Few men today use a traditional razor and brush to trim their beards or remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The risk of ingrown hairs, cuts and bumps from the blades just isn't worth it. When it's time to shave , most of us prefer to use an electric razor.
These motor-driven electric devices limit the risk and often produce better results than the former. However, for those who like to shave wet, the question arises whether an electric razor is suitable for such operations. Or perhaps we should put it more directly: "Can you use an electric razor with shaving cream or even with water?"
Answering this question requires a few explanations and caveats. First of all, it depends on which electric shaver you have. Previous electric shavers were only suitable for dry skin. If you use them with shaving cream or in the bathroom, you risk getting an electric shock or damaging the device. It is even not advisable to use models that have a power cord with liquids.
However, if you have newer models of electric shavers that work both wet and dry, using shaving cream with them is not a problem. Such shavers usually have labels showing that they can be used in both situations. Now the second consideration is whether and what kind of shaving cream is necessary.
For beards and pubic hair shaving , a little moisture in the form of a cream or gel usually helps to achieve a closer and pain-free shave. Wet shaving also reduces the chance of cutting yourself.
The third and final consideration when wet shaving with an electric razor is the "how." Even with a compatible device, you can go wrong if you don't know how to do it. Below are some tips to keep in mind when using an electric razor with a cream.
Table of contents:- Part 1: How to shave with an electric razor
- Part 2: Which is better: wet or dry shaving?
- Part 3: How to Choose the Best Electric Shaver: Important Considerations
- Part 4: Conclusion
How to shave with an electric razor
- Prepare the area to be shaved by cleaning it with warm water and an exfoliating gel. This will remove dirt, oil and dead skin that can cause ingrown hairs.
- Don't use too much of the cream so that it doesn't form a barrier between the razor and your skin. It's OK to use a lot with a traditional razor, but not with an electric razor.
- Depending on how coarse the hair is that you want to shave off, you may need to massage the cream deeply to lift the stubble and achieve a clean shave.
- The direction of the shave is also important. With an electric shaver, the shave is usually done against the direction of the hair. You can use your hand to determine the direction of the hair and move the shaver in the opposite direction.
- Apply minimal pressure when shaving.
- Most electric shavers that are suitable for wet/dry shaving use batteries for safety reasons, so make sure it is optimally charged before using it to ensure it performs at its best.
- Rushing into shaving can only cause problems; avoid it.
- Post-shave care is very important. It can make the difference between itching, discomfort or pain. It is important that you apply lotions after removing the hair to soothe your skin.
Which is better: wet or dry shaving?
Aside from the debate about whether it is sensible and possible to use an electric razor with cream or soap, the next question is: which is actually better? - dry or wet shaving? To clarify: with a dry shave, you use an electric razor to remove unwanted hair from your body without using water, cream or soap. With a wet shave, on the other hand, you use one of these three tools. So which of these two methods is better?
Neither is without pros and cons, and if you weigh these things carefully, you can answer the question appropriately. The table below compares the two methods and helps you quickly figure out which of them is better.
|
parameter |
Wet shaving |
Dry shave |
winner |
|
Shave smoothly |
The razor cuts the hair just below the surface of the skin, resulting in a smooth finish and delayed regrowth. |
The blade cuts the hair close to the surface of the skin, allowing the hair to grow back faster. |
Wet shaving |
|
Itching when shaving |
Hair regrowth can irritate the underside of the skin and cause itching. |
Because the incision is made above the skin, itching is less likely during regrowth. |
Dry shave |
|
Irritation when shaving |
When you wet shave, the razor gets close to your skin, which can cause irritation for some skin types. However, many have found that using creams, soaps or water along with their electric razor significantly reduces irritation and abrasion. |
Since the blade does not come into direct contact with your skin, abrasion and irritation are minimized during shaving. However, for some skin types, dry shaving can cause irritation and abrasion. |
There is no clear winner because both have exceptions. |
|
Speed of completion |
Shaving with cream, soap or water requires a lot of time and care. You should not do this if you are in a hurry or have an appointment. |
Dry shaving can be done anywhere and in just a few minutes. It doesn't require extensive preparation and you can do it just a few minutes before work. |
Dry shaving is faster. |
|
Feeling and experience |
People who wet shave often report feelings of luxury, self-love and pleasure. |
Because less attention and time is devoted to dry shaving, most people say they cannot remember any special feeling associated with it. |
The feeling is subjective and therefore cannot be used for assessment in this case. |
|
Cuts and injuries |
When wet shaving, you have to be extra careful to avoid cuts. This is because the razor is so close to your skin. |
There are fewer cuts and injuries (if any) when dry shaving than when wet shaving. The reason for this is that the blade does not get as close to the skin as it does when wet shaving. |
Dry shave |
|
Price |
Electric shavers that work with or without moisture are usually more expensive than dry shavers. In addition, the additional cost of buying creams or soaps can make them more expensive than conventional shavers |
Dry-only shavers are cheaper than wet and dry shavers, and considering they don't require any tools other than regular maintenance, they can really help you save money |
Dry shave |
Wet vs. dry shaving: final verdict
From the table above, it is clear that dry shaving is the way to go. It wins on most customer-oriented parameters. For example, most busy people prefer something that delivers results quickly and isn't a drain on the wallet. However, not all skin types are suitable for dry shaving; many people with sensitive skin benefit more from using creams or soaps before running the blades across their skin. So it's an individual matter, but in general, dry shaving seems to be more beneficial.
How to Choose the Best Electric Shaver: Important Considerations
Everyone knows by now that there are many electric shavers available, and choosing the right one for yourself can be a difficult task. Moreover, there is often a discrepancy between the advertising and reality, which leads to not getting what you expect. The following guide can help you avoid this headache.
-
Power options
Electric shavers can be battery-powered, mains-powered or rechargeable. Each of these three power options has its risks and benefits. For example, mains-powered shavers can cause an electric shock if they break, but are often the best solution for professional purposes due to their robustness and low price. So you need to consider your purpose, budget and lifestyle to work out which power option is best for you. If you travel a lot, a battery-powered electric shaver may be the best choice for you .
-
brand
Many brands make electric shavers, but not all of them have excelled. When you consider how close this device gets to your skin and how much you may be investing, you don't want to settle for an inferior device. If you choose one of these established brands - Philips, Braun, Remington and Panasonic - you'll probably make a good choice. But even among these brands, Philips and Braun stand out. Philips focuses primarily on rotary shavers, while Braun specializes in blade shavers.
-
Wet or dry shaving
As mentioned, electric shavers can be wet, dry, or both. Wet and dry shavers usually cannot be plugged into the mains and can be very expensive. Dry shavers can derive their power from the three methods mentioned above. Your choice here will depend on the nature of your skin . If you have sensitive skin, you should go for an electric shaver with dual functions.
-
budget
Just as you can get an electric shaver for as little as 70 euros, there are also some that cost over 500 euros or more. For each major brand, there are different price ranges to suit every budget. However, the advice to you is not to cut costs so much that you buy an inferior product. If well looked after, an electric shaver can last for years. You also need to factor in the cost of cartridge replacement and maintenance into your budget.
Conclusion
While it is possible to use an electric shaver with creams or soaps, you need to be sure that your product supports this. It also requires extensive preparation and care to avoid injuries and cuts. If done correctly, wet shaving can give you an incredibly smooth shave with long-lasting results.
