To start wet shaving you need five things: a razor (a double-edge safety razor is the classic choice), a shaving brush, a quality shave cream or soap, an aftershave to soothe, and an alum block for any nicks. Add a bowl to build lather and you have a complete kit. Wet shaving takes a little more time than a cartridge razor, but it gives a closer, more comfortable shave with far less irritation — and it's cheaper to run once you're set up.
Here's the beginner's guide to what you need and how to do it.
What is wet shaving?
Wet shaving is the traditional method: softening the beard with warm water, building a proper lather with a brush and cream (or soap), and shaving with a single-blade razor — usually a double-edge (DE) safety razor. It's the opposite of a quick dry pass with a multi-blade cartridge. The payoff is a closer, smoother shave with much less razor burn and ingrown hair, plus a ritual a lot of men come to enjoy.
What do you need to start wet shaving?
| Kit | What it does |
|---|---|
| Razor | A double-edge safety razor — one sharp blade, close and gentle once you learn the angle |
| Blades | Cheap DE blades; swap every few shaves |
| Shaving brush | Builds a warm lather and lifts the hair — a synthetic brush is great for beginners |
| Shave cream or soap | Hydrates and cushions — a shave cream is the easiest to lather |
| Bowl | For whipping up lather (optional but helpful) |
| Aftershave | An After Shave Sorbet to soothe and hydrate |
| Alum block | Natural antiseptic to close small nicks |
How do you wet shave step by step?
- Prep. Shave after a warm shower, or press a warm damp towel to your face, to soften the hair.
- Build lather. Swirl a damp brush over your shave cream (in a bowl or on your face) until you have a warm, creamy lather, and paint it on in circles.
- Find the angle. Hold the safety razor at roughly 30° to the skin — flatter than you'd expect. Let the weight of the razor do the work; don't press.
- Shave with the grain. Use short, light strokes in the direction the hair grows. Rinse the blade often.
- Re-lather for a second pass across the grain if you want a closer finish — never straight against it as a beginner.
- Rinse and soothe. Rinse with cool water, use an alum block on any nicks, and finish with a calming After Shave Sorbet.
What mistakes do beginners make?
- Pressing too hard. The blade is sharp — let it glide. Pressure causes nicks and burn.
- Wrong angle. Too steep and you'll scrape; aim for about 30°.
- Going against the grain too soon. Start with the grain until your technique is solid.
- A lather that's too dry. Add water a few drops at a time until it's creamy.
- Rushing. Wet shaving rewards a slow, steady hand — give it a few minutes.
Is wet shaving better than a cartridge razor?
For most men, yes — once you've learned it. A single sharp blade with proper lather gives a closer shave with less irritation than dragging three or four blades across the skin, and DE blades cost a fraction of cartridges. The trade-off is a slightly longer routine and a short learning curve. Give it two or three weeks and it becomes second nature.
Start your wet shaving journey.
Razor, brush, a hydrating shave cream and a soothing aftershave — everything a beginner needs. Explore the Men Rock shave range — vegan, made in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start wet shaving?
A double-edge safety razor and blades, a shaving brush, a quality shave cream or soap, an aftershave to soothe, and an alum block for nicks. A bowl for lather is a helpful extra.
Is wet shaving hard for beginners?
There's a short learning curve — mainly the razor angle and going light on pressure — but most men get comfortable within a couple of weeks. Start slow and shave with the grain.
Do I need a brush to wet shave?
It's not essential, but a brush builds a warmer, richer lather and lifts the hair for a closer, more comfortable shave. A synthetic brush is ideal and beginner-friendly.
What angle should I hold a safety razor at?
About 30° to the skin — flatter than most people expect. Let the razor's weight do the work and use light, short strokes.
Is wet shaving cheaper than cartridges?
Over time, yes. There's an upfront cost for the razor and brush, but DE blades are very cheap compared with cartridge refills, so it works out cheaper to run.
