Not everyone wet shaves with a razor, for one reason or another. Maybe, you get irritated skin from shaving with a razor? Or perhaps, you feel that electric shaving is quicker and you can do it while in traffic (not a good idea by the way!). Whatever the reason, I can understand.
Since 1931 (first successful electric shaver – Col. Jacob Schick), electric shavers have helped many men get a close shave. As the demand for new and improved electric shavers increase, one can get a bit overwhelmed by the many brands to choose from. So here is a quick run-down.
There are two types of electric shavers…
- Foil Shaver – oscillating blades (back & forth), that cut hair through a screen (often times referred to as screen shavers). Brands: Braun & Remington
- Rotary** – a cutting system based on rotating circular blades. Brands: Phillips Norelco
I will however add to this list…
- the Hair trimmer – a small version of a hair clipper that is generally used to add the final touches to a haircut or beard. Brands: Andis, Oster & Wahl
**If your are prone to ingrown hairs, steer clear. Rotary blades in many cases have been known to pull the hair out from the root, causing the hair to grow again from under the skin line, resulting in ingrown hairs.
I hope this has cleared up a few questions and if it has, please take a moment to answer my poll question - “Electric Shaving: Which do you prefer?“. Your answers will help me to have greater insight into the needs of you my readers, thank you in advance!
Avg. Reader's Response: 5.00 - Huge Fan
Loading ...
Hey I read what you said, but I must say, for black men they must and should use Wahl w/ the gold blades. I am here to tell everyone, that these are probably the best that I have ever used and not only do I say this, everyone I speak to scream the same thing. So if I were you, I would just try it and say thanks!
Thanks Terrence!
Electric razors and I don’t seem to get along. I apply the pre-shave. The electric does all right on both sides of the face, but not so good on chin and by the nose. Anyone have any recommendations?
Hello Dale,
Thank you for the comment!
What type of electric shaver are you using?
Which is the better option? Rotary or Foil? I have a foil shaver which works pretty well and was thinking of getting a rotary one to try out to see if there is a significant difference.
Thanks for the question Darryl! It really depends on how your skin reacts to the different shaving systems. With a rotary shaver, your hairs will be cut by blades moving in a circular motion as opposed to a foil shaver that will cut the hair in an up and down / back and forth motion. In my opinion the foil shaver provides a better opportunity to cut in the same direction of the hair growth. This aspect of the foil shaver is very important for men that suffer with shaving irritation. I hope that helps, good luck!
Great article and great work. I still have a concern with ingrown hair. I use a trimmer because I opt for a 1/8 inch low cut beard and a trimmer give a crisp sharp line-up look that rotary or foil cannot. However, ingrown hairs and bumps still occur in the areas that have a smooth shave like neck and high cheek. Very annoying. How do I avoid this?
Thanks Michael! It may be possible that the trimmers you’re using may perhaps be cutting your hair too short, or you beard hair is very curly. Wavy and curly beards, typically grow out of the skin at an angle anywhere from 0-40 degrees (Ingrown hairs? Here’s why! – http://www.themensroom.com/shaving/ingrown-hairs-heres-why/), so yours may be on the lower end. The best way to avoid this, is to stay on top of the hairs that you see growing back into the skin. Here are two articles that can help you master those ingrown hairs for good! ~ (Quick question!… – http://www.themensroom.com/shaving/quick-question/) & (These bumps keep coming back!?! – http://www.themensroom.com/shaving/these-bumps-keep-coming-back/)