Do You Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor? Pros and Cons
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Electric razors are fast, efficient, and convenient tools. They are versatile and can be used pretty anywhere. But despite their unquestionable pros, many men wonder, do you use shaving cream with an electric razor?
Well, it depends on the type of electric shaver you have. Some are designed for dry shaving and don’t work with a classic style shave cream, while some newer models are versatile enough for wet shaving. They are waterproof and accommodate the use of shaving creams for closer shaves as with a straight razor blade.
With that, let’s look into how you can use shaving cream with an electric razor for the best results.
Can You Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor?
The possibility of this depends on the type of electric shaver you use. Many electric razors are made for dry shaving and don’t work well when used with shaving creams. However, recent technology has gifted us more versatile electric shaver models that can be used for wet/dry shaving. It’s essential to read electric shaver safety instructions before using it with shaving cream.
Electric razors work by electrically powered blades to trim hair. The specific technology and mechanism vary between brands, but most models rely on rotating or screen heads. Either blade technology can be modified to work with shaving creams.
Related reading: What are the Best Safety Razor Blades?
Basic/older electric shavers aren’t waterproof. As such, exposure to moisture causes both electrical and mechanical problems. It’s important to avoid wet shaving with an electric razor that needs a direct socket connection as you risk an electric shock.
Even though dry shave electric razors are powered by batteries and pose a lower risk of electrocution when you use shaving cream, we still don’t recommend them because of device damage.
With a newer dry/wet electric shaver, you’ll notice a ‘safe for use in the shower’ pass. Automatically this means you can use shaving cream with them as well. But even then, keep in mind that different electric razors have different design specifications and moisture tolerance. It’s therefore essential to read the instructions that come with your electric razor.
A number of these wet/dry shaving electric razors are made for use with specific shaving gel or cream. They often have systems to get rid of the foam directly when shaving. If you have such an electric shaver, research the specific shaving gel needed because other products can inhibit performance.
How to Use an Electric Razor with Shaving Cream (A . K.A. Wet Shaving)
Don’t overthink this process. It’s simple, even for a newbie. However, you need to be careful to follow the steps of using a cream with an electric razor keenly.
1. Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Like with traditional wet shaving (using safety razors), there are pre-shave steps to consider. These steps include washing your face and neck with exfoliating or cleansing gel and using lots of warm water on your face to open the pores and soften your facial hair.
This pre-shave step helps to get rid of dirt, dead skin, and oils clogging your pores. We also recommend a hot shower before you use electric shavers.
In addition to opening your pores, the warm water will soften your facial hair, making them easier to cut through using an electric razor.
2. Use Quality Shaving Cream
Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks. Always do your due diligence when picking the right shave cream. Most often than not, canned foam contains harsh chemicals, including paraffin, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and preservation agents that irritate sensitive skin. Moreover, their lubrication and moisturizing performance are poor.
A quality shave cream or foam contains alkaline ingredients like Sodium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide, which, when combined with water, soften the outer hair shell and make it easier to cut through hairs.
Generally, quality shaving creams will soothe, hydrate, and condition the skin. These properties are especially essential for men with sensitive skin prone to irritation.
Some of the best shaving creams include the Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave Cream and Cremo Original Shave Cream.
Even with the best head shaving cream and the best electric razor for head shaving in hand, you should allow it to sit on your sensitive skin for a couple of minutes before you start electric shaving.
3. Massage a Thin Layer of Lather
Attention traditional wet shavers – this is where electric razor wet-shaving differs from traditional shaving using a blade.
In traditional wet shaving, lathering is key. The lather shouldn’t be too runny or too dry. You also need a boar or badger shaving brush to get a thick and rich lather.
With electric razors, lather cushioning isn’t necessary. Too much lather may negatively impact your results. Moreover, if the lather is too dry, it’ll clog the shaver and create a barrier between the razor and the skin, preventing a close shave.
Instead, the lather should be runny. Luckily, getting such lather requires minimal effort. Wet your hand, squeeze an almond size dollop of shaving cream, and rub your hands together. Use shaving cream packaged in tubes as it’s better for this step.
4. Massage the Lather into Your Beard
Massage the lather onto your wet face. Be firm and go against the grain to lift and prime the hair before electric shaving. Give the lather some time to work. But if it dries up fast, wet your hands with warm water and run them on your face. This step is easier since you don’t have to use a shaving brush to apply the gel to your facial hair.
5. Shave against the Grain
If your beard tends to grow in different directions, use your free hand to determine the direction on different spots and shave against the grain.
On areas that need multiple passes, re-apply a thin layer of lather. Depending on your electric razor, you’ll use a different shaving technique. For example, with a rotary shaver, circular motions are best. But with a foil shaver, shave in straight lines – up and down, left or right motions.
6. Ensure the Razor Has Enough Power
Even with a great electric razor, the shaving experience will be crap if you use it on low power. Since most wet/dry electric shavers are used on battery mode, ensure it is fully charged to avoid tugging and pulling on your facial hair.
Related reading: What’s the Best Razor for Shaving Head?
7. Post Shave Treatment
Just because you are not using blades doesn’t mean you should forget about post-shave treatment. After shaving with an electric razor, wash your face with some cold water, pat it dry with a clean towel and apply the best aftershave balm you’ve got. A good aftershave will reduce swelling and itching from skin damage and close pores to avoid dirt, chemicals, and bacteria from getting in.
8. Clean the Shaver
The beauty of wet/dry electric razors is that they are waterproof and can be cleaned under running water. Cleaning the electric razor also helps it to last longer and perform great.
FAQ
Is it better to shave wet or dry with an electric shaver?
We cannot give a definite answer since they each have their pros and cons. With wet shaving, you get a closer shaver; it’s better for your skin and gives a more fulfilling experience. But on the flip side, it takes more time and requires extra products like shaving cream to have a wholesome experience. With dry shaving, you’ll spend less time, have the freedom to do it anywhere, and it is cheaper. However, it doesn't achieve a close shave like wet shaving. Also, you’ll have to make do with less power during your shaves.
What do you use before shaving with an electric razor?
When you use an electric razor with a shaving cream, you should use quality shaving cream to soften facial hair and provide lubrication to prevent irritation when you cut too close to the skin.
What’s the best shaving cream to use with an electric shaver?
Some impressive shaving creams include The Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave and Cremo Original Shaving Cream. These creams are often used with electric shavers. They do a good job of creating a thin lather that doesn’t clog the razor and helps prevent irritation.
How do you shave with an electric razor?
The steps are simple:
- Prepare your skin for electric shaving. A quick warm shower helps.
- Apply a thin layer of shaving gel lather on your face
- Work the lather on your face against the grain
- Shave against the grain
Conclusion
It might seem like it’s a lot. But once you do it several times, you’ll get the hang of it and will find it more worthwhile. You’ll get a close shave as you would with a straight razor but without the pain associated with it. We also cannot stress enough the importance of following the pre-shave routine.