Wet or dry shave: How to care for sensitive skin when shaving

It’s great to see men’s sensitive sides, but not when shaving. From razor bumps to itchiness, post-shave irritation is no joke and can mess with your style, comfort, and confidence.

If you’re struggling with sensitive skin when shaving, this guide is here to help. With a deep dive into whether it’s better to shave wet or dry and plenty of tips for smoother hair removal, learn how to get the look you love with less irritation. 

Why do you get sensitive skin when shaving?

 

Whether you’re shaving wet or dry, you’re not alone if you struggle with sensitivity after hair removal. Depending on the method used, around 57% of men experience erythema immediately after shaving, which is characterised as abnormal redness of the skin.¹ This irritation stems from pulling and tugging at the skin, especially around the chin and neck.

To take better care of your face, use an electric shaver that’s suited to both a wet shave or a dry shave. This provides more versatility for your personal grooming routine, and you can easily switch up how you’re shaving for sensitive skin to reduce irritation.

The pros and cons of wet shaving for sensitive skin

 

When it comes to wet vs dry shaving, a wet shave is considered the traditional approach. Typically, you’ll wet your face first and apply a shaving foam or cream to act as a barrier between the blade and your skin, reducing irritation. This leads to a smoother, closer shave that minimises post-shave redness and bumps.

However, the actual act of wet shaving takes longer as you need to prep your skin first and follow your shaving routine with a quick rinse. The blade still comes into contact with your skin during a wet shave, too, meaning that you’re not going to skip irritation altogether. This means that, whether you’re shaving wet or dry, you’ll benefit from knowing how to prevent shaving irritation.  

Is dry shaving bad for sensitive skin?

 

Dry shaving doesn’t involve any foams, creams, gels or water – it’s just your skin and the shaver. Depending on your skin type, this can lead to increased sensitivity when compared to wet shaving and damage to your skin’s barrier.² However, some people prefer dry shaving as it’s quicker and involves fewer steps, making it perfect for a last-minute trim before you head out the door.

So, is it better to shave wet or dry? That really comes down to your skin type and personal grooming preferences. If you’re struggling with itchiness and redness after dry shaving, try wetting your skin first to see if it helps. For skin that doesn’t react to a dry shave, you can choose either.

The right tools for wet vs dry shaving

The Protecting sensitive skin when shaving

 

When weighing up wet vs dry shaving, it’s important to take steps to reduce irritation regardless of your chosen method. It’s been found that a single blade is far gentler on the skin, making the OneBlade a great place to start.³ 

You can also look after your sensitive skin by following these tips for a wet shave or dry shave:

 

• Dull blades tug at the skin, so make sure you use a sharp, clean blade every time you shave.
• Trim long hair to a short length before shaving to avoid hair clogging up the razor blade.
• If you struggle with itchiness and bumps after hair removal, try shaving in the direction of hair growth.
• Use smooth, slow strokes and don’t put pressure on the blade, shaving gently to avoid cuts and irritation.
• Avoid going over the same area twice to keep the shaving process quick and efficient.
• Rinse your blade regularly to prevent a build-up of hair clogging your razor.
• After shaving, rinse your face with cool water and apply a gentle moisturiser that’s designed for sensitive skin.
• Add gentle exfoliation to your weekly skincare routine to avoid ingrown hairs.

If shaving is causing too much irritation, consider switching to a trimmer instead, like the Philips All-in-One Trimmer Series 7000. With 11 length settings, you still have full control over your look while keeping a slightly longer length that reduces contact with your skin for gentler hair removal.

Whether you choose to wet shave or dry shave, the most crucial aspect of your hair removal routine is the tools you’re using. Make sure your shaver, razor, or trimmer is well-suited to your skin type for a personal grooming routine that’s made just for you. Look for features that care for sensitive skin, too, like the glide coatings and specialist blades of the Philips OneBlade, for a close shave without the irritation.