This must be one of the most popular questions when it comes to electric shavers.
And it makes perfect sense — lots of men switch to electric razors just to avoid the discomfort caused by shaving with a blade.
Regardless if you’re coming directly from traditional wet shaving or you just want to upgrade your current electric razor, you’ll most likely want two things: a close shave and a comfortable, pain-free experience.
However, finding that elusive best shaver for sensitive skin is not always easy and straightforward.
I’ve been dealing with sensitive skin for my entire teenage and adult life and shaving was always a challenge.
After testing and owning dozens of electric razors, here are my personal picks in 2023 for men with sensitive skin.
Hopefully, this article will help you find the right shaver so you can finally enjoy an irritation-free shave.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Are electric shavers good for sensitive skin?
Yes, they certainly can be.
With the right shaver and proper technique, I think most men will find electric shaving beneficial when dealing with certain skin issues.
For example, shaving with a blade when experiencing razor bumps will only make things worse.
If your facial hair has a tendency to become ingrown, an electric shaver is a much better option.
Granted, a mild double-edge razor and a high-quality shaving cream can also work well (definitely better than cartridge razors and canned foam), but your skin will still take a toll compared to using a gentle electric razor.
The actual cutting blades don’t come in contact with the skin and oscillate behind a perforated thin metal screen, cutting the hairs as they protrude through the holes.
In addition to the standard perforated holes, most modern electric razors have at least one cutting element specifically designed to cut difficult hairs.
And by difficult hairs I mostly refer to longer, flat-lying hairs that are sometimes left behind by less capable shavers.
In the image above you can see two such elements on the shaving head of the Braun Series 9 (for a total of four).
What are the qualities of a shaver suitable for sensitive skin?
Even though many electric shavers out there will work just fine for some men, there are some aspects to keep in mind if your skin is prone to irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs.
As someone who had to deal with this for years, I tried many shavers in order to find the ones that wouldn’t leave my face looking and feeling terrible.
In my opinion, these are the most important hallmarks of an electric shaver suitable for sensitive skin:
Sharp blades.
It may be a bit surprising to start off with this one, but high-quality, sharp blades are one of the key elements of a shaver suitable for sensitive skin.
Dull blades can cause the razor to pull the hairs and the closeness of the shave will suffer as well.
This will eventually lead to more pressure being applied and will force you to do excessive passes, increasing the risk of razor burn and irritation.
An example of quality blades is Panasonic’s 30 degrees nano blades that have an aggressive 30 degrees bevel (as the name implies).
This allows the blades to cut the hairs clean, efficiently and without pulling or yanking them.
You should also consider the replacement foils and blades when looking to buy a new electric shaver.
They should be readily available and ideally not too expensive.
Gentle and powerful.
Razor burn, rashes, and micro-cuts occur when a very thin layer of skin cells is actually being scraped off by the blades.
It’s usually the skin around hair follicles that pokes through the perforations in the foils.
Some electric shavers are more aggressive than others and will leave you with a nasty, painful rash even if you’re extremely careful and use light pressure.
Also, you will definitely feel the difference between a shaver fitted with a motor that runs at around 7000 CPM (cycles per minute) and with one that operates at 10 000 – 14 000 CPM.
An electric razor that has a more powerful motor will shave faster, smoother and with fewer passes, needs little to no pressure applied and contributes to a comfortable shave.
Yes, there’s more to an electric shaver than just numbers and specs, but a punchy and torquey motor is definitely a good starting point.
A shaving head that doesn’t get hot during operation.
This is yet another important and poorly documented aspect in most reviews out there.
If the shaving head gets very hot due to the friction between the blades and the foils, it will cause a great deal of discomfort and even razor burn.
You should also lubricate your razor regularly to reduce the heat generated during use and to minimize wear on the blades and foils (more on that later on).
There are shavers that remain cool and comfortable during use (even in the case of an extended shaving session) as we’ll see later on.
Being able to shave longer hairs that stay flat on the skin.
As someone with sensitive skin, you’ll sometimes have to wait a couple of days or even more between shaving sessions.
Your skin may need some time to recover and heal before subjecting it again to a potentially irritating factor, like shaving.
Therefore, the shaver must cope well with longer hairs.
Many electric shavers have some trouble when shaving flat-lying hairs that grow in different directions, especially on the neck, requiring multiple strokes and thus increasing the chances of irritation.
An electric razor suitable for sensitive skin should also perform well on a longer beard (up to 4 days between shaving sessions).
Wet & dry operation.
Wet shaving with an electric razor can be extremely beneficial to men with sensitive skin.
Even though it takes longer and requires more prep work, it can make a big difference in some cases.
I encourage you to give it a try if your razor is suitable for wet/dry operation.
Some electric razors (like the ones from Panasonic) are a lot gentler to the skin when used with a quality shaving cream vs just shaving dry.
Rotary vs foil shavers for sensitive skin
Recommending one type of shaver vs another based on anecdotal evidence will always be somewhat personal and subjective.
And that’s the case here as well.
I personally prefer foil shavers as I’ve always found them to be more comfortable and easier to use.
I also feel more confident and in control with a foil shaver compared to using a rotary razor.
Moreover, some rotary razors, especially the older Philips with Lift&Cut blades, have a tendency to pull and yank the hairs when you’re a bit sloppy and can also cause some stinging and discomfort.
There are of course users that are not affected by these issues (or only to a small degree) and that’s perfectly fine as well.
However, most men that have used both types seem to be on the same page as me when it comes to rotary vs foil shavers for sensitive skin.
For these reasons I consider foil razors to be generally a safer choice.
Choosing a shaver ultimately comes down to the user’s particular needs and personal preferences.
You should always choose whatever seems to work best for you.
Now that we’ve covered the boring part, it’s time to check out some actual shavers so you can hopefully narrow down your options.
What are some of the best electric shavers for sensitive skin (2023)?
1. Braun Series 9 9390cc
Pros
- Extremely comfortable and gentle to the skin
- Close shaves
- Great for longer, wiry, flat-lying hairs
- Suitable for very sensitive skin, ingrown hairs
- Practical cleaning station
- Fast and powerful, suitable for coarse beards
Cons
- Similar closeness to the less expensive Series 7
- Pricey
- Overkill for light beards
- Manual cleaning can be more difficult in time
The Series 9 family is the latest and greatest from the popular German brand and represents an evolution of the iconic Series 7.
Building upon an already solid foundation, the Series 9 is a more powerful and advanced electric shaver that’s also an excellent choice for men with sensitive skin.
