Electric shaving is fast, safe, and convenient, sure. But sometimes, a shave leaves your skin red, painful, and irritated.
It's either due to dry shaving or you wet shaved but missed some important steps.
Don't ditch your electric shaver yet. What if we told you that you can wet shave and get a close, painless, and irritation-free shave?
We'll show you how to do it right, discuss the pros and cons, and list the best electric razors and shaving creams to complete your routine.
What is Wet Shaving?
Wet shaving is a shaving method that uses water, shaving soap, gel, or cream, and a razor to get a close, smooth shave. In contrast to dry shaving using an electric razor, wet shaving takes a little bit longer but gives you a closer, smoother shave with less irritation.
Can You Wet Shave with an Electric Razor?
You can wet shave with your electric razor if it's waterproof. While most electric razors are now waterproof, some aren't, so make sure to check that before buying one.
Pros & Cons of Wet Shaving
Pros of Wet Shaving
Closer Shave: Wetting the face and using shaving products soften hairs, allowing the electric shaver blades to shave closer than a dry shave.
Reduced Irritation: Shaving products lubricate blades and minimize friction with your skin. Wet shaving minimizes irritation, bumps, and razor burns from a dry shave.
More Comfortable: Warm water opens pores and softens the skin, resulting in a more comfortable shave.
Cons of Wet Shaving
Takes More Time: Dry shaving with an electric razor can be done in 2 minutes, while wet shaving may take a little longer, but the process is still faster than traditional wet shaving with a manual razor.
Need for Clean-Up: After a wet shave, you need to clean your shaving heads under running water. With dry shaving, you only have hair clippings to deal with, which can be cleaned with a shaving brush. With wet shaving, you have a mixture of hair clippings and shaving cream or gel residue.
How to Wet Shave with an Electric Razor
If you've wet shaved with an electric shaver before and still experienced irritation, bumps, or razor burn, you might have developed the wrong shaving habits.
Here's how to properly wet shave with an electric razor so you get a perfect shave every time:
1. Trim Your Hair
Rotary and foil shavers work best on stubble or buzz cuts. They may pull and tug on longer hairs which can be uncomfortable. If you have facial hair or scalp hair that's longer than stubble, it's better to pick up your hair trimmer and buzz it without a guard for the closest buzz before shaving.
I experienced pulling and tugging on my scalp when shaving five days' worth of hair growth. It wasn't a pleasant experience, so I buzzed my head every time before shaving.
2. Prep Your Skin
Apply warm water to your face, neck, or scalp (if you're shaving your head) to soften hairs and open pores. Splash your face or scalp with warm water for 30 to 60 seconds.
With proper preparation, you're laying the foundation for a smooth, irritation-free shave.
If you fail to prep, you're setting yourself up for irritation.
3. Exfoliate
Exfoliate with your favorite facial scrub or bald head exfoliator by gently massaging it into your damp face, neck, or scalp. After 30 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prepares your skin to absorb your shaving products better. You don't have to exfoliate every time you shave, but you'll see better results when you do.
You can read our guide for step-by-step instructions on exfoliating your scalp.
4. Apply Shaving Cream, Gel, Foam, or Soap
Apply shave cream, gel, or foam to your face, neck, or scalp. Wet your palms and add your shaving product (this is easier and faster than using a shaving brush). Rub your palms together and apply the watery lather all over your face, neck, or head.
A thin amount will do. A thick lather can clog your blades and affect performance.
Leave for around 2 minutes to let the shaving products do their work before shaving.
5. Begin Shaving
Start shaving.
If you're using a rotary shaver, you can shave in any direction you want, but we recommend gentle circular strokes since they follow the design of the rotary shavers.
For foil shaver users, keep in mind that you can only shave in a single direction, up and down or left to right. Shaving in a circular motion will cause irritation.
Check our article on foil vs rotary to find out which type of shaver suits your needs.
You don't need to apply pressure when shaving. You can let the sharp blades do their job. Applying too much pressure can cause friction and lead to irritation.
When choosing a shaving technique, shaving with the grain is safer, especially if you have sensitive skin. But if you have tough skin and want a closer shave, shaving against the grain may work.
Experiment to see which technique gives a better shave.
If you feel your shaving products are getting dry, rehydrate and add a little more product plus water for the best results.
6. Rinse Blades After a Few Passes
Rinse your electric shaver under tap water to remove excess shaving product and hair clippings.
7. Check for Missed Spots
Run your fingers through your skin and check for missed spots. If you feel any stubble, make another pass.
8. Rinse Your Skin
After your last pass, wash your skin with cold water to close the pores. Pat dry with a clean towel without rubbing.
9. Moisturize
Apply your favorite non-alcohol aftershave and moisturizer, and you're done!
Remember to always clean your electric shaver after every use for hygiene and peak performance.
If your shaver has a cleaning dock, use it after every shave.
Read our article on how to clean electric shavers for step-by-step instructions.
You can also choose from the best moisturizers for bald heads that we've listed down for you.
