How to wet shave: A complete guide for smoother skin

Why learn how to wet shave correctly?

Wet shaving is popular for a reason. It brings plenty of benefits to your hair removal routine, including:

• Reducing irritation: Water is known to reduce friction across surfaces.¹ Having wet skin when you shave creates a lubricating layer, allowing the blade to glide smoothly across your body while reducing drag. With 88% of men struggling with post-shave irritation, it’s a perk that’s hard to ignore.²
• Convenience: A wet shave allows you to carry out hair removal in the bath or shower, which a lot of people find more convenient. When you’re already washing your body, why not carry out hair removal at the same time?
• Best for coarse hair: Coarse beard hair often gets tugged and pulled when dry shaving. By adding water, you make the hair softer for a smoother shave.

Whether you’re shaving with sensitive skin or prefer the idea of trimming your beard in the shower, learning how to do a wet shave is a smart idea for a more versatile grooming routine.

How do you wet shave using the traditional method

The traditional wet shave involves a safety razor and shaving soap. This technique isn’t quite as popular as it used to be, mostly because it’s less convenient than shaving with an electric shaver. If you have the time and patience, though, it’s a luxurious way to achieve a smooth, precise shave.

Safety razors also reduce irritation compared to cartridge razors, which is worth noting if you struggle with sensitive skin.³

Here’s what you’ll need before learning how to do a wet shave:

• Safety razor
• Double-edged blades
• Shaving gel or cream
• A shaving brush

Before shaving, set up your equipment and use water and a shaving brush to work the gel into a lather. With the same brush, apply the lather evenly to your beard, covering all your hair. Then follow these steps for how to wet shave properly:

1. Hold the safety razor at a 30-degree angle and use short, light strokes in the direction your hair naturally grows.
2. Rinse the blade after every few strokes to keep it free from gel and hair build-up.
3. Take it slow around tricky areas, like your jawline and upper lip, to prevent nicks.
4. Reapply more gel lather as needed. You might need to reapply and shave over the same area more than once for a super close shave.
5. Rinse your face with water to remove any lather and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturiser.

After shaving, rinse your blade thoroughly with water and pat it dry. Store your razor in a dry environment to avoid rusting (like in a bathroom cabinet, rather than in the shower).

How to wet shave with an electric razor

When it comes to how to wet shave your face easily, most people opt for an electric shaver. It’s generally more convenient and leads to fewer nicks, making it ideal for busy schedules and straightforward at-home grooming.

In terms of what you’ll need, the main essential is a reliable, easy-to-use shaver that’s suitable for wet shaving. Here are a few options that are ideal when you’re learning how to wet shave with an electric razor:

• OneBlade: A perfect choice for first-time shavers, the Philips OneBlade Pro 360 shaves any length of hair without switching attachments or changing settings. The unique 360 Blade moves in all directions and naturally follows the curves of your face, making it easier to shave those hard-to-reach areas.
• Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra: Achieve an ultra-smooth wet shave with the innovative Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra, which achieves a precise cut at up to -0.08 mm root level without cutting the skin. The advanced skin protection achieves a 50% smoother glide for less drag while you shave.*
• Philips Shaver 700 Series Wet & Dry Electric Compact Shaver: Take your wet shave routine on the go with the Shaver 700 Series Wet & Dry Electric Compact Shaver. 360° rotating Dual SteelPrecision blades ensure a powerful, smooth shave, while wireless charging capabilities mean you can leave the wires at home.

Each of these shavers can be used wet or dry, letting you switch it up depending on your preferences.

For an efficient wet shave using an electric shaver, glide the shaver slowly over your skin using light pressure. Move in small, controlled circular motions for rotary shavers (like the Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra), or straight strokes for the OneBlade. You can use shaving foam, but this is not essential as these devices have both wet and dry shaving capabilities.

How to wet shave: traditional or electric?

We’ve looked at both electric and traditional shaving; now it’s time to weigh up the right choice for your at-home grooming.

If you want to learn how to wet shave properly but you don’t have much time, we recommend an electric shaver. It’s far quicker to get started, and a model like the Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra doesn’t require precise control. Simply move the shaver in circular motions around your face to trim your beard.

It’s also important to note that electric shavers give you more flexibility in terms of beard length. While a safety razor is brilliant for a close-cut, if you ever want to leave a bit of stubble or try a slightly longer beard, opt for an electric shaver with an attachment. The Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra comes with a Precision Beard Styler that allows you to switch between 5 different lengths for ultimate style control.

Wet shaving FAQs

Can I wet shave every day?

Yes, many people can wet shave daily, provided their skin tolerates it well. If you experience irritation, redness, or razor burn, consider shaving less frequently or using products designed for sensitive skin. Paying attention to your skin condition can help you find the right routine.

Should I exfoliate before wet shaving?

Gentle exfoliation before shaving can help remove dead skin cells and lift trapped hairs.² This may support a closer shave and reduce the likelihood of clogged pores. Avoid overly aggressive exfoliation, as it can increase irritation.

Mastering how to wet shave correctly doesn’t need to be complicated. With a beginner-friendly razor, like the OneBlade or i9000 Prestige Ultra, you can make wet shaving at home a part of your regular grooming routine and embrace smoother skin every day.

*vs. coating with no beads

Sources

¹Sliding Friction at Elastomer/Glass Contact: Influence of the Wetting Conditions and Instability Analysis, ScienceDirect

²Insights Into Shaving and Its Impact on Skin, ResearchGate

³Multispectral Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Study Evaluating the Effect of Razor Design on Shaving‐Induced Erythema, NIH