Electric Razors - How to Choose an Electric Razor
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC RAZOR
What type of electric razor should you buy?
Over the years I have tried a seemingly endless number of razors; that includes any number traditional one-to-four blade straight-handle (manual) models, as well as electric razors from both Remington and Norelco. All razors, be they manual or electric, tend to irritate my skin to some degree and leave razor bumps. Black men as whole are more susceptible to razor bumps than white men because of the course curly nature of our hair (more on that below).
Traditional razors tend to irritate my skin the most, and through experimentation over the past 25 years, I have found that Norelco electric razors with their rotary blade design tend to irritate my skin far less than all the others. So, I have stuck with them for the past twelve years. Remington electric razors on the other hand are just not right for my type of skin/hair combination, so I stay away from them.
My experience with electric razors points out that one size does not fit all when it comes to shaving with an electric shaver.
The science of electric shaving
In deciding which electric razor is right for you, I think it is important to understand how facial and hair follicles react to the shaving process.
On the surface of the face individual hair follicles located below the skin's surface continually push a shaft of protein through pores located throughout the skin. As the hairs push through the skin surface, they form a beard, mustache, or sideburns. Most Black American men have very curly hair which can grow out of the skin, but then curl upon itself and reenter the skin resulting in bumps. Shaving, especially with a traditional manual straight razor can greatly exacerbate this condition because the process of blade shaving cuts the hair at an angle, making it sharp. The now sharpened and curly hair then sometimes curls back toward the skin and can puncture the skin and become ingrown. This leads to red bumps and skin irritation, which can be very painful for some men. The malady is known as shaving bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae.
On the other hand straight razors act like exfoliates as they cut through the hairs and top layer of facial skin. In the shaving process individual hairs are temporarily lifted above the top layer of skin by either one of a set of twin or more blades, or by the swiping action of the blade holder. When the hair is released, it slides back under the skin and the result (for some) is a smooth layer of skin without visible hairs. The hair follicles are not killed, just cut below the visible skin surface, where it may take several hours, or days for new facial hairs to reappear; this of course depends on the individual.
Types of electric razors: Rotary shavers versus Foil Shavers
Both electric razor types use foils to cover the blades and help draw in and separate the individual hairs.
Rotary Shavers
A rotary-blade shaver typically has three blades covered by corresponding foils suspended by springs that allow the mated pairs to flex in order to match the contours of the face to being shaved. As the shaving head moves across the facial (or head) area, the skin is slightly rolled to lift the hair from below the surface not unlike the traditional straight razor.
The stationary mesh foils completely cover three spinning wheels with small blades on their outer edges. The hairs enter the foil through the mesh and the rotary cutter quickly cuts them off at the back side of the foil. The cut hairs then fall into the hollow portion of the shaver and the skin falls back into place.
Phillips makes and markets the best-selling brand of rotary razor under the brand name Norelco. I personally like these razors because they provide a smooth shave without pulling the hair bodily from my face.
Best Philips electric razorsFoil Shavers
A straight-blade foil shaver only uses one set of cutters/razors instead of three, and the (mesh) foil itself is usually much thinner and therefore much more delicate than those found on rotary razors. Electric razor foils are generally made from smooth metals such as stainless steel, platinum or titanium. The foil is made as thin as possible in order to get closer to the skin, thereby affecting a smoother shave.
The thinner the metal standing between the cutter blades and the face, the closer the shave should be. In a straight foil shaver, the foil allows hair to enter through tiny openings and a series of cutters attached to one or two long assemblies vibrate rapidly against the back surface of the foil. The blades essentially grind off the hair until it can no longer penetrate the protective foil. Applying a slight pressure on the face forces the hairs to rise from below the skin surface, leading-hopefully-to a close shave.
Both Braun and Remington manufacture straight-blade razors. I have tried Remington electric razors and they are not for me; they pull my hair out, not cut it, but Braun electric razors receive high marks.
Don't forget the ladies! How to choose women's electric shavers:
While the stable of women's electric razors is not as large as men's, both Philips Norelco and Remington offer solutions for hair removal. Norelco sells only the dreaded Epilator, which removes hair by pulling it out at the root much like a professional hot wax job. Remington on the other hand serves up a whole line of women's hair removal products including shavers, Epilators, bikini trimmers, and other personals grooming products.
Other Important Considerations when buying razors - Now that we have discussed the differences between rotary vs. straight electric razors, there are a few more factors to consider as you narrow down your choices. These factors include:
- Wet vs. dry- Are you pressed for time? Need to shower and shave at the same time? Several electric shaver models can be used in the shower thanks to the batteries that power them. But be careful shaving in the shower to save time may not give the closest shave. My own experience has not been positive in the wet arena, but of course every man has to make his own assessment. A dry shave for me has always yielded the best result.
- Lotion - Norelco introduced the lotion electric razor combination (called the Norelco Moisturizing Shaving System), in which lotion is dispensed via a small nozzle from a small packed at the back of the razor. The lotion is designed to lubricate the skin as the razor does its business. Based on my experience the combination works well and I obtain a closer more soothing shave with lotion than without it.
- Cost - Electric shavers vary in price widely according to features, features, and, well features. Prices range from $29.99 for the Braun FreeControl 1775 to $287.43 for the Braun Pulsonic System 9585CC; from $69.99 for the Philips Norelco 8020X Moisturizing Shaving System, to $199.99 for the new Philips Norelco Arcitec 1050x. Check the Consumer Search website for a comprehensive price comparison.
- Etc. - Aside for user reviews, determining factors include how well the shaver travels; e.g. does it come with a travel case that fits not only the shaver but the charging stand and any accessories as well. And speaking of accessories, how much do replacement blades and or foils cost; how much are the lotion packs, and can I order over the Internet? Does the razor include an integrated beard and mustache trimmer?
To Sum it All Up...
Electric shavers have become a viable alternative to the tradition multi-blade straight razor and shaving cream. For removing a full beard manual razors remain the only viable choice, but for everyday shaving chores nothing beats an electric razor, especially for me as one who has suffered through the pain and embarrassment of shaving bumps.
The choice in electric shaving is straight versus rotary, both of which utilize foils to draw the hairs of the face, or scalp, in and cut them off below the skin. While straight-blade did not work for me, rotary-blade razors get the job done, in comfort, and without causing razor bumps.
When purchasing an electric razor, make sure to take these and other factors into consideration. Depending on individual preferences, and desired/needed features, the choices are as wide as the price-points.
You would be wise to consider all of the factors discussed herein, conduct necessary research, read the reviews, and in the end make the best buying decision based on individual needs and desires. With due diligence and an eye on price your new electric razor should give you years of shaving pleasure.
