Grab a razor, glide it on the skin, and tada! You get the glabrous skin of your dreams in a jiffy. Yes, shaving is that easy. So the question is not whether you should opt for this painless, mess-free, and quick hair removal method (because you already know that there’s nothing better than that). The real confusion is about which technique to opt for: dry or wet shaving? Since the optimum results in shaving are tied to the right method, we decided to delve deeper into both the techniques to figure out which one works better. Read on for all the deets on dry vs wet shaving:
Dry Shaving
As the name suggests, dry shaving involves using a razor to remove the hair without wetting or prepping the skin with a mild soap or shaving cream. It’s inspired by the popular skincare practice called dermaplaning in which an expert uses a sharp blade to scrape off the dead skin and peach fuzz from the face for an even-toned skin with minimal texture.
How To Do It
The dry shaving method is simply a single-equipement deal. All you need is a razor to get the results. However, the right way to do it is to shave a small patch at a time by holding the skin taut and moving the razor gently in the direction of the hair grain. Once done, it’s best to finish off with a nourishing moisturiser to rehydrate the skin.
Which Razor Works Best For Dry Shaving?
A single-blade razor with an anti-slip handle works best for dry shaving on the face as it can move through the different contours of the face easily and can even remove hair from tricky areas like the eyebrows and the upper lip. However, if you’re new to the game or want to shave the bigger areas of the body like your arms and legs, you can use a multi-blade razor since it’s easier to handle and poses minimal risk of nicks and cuts.
Dry Shaving: Pros
Although an expert-led dermaplaning session is your best skincare bet, a DIY dry shaving sesh can mimic its effect to some extent. It can scrape off dead skin, trigger skin cell rejuvenation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. The best part? Dry shaving is absolutely mess-free and pocket-friendly too. It requires no skin prep or shaving cream investments. This one’s a blessing in disguise when you’re in a rush, travelling, or on the go.
Dry Shaving: Cons
Since there’s no skin prep involved in dry shaving, it can lead to increased friction between the razor blades and your skin. This can irritate the skin and cause razor burns, bumps, redness, and ingrowns. Additionally, dry shaving can make you break out if you already have acne-prone skin or cause flakiness if your skin type is dry. Lastly, dry shaving can make the hair grow back faster as it doesn’t allow for a closer shave.
Wet Shaving
Wet shaving is the conventional shaving technique that involves wetting your skin with water, applying a shaving cream/foam/mild soap, and swooping your razor over the or body facial hair.
How To Do It
Start by washing your face with a mild cleanser and warm water to cleanse and open the skin’s pores and loosen their grip on the hair. Now spread a thin layer of shaving cream or foam on your skin evenly. Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle with the skin and shave in the direction of the hair one small patch at a time. Once done, rinse your face with water, pat it dry with a clean towel, and finish off with a hydrating moisturiser.
Which Razor Works Best For Wet Shaving?
If you’re wondering which razor to buy for wet shaving, we have the answer. Multi-blade razors work well for wet shaving especially on the bigger areas of the body like arms and legs or if you’re new to shaving. You can switch to a single-blade razor for smaller areas like face and bikini once you get used to shaving.
Wet Shaving: Pros
The biggest boon of wet shaving is that it causes minimal friction between the skin and the razor courtesy of a smooth shaving barrier like a cream or soap. This helps the razor glide smoothly on the skin and keeps cuts and irritation at bay. Additionally, wet shaving leads to a closer shave and hence, a slower hair regrowth rate. It also prevents ingrowns and flakiness.
Wet Shaving: Cons
The only real downside of wet shaving is that it can be a bit more time consuming in comparison to dry shaving. Another aspect of it that may backfire is the shaving barrier. If it’s too slippery, it can make the razor slither and cause a cut.
Sirona Recommends Best Products For Dry Shaving
Sirona Blink & Glow Facial Razor
This single-blade razor makes dry shaving an easy-breezy process. Its sharp, stainless steel blade glides through the sensitive areas of the face smoothly. Additionally, its ergonomic, anti-slip handle design keeps cuts and bumps at bay. All you need to do is to hold your skin taut, tilt the razor at a 45-degree angle, and stroke it gently. It’s superb for the tricky, smaller area above the lips, eyebrows, side burns, and chin.
Sirona Aloe Boost Twin Blade Disposable Razor
This disposable razor is perfect for dry shaving on your face and body. You can discard it after each use to keep any skin infections at bay. It comes with stainless steel blades for a close shave and an aloe vera strip for that extra-smooth finish with minimal risk of cuts and nicks.
Sirona Recommends Best Products For Wet Shaving
Sirona Aloe Boost 4 Blade Reusable Razor
This reusable razor has four sharp stainless steel blades that give you a close shave effortlessly. Its moisturising aloe vera strip helps it glide smoothly on the skin and nourishes it simultaneously. You can clean the razor thoroughly, pat it dry and store it after each use and continue doing so three-four times.
Folks, while wet shaving is safer and allows for a closer shave, you can opt for dry shaving if you’re short of time or are travelling. Remember to always be gentle though and hold your skin taut to prevent cuts and irritation.
Featured Image: Pexels
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