The 4 Best Electric Shavers for Wet Shaving
Choosing the best electric razors for wet shaving is vital for the best results. Here are our top recommendations:
Freebird FlexSeries - Best Electric Razor for Wet Shaving Your Head
The FlexSeries is IPX5 waterproof, so you can shave in the shower and clean the shaver heads underwater without worrying about damaging your shaver.
Freebird armed the FlexSeries with ScalpSafe blades, which are sharp enough for a smooth shave but gentle on sensitive scalps. As a result, you'll experience less irritation, razor burn, or razor bumps.
Blades are powered by an 8500 RPM motor that can shave your head in 2 minutes.
Freebird offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and free accessories worth $60. Here's what you get for free:
Precision Clipper
3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
Nose & Ear Trimmer
Exfoliation Brush
Silicon Scalp Scrubber
Philips Norelco S9000 with SenseIQ - Best Rotary Shaver for Wet Shaving
The Philips Norelco S9000 is a high-end rotary shaver known for its close and comfortable shave. It won the 2023 GQ Grooming Award for Best Electric Shaver.
It has an IPX7 waterproof rating, which makes it ideal for wet shaving, even in the bathtub, if that's your thing.
The S9000 provides a close shave with zero irritation, thanks to its advanced blade and SenseIQ technology, which adapts to facial contours.
Its AI-powered beard sensor reads hair density 500 times per second, allowing it to handle even dense beards.
The shaver includes a Quick Cleaning Pod that can clean it in 1 minute.
The S9000 costs $239.96, which isn't bad for the best rotary shaver for wet shaving.
Panasonic Arc 6 Luxury 6 Blade - Best Foil Shaver for Wet Shaving
The Panasonic Arc 6 is the world's first six-blade foil shaver, launched in 2022.
Wet shaving isn't a problem since all Arc 6 models are waterproof.
It has a unique six-blade system with hypoallergenic blades that are safe for sensitive skin. Panasonic claims that its six-blade design captures four times more hairs in a single pass compared to its predecessor, the Arc 5.
The shaving head of the Arc 6 can also move in 22 directions while adapting to the contour of your face. This makes shaving your chin and jawline easier compared to other foil razors.
Cutting is powered by a powerful motor that can perform 84,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. Thick beards are not a problem for the Arc 6, as power is adjusted accordingly when shaving thanks to its advanced beard density sensor (which checks beard density 220 times per second).
The Arc 6 is the most advanced (and expensive) Panasonic shaver, at around $500. The price can be too steep for some, but if you can afford it, you get the best tech available in a foil shaver.
Remington Heritage Foil Shaver - Best Mid-Priced Foil Shaver for Wet Shaving
If the Arc 6 is too expensive for you, don't worry. We've got a more affordable alternative.
The Remington brand is known for producing high-quality shavers, and the Heritage is the best foil shaver you can buy.
The Heritage has a compact retro design with modern features like the Lift Logic Shaving design, which the brand claims can capture even the shortest hair.
It also features a patented hybrid trimmer that sits between the two foils and is designed to pre-trim longer and low-lying hairs.
At around $150, you'll get a reliable foil shaver from a reputable brand that's not as hard on your wallet.
Wet Shaving: Cream, Gel, Foam, Soap, or Water?
Shaving creams are an inherent part of the wet electric shaving experience. Choosing a good shaving cream can be confusing with so many types available. We'll discuss the differences between each to make it easier to pick one.
Let's get this out of the way first: We don't recommend shaving with water only. Water doesn't lubricate the skin. Wet shaving is water plus shaving products, not water alone.
Shaving Cream
Shave creams have a thicker and creamier texture than other wet shaving products. You can apply directly or use a brush to create a lather and then apply.
Pros: Easy to lather, provides good lubrication, and is moisturizing.
Cons: Can be more expensive than soap and may contain synthetic ingredients.
Shaving Gel
Gels have a thinner consistency, are less foamy, produce less lather, and can be spread easily. Their clear consistency makes it easy to see where you're shaving, making them an excellent choice for beard maintenance and shaving our heads.
Shaving gel can be applied directly with our hands.
Pros: Translucent, allowing for precise shaving, and provides excellent lubrication.
Cons: Often contains more chemicals and can be harder to rinse off the razor.
Shaving Foam
Foams have an airy texture, are less sticky, and are easier to apply and wash away. They come pre-lathered in a can for convenience. Dispense from the can and apply to shaving areas when wet shaving.
Pros: Convenient and quick to apply directly from the can.
Cons: Provides less lubrication and moisture compared to creams and soaps.
Shaving Soap
Shaving soaps come in solid form. They take a little more time and need more water to create lather than shave cream.
Soaps do last longer than gels or creams. Some also come in plastic-free packaging, which is better for the environment.
Pros: Long-lasting, cost-effective, and often contain natural ingredients.
Cons: Requires more effort to lather and may dry out the skin if not properly formulated.