Shaving with the Series 9 is a really enjoyable experience.
The foils remain cool during use and the shaver is supremely comfortable, with no hairs getting pulled even when shaving a three-day beard or even more.
The addition of the fourth cutting element called a Direct & Cut trimmer, makes the Series 9 very effective at cutting longer hairs that grow in different directions, requiring fewer strokes compared to most other foil shavers.
The Series 9 is really impressive in how it manages to provide close shaves while being very gentle to the skin.
It feels effortless to use and will have no trouble shaving even very coarse stubble.
For these reasons, the Series 9 is probably the best electric razor out there for men with sensitive skin, provided that the budget is not really a constraint.
Side note: you’re probably aware that Braun recently released an update to this line called the Series 9 Pro.
After using both the Pro and the Standard Series 9, I can confirm that the original one is actually a bit more comfortable, thus a better choice for users with sensitive skin.
There are several variations of the Series 9, all of them offering pretty much the same performance.
The cc models include an automatic cleaning station, while the s models do not.
The 9390cc seems to be the best option (at least in the USA) as it generally costs less than other Series 9 cc models and is suitable for wet and dry use.
However, most users will probably stick to shaving dry and with the Series 9, that’s perfectly fine because the razor is already very gentle and forgiving.
Since all Series 9 models starting with 92 or 93 shave the same, you should simply buy the one available in your country for the best price.
For more details, you can read a comprehensive comparison between all the different Series 9 variations here.
I’d recommend you opt for a cc Series 9 that also includes an automatic cleaning station.
It works great, it’s very practical and makes cleaning a non-issue.
Even if you don’t use it after every shave (and you probably shouldn’t), it’s really handy to have and to get the shaving head thoroughly cleaned and lubricated every once in a while.
This will prevent dirt from accumulating inside the head that would normally be more difficult to remove manually.
Besides, there are inexpensive third-party cleaning solutions available as well.
With that said, the Series 9 is a bit pricey and for most men, other less expensive options can also work just fine.
2. Braun Series 7 790CC
Pros
- Very comfortable (even during a dry shave)
- Suitable for very sensitive skin
- Close shaves
- (Usually) costs less than a Series 9
- Works surprisingly well with longer, flat-lying hairs
- Suitable for coarse beards
Cons
- Difficult to find in 2023
- Pricey
The Series 7 is a shaver that needs no introduction, being one of the most acclaimed shavers out there for its performance and supremely comfortable shaves.
Also, due to the so-called micro-pulsations and specially designed middle trimmer, it’s very effective at shaving coarse, long or short hairs that grow in different directions.
It has a powerful motor, a 3-blade cutting system and a foil that was designed to be gentle to the skin.
The Braun 790cc is one of the most popular variations of the Series 7 family.
Being an older model, it’s only suitable for shaving dry (even though it is fully waterproof for easy cleaning with tap water).
However, since the Series 7 is already very comfortable during a dry shave, most users won’t see a significant benefit in the addition of shaving cream.
If you’re willing to give wet shaving a try, a Panasonic electric shaver would probably be a better option as the comfort will be greatly improved in that case.
The Series 7 can also be a more budget-friendly alternative to the pricey Series 9.
As I said in the direct comparison of the Series 7 and Series 9, for most users the Series 7 will work perfectly fine and only a few will see a significant difference when using the Series 9.
In fact, the Series 7 with its slimmer shaving head feels more nimble and maneuverable, making it a better option for someone just getting started with electric shavers.
I think a Series 7 model like the 790cc that includes a cleaning station is the way to go here as well; it’s very effective and you won’t be saving a lot by going for a solo variation.
You can also opt for a third-party cleaning solution and keep the cost of ownership very low.
For more details on all the other Series 7 models, you can read my in-depth comparison and pick the right one for you.
Unfortunately, with the introduction of the new generation, Braun also started to phase out the older and superior Series 7 shavers like the 790cc.
For that reason, finding one in 2023 is a real challenge. But luckily, we do have a viable alternative as you’ll see next.
3. Braun Series 8 8457cc
Pros
- Very comfortable (even during a dry shave)
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Similar to a Series 7 performance-wise
- Very good value for money
- Excellent design and build quality
- Suitable for coarse beards
Cons
- Noisy during use
- Not as refined and smooth as a Series 7 or 9
Since the old generation Series 7 shavers have sadly been discontinued, the Braun Series 8 is the next best thing.
Performance-wise, the Series 8 is extremely similar to the Series 7 and inherits most of its good traits.
While the name might suggest a superior line of shavers — after all, 8 is greater than 7 — the Series 8 is essentially a rebranded Series 5 (the old and excellent generation).
It comes with a nicer design and a larger battery as well for 60 minutes of cordless shaving.
And while the old Series 7 still has the edge in my opinion, being more refined and better at capturing longer, flat-lying hairs, the Series 8 is an excellent performer as well.
What’s more, it’s very gentle and forgiving, something we’re particularly interested in.
The shaving head is comprised of three individual cutting elements and it’s immediately obvious that it looks almost identical to the one of the old Series 7:
The similar performance is no surprise and in 2023 the Series 8 is probably the best alternative to the discontinued Series 7.
Moreover, the price is also pretty reasonable, undercutting the Series 9 by a lot.
It’s particularly the case with the solo models like the Series 8 8417s, but I would personally consider a cc variation (with a cleaning station) like the 8457cc/8467cc or 8370cc.
I own the latter and I’ve been really happy with it for the last 3 years.
By the way, no matter which Series 8 you end up getting, the shaving performance will be identical.
Also, a solo Series 8 will actually work with a compatible cleaning station purchased later on (more details on that here).
Shaving with the Series 8 is a nice and enjoyable experience, although a Series 9 and Series 7 will feel just a bit smoother.
The closeness is also on par with the Series 7, which for the vast majority of men will be good enough.
I personally prefer to shave with the Series 8 dry with the Speick pre-shave lotion, but you can also use shaving cream or gel.
It works great on short to moderately long stubble (up to 3 days of growth, maybe even 4) and deals surprisingly well with flat-lying hairs.
The Series 9 is still the best in that regard, but again, the Series 8 is quite capable as well.
If you don’t want to spend a premium on a Series 9, the Series 8 is definitely a solid alternative that will be perfectly suitable for sensitive skin.
4. Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV6U
Pros
- Very fast and powerful
- Very close shaves
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Excellent wet shaving performance
- High quality, sharp blades
- Great build quality
- Very easy to clean manually
Cons
- Pricey
- Overkill for light beards
- Bulking shaving head takes some getting used to
- Not ideal for long, flat-lying hairs
Braun electric razors, especially the ones from the Series 7 and up, are in my opinion the ones to have if you suffer from razor burn, ingrown hairs or pseudofolliculitis.
