It will surprise you to know that the average man will eventually spend approximately 3,000 hours of his life shaving, while women will spend that same time waxing instead. So, what is wet shaving? You can guess at the answer just from the name, but to clear all doubts, wet shaving simply means razor shaving with a solvent; water, shaving soap, or shaving cream.

For wet shaving, it means you do not need an electrical razor. We wet shave areas like the face (duh!), armpit, down there, legs, and arms. Looking at it from the busy man’s perspective, wet shaving can seem like quite the chore, especially when you cannot afford to lose a whole 3000 hours of your life to something a mundane as that. After all, an electric razor will do the job faster.

Why Should You Wet Shave Instead?

It is very tempting to use an electric razor and get the shaving done within minutes, perhaps, we don’t have the time, or we just don’t like the hassle. But you have to realize something; wet shaving has more benefits.

First, it gives you the closest shave you can get; seeing as a razor cannot get to your ingrown hair. It gives a certain smoother and cleaner feel; like a newborn’s behind.

Secondly, the warm water, cream, or soap will open and relax the facial pores and muscles, thereby preventing discomfort from hair pulling.

Thirdly, well, it’s not rocket science, but it’s obvious that softened hair will be easier to shave than the dry one. Lubrication while shaving is definitely kinder on the skin, and it takes care of multiple after effects. Besides, wet shaving as seen by some individuals is a pleasurable activity.

Wet shaving is also cheaper than the dry one; just buy a safety razor, shaving soap or cream, and it’ll last you for a while. Unlike buying an expensive electric razor or going to the barber’s shop each time you need to trim.

Common Wet Shaving Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Frequently, people complain about razor bumps, irritated skin, or cuts after shaving; especially for people with sensitive skin. But, one has to realize that wet shaving is not the problem; techniques and products are the culprits. These are some of the most common mistakes made while wet shaving:

Poor Preparation: Your skin will always get irritated when you’re shaving on dry skin and bristle subtle. To avoid this, exfoliate the skin with warm water till your pores are open and the stubbles have softened. Not using steam before wet shaving is a bad call.

Wrong Blades: Dull blades and poor quality razors is a recipe for disaster. Blunt blades will drag and skip, cut roughly, pull and damage the hair and skin. So, get a quality razor, and with one or two swipes, the skin will be smooth again.

Cheap Products: Using low-quality shaving foam, soap or cream can cause irritation, due to the amount of sulfate and alcohol in them. To avoid bumps or other irritations, buy a glycerin-based product.

Poor Technique: Shaving done hurriedly and haphazardly will cause rashes and ingrown hair. To avoid these, try shaving methodically with slow, straight and careful strokes. Shave in the direction of your grain and not against it to avoid hair pulling.

Wrong Aftercare: Don’t just leave your skin like that after shaving. Moisturize and rinse with cold water, pat your face with a soft towel, and hydrate your skin with lubricants.

How To Wet Shave Properly

Buy a good razor; preferably a safety double-edge razor, a shaving brush, and shaving lathers.

Soften your hair with warm water and apply pre-shave oil.

With shaving brush, apply your shaving cream all over the area. (In the absence of shaving soap)

Shave in the direction of the hair grain, i.e. North to South and don’t apply pressure.

- Rinse the razor after a few strokes to keep the hair out.

- When you’re done, rinse your face with cold water to close up your pores.

- Pat the skin with a soft towel to avoid irritation.

- Apply an after-shave or a moisturizer; avoid alcohol-based products.

- Rinse and put away the razor and brush.

It might take a bit of your time, but the result will be absolutely worth it. Forget a hasty job, unless you’re really in a hurry. Besides, a colorful shaving soap, scented shaving lather, and a nice razor will be aesthetically pleasing to the eye on a marble counter.