STACK's ultimate buying guide to electric shavers
Paul Jones
STACK Editor-in-Chief
Going electric when it comes to shaving has never been more popular. But if you’re new to electric shavers, where do you start? You’ll find everything that you need to know right here.
At a glance
What to look for in an electric shaver
Types of electric shavers
Tips for the perfect electric shave
Shaving for first-timers
Tips for electric shavers and sensitive skin
Electric shavers for every budget
What does your shaving regime look like? Do you pursue the eternal, clean-shaven look and hit the bathroom mirror daily? Maybe you spread the chore over two or three days and rock the five o’clock shadow until it heads towards midnight? Or do you only reach for the razor when you start to twitch uncontrollably on a full moon?
Irrespective of your shaving ritual, we can all probably agree that shaving can be a pain – both figuratively and sometimes literally. Traditional shaving is time-consuming, messy, and not always thorough, and it can often lead to a dreaded razor cut!
So, what’s the answer? It’s simple – go electric.
Why electric?
The initial cost of a good electric shaver may seem like a pain point, but if you’re using disposable razors, the dollars can soon add up. With only three to seven uses per razor, disposables are not only bad for the budget, but they’re bad for the planet. And then there’s the cost of reusable razorblades – it’s enough to turn the hair grey.
An electric shaver is portable, convenient, reliable, feature-packed, and easy to maintain.
Are there different types of electric shavers?
We’re glad you asked! There are two main design types currently available, and, believe it or not, they have been essentially the same since the early 1960s. These are foil and rotary.
Foil
A foil refers to one or more thin metal bars that cover the cutting blades. The foil bars are perforated, and as these glide over the skin, the hair is trained into the holes and cut. The contemporary foil shavers are designed to flex and follow the contours of the face.
The foil is popular, with many users reporting a closer shave. Easy to clean and accurate for the chin, neckline, and even behind the neck, foil shavers are suitable for shorter and thinner beards and are favoured by those with delicate or sensitive skin.
Rotary
As the name suggests, rotary shavers have two, three, or even four small circular discs on top of the unit. The heads flex in multiple directions and the blades underneath cut the hair as the discs spin.
Rotary shavers are well suited to faces with longer beard length and medium to coarse hair, making them suitable for those who don’t want to shave daily.
On the charge
Shavers can be powered directly from the mains, battery operated, or rechargeable. Battery-operated shavers provide an excellent option for the traveller, but for daily use at home, it’s hard to go past a rechargeable model.
Rechargeable batteries offer complete convenience. Many models now come with a fast charge feature, so if you get caught with a flat battery mid-shave, a short time on the charger will provide enough battery life to finish.
Dry vs wet shaving
There are pros and cons to both dry and wet shaving. Some traditionalists (read as your dad) swear by wet shaving, citing water softens the whisker making for a smoother and closer finish.
However, electric shavers have come a long way. A good, premium model will produce a great close dry shave in very little time and without all the mess of a wet shave. Of course, for those looking for the best of both worlds, look for a wet/dry electric shaver that can be used in the shower.
Let’s talk budget
While it’s possible to enter the market at the sub-$100 price point, the adage buy once, buy well applies when it comes to electric shavers. While it can be tempting to cut economic corners, opt to stretch the budget and shop premium. You won’t regret it - here’s why.
The blades
It all comes down to the blades. You don’t want to sacrifice here, so shoot for the top. An electric shaver with high-quality stainless-steel blades will not only last longer, but they’ll cut better, too.
The motor
At the heart of every electric shaver is the motor. A good, high-powered motor provides a quieter and consistent faster blade movement, leading to a smoother shave. It will also reduce vibrations for added comfort.
Feature-packed
The higher end of the market usually comes with a heap of extra features such as lift and cut technology, excellent contour adaptation to suit your face, built-in trimmers, and adjustable settings for different skin and hair types. Smart features like app controls and battery life displays are also popular.
Durability
Durability and reliability are key considerations if the shaver gets a lot of use. Premium models are designed to weather frequent use for longer.
Clean machine
Every electric shaver requires some cleaning. This could range from rinsing it under a tap or in the shower, utilising an in-built self-cleaning feature, or manually sweeping out the bristles with a small brush.
If you want to get the best – and the longest time – out of your shaver, it’s crucial to stay on top of the maintenance.
Trim for the win
Alongside an electric shaver, a trimmer is vital to any grooming regime. Trimmers can cut, thin out, and shape beards, trim sideburns, and keep your ears, nose, and eyebrows respectable.
Trimmers can be sold as individual devices to work in conjunction with a shaver, and some shavers can be bought with built-in trimmers.
Finally, can I get as close a shave with an electric shaver as I can with a razor?
Yes, you can. Stick with the reputable brands known for their expertise in electric shavers and opt for the models at the top of the shelf.
5 quick tips for the perfect electric shave
1. Look for a quality pre-shave gel or lotion designed specifically for electric shavers. It will help lubricate and soften the hair for shaving.
2. Don’t press too hard against the skin. Apply gentle, consistent pressure.
3. When shaving, go against the grain. Use one hand to hold the shaver at a right angle to the face and the other to pull the area of the skin being worked on tight. This will help prevent snagging. Employ back-and-forth strokes for a foil shaver and circular motions for a rotary model.
4. Keep the shaver well-maintained. Your face and bank account will thank you for it.
5. Once completed, splash your face with cold water to close the pores. Pick a good quality post-shave moisturiser or aftershave balm to soothe the skin.
Shaving for first-timers
Hair growth differs from person to person. For some, it can appear at age ten, while others won’t get any hair on their face until their mid to late teens. Knowing when to begin shaving is a personal decision, but when the time is right, an electric shaver is an excellent place to start.
An electric shaver’s significant advantage is avoiding any nicks and cuts to the face. Don’t expect to get it right on the first attempt. Like anything, using an electric shaver properly takes time, but stick to it. It’s far more forgiving than a razor.
If you’re looking for a good beginner’s electric shaver, the Philips 5000X Series Wet & Dry Electric Shaver is a great place to start. Catering to first-time sensitive skin, Philips has what it calls SkinGlide protective coating. The microbead coating means the shaver glides more smoothly, decreasing the risk of irritation.
The shaver head is flexible, as are the three rotary shavers, offering maximum skin contact even in tricky areas. Its blades are made from corrosion-free steel. This hypoallergenic steel is kinder to the skin.
The shaver is light enough to handle for extended periods and features a grooved body to ensure that it doesn’t slip out of your hand when wet. Yes, you can use gel or shaving foam to use the 5000X at the basin or in the shower. And cleaning couldn’t be easier – flip the head open and flush it out under a tap.
There’s even a trimmer attachment included for shaping hair or beard growth. A full charge will get about 50 minutes of use, and if it runs out mid-shave, a five-minute charge will give you enough to finish the job. For those new to the art of shaving, the Philips 5000X Series Wet & Dry Electric Shaver makes a good starting point.
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5 top tips for electric shavers and sensitive skin
1. Choose a high-quality foil shaver. It will be kinder to your skin.
2. Look for a shaver with hypoallergenic blades.
3. Cleanse your face first and apply a pre-shave lotion.
4. Don’t let the shaver get too warm – it might inflame the skin. Begin with sensitive areas like the neck while the shaver is still cool.
5. Finish with an aftershave balm.
^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.
