You don’t necessarily have to use shaving foam with an electric razor, however, you can, if the razor specifies it. Most people buy electric razors for a quick and easy dry shave or a trim, for that reason they don’t usually consider this question.

The answer is yes, shaving foam can be used with electric razor. But there are some specific things you should know before using them together.

First of all, the shaving foam should not contain alcohol as it will cause skin irritation. Secondly, you need to use a lot less shaving foam than usual and apply it to your beard with your fingers rather than a brush. Thirdly, if you have sensitive skin then this combination may not be for you as the blade can irritate your skin more than usual.

Some shavers come with a built-in soap reservoir that dispenses shaving foam automatically when turned on. However, some people prefer using a separate can of shaving foam for this purpose and for other reasons as well.

If you have a wet and dry electric shaver, you can safely use shaving cream, foam or gel to get a clean, close shave.

Keep in mind that “dry-only” corded electric shavers should not be used for wet shaving, unless you feel like getting an electric shock first thing in the morning.

That said, a high-quality wet and dry electric shaver like those from Philips can work wonders when used with shaving foam or gel.

They perfectly combine the efficiency and ease of an electric shaver with the precision and close shave of a manual shaver.

Choosing the right electric shaver is the first and most important criterion to consider if you are a wet shaving purist.

3 Things to consider when choosing an electric shaver for wet shaving

Getting a good electric razor that combines wet and dry shaving is not easy if you don’t know what to look for. An electric razor with the close shave of a manual one.

Here I bring you some details on what kind of electric razors are ideal for wet shaving:

For a clean, close shave with an electric razor, opt for a device equipped with multiple shaving heads.

These heads move in different directions to cleanly capture all the hair with a minimum number of passes, which equals less risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

Look for a shaver with good speed

Revolutions per minute or RPM indicates the speed of an electric shaver’s motor.

If you have a very thick beard and don’t shave often, get a shaver with a 13,000-14,000 RPM motor.

For thinner beards, a high-speed motor of 7,000-10,000 RPM should provide an even and consistent shave with every stroke.

Beware of the power source

Although corded electric shavers are more powerful, they are not intended for wet shaving due to the risk of electric shock.

Many modern electric shavers allow both corded and cordless operation for convenience.

Since you’re only relying on battery power for wet shaving, choose a model with decent battery life so you’ll never run out of power mid-shave.

Easy to clean razors

After each use, you need to be able to rinse off any dirt trapped in the shaving head, i.e. foam and trimmed hair debris.

Failure to do so can significantly affect the performance and longevity of your shaver. Therefore, look for a model that allows you to easily remove the head for thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Why use shaving foam with an electric razor?

Now, let’s talk about why you should bother spending more time and effort on wet shaving with an electric razor when you could just dry shave and move on.

Extra comfort

Pre-shave rituals, such as washing your face with warm water or applying oil before shaving, soften the beard and make it easier to cut in a couple of strokes.

If you also apply a generous layer of shaving cream/gel/foam, the lubrication helps the blade move effortlessly, minimizing cuts and irritation.

If your skin is very prone to razor burn, it will thank you for the extra layer of protection that shaving foam provides against the blade.

The close shave

For those gifted with super thick and dense facial and body hair, dry shaving simply won’t be able to cover all the growth. As a result, you’ll be left with a patchy beard in some spots, which doesn’t sound very appealing, does it?

Not to mention that dry shaving with very coarse hair can cause skin irritation. If your goal is clean, baby-soft skin, soften the hair with a quality shaving cream for a smooth shave.

It will be much easier to cut very close to the skin when the hair is moist and well lubricated, resulting in a clean, close shave.

Moisturizing

Shaving foam also moisturizes and replenishes the follicles under the beard. Have you heard of beard dandruff? It appears when the skin in and around the beard becomes extremely dry and flaky due to lack of hydration.

Dry shaving can only make it worse. So if dry skin problems have bothered you all your life, play it smart and choose wet shaving.

Steps for a good shave with lather and an electric razor

Here’s my method for getting the closest shave possible with an electric razor and some shaving foam.

Step 1: Trim the hair

This step is crucial if you haven’t shaved for years and have just realized it.

Grab a scissors or a trimmer (not a hair clipper) to shorten the length of your beard before shaving. Electric razors, especially foil heads, tend to trap long hairs, causing them to snag.

Trimming will help avoid the problem. Some electric razors come with pop-up trimmers to make the job easier.

Step 2: Never skip the pre-shave routine.

Washing your face with warm (not hot) water will open pores and soften a tough beard. This can greatly reduce the risk of skin irritation when moving a multi-head electric shaver across the face.

For rougher, denser beards, you can also include a pre-shave oil in your regimen. However, it is not an alternative to shaving cream.

It simply provides extra lubrication to the skin underneath, which reduces the risk of razor cuts and burns.

Step 3: Lather the beard properly

Take a small amount of good quality shaving cream, foam or gel and lather up. Always use a shaving brush to spread the cream and ensure good coverage.

Step 4: The Shave

Squeeze the skin with your fingers to create an even surface for the razor to glide across. On the first pass, shave in the direction of hair growth (downward). If the desired close shave is not achieved, follow with upward (against the grain) strokes.

While shaving against the grain will undoubtedly provide a closer shave, it can cause inflammation and rashes on sensitive skin. So don’t overdo it.

A quality shaver will cut a large amount of hair in a single pass. This means you’ll only need a couple of long strokes to get a clean-shaven look.

Step 5: Aftershave

Sharp razor blades also act as a great exfoliator. While it’s great for removing dead surface cells, it can also dry out your skin.

That’s why you should finish your shaving look with an aftershave lotion or balm. Not only does it smell great, but it also rehydrates the surface, leaving your skin shiny and supple.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that getting a good shave with an electric razor and shaving foam is easier than you think. Plus, it doesn’t come at the cost of razor-induced problems such as pimples, redness, and itchiness.

The market is flooded with electric wet and dry shavers equipped with multiple shaving heads that capture about 20% more hair in a single pass than disposable shavers. So it’s faster and also easier for beginners.

More importantly, applying shaving cream creates a perfect surface for the razor to unleash its true potential. So if you’re thinking of upgrading your electric shave, don’t hesitate.