Electric Shavers Shopping Guide

Electric shavers will help you save money on razors while helping prevent cuts and razor burn. They last for years while giving you a smooth, close shave whenever you need it. But finding the right shaver can be difficult, as there is a wide range of devices to choose from.

Some of the high-end models can cost well over $300, so you should know exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

Foil vs. Rotary Shavers

There are two main types of electric shavers: foil and rotary. Both types do the trick, but there’s usually a personal preference for either.

Foil Shavers

Foil shavers use oscillating blades that are safely tucked behind a screen. Your facial hair goes through the screen and into the moving blades, giving you a close shave without any risk of nicking your skin. Because of how a foil shaver operates, you have to use it in a straight line, whether from side to side or up and down.

Because of the foil construction, this shaver can actually help smooth your skin. It allows for a closer shave while also being gentle on the skin, making it a great option for someone with sensitive skin.

For everyday, fast shaves, the foil shaver is a favorite. It can get the job done without having to go over the same hairy spots again and again.

The downside? Foil shavers tend to be noisier, so if you’re working with tight quarters and a partner who’s a light sleeper, this could be something to keep in mind.

Rotary Shavers

Rotary shavers have separate round heads with rotating blades that sit behind a protective grid. Since they have multiple heads, rotary shavers do a good job of moving with the contours of your face. The round heads work well in circular motion, so they can grab wily neck stubble that grows in at all different directions.

Along with this, their design works perfectly for longer hair, giving them an advantage over foil shavers. For someone that doesn’t shave daily and lets their facial hair grow over a few days in between shaves, a rotary shaver will make it easier to jump back into a professional meeting.

Because a rotary shaver works better with coarse hair and rougher skin, it is typically a better choice for someone who’s learning how to shave for the first time.

For someone looking for a closer shave, rotary shavers tend to lose out to foil. However, rotary shavers adjust much better to the shape of your face, helping smooth out jawlines.

As a wildcard option, you can find a number of electric shavers that use an open blade with small oscillating teeth. These shavers are more like a traditional pair of hair trimmers, so they’re great for cleaning up lines along your neck and sideburns.

Wet/Dry Shavers

There are a number of electric shavers that are designed to work in the shower, but don’t assume that all shavers will be waterproof. Some will get ruined if you take them into the shower, so you better make sure they’re equipped to be covered in water.

If you plan on using your shaver in the shower, check for a wet/dry shaver that is fully waterproof. Keep in mind that just because a shaver is waterproof does not mean that you can use with shaving creams and gels.

Type of Facial Hair

Before picking out an electric shaver, you should consider the type of facial hair you have. This will help determine the type of shaver that’s best for you.

If you have fine hair, then a single foil shaver will work well, giving you a close shave without too much skin irritation.

However, if you have thicker hair, you may need a double foil shaver to get a close enough shave. For very coarse hair, you’ll probably be best off with a rotary shaver featuring at least three heads. You can also opt for a trimmer if you need to quickly remove large amounts of hair.

Type of Battery and Efficiency Features

Most electric shavers are powered by rechargeable batteries. Some use removable batteries that are charged by connecting to a plug-in charging pack, while others connect directly to a charging cable.

Battery life varies widely by shaver, as does charging time. Some will take a full night to charge to give you enough juice for around 8 shaves. Many shavers also have a quick charging emergency feature, where they can be charged in around 5 minutes for a quick shave.

Many modern electric shavers have built-in automatic shutoff features that preserve battery. If you’re the type who often forgets to turn off their electronics, check for this feature before making your purchase.

Accessories and Add-Ons

Many shavers come with a variety of add-ons, including a cleaning brush and attachments. If you plan on using the shaver for travel, look for one that comes with a travel case. This will make it much easier to pack up and go on your next trip.

You should also check if the shaver comes with replacement blades. Even high-quality blades will wear out eventually, so you’ll need to replace them every 1 to 2 years.

Price

Prices for electric shavers vary widely, with models starting at around $30 and ranging well over $300. Although you don’t need a high-end model to get a great shave, a decent, reliable shaver is well worth the investment.

Shavers under $50 will get the job done, but they won’t have many added features, and you may end up replacing them quickly. They also won’t give you as close of a shave, and may irritate your skin. For those with sensitive skin, investing a little more into your shaver will make a world of a difference during your day-to-day.

Find The Right Electric Shaver

There are quite a few quality shavers out there, so it can be hard to find the right one for you. You can also find a number of different types of electric shavers, with the best one depending on the type of facial hair you have as well as the type of shave results you’re looking for. With so many shavers to choose from, you’ll easily find the one that’s perfect for you.

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