Wet vs Dry Shaving: Which Is More Effective?

Lea Liu
2025-12-22T10:59:31+08:00

Discover the pros and cons of wet vs dry shaving to find the best method for your skin, hair type, and lifestyle. Get smoother results every time.

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Shaving is one of the most deeply personal grooming habits a person can have. Whether it’s something we do on a daily basis or when the mood strikes, it plays a huge role in our care routines. And with more ways to shave than ever before, figuring out how you want to do it can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’re tackling the wet vs dry shaving debate—one that’s been around since the introduction of the electric shaver. Both methods have their own merits, but which is best? We’ll be exploring the answer to the million dollar question below!

What Is Wet Shaving?

Wet shaving means shaving with a manual razor, water, and a shaving product like a cream, foam, gel, or mousse. This is the conventional method where you start by lathering your skin with your shaving product, and then shave by passing the blade over the skin.

Hairs are cut by single blade strokes with wet shaving. As the razorblade passes over the skin, it slightly lifts hairs up from their follicles to cut as closely as possible and provide a smooth, clean finish. Modern razors usually have multiple blades for added efficiency, but the overall process is the same.

Many people swear by wet shaving as it’s the more traditional method, and because wet hair is generally easier to cut than dry hair; think of when you go to the hairdresser’s or barber’s. You probably started out wet shaving, and it just may end up being your hair removal method for life.

The Benefits Of Wet Shaving

Creates a soft, smooth shave. Water and shaving products soften the hair and skin for a smooth finish.

Helpful for coarse hair. Dry shaving can provide better results for those with coarser hair texture.

Better for sensitive skin. Shaving creams, foams, and gels lubricate the blade, resulting in less friction and therefore a lower risk of redness, ingrown hairs, bumps, and/or razor burn.

The Downsides Of Wet Shaving

Time-consuming. The overall process is longer: prepping the skin, applying a shaving product, shaving along the grain of your hairs, and cleaning everything up.

Causes nicks and cuts. Razorblades come into direct contact with the skin, so you’ll be more prone to getting nicks and cuts during a wet shave.

Less precision. Wet shaving promises a close shave, but it gives less control and definition compared to an electric razor that can cover more surface.

Requires constant replacement. Conventional blades need to be replaced often, which may be a concern for the environmentally-conscious and/or budget-conscious crowd. It depends on how often you shave, but the general advice is to get a new blade after every 5-7 shaves, or after the blade becomes dull.

What Is Dry Shaving?

Otherwise known as electric shaving, this technology uses an electric shaver with blades that gently glide over the skin without the use of water or shaving products. There’s no prep required, so you can just start shaving!

Most electric razors work by having a set of small blades that move back and forth to quickly trim hair set within a fine, perforated metal foil for protection. The blades act a lot like scissors, which means that you can shave from any angle and still get a precise cut. Electric shavers usually either move in a rotary or circular motion, or a linear one to cover as much surface area as possible.

The Benefits Of Dry Shaving

Quick and convenient. Electric blades work faster, allowing busy individuals to complete their care routines in less time.

Fewer accidents and less irritation. Thanks to the protective foil design, electric shavers are less likely to cut, nick, or generally irritate as they don’t pull on the skin as much as conventional razorblades.

Less technique required. Wet shaving is somewhat of an art; you have to pull the razor in a specific way or risk getting nicks and cuts. Electric shaver blades, however, come in from both sides, so it doesn’t matter which direction you shave in.

Easy styling options. Electric shavers often come with adjustable attachments that offer more control over styling and length options, perfect for those who don’t want a clean-shaven look.

Long-lasting device. Electric shavers don’t require constant replacement, as high quality models can last for years.

The Downsides Of Dry Shaving

A less close shave. Electric shavers often have a bit of a buffer between the blade and the skin for safety and protection, which means the shave might not be as close as with a direct blade-to-skin conventional razor.

More frequent shaving needed. Hair can grow back faster, so you’ll need to shave more often.

Wet vs Dry Shaving: Which Is Better?

So, which shaving method comes out on top?

The answer is up to you. It’s a subjective choice that depends on your lifestyle, skin type, and personal preferences.

Maybe you already know your answer. If you’re still deciding, consider how your skin reacts to each method, how close of a shave you’re looking for, and how much time you want to spend shaving.

Choose wet shaving if …

You enjoy the ritual of shaving

You want the closest shave possible

You don’t mind spending more time on shaving

Choose dry shaving if …

You prioritize speed and convenience

You want more styling options

You don’t want to have to constantly replace your razorblade

If you have sensitive skin, assess which method works better for you. Maybe your skin reacts better to the slight distance an electric shaver offers, or maybe your skin prefers the moisture of shaving products.

You can also use a combo method by using a wet/dry electric shaver that still works with shaving products to soften the skin and decrease the risk of irritation. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after every shave!

The Best Tool For A Convenient, Precise Shave

If you’re on team dry shave, you won’t want to miss out on Laifen’s new high-performance electric shavers: Laifen P3 and Laifen T1.

With its ultra-thin, triple-blade design, 146.2° wide angle coverage, and 0.01mm precision body, the P3 combines the convenience of dry shaving with the closeness of wet shaving. The uniquely compact design is perfect for travel or on-the-go touch-ups, and the 24,000 CPM dual motors cut smoother and faster.

The T1 features a more conventional silhouette, but doesn’t lack any of the innovation. It’s equipped with a 12,000 CPM linear motor for fast shaving, a 0.055mm² ArcBlade foil for a super close and comfortable shave, and is IPX7 waterproof to let you enjoy both wet and dry shaving.

Final Thoughts—Wet vs Dry Shaving

When it comes to wet and dry shaving, there are pros and cons to both methods. Traditionalists will say that wet shaving provides a close, smooth finish that can’t be beat, but those that live a busy lifestyle might prefer the ease and convenience of a dry shave. Figure out what works best for you, your skin, and your life by testing out both methods and seeing which feels better. The razor or shaver you use will play a big role in your shaving experience, so make sure you’re choosing a quality product that brings you closer to the results you’re looking for. It’ll help you determine your team once and for all.