Wet razors represent manually operated shaving devices. They are mainly used to remove beard hair, but can also be used for shaving other parts of the body. The hair is not removed with the root as in epilation, but only superficially shortened.
What is a wet razor?
Wet razors provide shortening of beard or body hair to the surface of the skin. Hair roots are not removed with it. The shave must be repeated at regular intervals. The development of wet razors began with the introduction of razors at the end of the nineteenth century. However, ancient findings of shaving razors are known as early as the sixth millennium BC. These were used for the removal of beard or other body hair often already with the help of water. Blades made of hard stone was later replaced by razors with fixed metallic blades. Razors could be used for both dry and wet shaving. Mostly they were used by barbers who performed dry hair and beard removal commercially. Today’s manually operated razors are wet razors. They usually consist of a handle that can be reused and a replaceable blade head. Before shaving, the skin and hair must be prepared to avoid irritation. Wet razors provide shortening of beard or body hair to the skin surface. Hair roots are not removed with it. Shaving must be repeated at regular intervals.
Forms, types and types
The first real wet razors were introduced at the end of the nineteenth century with the development of razor planes. In this case, a razor blade is used, which is inserted into the plane head and protrudes only slightly from it. Unlike the razors used before, this results in fewer injuries. The razor consists of a handle and a plane head, in which after several shaves each worn razor blades are replaced by new ones. Since the First World War until the seventies, the razor plane was the predominant razor. With the development of system razors, however, they quickly lost their importance. System razors are wet razors with an interchangeable blade head. They are composed of a reusable handle and a shaving head that contains several razor blades. Furthermore, they still contain moisture strips that wear out over time. After several shaves, this shaving head must be replaced. Externally, the system razor looks similar to the razor plane. Unlike this, however, the razor head of the system razor is equipped with several blades. Here also not the blades, but the whole shaving head is exchanged. Today, mostly only system razors are offered, although plane razors and razors are much more environmentally friendly and cheaper to buy.
Structure and mode of operation
To prepare for wet shaving, the beard or body hair is first treated by moistening it with warm water and shaving cream, shaving foam, shaving soap or shower gel. This results in the softening of the beard hairs and creates a layer on the skin that allows the razor to glide gently. Traditionally, shaving soap was used, which is still popular today. Shaving soap contains a lot of stearic acid and coconut oil. It comes in bar form or as small bars of soap. For greater shaving comfort, the industry today offers shaving foam from the spray can. However, the disadvantage here is that the softening of the beard hair is not as effective as with shaving cream or shaving soap. A good alternative offers shaving oil. Shaving oil contains so-called tannins, which have anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effect. Often shaving oil is also applied before the application of shaving cream. This results in the combination of beard softening, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects. After shaving, a so-called aftershave enables the disinfection of micro-injuries. After eight to twelve shaves, the blades of a system razor are so dulled that an effective shave is no longer possible. Therefore, a change of the blade head is recommended at these intervals.
Medical and health benefits
Today, shaving including wet shaving is mainly performed for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. Of course, hygienic reasons can also be listed, because beard or body hair can be carriers of germs.However, good personal hygiene can prevent this. In the past, shaving often had ritual reasons. Thus, in ancient Rome, the first shave was celebrated as a religious ritual. However, shaving does not have a primary health benefit. However, some things should be observed when shaving wet, so as not to suffer from skin irritation later. Before shaving, the use of warm water is absolutely recommended to soften the hair better. After shaving, cold water is better because it refreshes and closes the pores. However, as a result of shaving, skin irritation may occur, which is commonly referred to as razor burn. After wet shaving, razor burn often occurs when the wrong skin care products are used. Even if aftershaves are not used, it can occur. The care products containing alcohol, as already mentioned, serve to disinfect the micro-injuries. Razor burn manifests itself in skin irritation and itching. As a rule, the discomfort subsides quickly. However, shaving should be stopped until the irritations have healed. In sensitive skin, however, a longer-term inflammation may occur. To prevent razor burn, gentle, frequent shaving of the affected area is recommended until the skin has become accustomed to shaving. Blades that are not sharp should be replaced and too much pressure should be avoided when shaving.
