Here are a few pros to take a look at.

First, electric razors can be used without any other grooming items. This means you can save money by not having to buy shaving cream or gels to apply to your face before each shave.

Speaking of the shave, you will be spending a lot less time when you are shaving with an electric shaver. You are able to roll the shaver up the skin, as opposed to having to go down with a standard manual razor. Not only does it go quicker, but you don’t have to go over an area multiple times like you do with a standard razor.

While electric shavers work well to shave the hair all the way down to the skin, it can also easily handle sideburns, goatees, beards, mustaches and more. A manual razor does not have near the versatility, making it almost impossible to groom your facial hair if you have it. Most electric razors have a trimmer attached that can make things easy.

Once you are all done with your shave, you will notice that an electric shaver will not cause nearly the amount of nicks, cuts and ingrown hairs that you would get with a standard razor. This is because the shavers have a lot of safety features that make sure you don’t slip and hurt yourself. With a manual razor, one slip of the hand can cause some serious blood to start squirting.

Cleanup is much easier as well when you are sticking to an electric shaver. When you use a manual razor, the hair just falls to the ground or in the sink and could cause some clogging issues. With an electric razor, the hair can actually be stored in the shaver. You will have to empty it every once in a while, but this makes things so much easier when you are done shaving. Just dump the hair in the trash and move on.

The pros outweigh the cons by a lot, but there are a few things to look out for with electric shavers. Mainly, they can cause irritation at first and they sometimes can’t get as close as you can get with a manual razor. Most people are able to overcome these shortcomings and see that electric shaving can be very beneficial.

If you are ready to make the change, there are numerous options out there. Find one that is capable of cutting your facial hair the way you want it to, and give it a try for a few weeks. The first one might be tough to get used to, but after a while you will wonder why you were ever still shaving manually. Be sure to chose the best electric shaver for your needs to avoid any disappointment.

Before you part with your hard earned cash for an electric shaver there are two options to consider. Firstly, what type of electric shaver should you buy – Foil or Rotary? And secondly, which brand of shaver should you go with?

Foil and Rotary Shavers – what’s the difference?

Before I talk about what I think is the best option between shaver types and brands. I am going to provide some details about the actual difference between the foil and rotary shaver. The foil electric shaver itself was first patented way back in 1928 by an American inventor called Jacob Schick. The electric shaver design was developed further by the manufacturer Remington in 1937.

Soon after another great inventor named Alexandre Horowitz who lived in the Netherlands and worked for the Philips company went on to invent the first successful revolving (rotary type) electric shaver. Over the years major manufacturers have made improvements to the original design which we continue to see to this day. Early electric shavers were designed only for dry shaving but one of the biggest improvements in design has been the waterproof shaver heads which now make many electric shavers suitable for both wet and dry shaving.

How do they work?

Foil:

The name “foil” is in reference to the very thin, foil like lair of metal where the shaver blades are situated behind. The foil acts as a thin screen which has tiny slots and holes cut in it. These slots and holes are designed to capture hairs of varying lengths where they are lifted away from the surface of the skin to be cut by the blades behind the foil. The shaver blades are positioned in a straight line and depending on the model can have between 1 and 5 rows of blades (also know as cutting elements). The blades operate by moving in an oscillating (side to side) motion to cut hairs. The foil shaver is used in the traditional up and down movement across the face that most people are accustomed to from experience with manual shaving.

Rotary:

The name “Rotary” quite obviously comes from the spinning or revolving way in which this type of electric shaver operates. They were designed to give better contour following of the features on the face. The rotary shaver is typically made up of 1 to 4 rotating shaver heads where spinning blades are situated behind circular shaped foils. Small holes and slots on the circular foils capture hairs and spinning blades behind the foil cut the hairs off. This type of shave is used in a circular pattern when shaving.

Both Foil and Rotary shavers are specially designed to be hypoallergenic to ensure irritation is kept to a minimum. With most good quality electric shavers the large majority of reviewers and users repost no skin irritation at all. Of course, every one is different as we all have different skin and hair types so there is no way to definitively say whether one is better than the other in terms of eliminating skin irritation.

