Dry shaving vs wet shaving: What’s best?

Dry shaving: The pros

• Control: Most electric shavers have adjustable blades, allowing you to control the length.
  
• Speed: Electric shavers don’t require any prep (or even a sink) if you want a quick, all-over trim in a hurry.
  
• Convenience: As long as it’s charged up, your electric shaver is ready to go, whether you’re in an airplane bathroom or a tent in the middle of nowhere. 
  

Dry shaving: The cons

• Cost: An electric shaver can cost anything from $30 to more than $200.
  
• Closeness: While the tech is always improving, an electric shaver will rarely cut your stubble as close as a razor. 
  
• Skin irritation: There can be more irritation than with a manual shave, especially if you have dry, sensitive skin.
  
• Power: Unless you want to run out of battery halfway through a shave, you need an electric outlet or a fully charged shaver.
  
• Maintenance: You need to regularly clean and oil your electric shaver to keep it in top condition.

Wet shaving: The pros

• Closeness: Wet shaving with a blade is closer, leaving you with skin that feels smoother, fresher and cleaner.
  
• Freshness: It’s hard to beat the sensorial experience of a wet shave, especially when you do it with a thick, lathery foam like Dove Men+Care Skin Defense 3-in-1 Bar. Made with ¼ moisturizing cream, it leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed after every shave.
  
• Travel: Since there’s no need for electricity, chargers or batteries, they’re much easier for travel (although you can’t store them in carry-on luggage).

Wet shaving: The cons

• Cost: A pack of blades is far cheaper than an electric razor, but replacements can be pricey, especially razors with multiple blades. We recommend replacing those blades every eight uses or every three weeks (whichever comes first).
  
• Nicks + cuts: Wet shaves take longer and require more attention than a dry shave. With multi-blade razors, wet shaves are safer, but you’re still prone to nicks and cuts – especially if you rush.
  
• Less control: There are no length options for wet shaves. Once it’s off, it’s off.

Dry vs wet shave: The final word
Is it better to shave dry or wet? While there are many benefits to dry shaving, an electric shaver is more likely to irritate dry, sensitive skin and cause razor burn or ingrown hairs. That’s why we recommend wet shaving, even if it’s potentially more time-consuming and expensive in the long-term. It’s kinder to skin (as long as you keep your blades sharp and clean) and gives you a closer, smoother shave. But be warned – the occasional nick or cut is inevitable.

Now you know the pros and cons of using an electric razor vs blades, discover our top tips for avoiding razor burn.