Wet Shaving: It's Not Just for Men

Wet Shaving: It's Not Just for Men

In the spirit of the new year, try a new habit! I wish I had tried wet shaving so much sooner. "I had never been a fan of shaving in general. I perceived wet shaving as doing extra work in a process I didn't want to commit a lot of time to.  However, I was mistaken. When I switched to wet shaving it became a part of my normal shower routine because most of my issues with shaving practically went away overnight.  Now, I'm never going back to disposable razors."

 
 
My name is Megan and I do the social media photography and video work for JFH. As you might know, hanging out with Amanda on a regular basis comes with a price. That price is listening to her talk about the perks of wet shaving or other advice that stems from her research and great taste. Gag me. It took me about a year to be convinced to change my shaving routine.  I had never been a fan of shaving in general. I perceived wet shaving as doing extra work in a process I didn't want to commit a lot of time to.  However, I was mistaken. When I switched to wet shaving it became a part of my normal shower routine because most of my issues with shaving practically went away overnight.  Now, I'm never going back to disposable razors.   
 
Previously, my issues with shaving all centered around two things: (1) I never felt like I could get a super close shave and (2) sensitive dry skin issues, such as razor burn.  Little did I know, the two go hand-in-hand. 
 
I was a sucker for the double, or even triple blade options that are featured on disposable razors.  But I never asked myself: Why isn't that first blade getting the job done? The answer is in the quality of the blade. Three dull blades are not better than one quality blade.  So, how does this relate to skin issues?  Those other blades were just dragging and creating extra friction on my skin forever giving me razor burn.  I would try to buy fancy canned shaving cream, thinking it would make it better.  However,  those cans are made with aerosols that dry out your skin! What a vicious cycle! So when I switched, I learned that  the wet shave routine has more quality products that (1) chop the hair down with a non-dull blade and (2) I lather with a quality shave soap that moisturizes my skin.  (I'll go into both of these more, later.) Win-Win!
 
So here was the process of picking out the main players in wet shave:
Razor. Shaving Brush. Shave Soap. 
 
I specifically remember picking out my razor: it was dark grey with a gold pattern on it.  It was so classy.  Every time I would go to use it, I would feel like I was in a movie.  I also bought a little stand to sit on the edge of my tub, and it looks so... idyllic.  This was probably the first reason why I started shaving everyday:  It was just a nice experience that made me feel good about myself.  It became a routine of self-care for me instead of feeling like a chore.
 
The thing I noticed almost instantly, when I switched to wet shaving, was the effect on my skin (as I touched on a little earlier). 
Sensitive skin + naturally curly hair which = really uncomfortable times. 
But wet shave soap is tallow or coconut oil based. This helps the soap lather better for better coverage but it also moisturizes your skin naturally.  I have done shave tests with tallow shave soap on one leg, and coconut oil shave soap on the other, and both treat my skin right. Some people swear one is better than the other, and that is a personal preference.  What I do know is that razor burn and other skin problems I associated with shaving practically went away over night because the ingredients were working for me, rather than against me.
 
Now onto the brush:  There are definitely prices discrepancies on brush types: badger vs synthetic hair, wooden handle vs plastic handle, etc. I picked a fairly basic badger hair brush over a synthetic brush because I wanted a quality brush.  Badger hair is softer and will get a better lather compared to synthetic.  The handle of my brush is a non-attention-seeking black handle.  I went for a basic, non-wood handle because I was just starting.  But since I have been wet shaving for a couple of years now and see all different types of beautiful brushes at JFH, I will probably upgrade my brush soon!
 
Now onto  the shave soap itself:  Choosing a shave soap is so much fun.  Fun! Come the change of season, and I'm changing my shave soap scent. In summer time, I want more of a lighter floral or a lavender scent.  Winter, a little heavier, but I am a huge fan of fall spices as well.  I don't stick to one brand either; I change it up! A wet shave soap container could last me about a year if I wanted it to, but I can't wait a whole year smelling the same!  When I used aerosol cans, if I were to shave everyday, it would last me maybe two months.  It's more cost effective here.
 
If I haven't convinced you yet, let's talk about the environmental impact of wet shaving: Approximately 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away every year.  When I switched to wet shaving, the only thing I dispose of is the blade itself.  I buy a packet of 10 and that packet will last me the entire year. That aerosol can that only lasted me two months which means about 6 aerosol cans a year from me. The soap dispenser I have now, even if I get three a year, has a lid and can be re-used as a container for something else OR can be donated to our local Soap Refill Station for someone else to put a type of soap into. It would be the perfect container for a powder with a small scoop, such as a laundry enzyme cleaner.
 
I hope this brain-dump has been insightful for you! It took me a lot to be convinced, but I wish I had switched to this sooner. I hope you try it out! In the spirit of the new year, this is a perfect time to start a new habit!