Whether you’re trying to get rid of that stubble or you’re looking to start your beard growth journey afresh, shaving products are a powerful tool in your arsenal.
However, there is a handful of them, and picking the best one may be stressful. Not to worry, though, in this article, we’ll discuss which shaving product is the best and how to choose the best shaving products for your facial, legs and pubic hair.
Shaving foam, cream, and gel all have unique specialties and may serve one person better than the other. There is no one rule of thumb for picking the best shaving product; the primary determinant is your skin type and hair texture. Shaving gel is best for men with coarse hair and dry skin, while shaving cream works best on stubble.
Although foams are a valid option, shaving gels are the best shaving product due to their increased moisture and added layer protection.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about shaving products, their differences and similarities.
Let’s get into it!
Why Do You Need Shaving Products?
Ever wondered if shaving products are essential or we have just been conditioned to buy them through mind-grabbing ads?
The former proves to be true. Shaving products are necessary for effective, seamless and injury-free shaves. This is because beard hair can be coarse and dry, making it difficult to cut through.
Consequently, shaving off your hair without lubricants can be harsh on your hair follicles, causing injuries and making you more prone to acne and infections.
Shaving products are necessary because of the hydration and protection they offer to our skin during shaves. To prevent irritation, bumps, cuts and nicks from your shaving session, your hair and underlying skin must be hydrated and lubricated.
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This also stops your skin from ageing faster, a common experience for men who shave without these products.
If your skin is sensitive or gentle, you are better off using shaving products to avoid the shaving accidents mentioned above.
Key Things To Look For When Buying Shaving Products
- Lather
- Lubricants
- How safe they are for your skin
- How easy they are to rinse
- Transparency
- Cost
- How easy they allow you to shave
You clearly understand we have some important things to discuss here.
For me, the most important thing about anything else when it comes to shaving with a razor is how smooth the shaving product lets you shave. If you feel even a little bit of pain something is wrong.
Also, most shaving products are very safe, but some low-quality products may cause irritation.
All of these products are extremely cheap. Don’t try to save $1-2. You will need much more than that to pay a dermatologist. The same thing applies to razors. Don’t buy 1-blade low-quality razors.
Take care of your face, gentlemen.
Read Also: Razors Pulling Hair? Here is why and how to prevent it!
Transparency is a good thing to look for and have but not the most important. It is nice to be able to see if you are completely clean-shaven or same areas have more hair than others.
But, after you shave your whole face once, you can just throw some water and continue shaving without the foam.
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Even if there is not a shaving product if you have already shaved most of your face and you just want to see if anything is left you are 100% free to shave a small area without reapplying foam or gel.
This is safe because even if you don’t see it, foam is still on your face! Even after you have thrown some water. Your face is still lubricated if you have not used a towel.
Therefore, making the final fixes is absolutely doable. Transparency, though, is a factor but not the major one.
Now that we have an idea of what to ask for when searching for a shaving product to buy, let’s dive deeper.
Foam vs Gel: Differences-Similarities
Shaving foam and gel are lathered products designed to make shaving less stressful and harmful.
By providing moisture and lubrication, shaving foams and gels prevent razor accidents, skin irritation, bumps and redness. Both products are similar not only in function but also in packaging.
These canister products give the much-needed layer of lubrication (through lather) between the razor or shaving blade and your precious face.
Read Also: Beard Vs Clean-Shaven: Which One Is Best?
However, they do have some differences. Let’s take a look.
| Shaving Foam | Shaving Gel |
| Shaving foam is less concentrated. | Shaving gel is more highly concentrated. |
| Shaving foam has less moisture content. | Shaving gel generally has more moisture and is less likely to cause skin dryness. |
| A larger quantity is needed to cover the face | A small quantity of gel can lather enough to spread across the face. |
| Shaving foam can sometimes lead to skin dryness |
Cream Vs Gel: Differences – Similarities
Shaving cream and gel are both great options when it comes to shaving.
They both have their similarities as well as a few differences. You may find that how one might serve better than the other will depend on skin texture and personal preference. For their similarities, shaving cream and gel are generally both soothing to the skin.
They have ingredients that easily penetrate the hair follicles making the hair strands soft and supple.
This makes shaving a lot smoother and faster. Another striking similarity between the two is that they both add a layer of protection for the skin.
This helps to prevent razor burns and maintain a smooth, clean shave.
