With a countless number of electric shavers on the market, it’s no surprise that choosing the right one can quickly turn into a dilemma. Everyone wants to look their best when they step out of the house and into the world… Having uneven facial hair, razor burn and cuts all over your face is the last thing you want. With proper technique and a decent shaver, you can say goodbye to the issues that the less prepared will inevitably run into!

Now this guide will show you what you NEED to look for when choosing the right shaver, which is one part of the equation (You can view our technique article here). With a number of criteria you need to consider, we’ve broken it down into:

• Foil vs. Rotary
• Cost
• Wet vs. Dry Shaver
• Power Source
• Maintenance
• Accessories

Foil vs. Rotary

Electric razors typically fall into 2 different categories:

Foil-type Shavers: have a cutting blade that is covered by a piece of very thin, curved metal with holes poked through it. Used in a back and forth motion, the shaver moves smoothly over your face and cuts through any hair that pokes through the holes in the foil. Because the blades don’t come into contact with your skin, it’s good for people with sensitive skin that are prone to razor burn. Foil type shavers will usually give you a faster shave than the rotary shaver because of the amount of surface area covered by the foil.

Rotary-type Shavers: normally come with at least three heads with rounded edges, with circular rotating blades under each head. Used in a circular motion, these heads are contoured and flexible, conforming to your face. This type of shaver is great for people who have long, thick facial hair and aren’t prone to razor burn. This will also be a better match if you have an angular face. Rotary shavers are also much quieter than foil-type shavers if a silent razor is something you’re looking for. h

We also recommend getting a shaver with a trimmer if you want to have the flexibility of trimming your hair at different lengths or going in for a close shave.

As you can see, depending on the density of your hair, how often you shave, facial shape and skin sensitivity… all of these factors will affect which type of shaver would best suit you.

Cost

Electric Razors can range in cost from $20 to well over $400! There’s quite a range in price, but we never recommend buying cheap razors! It’s always worth it to buy a decent razor. Not having to deal with razor burn, uneven stubble, hair pulling, malfunctioning parts… investing a bit more into a decent razor will save you a world of headache that is all too common when it comes to cheap, lower end razors. Reputable brands such as Philips, Braun, Panasonic and Remington make good quality, reliable shavers.

Wet vs. Dry Shaver

We recommend going with a shaver that can be used in both wet and dry conditions. That way if you like to shave in the shower or use shaving gel, or if you’re on the run and can’t be bothered to use water you won’t be limited to using the shaver in only dry or wet conditions. Most electric razors are water resistant so you can wash them off in the sink… but that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof (The higher-end razors are usually waterproof)! So be careful and make sure to read the labels so you don’t end up frying your electric razor!

Power Source

Do you do most of your shaving at home in your bathroom? Do you tend to travel a lot? Depending on your lifestyle and where you tend to shave, this can affect whether you should use a shaver that is battery-powered, corded, or a plug-in.

Battery-powered and plug-in razors give you the freedom and convenience to shave wherever you want. They’re especially useful if you’re constantly travelling. Of course the downside to this is you will always need to keep fresh batteries with you or making sure you always have the charger with you when you’re out travelling.

The positive for using a corded razor is that you will always have your razor at full power and never have to worry about charging it. Of course the downside is you have to deal with tangled cables and finding a power outlet.

Maintenance

How easy is it to clean? Skin infections and breakouts tend to happen when you use a dirty razor. Some units have self-cleaning options that are built into the charging port. Some razors need to be cleaned and oiled more frequently than others, so depending on how often you want to routinely maintain your shaver this can affect the type of shaver you would be looking for.

Accessories

Does it come with oil lubricant? A travel case or a cleaning brush? Of course these aren’t vital when deciding what razor to buy since it’s easy to buy them separately, but it’s always nice when razors come with the full package!

Conclusion

With everyone having unique features ranging from your facial hair to skin sensitivity and shaving habits, there are many factors that needs to be considered. We hope this guide has helped you with making a decision on what you should be looking for when buying an electric shaver!

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