That said, they do come with a slight compromise to the closeness of the shave.
But that’s actually beneficial in several cases as a really close shave can exacerbate certain skin issues like ingrown hairs.
If however the problem is less severe and you also want a really close shave, then you should check out the Arc 5 line from Panasonic.
Currently in its third generation, the defining characteristic of this family of shavers is the (rather excessive) 5-blade shaving head.
Coupled with an industry-leading 14 000 CPM linear-drive motor, the Panasonic Arc 5 is a fantastic performer that excels at providing very close shaves.
While the previous generation did so at the expense of comfort, the latest models are better in this regard and can represent a viable option for men with sensitive skin that also need a really close shave.
The foils were redesigned to be gentler and two rollers were added to improve the gliding on the skin and prevent you from applying too much pressure.
I will admit that I was very skeptical at first, but after using several of the new Arc 5 models I can honestly say that they really work.
There are lots of different shaver models available and you can read my Arc 5 comparison guide if you want all the details.
But the one I would recommend is the 2021 Arc 5 which was launched outside of Japan and you’ll also find it under the Series 900 name.
I own the ES-LV5U model (blue), but the black ES-LV6U is currently the easiest to get worldwide and the one I’d recommend for precisely that reason.
I picked this Arc 5 generation over the other ones mainly because of the redesigned outer foil which is in my experience the most comfortable and forgiving Arc 5 foil.
The Panasonic Arc 6 is maybe slightly more comfortable, but the price is still outrageously high, which is why I still chose the Series 900 as my Panasonic shaver of choice for sensitive skin.
This thing shaves incredibly close while still remaining adequately comfortable.
There is a caveat though — it works best on short facial hair and you must be a bit more mindful about the pressure as it’s not as forgiving as the Braun shavers above.
But the Arc 5/Series 900 should nevertheless be comfortable enough.
I’m able to shave dry without any issues, again, provided I use it every two days or so.
Panasonic razors aren’t as good at catching those flat-lying hairs, which is why shaving more often would yield the best results.
The Arc 5 (Series 900) also has a massive shaving head, so it will take some getting used to. A Series 7 or 8 is definitely nimbler and easier to use.
Despite some impressive flexing of the Panasonic shaving head, it’s not as effective in practice as the simple front to back swivel of the Series 7, 8 or 9.
But it will reward you with one of the closest shaves of any electric razor.
The Panasonic is also really powerful and smooth and works effortlessly on coarse and dense stubble.
It’s very easy to clean manually and I would actually get one of the models that don’t include a cleaning station.
Despite being an excellent cleaning system, the Panasonic stations aren’t as practical as the ones from Braun.
The concentrated detergent is mixed with water in the station’s tray and you cannot just take it out and store it like you can with the Braun cartridges.
Moreover, you don’t have nearly as many options for third-party cleaning solutions.
I personally always clean my Panasonic razors with water and soap; it’s fast and effective and I also save some money.
The Panasonic Series 900 works incredibly well with shaving cream.
While it can definitely be comfortable when shaving dry, adding a quality shaving cream will give you one of the closest and most comfortable shaves possible.
My shaving cream of choice is Speick, but I also use the Beard Lube shaving balm from Jack Black.
Both work incredibly well if you have very sensitive skin.
I also wrote a detailed guide on how to wet shave with an electric razor if you want to check it out.
The shavers listed so far are definitely some of the best out there, but they may not fit within a tight budget.
Sharp blades, fast motors, premium features and an overall high-quality shaver usually come with a higher price tag.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good razor that’s also easy on the wallet.
Granted, they won’t match the performance of the high-end razors, but they can do a very decent job, especially if you shave more often.
5. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Inexpensive replacement shaving heads
- Very good value for money
- Wet & dry use
- Excellent for beginners
Cons
- A bit underpowered for coarse, dense facial hair
- Works best when used on shorter hairs
- Doesn’t shave as close as the more advanced shavers
A great inexpensive option is another razor from Braun, the Series 3 ProSkin 3040s that I reviewed in detail here.
It’s a really good budget shaver for sensitive skin, providing very comfortable shaves.
You won’t get the same closeness and performance as with the more advanced Series 8, but then again the 3040s costs significantly less and will be good enough in many situations.
If you have light to medium facial hair, the Series 3 will definitely be a suitable choice.
You should also consider it if you shave daily or every other day and you’re more interested in comfort than getting a very close shave.
Compared to other similarly priced foil shavers like the Panasonic Arc 3, it does a surprisingly decent job at shaving a 2 to 3 days beard as well.
But again, don’t expect Series 8 performance.
I highly recommend the use of a pre-shave lotion with any of the razors recommended in this article, but particularly with the less advanced ones like the Series 3.
My personal favorites are the ones from Speick and Tabac, they really do make a difference when shaving dry.
The Series 3 3040s also offers excellent value for money as it has a very reasonable price and the replacement shaving heads (32b) are inexpensive and durable.
It’s no surprise that this particular model continues to be one of the most popular Braun models even in 2023.
6. Philips Norelco Series 3000 (Shaver 3500)
Pros
- Close and comfortable shaves
- Good performance on longer stubble
- Reasonably priced
- Integrated pop-up trimmer
- Cheap and durable replacement heads
Cons
- Cordless only use
- Not quite as comfortable as a good foil razor
Deal alert: If you can get it for less, the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 is identical performance-wise but also includes a charging stand.
Finally, I will also share an option for men who prefer rotary shavers.
As mentioned in the beginning, I think a foil shaver would be a safer choice if you don’t know what to choose.
But if you know from previous experience that you get along better with rotaries, the new Series 3000 from Philips is in my opinion the best budget-friendly rotary.
It’s surprisingly comfortable as well — I can’t shave dry with any rotary, but this one was adequately smooth for my skin.
In the Series 3000, you basically have two options: the Shaver 3500 or the Shaver 3800.
Apart from the fact that the latter also includes a charging stand, they are absolutely identical.
Since for most men the stand isn’t a must-have and the 3800 is usually a bit more expensive, I think the Shaver 3500 would be the best option for most users.
I own the 3800 and I’ve never used the stand, to be honest.
This Philips rotary is very enjoyable and easy to use and I actually prefer the form factor and shaving head to the more expensive Series 6000, 7000 and even 9000/Prestige.