However, they also have some differences. Let’s have a look.
| Shaving Cream | Shaving Gel |
|---|---|
| It produces an instant lather. | Shaving gel produces thicker lather. |
| It is generally easier to rinse away | Shaving gel is a little harder to rinse off. |
| Shaving cream is thicker on the skin | Shaving gel is a bit thin on the skin |
| Lesser razor glide is required with shaving creams | You need more razor glide when using shaving gel |
| It has natural lather. | Lather has to be activated by rubbing in |
| Shaving cream requires longer shaving time | Shaving gel reduces the time spent shaving. |
| Shaving cream does not clog up to the shaving stick | Shaving gel clogs up to the shaving stick |
| Shaving creams are cheaper than gel. | Shaving gel is more expensive than cream. |
Foam Vs Cream: Differences – Similarities
There is quite a handful in terms of similarities between shaving foam and shaving cream.
They both create lather when rubbed into the skin. Shaving foam and cream are both airy in their composition and penetrate the skin easily.
They are also less concentrated, and both need water to get activated. Shaving foams and creams are very easy to rinse off after shaving.
Lastly, shaving foam and cream don’t clog your shaving stick while shaving.
| Shaving Foam | Shaving Cream |
| Shaving foam is not great at the lather | Shaving cream is great at forming lather |
| The ingredients in shaving foam are sometimes not healthy on the skin | The ingredients in shaving creams are safer |
| Shaving foam makes hair follicles a little sturdier when applied | Shaving cream penetrates the hair follicles, making them softer and supple |
| It is generally harder to shave with shaving foam. | Shaving creams are easier to shave with |
| Foam can lead to dry skin and skin irritation. | Shaving creams are very gentle on the skin, leaving a clean, smooth shave. |
Which One Is The Winner?
We have analyzed all three shaving options, putting them in contrast with each other and stating the core similarities and differences.
But like with other consumer products, it is sometimes not easy to state categorically which is better than the other as several factors may come into play.
For instance, some men complain that using shaving foam gives them a bad rash and skin irritation. The same response is applicable even with shaving creams.
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So you might get confused since many people vote in favour of shaving cream as a better alternative to shaving foams.
However, what we have come to notice is that skin texture is a vital factor when it comes to shaving.
Some guys have a lot more sensitive skin than others. At the same time, there are those whose skins do not react to any type of shaving product. These guys can use anything on their faces and will not get an adverse reaction.
Still, it’ll be fair to give a generic response as statistics help uncover the true efficacy of shaving products. Across the board, a more significant percentage of guys admit that shaving foams are not very friendly on the skin. So in the grand scheme of things, that may win the argument any day.
On the other hand, creams have been argued as a better alternative to foams by many men. Now, with the coming of age of shaving gels, there has been a general shift from foams and creams to this newest shaving innovation.
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Gels don’t need water to get activated. They also generally create a thicker lather and better layer protection for the skin to avoid skin irritation.
They are also transparent, so you can see through easily to know which sides have been properly shaved off. The downsides associated with gel are that they are harder to rinse off and are known to clog your shaving stick. They are also more expensive than cream or foam.
Shaving gels are more of a hybrid of creams and foams when put side by side with one another. So, in terms of technical advantage, you can say gel is a better alternative than the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shaving Gel Good For Pubic Hair?
Shaving gels are suitable for pubic hair. All you need to do is apply the gel solution to your pubic region and rub it in to create lather. Leave it for a few minutes to work its way in and soften the pubic hair, and then you can begin shaving
Shaving Cream Vs Gel For Legs?
Gels are generally better since they enhance razor glides and prevent cuts or nicks. Secondly, gels are transparent, making it easier to see where you are shaving.
How To Use Shaving Gel
First, you begin by applying a substantial quantity of shaving gel on your face and working it in to create lather. The lather will help add moisture to the hair, create layer protection, and generally make razor glide easier. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and properly penetrate the hair follicles before you begin to shave. Don’t forget to rinse off in running water after every few shaves. You will have a clean, smooth result at the end.
Best Shaving Products To Buy
You should not necessarily get any one of these, I am just recommending some products in case some of your are interested.
Shaving Gels
- Gillette Fusion ProGlide Sensitive 2 in 1 Shave Gel
2. Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel – Protects Sensitive Skin From Shave Irritation
Conclusion
There you have it, guys; shaving can pose a series of challenges for many people.
This is especially true with people that have sensitive skin. But thanks to advancements in shaving technology, brands have now manufactured better products to give consumers more options.
From all that has been discussed, you shouldn’t find it too hard to come up with a great choice that serves you best.
Read Also: Should You Shave With Cold Or Hot Water?
We have discussed the pros and cons of all the shaving options you have. Now, you just have to choose what is best for you. If you want my opinion, shave your face with gel. This is what I prefer.
And…that’s it for today’s article! I really hope you found it helpful and interesting.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to write them in the comment section below and we will be more than happy to reply.
Until next time,
Stay safe,
Tasos
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.