If you’re tired of battling razor burn or you’re chasing that elusive barber-shop close shave, mastering the art of wet shaving is the ultimate grooming upgrade. It’s a technique that combines years of Gillette heritage with modern precision to protect your skin, reduce irritation and leave you feeling your best.
In this shaving guide, we’re stripping it back to basics. From prepping your skin to choosing the best wet shave razor for your skin type, discover everything you need to know about perfecting your routine for a smoother, more comfortable finish every single day.
What is a Wet Shave?
Wet shaving is the method of cutting off hair very close to wet skin. Your skin could be wet from warm water (showering is always a good idea before starting to soften your skin and your facial hair) or from a shaving foam or gel.
Traditionally, a wet shave would have involved a safety razor, shaving cream, and a shaving brush. Modern wet shaving routines are centred around the same items, but technology and knowledge have advanced to bring you a lot more choice. For instance, Gillette razors have a large amount of built-in features that take a lot of the historical thinking out of shaving. With Gillette, you can easily build your own modern-day wet shaving kit, tailored to your specific skin type and grooming needs.
What Are The Benefits of Wet Shaving?
Switching to a wet shave isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about a superior grooming experience. Here’s why it could be the gold standard for your morning routine:
A Close, Long-Lasting Shave: Wet shaving allows for the use of advanced, multi-blade razors that cut hair closer to the skin, like the Gillette Labs Exfoliating Razor. With five blades and an exfoliating bar, hair is removed cleanly at the skin’s surface, keeping you smoother for longer. A Smoother Shaving Surface: Dry skin is an uneven surface for your razor. By using water and shaving gel, you can create a smoother surface, which may help to minimise unwanted friction that can lead to razor bumps, burns, and ingrown hairs. A Moment of Mindfulness: Beyond the impressive results, wet shaving is a ritual. Spending a little extra time to prep your face and using gentle, deliberate strokes can be an easy way to practice daily self-care and clear your mind before your day begins.
How to Wet Shave: A 5-Step Grooming Routine
Mastering the wet shave is easier than you may think. To ensure a smooth result, follow these five simple steps:
1. Hydrate and Prep
Start by shaving during or immediately after a warm shower. This will help to soften your facial hair, allowing your razor to glide effortlessly with less ‘tug and pull’.
2. Lather Up
Apply a high-quality shaving gel or foam to create a rich lather. Creating a thin protective layer between the blade and your skin, this simple step could help to reduce the risk of unpleasant nicks and redness.
Designed for a quick and convenient grooming experience, the Gillette Labs Rapid Foaming Shaving Gel is a wet shave must. Made without dyes or alcohol, it also helps to soothe the skin for a refreshing feel.
3. Shave with Light Strokes
Whether you choose to shave with or against the grain, the golden rule to remember is: let the razor do the work. All Gillette razors are designed to be effective with minimal pressure for an effortless shave.
4. Rinse Your Blade Often
To keep your shave precise, rinse your blades under warm water every few strokes to help prevent the buildup of hair and shaving products.
Fallen into bad habits with your tool maintenance? Maximise your blade’s potential with our top tips on how to care for your razor.
5. Moisturise and Recover
A wet shave isn’t complete until you’ve carried out your post-shave routine. Rinse your face with cool water to remove any residue and then follow with a nourishing moisturiser to soothe and hydrate your skin.
The King C. Gillette Face & Stubble Moisturiser is the ideal wet shave companion. Non-greasy and formulated with vitamin B complex, including niacinamide, skin is left feeling comfortable and healthier.
Wet Shaving FAQs
To help you perfect your grooming routine, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the art of wet shaving.
What is the Best Wet Shave Razor for Sensitive Skin?
One of the best wet shave razors for sensitive skin can be found in the Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Value Pack. Containing the SkinGuard Sensitive razor and 10 replacement cartridges with our patented SkinGuard bridge technology and Lubrastrip positioned before and after the blades with a touch of Aloe, this kit has been designed especially for sensitive skin.
This allows you to shave in the same way that you always do, but your razor will absorb some of the pressure from your hand, making the process much kinder to your skin.
Is it Better to Shave Wet or Dry?
When it comes to wet vs dry shaving, it depends on your priority.
Wet shaving is ideal for achieving the closest possible finish. Dry shaving (usually with an electric shaver) tends to be faster and more convenient – particularly when travelling. However, it rarely matches the smoothness of a blade.
Can You Shave Your Face in the Shower?
Yes, you can shave your face in the shower, and we would highly recommend it. Shaving in the shower is incredibly effective because the steam and warm water help to hydrate and soften your facial hair for an easier cut.
To make things even easier, the GilletteLabs Heated Razor is 100% waterproof, meaning you can get all the benefits of a wet shave combined with the luxury of a hot towel shave. It’s the ultimate morning ritual.
How Often Should You Wet Shave?
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to a wet shave. As a general rule, shaving every two to three days is ideal for maintaining a consistently clean look. Your frequency should ultimately depend on two factors:
Hair Growth: If you have fast-growing or coarse facial hair you may choose to shave daily, especially if you prefer a more polished look. Skin Sensitivity: If you are prone to redness or razor burn, we’d recommend leaving at least 48 hours between shaves, as this will help your skin’s natural moisture barrier time to recover
Ultimately, if your skin feels irritated, don’t be afraid to take a ‘rest day’ – a touch of stubble can be a stylish look after all.
Does Wet Shaving Help Beard Growth?
It’s a common shaving myth that wet shaving stimulates beard growth. If you’re lucky enough to have the right genes, this might make your facial hair grow a little faster, but otherwise, you’ll simply have to be patient. Discover the truth about more shaving myths.