Foil vs Rotary Shavers – Which is Best?

No one is better than the other as both give unparalleled shaving results and it’s really down to personal preference in whether you select a foil shaver over a rotary or vice versa. Some people want to stick with the traditional up and down motion they are used to with manual shaving and enjoy the flat surface of a foil shaver. Where other people on the other hand prefer to shave in circular motions with a rotary shaver. Both shaver types can give a close and irritation free shave which is all that is really desired from a shaver.

However, because there are many different makes, models and designs, each shaver can give varying results. My suggestion would be to try whichever type of shaver sounds most appealing to you. For example, if you choose to buy a foil shaver and are happy with the way that the shave feels and the result you get then stick with that.

In terms of shaving results, they are equally matched. The only real difference that I can think of that would make one better than the other is that foil shavers allow for more precise shaving. Because the foil shaver is flat and has a straight surface, you are able to shave side burns and around a goatee with more precision for styling. If this is something that is important to you then a foil shaver would be a better choice.

Foil vs Rotary – Which Manufacturer is Best?

So now that you have decided on which type of electric shaver that you want to go with it’s now time to think about makes, models and brands. There are two main market leaders in the electric shavers industry that you will no doubt be familiar with – Braun and Philips.

Philips:

Philips would be the best choice if you are looking to buy a rotary type shaver. Philips manufacture the best rotary shavers on the market and this is their field of expertise. All there focus and attention has been on designing the world’s best rotary shavers. One of Philips top of the range and most popular rotary electric shaver is the Philips RQ1280 SensoTouch GyroFlex 3D. The rotary heads on this shaver are designed to easily adjust to all the contours of the face and neck in a unique design that Philips have named “GyroFlex 3D”

The Philips RQ1280 SensoTouch shaver heads also have a patented “lift and cut” system, SkinGlide and UltraTrack features. The “Lift and Cut” system lifts each hair away from the surface of the skin before cutting to give the closest shave possible. The SkinGlide feature is made up of a low-friction surface on the shaver heads to aid in producing a smooth irritation free shave. Finally, the UltraTrack feature is made up of three specialized tracks on each of the circular rotary shave heads which works in three stages. Tack 1 cuts normal hairs, track 2 cuts flat lying hairs and track 3 cuts the shortest stubble.

Braun:

If you choose to go with a foil shaver then Braun is the brand of choice. They are the undisputed masters when it comes to foil shavers and all their shavers are built around this design. They have a wide range of foil shavers available on the market and one of their most popular and highly rated models is the Braun Series 7 720.

Braun have developed a feature they call “OptiFoil” which is found in the Braun Series 7 foil shavers and is their most advanced foil design. The foil has ergonomically sized holes that much like the Philips “UltraTrack” feature that I mentioned, works by using three cutting foils. First foil for normal cutting, the second lifts flat lying hairs in hard to reach places and the third cuts close to the skin for a smooth finish. Each of the three foils move independently and operate on a free floating flexible System which allows the shaver to adapt to the contours on the face and neck.

Points to consider when switching to an Electric Shaver

As you can see there are some great options available whether you decide to buy a foil or rotary shaver when you make that switch from manual to electric. Whatever type of brand of shaver you decide to buy, also consider these three points below:

1) It’s essential to give yourself a time period to adapt to the change when you start using an electric shaver. It’s recommended you give yourself at least 30 days for you face to adjust to your new electric shaver. Only after this 30 day adjustment period can you truly determine whether the type of shaver is the right choice and suited to you personally. Most shavers come with a money back guarantee of some sort so if after 30 days you are not happy with your purchase, and you are within the guarantee period, simply send it back and give a different shaver a try.

2) Select a shaver with a good quality battery because the last thing you want is the shaver to die on you in the middle of a shave. Most of the high quality shavers manufactured by Braun or Philips will give a good 60 minutes of cordless free shaving and a durable battery that will retain a charge for the maximum time. There is also a “Quick charge” feature that comes with some of the good quality shavers that charges the shaver in just 5 minutes from flat and gives the shaver enough power to get you through one shave.

