The Return of Traditional Wet Shaving
For much of the 20th century, a shaving brush, traditional shaving soap, and safety razor were familiar parts of the daily grooming routine. Then cartridge razors, canned foams, disposables, and electric shavers changed the way many people approached shaving.
But traditional wet shaving never completely disappeared.
Today, safety razors, shaving brushes, artisan soaps, and traditional shaving techniques have found a new generation of enthusiasts. What was once viewed by some as an old-fashioned way to shave has become a thriving modern hobby.
So, why did traditional wet shaving come back?
What Is Traditional Wet Shaving?
Traditional wet shaving generally refers to shaving with water, a quality shaving soap or cream, and tools such as a double-edge safety razor, single-edge razor, or straight razor.
A shaving brush is often used to combine soap or cream with water, creating a rich lather before the beard is gradually reduced over one or more passes.
The goal isn't simply removing hair. For many wet shavers, it's about gaining greater control over the shave and enjoying the process.
How Did Safety Razors Lose Their Popularity?
Double-edge safety razors became enormously popular during the early 20th century. Replaceable blades eliminated much of the maintenance associated with straight razors and helped make shaving at home more convenient.
Beginning in the 1970s, however, cartridge systems offered consumers another level of convenience. Twin-blade cartridges appeared in the early 1970s, followed over the coming decades by pivoting heads, lubricating strips, and systems using increasing numbers of blades.
For many consumers, shaving became increasingly focused on speed and convenience.
The traditional safety razor didn't disappear, but it was no longer the default choice it once had been.
Why Did Traditional Wet Shaving Come Back?
There isn't one reason behind the return of traditional wet shaving.
Instead, people have rediscovered it for a combination of cost, control, sustainability, craftsmanship, product variety, and enjoyment.
1. Greater Control Over the Shave
A safety razor puts much of the shaving process back in the user's hands.
Instead of relying on a pivoting cartridge, wet shavers learn their beard growth patterns, shaving angle, pressure, blade preference, and the number of passes that work best for their skin.
That learning curve is part of the appeal.
2. The Cost of Double-Edge Blades
A quality safety razor can require a larger initial investment, but replacement double-edge blades are generally inexpensive.
A reusable razor can also remain in service for many years, making traditional shaving attractive to people who would rather replace a simple blade than an entire multi-component cartridge.
3. Less Disposable Plastic
Traditional safety razors also appeal to shavers interested in reducing disposable plastic in their grooming routine.
A metal safety razor can be reused repeatedly, while double-edge blades contain far less material than typical plastic razor cartridges.
Traditional wet shaving isn't waste-free, but the simplicity of the system is part of its modern appeal.
The Rise of Artisan Shaving
The return of traditional shaving isn't only about razors.
Modern wet shavers have access to an enormous variety of artisan shaving soaps, aftershaves, brushes, razors, and fragrances.
Shaving soap in particular has transformed into its own enthusiast category. Modern artisans experiment with different soap bases, fragrance compositions, ingredients, and post-shave characteristics.
Instead of choosing from only a few shaving products at the local store, today's wet shaver can explore an entire world of scents and formulations.
The Internet Helped Bring Wet Shaving Back
Traditional shaving knowledge was once commonly passed between generations or learned from a barber.
The internet created a new way for that knowledge to spread.
Wet shaving forums, blogs, videos, reviews, and social communities allowed enthusiasts to exchange techniques, compare razors and blades, discuss shaving soaps, restore vintage equipment, and introduce newcomers to the hobby.
By the mid-2000s, dedicated online wet-shaving communities were helping connect enthusiasts and preserve traditional shaving knowledge for a new generation.
From Daily Chore to Daily Ritual
Perhaps the biggest difference between cartridge shaving and traditional wet shaving isn't the razor.
It's the experience.
Loading a shaving brush. Building a warm, hydrated lather. Choosing a favorite razor and blade combination. Enjoying the fragrance of a shaving soap. Finishing with an aftershave.
For someone who simply wants to remove facial hair as quickly as possible, those extra steps may seem unnecessary.
For a wet shaving enthusiast, those steps are the point.
Shaving becomes a few minutes to slow down and enjoy a routine that combines technique, craftsmanship, fragrance, and tradition.
Traditional Shaving, Modern Choices
Today's wet shaver actually has more choices than many generations before them.
Modern safety razors are available in stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, and other materials. There are open comb and closed comb designs, adjustable razors, slants, single-edge razors, and countless double-edge blades.
Brushes range from traditional badger and boar knots to modern synthetic fibers, while artisan shaving soaps offer fragrance choices that would have been difficult to imagine during the early days of the safety razor.
Traditional wet shaving may have roots in the past, but the modern version continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is traditional wet shaving becoming popular again?
Traditional wet shaving has experienced a modern resurgence, particularly around double-edge safety razors, artisan shaving products, and online enthusiast communities.
Why are people switching back to safety razors?
Common reasons include inexpensive replacement blades, greater control over the shave, reduced reliance on disposable plastic cartridges, craftsmanship, and simply enjoying the traditional shaving process.
What do you need to start traditional wet shaving?
A simple setup can include a safety razor, double-edge blades, shaving brush, and quality shaving soap or cream. Aftershave or post-shave products can be added according to personal preference.
Is traditional wet shaving difficult to learn?
There is a learning curve, particularly when switching from a cartridge to a safety razor. Learning proper angle, using minimal pressure, understanding beard growth, and building a good lather can make the transition easier.
More Than Nostalgia
The return of traditional wet shaving isn't simply about recreating the past.
Modern wet shaving combines time-tested tools and techniques with today's materials, artisan products, manufacturing methods, and online communities.
Some people discover it while looking for an alternative to cartridges. Others arrive because of artisan soaps, vintage razors, craftsmanship, sustainability, or curiosity.
Whatever brings someone to traditional wet shaving, many discover something unexpected along the way:
Shaving doesn't have to be just another chore. It can be something you actually look forward to.