Wet Shaving vs Electric Shaving for Men

One of the most difficult grooming dilemmas for men is having to shave facial hair.

Not because it is hard to do, but because it is regular and time consuming.

Shaving can sometimes feel like a chore, especially during your morning routine while getting ready.

But there are ways to make shaving something to look forward to, even for those of you who shave daily and look better without facial hair.

DESIblitz explores the pros and cons of both electric and wet shaving to help you decide which method of shaving best suits you.

Wet Shaving

Traditional wet shaving is perhaps most easily defined as ‘the kind of shaving your grandfather probably did’.

It involves the use of a safety razor, a shaving brush, shaving soap, and a handful of other supplies.

However, since the evolution of electric shavers, it’s definitely debatable whether or not wet shaving is the way to still shave.

Pros:

• Razors provide the closest shave for a longer period of time than other razors.
• Blades and equipment are easily replaced.
• Luxurious feeling comes from a wet shaving, makes men look more groomed.
• Manual razors are easy to travel with and to clean.
• Provides exfoliation a woman can only dream of – the fresh-faced feeling you get after shaving isn’t simply your imagination, when you shave the razor doesn’t just remove the stubble from your cheeks, it also removes the top layer of skin to provide exfoliation that’s just as effective as many scrubs on the market.

Cons:

• Replacement blade expense – whilst it may be cheaper to buy a shaver which is £8 compared to an electric shaver which is £50, the replacing cost can mount up.
• Nicks and cuts – and then the cost of buying aftershaves that may sting the cuts and burns.
• Manual razors are sometimes less versatile, since they do require a wet shave and water for a painless shave.
• Razor Burn and irritation – nobody likes a reddened skin that itches.

Electric Shaving

Man in a hurry? Or maybe you simply fancy an alternative to expensive blades and a messy washbasin?

Electric shavers are definitely a good tool to have at your disposal, especially if you are a man who’s into grooming.

However, electric shaving also has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Electric razors do not require special grooming items such as shaving cream, soap, gels or even water.
• They are more versatile in that they can be used to accurately shave facial hair, beards, mustaches, and sideburns.
• Really good for beard grooming as they help to control the length.
• Shaving with an electric shaver would reduce nicks, cuts and ingrown hairs.
• Quicker and more convenient especially when you are running late and are in a hurry.
• Electric razors tend to shave hair faster than manual razors, therefore there is no need to go over the same areas many times.
• A long time investment.

Cons:

• Immediate investment – while they are quick and convenient they don’t come cheap and even a cheap one would cost roughly around £40.
• Electric razors do not shave as closely as manual razors, so you may not get a super-smooth finish and you may have to shave more frequently if you have normal-to-heavy facial hair.
• Missing out on the shaving ritual – essentially you can miss out a day but you would also lose that smooth skin feeling a wet shave gives.
• Many men find that using an electrical razor takes practice. Although this type of shaving is considered ‘safer’ than manual shaving, it can still be painful and lead to irritation.
• They require rechargeable batteries or an electrical outlet. If not properly charged, electrical razors can die in the middle of a shave which is inconvenient for someone who’s in a rush.
• More attention required for maintenance i.e. cleaning.
• No room for error – make sure you check your investment before buying an electric shaver, because some won’t be worth the money you pay for. Read reviews and compare prices for best options.

Regardless of whichever shaving method or option you decide to choose, find out which benefits you the most.

Wet shaving gives you that clean smooth skin look. But the main downside of is that it takes time and precision and requires patience.

Electric shaving saves time and can be very convenient, taking the burden out of shaving.

However, what one lacks the other makes up for. So explore both options see what works out better for you.

But most of all make shaving something you can enjoy.