3) Avoid the temptation of buying a super cheap electric shaver from an unknown brand. Some of these very low quality shavers give an uncomfortable shave that is not close ether. Shoot for the middle ground as there are plenty of high quality mid range options from reputable brands such as Braun and Philips. Also, when you do finally find a shaver that you want to buy, be sure to read through some of the customer feedback reviews to see what others have to say about the shaver before you buy.

Good luck on which every choice you make and I hope you find your new electric shaver enjoyable.

Going on holiday should be a relaxing and stress free time. By talking an electric shaver with you it eliminates the morning chore of having to go through the wet shave routine. Bringing your electric shaver along on holiday allows you to leave one of those 9 to 5, Monday to Friday routines at home.

Aside from the benefits of having an electric shaver with you at your holiday destination, It could be that you will be traveling for a long period of time. So what do you do if you are felling uncomfortable and want to shave but you are on a plane? Obviously going to the bathroom with a razor, shaving foam and moisturiser is not practical. The solution for a shave while traveling would be to use an electric shaver, but the question remains, are these allowed on board a plane?

Airport and aeroplane security is of the highest priority and tighter than ever. Air port security has the power to confiscate any item they consider dangers. With some expensive electric shavers costing over £300 you are not going to be too happy if it gets confiscated by airport security.

The UK government website Direct.gov.uk has compiled a list of electronic items that you are allowed to take in both hand baggage and holding baggage. You will be please to know that according to their table electric shavers are allowed to be taken in hand baggage.

You can see the full list of permitted electronic items allowed on the table below:

Should you have any further questions or clarification on what you are allowed on hand baggage then contact your airline and/or departure airport.

With such a huge amount of hair we need to cut over a year, obviously shaving blades will need to be replaced. One of the main advantages of using an electric shaver over shaving manually with a razor blade is that you do not need to replace the blades as often. Disposable razor blades need to be replaced often. The very cheap disposable razor blades do not last as long as the more expensive types such as Gillette Fusion Proglide. Personally, when I shaved with good blades such as Gillette Mac 3 I was replacing them every few weeks, and replacement blades of this type is not cheap!

Why should I replace my electric shaver blades?

Even with the choice of the best materials in manufacturing electric shaver blades, over time they will loose their sharpness. Replacement of the blades is necessary for peak performance of the shaver and to ensure a close, comfortable shave all year round. Failing to replace the blades within the manufacturers recommended time frame will result in your shave becoming less close, uncomfortable and could lead to irritation.

Replacement electric shaver blades usually come complete with new head, foil and blades, so after replacing them it’s like using a brand new shaver right out the box.

How often do I need to replace my electric shaver blades?

Replacement time requirements of the blades in an electric shaver depend on the manufacturer. For example, the very popular Braun Series range of electric shavers is recommended for replacing the foil and cutter block every 18 months. While the also very popular Philips GyroFlex 3D range has a recommended replacement duration of 24 months (a whole 2 years!)

Looking after your blades

To keep your electric shaver blades operating at peak performance and to ensure that they last right up to the manufacturer replacement time, there’s a number of steps you should follow. Depending on the make and model of your electric shaver it will require a different level of maintenance. Some electric razors/shavers need to be kept well oiled, so make sure this is not missed if you have a shaver that requires this task. Also, make sure to keep your blades clean and free from build up of hairs. This is a very easy task to do as most electric shavers are water proof so just a quick rinse under running water will do the job.

At the moment Braun offer a “Clean & Renew” charging stand with some of their electric shaver models. What this little machine does is keep the shaver heads clean and lubricated so that the blades are always it top condition and operating at peak performance for the entire 18 months before needing replaced. The Braun “Clean & Renew” system uses an alcohol based cleaning liquid which efficiently removes cut hairs from the shaver head and leaves it hygienically clean. At the same time the system lubricates the blades so there is no need for you to use oil manually, and this feature leaves a refreshing lemon scent ready for your next shave. The “Clean & Renew” system that comes with the Braun series 7 models has a fast clean function which cleans the shaver heads perfectly in only 25 seconds. All that you need to do is place the shaver in the “Clean & Renew” stand after each shave and press one button, job done!