I’d say the closeness and comfort are maybe a bit below the Series 3 ProSkin from Braun, but still perfectly adequate for a rotary.
The comfort is really good and I never experienced any pulling or pinching (many other rotaries did that in the past).
It’s very effective on longer, flat-lying hairs as well, so it should be a good option even if you don’t shave very often.
The SH30 replacement blades are durable and reasonably priced which will make this shaver one of the most economical in the long run.
It works well wet or dry and the battery life is really good.
If you want a budget-friendly rotary that’s not aggressive to the skin, then look no further.
7. Xiaomi Braun Travel Shaver
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Easy to use and clean
- Wet & dry use
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited availability outside of China
- Works best when used on shorter hairs
- Doesn’t shave as close as the more advanced shavers
Finally, I thought I should include a compact travel shaver as well.
The problem with most of these inexpensive, basic, portable shavers is that they either don’t shave well enough or are quite harsh on the skin.
And you may not always want to bring your expensive Series 9 or Arc 5 when going on a vacation.
Less than a year ago I stumbled upon this really interesting shaver which is a collab between Braun and Xiaomi.
Braun probably brought their expertise and know-how when it comes to foil shaving systems, while Xiaomi did the rest.
And they actually managed to come up with a remarkable shaver.
Precisely, the comfort during the shave from this tiny double-foil shaver is outstanding.
And not only by travel shaver standards — it’s one of the most comfortable shavers I have ever used.
I didn’t have high expectations as I never really liked compact shavers — too many compromises.
However, I was really surprised by the performance of this unique shaver.
The shaving head is comprised of a foil element and a slit cutter.
When shaving, you would ideally lead with the slit cutter to pre-trim the longer hairs and the remaining stump will then be cut at skin level by the foil.
And it works really well.
I wouldn’t use it on anything more than a 2-day beard, although I think it can even manage 3.
But your shave will then take a lot longer as well.
So ideally you’ll want to use this shaver more often to get the most out of it.
It feels a lot more capable than most similar travel shavers and I actually enjoy shaving with it.
And that’s something I can’t say about the rest– except for the Arc 5 CV70 which is really expensive.
This Xiaomi Braun is very compact and lightweight, easy to use and clean and comes with a special cable you can connect to a USB-A charging port.
The build quality is really solid as well and includes a protective cover as well.
It is an excellent choice for someone with sensitive skin for shaving on the go.
I never experienced the slightest discomfort or razor burn during or after the shave.
The closeness isn’t quite as good as in the case of the full-fledged shavers above, but still perfectly adequate.
The only real issue with this shaver is the limited availability.
Precisely, you will need to buy it from China (AliExpress), so the shipping time will be long.
Effective shaving tips for men with sensitive skin
Now that you’ve hopefully decided which electric shaver would be more suitable for your needs and budget, it’s time to put it to good use.
Prep work and shaving technique are important and even more so for men with sensitive skin.
There are a few, but very important aspects to keep in mind that can make the difference between a poor and a great shave, so I highly recommend reading the above-linked resources as well.
Getting the basics right is key to getting the most out of your shaver, especially if you’re dealing with post-shave rashes, razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
So how do you shave with an electric razor without irritation?
Here are a few tips that I consider to be particularly important and effective.
1. Your skin should be as dry as possible during a dry shave.
Most men that use electric razors prefer to shave dry because it’s fast and convenient.
And a dry shave will always be more effective, more comfortable and will also take less time if the skin is dry.
If you take a shower or wash your face right before shaving, it will likely have a negative aspect on the quality of the shave.
So you may want to shave before that or if your routine doesn’t allow it, a pre-shave lotion could help.
Some users are affected to a lesser degree by this and actually prefer to shower before a dry shave.
However, in most cases, having your skin as dry as possible will be beneficial.
2. Do not apply excessive pressure and use short, slow and controlled strokes.
This is pretty self-explanatory and really important for users with irritation-prone skin.
Even if the razors recommended in this guide are more forgiving than most out there, you should still proceed with caution and patience, especially when shaving the neck area for example.
Let the razor do the work and simply guide it using the slightest pressure.
You may be tempted to press harder in order to get a closer shave or capture some stubborn stray hairs, but that will only result in discomfort.
As mentioned in the beginning, pressing the foils too hard will cause some small bits of skin to poke through the holes and get cut by the blades.
This will be even worse if your skin is already tender from a previous shave.
3. Always shave against the grain.
If you’re switching from a cartridge or DE razor, this may sound a bit counterintuitive to someone with sensitive skin.
You’ve probably read countless tips saying that you should shave with the grain (or possibly across) in order to avoid all the bad stuff.
And that’s true in the case of traditional shaving (with a razor blade).
With electric razors, you’ll want to shave against the grain in order to get a smooth and comfortable shave.
That’s because of the very way they work: shavers are only effective at capturing and cutting hairs when going against the grain.
Make sure to also adjust the direction of the stroke if you have patches of hair that grow in a different direction than the rest.
4. Allow your skin a few days to heal before shaving again.
As mentioned previously, if the skin is still tender from the previous shave, you’ll probably make it worse by shaving again.
In this case, it’s best to let it heal for another day or two.
Try experimenting with shaving more or less often to see what works best in your case.
If shaving every few days seems to yield the best results, a Braun shaver like the Series 9 or 8 will be ideal since those can deal with longer facial hair really well.
5. Try a pre-shave lotion.
Most men will notice an improvement in both comfort and closeness when applying a pre-shave lotion before a dry shave.
Again, how significant this will be tends to vary a lot, but it’s worth giving it a try, especially if you have flat-lying hairs that get left behind by your shaver.
A word of caution: most pre-shaves contain alcohol and fragrance, so if those are known to be irritating factors to your skin, you may want to stay away from them.
6. Clean and lubricate your shaver regularly.
This is always good practice, but even more important if you have some post-shave skin issues.
Cleaning your shaver after every use, either manually or via an automatic cleaning station is vital for the hygiene of your shaver.
Here’s my guide on how to properly clean an electric razor manually (spoiler: it takes less than a minute).
Lubricating your shaver will however have the greatest impact.
It will reduce the friction and heat generated during use, it will shave faster, more efficiently and with greater comfort.
I find lubricating sprays to work the best, but you can also use any light mineral lubricants like clipper oil.
You can refer to this guide for information on how and when to lubricate your shaver.
7. Use a calming, hydrating aftershave balm.
Rinsing your face with cold water and following up with a soothing balm are the single best things you can do after shaving.
There are various options out there that are both inexpensive and effective.