How to Choose a Shaving Cream for Electric Razors
Ingredients matter when choosing a shaving cream for your electric razor. Choose creams with natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil.
Stay clear from those with harsh chemicals, alcohol, and synthetics that can irritate and cause dryness.
Among the different types of shaving aids, we recommend shaving gels for the following reasons:
Transparency
Shave gels have less lather and a clear consistency, which helps you see where you're shaving and avoid missing spots. You need a clear view, especially when shaving areas around your sideburns, behind the ears, and at the back of your neck, where you usually miss spots.
Thinner Consistency
Gels also have a thinner consistency than creams and foams, which is good because they won't clog blades.
Freebird has a transparent shave gel designed for bald heads that everybody can use. Give it a try.
Better yet, why not go for the complete shave care kit, which includes a shave gel, pre-shave oil, and post-shave lotion designed specifically for bald heads?
Freebird offers a 30-day free trial, so there's nothing to lose.
The Bottom Line
Wet shaving with an electric shaver provides a faster, safer, more comfortable, irritation-free shave than a traditional razor.
While it may not give the closeness of a manual razor, the difference is negligible for many shavers.
Following the proper shaving routine and choosing the right razor and shaving cream is key to the best-wet shaving experience.
FAQs
Do You Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor?
You can use shave cream with an electric shaver, depending on the type of razor. If your razor has wet and dry capability (in other words, it's waterproof), you can use shaving cream without any problems.
Dry-only shavers are not designed for shaving creams. You can clog blades or destroy the shaver altogether when it gets wet.
Should You Shave Wet or Dry with an Electric Razor?
Electric shavers (with wet and dry capability) offer the versatility of wet and dry shaving, depending on your needs.
Wet shaving is a good option for a closer and irritation-free shave.
A dry shave is better if you are in a hurry and your skin can handle the harsher shave.
The good thing about electric shavers is their versatility. Depending on your needs, you can choose a dry or wet shave.
Should You Moisturize Before Shaving with an Electric Razor?
Moisturizing is usually done after shaving, but applying a pre-shave oil may be a good idea if you have extremely dry skin. Freebird has a pre-shave oil that you may want to try.
If you don't have dry skin, moisturizing before shaving is unnecessary. Applying shave gel is enough, and then moisturize after shaving.
Do You Wet Your Face When Using an Electric Shaver?
If you're wet shaving, wetting your face is a part of the process. Applying warm water can soften hair and open pores, leading to a closer and more comfortable shave.
Before wetting your face, ensure your electric shaver is waterproof or has wet and dry capability.
Is it Better to Shave Your Head Wet or Dry with an Electric Razor?
Both have pros and cons, and deciding which shaving method to choose depends on your preference.
Wet shaving is gentler on the scalp and is better for those with sensitive scalps.
Dry shaving is more convenient and faster but may not give the closest shave.
A wet shave is a good option if you prioritize a close shave and have the time.
A dry shave is the best bet for those who want speed and are okay with a less close shave.
Is it OK to Wet Shave Every Day?
You can wet shave daily if you have tough skin and the time to do it.
Daily shaving can irritate sensitive scalps and can also strip away natural oils, leading to scalp dryness.
Wet shaving is a longer process than dry shaving. You need to prep, shave, and do post-shave care. Not everyone has the time to wet shave daily.
Can You Wet Shave Pubes?
Yes, wet shaving pubes is the safest and most comfortable method for pubic hair removal. A wet shave softens pubic hair, making it easier to cut.
Be extra careful when shaving pubic hair since pubic skin is more delicate and sensitive.
A body hair trimmer is the best tool to use when shaving pubes.
What Do You Need to Start Wet Shaving?
Here are the essentials for wet shaving:
The Right Razor: Choose an electric shaver with sharp blades and a powerful motor. Freebird's FlexSeries has ScalpSafe technology blades that are safe for sensitive scalps and are powered by an 8,500 RPM motor.
Shaving Cream: A shaving cream with natural ingredients is the perfect product for your wet shaving routine.
Moisturizer: Soothes and hydrates skin after a harsh or close shave.
Aftershave (Optional): Choose alcohol-free formulas to avoid dryness and aftershave sting.
Can You Wet Shave with Just Water?
If you forget your shaving cream or gel, shaving with water only is okay, but it should be avoided if possible.
Wet shaving involves water plus shave cream products, so water alone is not recommended. Water alone won't provide the same protection and smoothness as shaving creams, and there's an increased risk of irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.
In a pinch, you can use conditioner, which may provide some lubrication. Natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil can also serve as an alternative to shaving gel or cream.
Can You Wet Shave and Dry Shave Alternately?
Yes, you can wet shave and dry shave alternately and g the benefits of both shaving methods.
Assuming your skin can handle dry shaving, that is.
While only applicable to some, switching between both has its benefits.
For example, you can wet shave on weekends since you're not in a rush compared to busy weekdays. You can pick which method to use depending on the occasion.
I switch between shaving methods and sometimes buzz my hair when I get tired of a smooth dome.
