Dry Shaving With a Cartridge Razor: My One-Week Experiment

First, let me clarify what I mean by dry shaving. I’m talking about using a cartridge razor on your face with no water or shaving cream. I’m not talking about dry shaving with a double-edge (DE) or electric razor.

Traditional wisdom: I was always told dry shaving with a razor is the worst thing you can do to your face. I was told it would definitely leave me with razor burn and irritation and damage my skin. Most guys will also tell you things like “Shaving dry will dull your blades fast” and “You end up shaving off more of the oils and gunk on your skin.”

So why didn’t any of that happen when I tried dry shaving for a week? Before you call me Looney Tunes, you should know this started by accident. I needed a quick shave so I wouldn’t be late for work. With no time for any pre-shave routine, I bit the bullet and shaved dry. I was pretty sure I’d need the toilet paper I grabbed to cover all the nicks I was about to get. Not only did I not need the toilet paper, the only thing missing was a simple post-shave routine. So based on my week-long experience, here’s what you need to know before trying a dry shave.

The strict rules

Notice I said rules, not suggestions:

1. Start with a brand-new razor. Chances are your current cartridge has already lost some sharpness. Don’t take the chance.
2. Don’t try it on more than three days of growth, and maybe less if your hair grows fast. My best results came from dry shaving every other day. I still shaved my neck daily.
3. Go against the grain on your first pass. This removes the hair quickly. Only go with the grain if you feel tugging.
4. Put on an aftershave lotion soon afterward to re-hydrate your skin.
5. Watch the tricky spots. I had a little trouble under my nose and on my chin, so I used an electric razor there until I was sure it wouldn’t be a problem. My neck and cheeks were fine, with absolutely no cuts or razor burn!

The benefits of dry shaving with a cartridge razor

1. A wonderful shave, once your face gets used to it. My skin still feels hydrated thanks to the post-shave routine, and I’ll save a good amount of money by not buying pre-shave products.
2. Your cartridges last so much longer! I’ve used the same Fusion cartridge for a whole month now (after my full week), and it’s still sharp. It’s almost like shaving cream, oil and water wear cartridges down faster. Is this a conspiracy?
3. Clearer skin. As a guy who takes his MAN CARD seriously, am I allowed to say “exfoliate”? Anyway, my skin looks clearer after a dry shave, the exact opposite of what I was always told!

Everyone’s skin is different. If you try this and get a rash or irritation, stop.