I would stay away from the ones that contain alcohol unless you know from past experience that your skin gets along well with alcohol-based products.
Final word
You may find it strange that I only recommended a single rotary shaver; as mentioned in the beginning, I find foil razors to be better suited for very sensitive skin.
I think in most cases a foil shaver will have a greater chance of providing a more comfortable shave.
If you prefer a rotary shaver there are definitely some other solid options out there, like the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige or the more affordable Series 3000 or 7000.
Ultimately, a shaver suitable for sensitive skin is not a whole different machine that does some kind of magic.
Getting a pain-free shave is a matter of doing the prep work right, taking your time, using the right technique and, of course, the right shaver.
If you have any other questions make sure to post them in the comments below.
Would you include the Braun CoolTec shaver in your list for shavers for sensitive skin?
Hi Mo,
I haven’t used the CoolTec yet, so I cannot give you an answer based on my shaving experience with that particular razor.
Does the Braun 790cc work well with wet shaving/cream? Thanks.
I have always been a fan of my Braun series 7 that I’ve had for over 5 years and I used it on every part of my body. Even extremely sensitive areas. And yes i assure your imagination was correct. Someone was kind enough to steal my razor this year and I refuse to use a strait razor so I purchased a series 9. Either 7 or 9 they are both amazing with baby smooth close shaves and no pulling or biting on any part of your body
Hi Marc,
I would strongly recommend not using the Series 7 790cc with creams or gels as it wasn’t designed for wet shaving. The Braun 799cc on the other hand is pretty much an identical shaver, but fully waterproof and can be used with shaving creams. You can check out our review here: https://shavercheck.com/reviews/braun-series-7-799cc-review/
My husband is having radiotherapy to his face, and has been advised to get an electric razor. As his skin is now in a delicate state, can you recommend a suitable razor please.
Hi Pamela,
while everyone’s different and my recommendations are only based on anecdotal evidence, I would say that the Braun Series 9 or Series 7 are arguably the most comfortable electric shavers you can buy today. They do not get hot during use and are very gentle to the skin. I hope this helps and I wish your husband a speedy recovery.
Great article, just what I needed, cheers.
Thank you for your comment, Mark. I’m glad you found the information useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I only shave about 3 times per week. I’m lucky that my dad was a Native American and I inherited the low facial hair gene. But if I don’t shave those few times, it of course starts itching…no beard so no worry about that.
Question is this: I do have allergies mainly to items related to black dyes…that doesn’t only mean dyes, unfortunately perfumes also…Can you recommend one of the Braun shavers, 9/7 or even 3 series that would be good for me, along with a pre shave…do you think I would be better with the wet or dry shave?
Right now I’m using the single blade disposables, can’t use double etc…but I still get rash or maybe too much blood :)).
Thanks very much for your article and any help you may render,
Tony
Hello Tony,
If you have a very light beard, a Panasonic Arc 3 or a Braun Series 3 will probably be good enough. You could spend more on a powerful and advanced shaver like the Arc 4 or Series 5 recommended in this article, but from your comment that would probably be overkill. If you are allergic to perfumes I would suggest to only go for fragrance free products. There are a few shaving creams available like the Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort. The same applies for after shave balms, only use the ones with very light fragrances or none at all.
If you opt for a wet/dry electric shaver like the Series 3 3040s you can try shaving wet and dry and see which method works best for you. There’s really no other way than to simply try them both (if the shaver is suitable to be used in such a manner of course).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I use Philips electric shavers from last 6 years.
This time i use philips 890.
My skin os sensitive and hairs are veary hard.
Philips shaver not suitable for my skin. After shaving, i feel buring on my face.
Please suggest to me, Braun series 9 or 7 is good for me. Its working well on veary hard beard.
Hi,
Both the Series 7 and 9 are adequate for sensitive skin. However, the majority agrees that the Series 9 is better in this regard. After using both I am actually on the same page. Since you also have a coarse beard, the Series 9 would probably be a more suitable option.
I’m having Radiation Therapy and was Extremely glad to read your comments on Sensitive Electric Shavers, I have been advised to buy an Electric Shaver so this Article is very Special for me and I thank you for being Honest. Thanks again Bryan.
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for your comment! I’m glad you found the information useful. I hope you’ll find a suitable electric shaver and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I currently use the The Panasonic Arc 4 ES-LA63-S. It works great on my face, and I have no complaints there, but doesn’t really do any justice on my neck. I have been using a razor, but it has been giving me really bad razor burn. What do you think the best option is for shaving a neck that has very, very sensitive skin?
Hi Sam,
Definitely the Series 9 in my opinion. It is pricey though, so if you want a more budget oriented solution then the Series 7 would be the next best thing.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
First of all, a big compliment for this very useful blog!
I had a beard during almost 5 years and, because of many circumstances I shaved it completely. I was waring a beard mainly because more practical/ confortable and had not to shave regularly. Using wet traditional shaver (even the most expensievest), I often get cut and the skin irritates. I dare say that this was/is not due to preparation.
I’m now considering to buy an electrical shaver. I have relatively sensitive skin, not coarse beard, but hairs grow in different directions and mostly parallel to the skin. Too, because of the working environment, I normally have to shave every day (max every second day).
After reading your blog I tried to figure out what electric razor would be the most suitable for me. I think the series 9 from Braun would be the right choice. Do you agree? Further, I wasn’t shure wheter you tried/used it with shaving foam/soap. If yes, what can you say about the shaving results (closeness/confort)? Thank you in advance for your advice!
Sincerely,
Alessio
Hi Alessio,
The Series 9 will definitely be suitable for the job; in fact, since you will be shaving daily for most of the time and your facial hair isn’t particularly coarse, even the Series 7 would likely be good enough (if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option).
I did use the Series 9 with shaving cream, but because it was already very gentle during a dry shave I didn’t notice any significant improvements in comfort. The closeness was slightly better on my mustache area and chin where I have very thick stubble, but otherwise I assume the differences will again be negligible. I tend to stick to dry shaving with most Braun shavers.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Thank you for your advices. Finally went for a 9 series. I’m very satisfied.
Already shaving dry, it word well (no significant irritation, etc.). By a far better shaving experience compared to the classic wet shaver (even with high end products).
I wanted to give a try to a pre electric shaving product. The only I found was the Lab Series. Indeed the closeness of the shaving was improved.
Finally an inexpensive after shave lotion for sensitive skin from Nivea and it’s done.