Other popular brands such as Philips have a similar machine called a “Clean & Charge” system which is available on models such as the “Philips Senso 3D Touch RQ1280CC” and operates much like the Braun “Clean & Renew”. If you are investing in an electric shaver, we highly recommend that you pay a little extra and purchase a model with one of these easy maintenance systems.

Where can I get replacement blades and what do they cost?

There are many places you can purchase new shaver heads. You could go directly to the manufacturer or search online, but this could turn out to be quite expensive. We recommend buying replacements at Amazon.co.uk as they usually have a wide range available in stock, offer free shipping and the best price.

At the time of writing this post the Philips RQ replacement shaver heads/blades suitable for models RQ1260, RQ1250, RQ1280 and 3D sensotouch is priced at £25 which is not a bad expense considering replacement is only required every 2 years. For the Braun Series we mentioned, replacement foil and cutters range in price from £16 up to £24 depending on model requirements. Again, not bad for a cost that you only need to cover every 18 months.

Are the shaver heads/blades easy to replace?

The short answer – very easy! To give you an idea of just how easy it is to replace these parts I have provided two videos below to demonstrate.

Replacing Braun and Philips Electric Shaver Blades

When reading customer reviews on some electric shavers I would find people saying things like “this is the best electric razor I have ever used”, while at the same time someone else will leave a very negative review on the same product. I have read reviews from people who love their new electric shaver and were happy with how comfortable and close the shave is. But some people will complain that the same electric shaver was uncomfortable, caused redness and even cut their skin.

There are a few reasons as to why two people using the same electric shaver had such a different experience. I have detailed below some of these reasons in more detail. If you are having trouble with using an electric shaver then these points on how best to use an electric shaver may shed some light on the problem and help steer you in the right direction for a comfortable shave.

How to use an Electric Shaver

Some people will buy a nice new electric shaver or will receive one as a gift, only to abandon it a few days later complaining that it’s causing irritation, or simply doesn’t work. Providing you have a good quality electric razor you shouldn’t be experiencing any problems if you are using it properly.

Firstly, you need to give your skin a time period of around 5 days use to adapt to the new electric shaver. You also need to read through the instruction booklet provided by the manufacturer that comes with the electric shaver as it should contain a guide on how best to use that particular model.

Make sure that you are using the correct shaving technique depending on shaver type. If you have a foil electric shaver for example, this will be used in a different way to a rotary shaver. With a foil electric shaver you will shave in a straight up and down motion. But with a rotary shaver you need to shave in circular patterns across the surface of the skin. Some people get on much better with a foil shaver over rotary, and vice versa. Give them both a try to see which type best suits you and your skin.

I personally prefer a foil shaver as I like to shave using the up and down motion I’m accustomed to with manual wet shaving and a foil shaver is also much better at precise detailing around side burns.

Preparing for using an Electric Shaver

If you are shaving first thing in the morning, don’t stagger straight into the bathroom and start shaving, give you and your skin a little time to wake up. This helps reduce puffiness so your skin becomes a better shaving surface.

Avoid using a very cheap or low quality electric shaver. Instead, use a good quality electric shaver such as the Braun Series 3 390cc for best shaving results. Also be sure to maintain the performance of your shaver by keeping it clean and replacing the blades when necessary.

Most electric shavers are designed to be used with applying very light pressure. When I first used the Philips PowerTouch PT720 it caused me some discomfort around the neck. However, after using the shaver a few more times I found that I was pressing to hard against the skin during shaving and this was the reason for the discomfort. Try shaving slower while using less pressure.

Use one hand to stretch the skin a little, making it tight and flat. This will stop the skin from creasing up, aiding in giving a close shave with less irritation and more precision.

Another reason as to why a particular electric shaver is causing red or sore skin is down to skin type. As we all have different skin types, some people that have very sensitive skin could experience discomfort and irritation from an electric shaver. If you do suffer from sensitive skin problems it would be best to use a wet and dry electric shave such as the Philips SensoTouch 3D. By using this kind of shaver you can use oils or shaving gels suitable for sensitive skin.

