step. Ready for the real deal? That is also possible, with an open razor or Straight Razor. -
Alum, Aftershave
It is wise to finish your traditional shave with a splash of cold water to calm and close your pores. Then you can use a nice aftershave. When your skin is soft and sensitive, you want your aftershave to be alcohol-free to prevent irritation. A good aftershave calms and hydrates your skin.
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Get started
- Start by applying a lukewarm wet towel or taking a shower to soften the Hair and the skin.
- Some men find it useful to apply a pre-shave oil or lotion to create an ultra-smooth Face before applying the Shaving Foam.
- Whip up a Shaving Foam from Shaving Soap or a traditional Shaving Cream in a bowl, mug, or directly on the Face with a shaving brush. This not only creates plenty of lather but also lifts the hairs of the Face for an ultra-smooth shave.
- Many men find it ideal to make multiple passes with a safety razor or a straight razor and apply cream between the passes. It is best to Shaving with the grain, across the grain, and finally against the grain if your skin is not overly sensitive.
- Finish your shave with a nice cool rinse to remove excess Shaving Foam, and then optionally apply a aftershave. If you really want to smell good all day, then add a little eau de cologne!