Your essential guide to shaving, trimming, and hair removal
Bec Summer
STACK Writer
Stubble, beard and body hair removal can often be a complicated job, but there are a range of shavers and trimmers available to simplify the process. By keeping these key points in mind, you can cut through the available options and find the right device.
Frequency and needs
How often do you shave and trim, and what’s the texture of your hair? Do you need a shaver or trimmer that's waterproof, mobile with long battery life, and easy to clean? Keep these factors on the field as you peruse the range.
Versatility
A quality body trimmer is dexterous and adaptable enough to be used on all parts of the body. The ideal all-in-one device will give you more bang-for-your-buck, and many come with a variety of attachments to make things even easier to crop to the correct length.
Electric excellence
Skin irritation isn't something you just have to live with. An electric shaver will protect you from nicks and cuts, as the blades don't actually scrape your skin and still deliver a super-close shave. And unlike a razor, your hair won't be tugged, and you're less likely to suffer those dreaded ingrown hairs.
The convenience factor
An electric shaver's blades last many months longer than a humble razor, which is alone worth the investment. And they're a lot easier to clean and maintain, with no rinsing after each stroke to get rid of stubble and skin build-up.
Wet-and-dry wonders
A wet-and-dry shaver or body hair trimmer has a fully water-resistant casing, so you can choose a quick and convenient dry shave or the closer and often more comfortable wet option with shaving foam and gel, or in the shower.
Foil, rotary, or single-blade shaver?
The difference between these three types is in the way they cut the hair. Single-blade shavers cut simply and cleanly, while electric rotary shavers typically have three round heads to cut in a circular scythe-like motion as you move the shaver in small circles across your face. Electric foil shavers have straight heads and oscillating blades, so you'll be moving the shaver up and down to get that smooth finish.
Hair types
If you're in the thick 'n' coarse sphere of facial hair – of if your beard grows in different directions – a rotary shaver is the way to go. While not as gentle on the skin as foil shavers, they have the brawn to chop through unruly hair that tends to stand up straight. They're great at manoeuvring around your neck and chin and ideal for those who don't need to shave every day.
Fine hair lies flatter against the skin, so if you're one of these cats, you'll probably do well with a foil shaver. It'll provide a super clean and smooth look and is excellent for precision work like sideburns.
Body hair is typically coarser than the hair on your head, so durability is an important factor when choosing a trimmer.
Smart shaving
AI has arrived in the shaving universe! Philips' SkinIQ is a technological marvel, sensing and adapting to your facial contours with its Motion Control sensor and guiding you to an improved shaving technique with fewer passes across your skin. A sensor reads hair density 500 times per second and feeds the info to a simple system of three coloured lights, which indicate whether you're pressing too hard, not hard enough, or just right, helping you find the perfect pressure.
Battery biz
If you almost always use your shaver or trimmer in the bathroom at home, its battery life may not be a deciding factor – you can just pop it into its charging station after each use. But if you want on-the-go convenience, check out your chosen device's battery life. An hour of cordless shaving and trimming time is excellent, and some shavers – such as the Braun Series 8 – will give you a five-minute quick charge to get you through a single shave.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