Tyler from Electric-Shaver-Guide.com gives a great Video on how to use an electric shaver properly

In fact, It’s my belief through my own personal experience that electric shavers cause less irritation than manual wet shaving & they are better suited for people who have sensitive skin. They are Particulary beneficial for people who suffer from acne, manual razor blades will catch bumps on the skin such as spots which ends up with a cut. This kind of thing is less likely to happen with an electric shaver.

Believe me, I know how much of a problem having sensitive skin can be when shaving. Not only can it be painful & uncomfortable but can leave an unsightly red rash. This horrible, uncomfortable red rash can make you feel very self conscious & quite down. Now you are probably reading this because you are looking for a change, maybe you fear that an electric shaver will leave your skin in a worse mess than a wet shave or maybe you are looking for a specific electric shave that is suited to people with sensitive skin.

Well let me clear this up for you right now – there is an electric shaver that we know about that can help with sensitive skin. We also have some great tips & techniques you can apply to make shaving more comfortable & irritation free.

Let’s start with electric shaver – shaving technique

The general rule when wet shaving is to shave in the direction of the hair growth, but when using an electric shaver we recommend you shave against the direction of the hair growth. – why? Because most electric shaver heads have a foil which is specially designed to lift hairs away from the skin before cutting. By shaving against the grain or direction of hair growth you are allowing the maximum number of hairs to enter the shaver head to be cut & results in a more even, close shave.

To find the direction of hair growth on your face & neck simply rub your hands back & forth over your skin. Which every direction feels the roughest is the direction you want to be shaving in. This may sound completely obvious to most of you but some men are not fully aware of their direction of hair growth, particular under the chin & around the neck area.

Another tip is to gently pull the skin in the opposite direction you are shaving so as to tighten the skin, making a smother, flatter shaving surface. This stops the skin from creasing while shaving & creates a more even, close, smooth shave. A very good technique to use for people with sensitive skin.

If you are using a rotary style electric shave such as the Philips Senso touch the best way to use this shaver is by making small circular motions across the skin.

Do not press down to firmly against the skin during shaving. Electric shavers are very effective at lifting the hairs away from the skin so there is no need to apply too much pressure. Also be sure not to repeatedly shave over the same area. This just causes an increase in skin irritation & if you are applying the correct shaving techniques then you should not need to shave each area more than once.
Pre shave preparation for sensitive skin

To further reduce irritation it’s a great idea to shower before shaving. With warm to hot water & steam running over your skin it will soften the hair. This softening of the beard makes cutting of the hairs much easier & reduces resistance.

There are several ways you can do this. By soaking a towel in warm water than holding it against the skin, then pat dry & you are ready to shave with the electric shaver. It’s not advised to use an electric shaver on wet skin as it can cause the shaver head to clog up with hair during shaving. However, you can use the electric shaver while in the shower, this is not only a real time saver but can be very beneficial to people who suffer with sensitive skin problem.

Most electric shavers are water proof so don’t worry about that, by shaving in the shower you will have the benefit of softening the hair from the warm water & steam. Your skin will also be lubricated by the water & you don’t need to worry about the shaver clogging up with hairs as they will be getting rinsed out by the water from the shower itself.

Electric shavers with shaving gels, foam & cream

As we discussed above you should pre-pair your skin for shaving. As well as softening the hair you can also apply some lubrication to the skin such as an oil which is my favourite after shaving gels. Shaving oils are probably the least popular as most people are creatures of habit & stick with their usual shaving foam without every thinking about trying a shaving oil. Shaving oils are not just extremely effective at lubricating the skin for a comfortable shave but also leave the skin soft & moisturised afterwards.

Some great shaving oils you may want to take a look at are King of Shaves Kinexium & Clarins Men Shave Ease, both great products.
The best electric shavers for sensitive skin sufferers

Now that we have covered some tips & techniques you can apply to reduce the irritation caused during shaving we can now tell you the best electric shaver to buy.

Take a look at the unique electric shaver from Philips called the Philips Nivea For Men Coolskin. It has a unique design where it dispenses a lubricating, moisturising conditioner directly to the skin during shaving. There really is no other shaver link this & is perfect for those suffering with sensitive skin or acne. Use this shaver with the techniques we covered above & you are on your way to smooth, irritation free skin.