Do you dread the morning prep and clean-up involved in a wet shave?
Dry shaving with your electric shaver offers a convenient, safe, and time-saving way to achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave.
Read along as we share how to achieve the perfect dry shave. From learning the pros and cons to the proper steps to take and picking the best electric razor for dry shaving, we've got you covered.
What is Dry Shaving?
Dry shaving is a shaving method that doesn't use water or shaving products (cream, gels, foam, or soap). With dry shaving, it's just your skin and the shaver, saving you time and clean-up.
Can You Dry Shave with an Electric Shaver?
Yes, most electric razors are designed for wet and dry shaving, but some are built for dry shaves only because they're cheaper.
Dry shaving with an electric shaver isn't ideal for everyone. Wet shaving may be your best option for sensitive skin or coarse hair.
Experiment to see if your skin or hair type can take a dry shave.
I remember dry shaving with my rotary shaver, and the back of my neck started burning up after shaving. It was my first time using my rotary shaver after switching from a hair clipper. I now knew that the back of my neck was sensitive to dry shaving, so I avoided that area whenever I dry shaved and used my hair trimmer to shave the back of my neck. This technique worked for me; I've never had razor burn again.
Pros & Cons of Dry Shaving
Pros of Dry Shaving
Convenience: Preparing for a wet shave can be a chore. Dry shaving eliminates warm water prep, applying shaving cream, cleansing, and exfoliation.
Speed: A dry shave saves you precious time without prep. Most shavers can finish shaving their heads in under two minutes.
Less Mess: Dry shaving eliminates the messy mixture of shaving cream and hair clippings that must be cleaned up. All you need is a shaving brush to remove the clippings, and you're done.
Travel Friendly: Dry shaving is a frequent traveler's method of choice. You don't need to bring wet shaving products in your travel bag.
More Affordable: You save on shaving cream costs when you dry shave.
Cons of Dry Shaving
Less Close Shave: Dry shaving with an electric shaver may give a less close shave than wet shaving with an electric shaver.
Potential for Irritation: Dry shaving can be more irritating to sensitive skin due to the lack of lubrication from water and shaving cream.
Now that you know the pros and cons of dry shaving, you can now decide whether to go to your barber or DIY.
How to Dry Shave with an Electric Shaver
1. Pre Trim
Electric shavers work better on stubble and buzz cuts.
I remember dry shaving my head, but I didn't shave for about five days. It was the first time I experienced pulling and tugging, which was pretty uncomfortable.
If your facial or scalp hair is longer than stubble, get your hair clippers and buzz it before shaving.
Since then, I used my razor's trimmer attachment to buzz my hair as closely as possible before shaving.
The result? A smooth and irritation-free dry shave every time!
2. Keep Skin Dry
This might sound obvious, but the key to dry shaving is keeping your skin dry. Even a little moisture can affect the smooth movement of your electric shaver on your face. Don't shower or wash your face or scalp before dry shaving. If you must, wait for it to dry off entirely before shaving.
If you cleaned your shaver with running water during your last shave, ensure it's completely dry before shaving.
For better results, exfoliate your scalp regularly.
3. Begin Shaving
If you're using a rotary shaver like me, shave in straight or circular motions with light pressure. If you have a foil shaver, you can shave in one direction, either up or down or left to right. Shaving in multiple directions or circular motions with a foil shaver will irritate the heck out of your skin.
Check out our article on foil vs. rotary shavers to learn which type causes less irritation (spoiler alert: it's the rotary shaver).
If you have sensitive skin, shaving with the grain is the safest method to avoid irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. If you have tough skin and want a closer shave, shaving against the grain is an option.
4. Check for Missed Spots
Once you've shaved your entire face or scalp, run your fingers throughout the shaved areas to check for missed spots. Make a final pass on parts with stubble, and then you're done!
5. Rinse
Rinse your face or scalp with cold water to close your pores, and pat it with a towel to dry it off.
6. Moisturize
After you finish shaving, you can now apply a non-alcohol aftershave and/or moisturizer. Hydrating your skin after a harsh dry shave is vital to protect it from more irritation and prevent dry scalps.
Freebird has complete shave and scalp care kits that you can try out. With a 30-day trial, you've got nothing to lose.
5 Best Electric Shavers for Dry Shaving
Choosing the best electric shaver for dry shaving is vital for that ultimate dry shaving experience. Here are five of the best you can buy:
Freebird FlexSeries - Best Electric Razor for Dry Shaving Your Head
The FlexSeries is an affordable and top-selling electric shaver that you can use for dry shaving your head.
It boasts ScalpSafe technology blades that are sharp but gentle on scalps with sensitive skin. You can dry shave without worrying about nicks, cuts, razor burns, bumps, or irritation.
How about shaving coarse hair? Not a problem.
The FlexSeries has a powerful 8500 RPM motor that can cut through the coarsest hair.
Dry shaving with the FlexSeries is fast. You can finish in only 90 seconds.
It also has everything you need for caring for your bald head, including free attachments worth $60. The FlexSeries Kit includes:
Precision Clipper
3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
Nose & Ear Trimmer
Exfoliation Brush
Silicon Scalp Scrubber
Philips Norelco 9400 - Best Rotary Shaver for Dry Shaving
The Philips Norelco brand is synonymous with rotary shavers for facial shaving. The Norelco 9400 is the best of the bunch for dry shaving.