Sincerely,
Alessio
Hi Alessio,
That’s awesome, I’m glad you’re satisfied with the purchase. I personally like the pre-shave from Speick better than the Lab Series solution; it’s not as oily and it also seems to work better — at least in my case.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi and a big thank you for the informative postings you’ve written. I have used and been happy with a Braun 530s-4 for over 2 years, it being the second after having 2 dry/wet Braun shavers years ago.
Now I have to replace the head and need to consider cost. Will my 530s-4 last another 2 years ? If not am I advised to buy a dry Series 5. Which one? I have a sensitive skin, yet also need to consider the value/cost of a replacement Braun. Or even a similar shaver from another brand?
Thanks again for your suggestions,
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment. Given proper care, your current shaver should easily last for another 2 years, so you could buy a replacement foil & blades set and keep using your 530s. When you decide to upgrade you might as well opt for the newer generation Series 5 shavers. Regarding which model to choose, that’s really up to you. All of them are the same in terms of shaving performance. The differences are related to accessories, wet & dry use and price. I wrote a detailed article on the different Series 5 models that addresses these aspects. If you were satisfied with your Series 5, I think you should stick to it. Braun is arguably the best for sensitive skin.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi. I have recently been diagnosed having nickel allergy in stainless steel products. Was now thinking of shifting to electric shavers. Could you please guide me which shaver should I use. Price is no consideration. All I want is that the foil and the shaver heads are hypoallergenic. Thank you so much
Hi,
I know with certainty that all Panasonic shavers use hypoallergenic steel for their foils and blades. The other manufacturer would be Wahl, but I haven’t personally used any and I also doubt they’re better than Panasonic razors. My advice would be to go for an Arc 4 like the one recommended in this article or even an Arc 5 like the ES-LV65-S.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I will be starting chemotherapy and radiation in two weeks for cancer on the back of my tongue and lymph glands. My skin around my neck will be very tender. I will not be able to use any pre or after shave liquids on it. Until now I have always used a manual safety razor. What would be your recommendation for me?
Hi John,
The Braun Series 9 and even the Series 7 are arguably the best electric shavers out there if you have sensitive skin. However, in your situation and depending on how serious the condition of your skin will be, you may not be able to use an electric shaver at all (that is to cut the hairs at skin level). If the skin on your neck will be very tender, an electric shaver may still be too harsh — even one that is normally very gentle and forgiving like the Series 9. A facial trimmer with the comb/guard set to the lowest length may actually be better in this case.
If you have the chance, please ask your doctor about using an electric shaver after you start the treatment. If it’s possible to use one, the Braun Series 9 or 7 are by far the most comfortable shavers when used dry without any pre-shave lotions or powders.
I hope this helps and I wish you a speedy and full recovery.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
thank for this, very useful.
Just want to double check one detail about the Braun 9 series, 9290cc
Does it trim the beard at different lengths as well or just shave?
I usually use my razor to trim my beard to constantly keep that 2/3 days beard look.
Will I be able to trim the beard like that with that razor?
if not which one you recommend that can shave and also trim at different lenght?
looking forward hearing from you
thanks
Best,
Hi Julian,
Thank you for your comment.
The Series 9 (and all the other razors in this list) can only be used to cut hairs at skin level, so unfortunately it will not work for maintaining a beard/stubble. You should check out an electric shaver that comes with various comb attachments like the Philips OneBlade or the Braun Series 3 3010BT. A facial/beard trimmer (Philips Norelco Multi Groomer, Braun BT3020 etc.) would be another option that can work great in your situation.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I shave about 4 times a week have been shaving using Gillete Fusion/Proglide type of razors for the past 15 years. Since an early age I always shaved against the grain and also my skin is sensitive especially in my mustache area, an area that I dread shaving every time I Shave. I now have to shave before showering and use a scrub as a substitute to shaving cream as it works much better and lessens the amount of blood that I get. I have used rotary razors in the past for a day or two however they leave a heavy shadow after I’m done shaving and it requires me to whip out the Gillette to finish the job, which irritates the skin even further.
Can I every switch to an electric shavers? What electric shaver do you recommend for me? I would love to start shaving daily as my hair is think and my skin is sensitive. And If electric shavers are not for me, any recommendations would help.
Hi Alex,
I’ve been in your position and I can totally relate. I think a foil electric shaver will work really well in your case. They shave closer compared to rotary razors and they’re also a lot more comfortable, at least that was my experience with every rotary razor I’ve ever used, including high-end Philips Norelco models. I would suggest a Braun Series 7 (790cc, 7865cc, 7893s) — they’re very comfortable and easy to use. For most men they’re perfectly smooth and gentle when used dry, but you can also try the wet/dry models with a quality shaving cream and see if there are any improvements.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
That was very informative. I’ve rd all the comments and I beleive series 7 is the best option for sensative skin and budget oriented.
Thanks alot
Thank you for your comment, Ahmed. That’s my opinion as well — the Series 7 is arguably the best option for sensitive skin while also offering good value for money.
Hi,
I’m looking for an electric shaver for my 17 years old son who has autism and has sensories issues I’m not sure which one is the best for him could you suggest one please.
Hi Eloisa,
In my opinion noise would be the main issue to deal with in this situation. Foil shavers (like the ones mentioned in this article) are significantly louder during use compared to rotary shavers and they also tend to vibrate a lot more. For this reason I think you should consider one of those instead. I wrote a very detailed article on this topic here. Depending on your budget, I would consider a Philips (Norelco) 4100 or 4500. They are entry-level rotary razors, but should be more than enough for a teenager’s facial hair.
I would also recommend you to check out the How to shave with an electric rotary razor section in this article.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Do you know the difference between the Panasonic Arc 4 and Panasonic Arc 5? I’d like to get my husbanda nice electric razor for Christmas and he had super sensitive skin.
Hi Jenny,
For someone with super sensitive skin neither would be ideal. A Braun Series 9 or Series 7 would be much better options.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information
Thank you, David. I’m glad you found it useful.
I am looking into trying electric razors again. I am a bald bearded fellow. I tend to shave my head at least 3 times a week with a conventional razor. I have tried rotary razors in the past with a horrible experience. I was told by a barber to try a foil razor that I would like it better. I have extremely sensitive skin as I am a red head. I really enjoy your artical but haven’t seen anything about head shaving. Could you possibly recommend a foil shaver that would be suitable for head shaving? Thanks in advance.
