Is it bad to dry shave?
Dry shaving with a razor designed to be used with water is always a bad idea. Your skin will feel irritated and will probably suffer from sensitive bumps, redness and ingrown hairs. Dry shaving with a purpose-made electric shaver, however, isn’t bad for your skin and is a technique used and preferred by many.
Is it better to dry shave or wet shave?
There’s no one size fits all when it comes to shaving, which means there’s no easy answer to this question. Here are some things to consider when deciding what’s right for you:
A smooth finish
If keeping your face silky smooth is a priority for you, wet shaving is going to deliver those results. Because the razor is able to cut each hair much closer to your skin, your face will feel softer. What’s more, this type of shave boasts superior lasting power, allowing you to wait longer before it’s time to pick up your razor again. Wet shaving even helps you to exfoliate your skin, allowing you to forego your scrub while still enjoying a refreshed, resurfaced end result.
Irritation
Although dry shaving with a traditional razor is destined to be a disaster, an electric shaver can actually deliver the least amount of irritation when used on dry skin. Your skin won’t be quite as smooth, it’s true, but your comfort levels are likely to increase.
When hairs grow back after wet shaving, they can feel very prickly and cause feelings of itchiness and irritation. Wet shaving also means that your blade is directly touching your skin, which can be a problem for those with particularly sensitive complexions. Electric shavers shield your skin from any direct contact with their blades for a more comfortable finish. They even protect you from the sting of regrowth, so even though you’ll have to shave more often, there’ll be very little to complain about in between.
Time
Dry shaving is a much speedier process than wet and doesn’t require your skin to be prepared and then rinsed. Although you might think you can get through a traditional shave quickly before you head out, you’ll be more likely to cause nicks and irritation, making the whole process an unpleasant experience. If you’re often short on time in the morning, it might be worth investing in an electric shaver to dry shave without any of those unwanted (and painful) consequences.
If you like to have options and still want to achieve that smooth shave for special occasions, buying a versatile tool that does both could be an option that gives you the best of both worlds.