The 9400 has ComfortGlide rings (a special anti-friction coating) that prevent redness and irritation. Its motion control sensor reads facial hair density 500 times per second and adjusts power for a gentler shave.
It also has an LED display battery indicator, which shows useful information such as a three-level battery status, cleaning advice, and a travel lock indicator.
The 9400 costs around $160 and comes with a travel case for easy storage during trips.
Braun Series 9 Pro 9465 - Best Foil Shaver for Dry Shaving
Just as Philips Norelco is synonymous with rotary facial shavers, Braun is the top dog in foil shavers. The Braun Series 9 Pro 9465 is said to be one of the most efficient electric razors and is our top pick for dry shaving.
It provides a very close and comfortable shave. The Braun 9465 has a powerful motor capable of 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. There's no pulling and tugging, even when dry shaving.
Skin guards give added protection from friction and irritation whenever you shave.
For the best dry shave with a foil shaver, the Braun 9465 won't disappoint.
Andis ProFoil - Best Budget Foil Shaver
If Braun foil shavers are out of your budget, don't worry; the Andis ProFoil Shaver is an excellent alternative.
It's not waterproof, but it can cut extremely close. It boasts ultra-thin hypoallergenic titanium foils that reduce the risk of irritation.
The Andis ProFoil has a 9,000 RPM motor and 80 minutes of battery power, more than enough juice for a weekend getaway.
It's better to trim your hair before using the Pro Foil, as it may have trouble shaving long, flat-laying hairs.
At $78, it's a steal.
Philips Norelco Series 5000 S5880- Best Budget Rotary Shaver
The best budget dry electric shaver from Philips Norelco, the Norelco Series 5000, features self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades that are gentle on your skin.
It also has 360 D Flex Heads moving across your facial contours, and a powerful motor capable of 90,000 cutting actions per minute, enabling a smooth and even shave.
It's SenseIQ technology reads hair density 250 times persecond and adjusts power accordingly.
All this tech at $70, that's almost half the price of the Norelco 9400 but you still get a decent rotary shaver.
The Bottom Line
Dry shaving with an electric shaver provides a convenient, safe, and fast way to achieve a smooth shave.
While it may not shave as close as a wet shave, dry shaving is a great option, especially for frequent travelers or those hurrying to work in the morning.
Remember, dry shaving frequently can increase the risk of irritation, so take care of your skin.
FAQs
Should You Shave Wet or Dry with an Electric Shaver?
Most electric shavers have wet and dry capabilities. Choosing between wet or dry shaving depends on your personal preference.
Wet shaving is a good option if you prefer a closer shave and don't mind the time it takes to prepare.
A dry shave is your best choice if you value speed and efficiency.
Remember that dry shaving is harsher on the skin and may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Read our article on wet vs dry shaving to learn more.
Do Electric Shavers Leave Stubble?
Rotary and foil shavers may leave stubble if you dry shave. If you prefer a buzz cut, using a hair trimmer rather than a shaver to buzz your head is better. A hair trimmer provides a uniform cut. You can use guards to choose the length you want. Rotary and foil shavers may leave stubble when you dry shave, but they only appear in patches.
What to do After Dry Shaving?
Dry shaving is convenient and fast, but it can irritate your skin. To avoid irritation, post-shave care is a must. To soothe your skin after a dry shave, moisturize or rinse with cool water to close your pores.
We've listed the best moisturizers for bald heads to narrow down your choices.
Does Dry Shaving Cause Ingrown Hairs?
Dry shaving may increase the chances of getting ingrown hairs, mainly if you use dull blades when shaving. Some think that electric shavers may cause ingrown hairs, well it depends on certain conditions. Click on the link to read our guide.
Without warm water prep and shaving cream to make hairs softer, blades may pull on hair as they cut, increasing the chances of ingrown hairs.
Read our article on razor bumps to learn how to prevent ingrown hairs.
Does Dry Shaving Cause Acne?
Shaving doesn't cause acne, but you need to be careful when shaving with acne, as you can irritate the skin or break it open, causing acne scars.
You get acne when you have excess sebum production.
You may mistake razor bumps for acne since they may look alike. The only difference is the ingrown hair that caused the razor bump in the first place.
Is it Safe to Shave Pubic Hair Dry?
We recommend not to shave pubic hair dry for the following reasons:
Increased irritation: our pubic area has sensitive skin, and dry shaving may irritate it.
Nicks and cuts: without shaving cream, your razor blade can snag and cause nicks and cuts.
Ingrown hairs: dry shaving increases the risk of ingrown hairs
Why Does it Hurt After Dry Shaving?
Dry shaving shouldn't hurt, but if it does, it may be due to the following reasons:
Ingrown hairs: cutting hair bluntly can make it curl back and grow into the skin (ingrown hairs), causing pain and inflammation.
Razor burn: dry shaving causes more friction due to the lack of lubrication. You've got razor burn if you feel a burning or stinging sensation after shaving.
Pulling and tugging: cutting dry hair is tougher, causing blades to pull and tug on the hair, which can hurt for some shavers. I tried shaving a week's worth of hair, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Since then, I have trimmed my hair with zero guards before shaving my head.