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your comment. I didn’t say anything specific about head shaving since I actually never shaved my head, so it would be difficult to recommend a specific shaver. Since you have a very sensitive scalp, I would consider a more gentle foil shaver like the ones from Braun. I think the Series 5, 7 or 9 should work really well. The Series 9 is the more advanced model, but also significantly more expensive. You can opt for either depending on your budget.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
So I’ve read loads of your articles and it seems the braun 9290cc seems to be my best option. I have very sensitive skin and I want a close shave. However I’d like to use it every day if not every 2nd day and you mention it’s overkill for everyday use. Could you give me a recommendation for the best shaver for everyday use that’s also good for very sensitive skin? Thanks very much for your help!
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your comment. What I meant by overkill was that you can get similar results with a less expensive model (like the Series 7 for example), especially if you plan on shaving daily. That doesn’t mean of course the Series 9 won’t work great for shaving daily or every second day, it surely will. If your budget allows it, the Series 9 is the most comfortable and gentle shaver out there right now.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey there! My boyfriend is leaving for Pilot school in June and has to be clean shaven everyday for the next 3 years. He mentioned he had to get a good razor before the big move. He has sensitive skin. He is also Arabic and has a thick beard. His hair is coarse. Which do you think would be best for someone who has to shave nearly everyday and has sensitive skin?
Many thanks,
Maddi
Hi Maddi,
I would go with the Braun Series 7. It’s a very capable and reliable electric shaver that works great for sensitive skin and will be more than enough for daily use. It will shave a coarse beard without any problems.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi There. I am looking to buy my 1st ever Electric Shaver. I read that Braun series 9 is an excellent shaver. though, little expensive here in Sydney (it was at good price and with offer in USA but I did not buy). I shave every alternate day but by the end of next day of shaving, it seems that I will need to shave tomorrow anyhow to look groomed. Will shave from Electric shaver lasts longer than normal razor? Also, in last few years, my shave hairs has become quite hard. Will Electric shaver make them soften or so?
Also, I don’t want to compromise in comfort and effect so should I go for only Series 9 or there is really a cheaper alternative.
Regards,
Akash
Hi Akash,
I think either the Series 9 or 7 would work really well for shaving every other day. Most users will be very happy with the Series 7, it’s powerful enough to shave even coarse facial hair. So it’s a perfectly fine alternative if the Series 9 seems too expensive.
Regarding shaving with an electric shaver vs regular razors, none of them can make the hairs softer or coarser. That’s (still) a myth. Modern electric shavers can provide a really close shave, but a razor blade will always shave at skin level, but with the well-known downsides (irritation, nicks, lengthy shaving sessions and so on). Electric shavers are a really good compromise of convenience, comfort, closeness and even costs.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu. I appreciate your reply. Also, how are Panasonic shavers compare to Braun? Though I shave every alternative day but I hate to do. But now a days my shave looks bad due to White hairs so I have to do it in every Two days. My skin is not very sensitive but any product from Gillette does not suit me. Foam or Cream or even razors.
Considering best value and usability in mind, are there good alternative of Braun which can save money too? Please suggest. Thanks.
Regards,
Akash
Also, is there any other shaver like Panasonic or Wahl which is also good for sensitive skin and not that expensive. I liked Series 9 but at $450, I feel it is very high. I would prefer something around $200 or so range. But if something is really very good, I won’t mind paying up to $275 or even 300 also.
Hi Akash,
I’ve used and owned many Braun and Panasonic shavers and if I were to summarize their strengths and weaknesses, I’d say that Panasonic shavers will generally shave a bit closer than similarly priced Braun shavers, while Braun shavers are more comfortable and more effective at shaving longer, flat-lying hairs.
For someone that shaves often and doesn’t have sensitive skin, Panasonic would likely be a better choice. On the other hand, if you shave every two days or so and have very sensitive skin, chances are that a Braun razor will provide a better experience.
As mentioned in my previous comment, the Series 7 can be bought for significantly less money than the Series 9 and it’s a very capable shaver.
Braun and Panasonic are currently the only two brands that I would consider for a foil shaver. Wahl has some serious issues with reliability, so I personally cannot recommend them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks. I will go for Series 7. I noticed that there are many version if Series 7. Which is the best one? Also, is it woth buying Cleaning and Charging kit too or we can clean abd charge manually and it is fine. Please suggest. Thanks.
You are welcome, Akash. I would get a model that comes with a cleaning station (790cc, 7865cc) because they don’t cost a whole lot more than the s (solo) models and the station is really handy. I don’t think you should use after every shave, once every 3 to 4 shaves should be optimal in order to keep dirt from accumulating inside the head and also save some cleaning fluid. You can simply clean the shaver manually with water and liquid soap in the meantime. There are also cheap third-party alternatives to Braun’s refills. Here’s a very detailed Series 7 guide if you want to know more about the different models.
Hi,
I also noticed that at many places you mentioned that the shaver can be overkill or Overkill for light beards and/or everyday use. What does overkill mean here? Does it mean that it cannot be used everyday or once you use, it gives such a close shave that you won’t need shave again for next 2 days?
Hi Akash,
By overkill I simply mean that there are less expensive, less advanced electric shavers that will provide similar results in a given situation. For example, someone with a very light beard doesn’t need a Panasonic Arc 5 with 5 blades and a massive head to get a decent shave. An Arc 3 will very likely be more than suitable for the job.
Of course you can still use a shaver that is more powerful than what you would need, but it costs more and the replacement blades and foils are also more expensive.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Akash,
Thank you for your research. Wonderfully useful information.
My objection to cleaning stations is yet another seemingly frivolous introduction of more plastic into a world where plastic is a horrific pollutant. We have plenty of plastic in electric shavers, and it seems a shame to promote using yet more of questionable value to our abused planet.
A number of your reviews include “Manual cleaning can be difficult in time” under “Cons.” Please tell us more about what that means.
Thank you for the comment, Jimmy, much appreciated. I totally agree with regard to plastic pollution.
All current Braun electric shavers (from the Series 3 to the Series 9 Pro) use a so-called cassette, basically meaning that the shaving head is a single piece that encompasses the blades and outer foils and are being held together by a foil frame. As a consequence, the inner part is very intricate with lots of plastic bits and pieces. With use, hair, dirt, grime, skin oils, dust and even hardened soap and lather can accumulate inside, especially toward the corners of the cassette. This will have a negative impact on the performance of the cassette. By using the station once or twice a week (alongside a manual cleaning), you can pretty much avoid all that. Thoroughly cleaning a (washable) shaver with liquid soap and warm tap water after every use will likely be effective as well, but most users will probably skip it.
