Shavers

As with many small appliances, electric shavers come in a dazzling array of styles with a wide range in price and features, and, as a result, choosing the right electric shaver can still be a confusing undertaking if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for.

So here are a few things to consider before making your purchase so you can make an informed choice.

Hair Type:It’s really important to understand that not all shavers cut in the same way, so you must think about what kind of hair you have, and make sure you purchase the appropriate shaver.

Fine/Sparse Facial Hairs - A single foil shaver could be well-suited to your skin and hair type if you don’t suffer from sensitive skin and have a relatively light beard growth.

Medium facial hairs: if you tend to experience skin irritation whilst using an electric shaver, then a dual foil or twin action shaver is probably better suited.

Coarse facial hairs: a triple foil/rotary head is suitable for tackling the widest range of beard types, including longer stubble and is also best-suited for use on sensitive skin.

Shaver styles:

Single Foil - This is the simplest model of shaver with straight rows of blades, or rotating blades. They are most suitable for men with fine hair or a slow beard growth.

Double Foil - This shaver has two moving heads and is faster than a single foil shaver. Double foil shavers will also give a smoother shave.

Triple Foil/Head - These types of shaver are fitted with three independent cutting elements to give a really precise shave. Most models have a built-in trimmer, too. Some models also dispense moisturiser as you shave for the smoothest finish possible.

Shaver Heads:

Rotary Blades – These particular heads usually have 2 or 3 blades under a slotted head, which rotate in a circular motion.

Foil Heads – These heads have fine angled blades that move rapidly in a side to side motion, shaving hairs from underneath an ultra-thin foil screen.

Power Type:

Mains – The most basic type of shaver is the kind you have to plug in. One major disadvantage is that you are limited to where you can use the shaver.

Mains rechargeable – As the name suggests, these shavers can be used when plugged into the mains and recharging, or unplugged and using it’s battery life.

Rechargeable – These shavers can be used cordlessly wherever you want, but not whilst they are being charged.

Battery – These types of shaver are usually for shaving whilst travelling, and are not suitable for everyday use as the batteries tend to go flat quickly.

Skin types

For those with sensitive skin there are various relevant features you can look for. Some have built-in moisturizing cream which is applied to your face as you shave, some require you to apply the lotion before you shave and some, if you find this bothersome, come with a foil designed not to irritate your skin.

Charging/quick charge/guages

All but the most basic rechargeable shavers include a gauge to show how much battery power is left and also on many models indicators to tell you when cutters need replacing. If you travel a lot you probably want to avoid the models that need an adaptor and instead opt for one with automatic worldwide voltage which means you can use your shaver on any 110-240 voltage AC system. Remember on rechargeables that normal recharging time is quite slow varying from 1 hour to 16 hours with this giving roughly 45 minutes shaving time. If you don’t want recharging cords lying about the place and you want a rechargeable shaver you should opt for one with an automatic charging unit. A quick charge facility taking 3 minutes is available on many models giving you one shave.

Trimmer

Nearly without exception all models these days come with a long hair trimmer or pop up trimmer as they are often called, which can be especially useful if you have a cheaper model and need to shave off a few days’ stubble: with the ordinary shaving action the shaver starts to struggle a bit. However, unlike with dedicated trimmers, they don’t have a depth guide and so are neither that easy to use or that accurate.

Maintenance

A shaver which is used daily is put to quite a bit of use; the parts on the shaver may wear and need to be replaced. With rotary shavers cutter and guards are sold together whilst for foil models they can be purchased separately. Spare parts can be quite pricey on some models and so check the guarantee before purchase. Many manufacturers offer a one year guarantee at least if not two years. If you don’t enjoy cleaning out your shaver from time to time, which prevents old stubble impairing the shave you get, buy a model with an automatic cleaning process. Battery life on the rechargeables is another significant factor to be borne in mind. Once you have purchased your shaver remember to follow the manufacturers instructions on re-charging as too much charging may shorten the life of your shaver. Instructions on when to change heads and cutters vary between one year or two depending upon how much you use your shaver and also the thickness of your stubble. Some models are washable.

Safety features

The debate as to which gives a better shave continues, although more men still prefer a wet to a dry shave, however one of the attractions of the electric shaver is that it won’t cut you: they’re all designed to maximize cutting of stubble at the same times as being safe. Whilst modern electrical shaver sockets are designed to cut out if there is an electrical short standard electric safety practice still applies: avoid putting your shaver near water unless it’s a washable model in which case the transformer is in the plug.

Convenience features

If you’re buying an electric shaver because you want to avoid the hassle of a wet shave you will probably want to avoid the types which offer lotion/moisturizing cream as you shave. The amount of noise shavers make differs quite considerably between models, some are noisy and some are very quiet, so if you don’t like a noisy shaving sound listen to its sound before you purchase and go for a quieter model.

Cleaning Options

Dry cleaning: a less hygienic option and often most associated with the more basic models. Shavers with a dry cleaning function can’t be cleaned with water but are equipped with a special brush to remove all the hair.

Under-water cleaning: shavers with this feature can be run under the tap, for a quick and easy way of keeping your shaver clean.

Cleaning systems: available on some more advanced models, these automatically clean your shaver to leave it feeling like new at the touch of a button.

Additional Shaver Attributes

Shower usage: some electric shaver models can be used in the shower, for an even more flexible and convenient shave. For use in the shower it is important to make sure it is fully waterproof and not just washable.

Precision/Beard Trimmer: most models come with a beard trimmer. This is a great feature that allows you to style your beard or designer stubble exactly the way you want it. Most electric shavers have a beard trimmer, attached to the back of the shaver head but some premium shavers have the additional feature of a precision trimmer for even more control.

Ergonomics: the fit of the shaver is also important, for a great shave it is essential that it fits in your hand comfortably and is easy for you to use.

Moisturiser: For a really smooth shave that will leave your face feeling smooth and silky, remember to moisturise your skin after shaving – particularly if you suffer from sensitive skin. Alternatively, you could try an electric shaver that dispenses moisturiser as you shave.

Self-cleaning: a great feature if you’re short of time (as it cleans whilst recharging the shaver) or the thought of cleaning the product thoroughly puts you off buying an electric shaver. It is also excellent for people who suffer from sensitive skin as hairs can harbour bacteria, which can aggravate sensitive skin. Doing the whole job for you, the shaver usually comes with a self-cleaning dock, but cleaning fluid is required to complete the job.