The station can be very practical (and economical with the use of a cheap third-party cleaning solution). I agree that it’s not a must-have accessory, but we can also be more responsible with what and how we choose to discard our stuff. For example, instead of buying new (plastic) cleaning cartridges, we can clean and reuse the same one.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I want to buy a shaver for beards and body hairs. I mostly use stubbly beard but sometime I need a close shave. I prefer to have waterproof feature so that i can use my shaver safely under shower. Also my skin is really sensitive. I don’t consider to pay too little amount of course, but also i expect not too pricey. What would be your suggestions to me by considering these?
Thanks,
Hi Mehmet,
Thank you for your comment.
First of all I have to mention that electric shavers aren’t great for shaving body hair. They’re really meant to shave reasonably short stubble, so I would highly recommend investing in a dedicated body trimmer.
As for shaver recommendations, depending on your budget, you can opt for a wet&dry Series 5 or 7 like the 5190cc or 7865cc respectively. These two also come with a cleaning station, but if that’s not a feature you need you can of course get one of the so-called solo models of these shavers (like the 5040s or the 7893s). They also cost less.
I would personally get the Series 7, it is a bit more refined and gentle and if you have really sensitive skin I think it will be money well spent.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Thanks for the article and all the comment replies (I’ve read everything!).
I have a very light moustache (Chinese), but also very sensitive skin where I will break out in pimples if I use a poor electric razor at skin level. I have gotten used to ‘floating’ the razor over the skin instead, to at least look close-to-tidy.
If I tell you my priority is sensitivity, would you recommend me the Braun 9 series, or is the 3 series still good enough for my very light beard?
Thank you for everything!
Hi Gordon,
Thank you for your kind comment.
In terms of cutting power, the Series 3 will be adequately powerful for a very light beard like yours; however, it is not quite as comfortable as a Series 9. For example, I have very sensitive skin on my neck and if I shave dry with the Series 3 and I’m a bit sloppy and I press too hard, I will also break out, even though it won’t be anything too serious. However, I never experienced this with the Series 9 for example. But to be honest, the Series 9 would be overkill in your case and it also costs quite a lot. So my suggestion would be to consider getting the Series 7 instead — for most users it will be the optimal choice. I think you’ll be more than satisfied with its performance and comfort.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks so much Ovidiu, that really clears things up, so helpful. I will consider shaving carefully with either the series 7 or 9.
I’m also Chinese but am even less hairy than Gordon – no moustache, I go clean shaven. I have pretty sensitive skin, occasionally getting a rash in my shaving zone, so am very keen to switch. It seems going for a Braun 3 or 5 series would be enough to shave my tiny hairs but they are noticeably worse for sensitive skin. I also prefer the clean shaven look, so am a bit concerned these lower models will mean I need to spend longer on a shave than if I have say, a 7 series. What do you recommend as it seems my interests pull me in different directions?
You are right, in terms of performance a Series 3 will be enough. And since you have a fine beard, I don’t think you’ll have major issues in terms of discomfort. The Series 7 would be overkill, but if you have the budget for it, it is faster and more forgiving than a Series 3. Again, since you have a light beard, I don’t think the difference in shaving time will be that significant.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Full article and Posts were great. I am overwhelmed! I am 85 & shopping for husband who is 85. Sensitive skin. Very light facial hairs. Seems to have problem getting a close shave on neck. Prefers dry shave but to have choice would be great. Would prefer Foil over Rotary. Want a gift for him – want to buy what is required but not spend more than is needed. Can’t waste money. 🙂 Thank you for any help.
Thank you so much for your comment, Mary. I would opt for a Braun Series 3 3040s as it’s reasonably priced and should be good enough for light facial hair. Another option would be the Series 5, but it’s more expensive and again, for a light beard, the Series 3 would be a suitable shaver. I hope your husband will enjoy his new shaver. 🙂
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Oividiu,
You are cordially invited to join my Facebook Braun shaver page:
https://www.facebook.com/braunshavermanscaping/
You would be a great resource, for knowledge and insights!
I found your website while researching shavers to replace my Series 7 Braun model 5697. It is a nice schaver but I cannot get more than a month out of the cutter head. With a brand-new 70S cutter cassette I can shave in 2 minutes, but when it is a month old it takes 5 minutes and then I can still shave stubbles on my cheeks under my ears with my Philips nose hair trimmer. At $40 per cutter cassette it is getting pricy.
Hi Andre,
There’s clearly something wrong here. One month of use from a brand new 70s cassette is just unacceptable. Are you sure the parts are genuine? Also, considering you’re using the shaver properly, as in not doing anything that would damage the cutters or accelerate the wear, it should last at least a few good months of use (in the worst-case scenario). I have a Series 7 that I’ve used for more than 2 years with the same cassette and it still gives a decent shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi! I am from India and choices are limited over here. I get a lot of acne some near the beard area. What do you think of the Remington MB050 Durablade?
Hi Rushabh,
I haven’t tested the Durablade yet, so I’m afraid I cannot say anything about it for now.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, i currently use a braun 3040s. I have very thin and sensitive skin and a light beard . I used to get really bad irritation and burning with my s3 but after adjusting my prep work and shaving technique with your guides shaving has become way more comfortable for my face but it hasn’t done much for my neck because of my stretchy skin (i make it as tight as possible during shaving) and the high speed of the device maybe?! Do you think upgrading to a series 7 would solve my issue?
Hi Cameron,
The Series 7 is a superior shaver in every way, so you should also see an improvement when shaving your neck as well. You can also alter the speed of the shaver (from Sensitive to Intensive).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Your articles and research are very helpful and I will probably opt for a Series 7 or 9 and “ditch” my rotary. The only other bit of info I need is a recommendation for an after-shave lotion. I prefer one that does not leave me smelling like an ambulatory open bottle of perfume.
Thank you, Ron!
Hi Ron,
Many thanks for your comment. My current favorites are the Proraso Sensitive Aftershave Balm and the Truefitt & Hill Authentic No 10 post-shave balm. Both have a mild and very pleasant scent and are very moisturizing and soothing.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu:
Thank you for the Proraso suggestion. I just now ordered a bottle from Amazon. I also ordered the series 9 Braun and expect delivery in a couple of days. One thing I’m not clear on is how this shaver’s “automatic” cleaner and lubricator works. Is there a video available that shows exactly what takes place when the razor is being cleaned in the dock, and how often it should be done, etc.? And should I empty my beard stuble before putting the razor in the dock for cleaning and lubrication? Thank you in advance! Ron
You are very welcome, Ron.
During the cleaning process, the fluid is flushed through the shaving head repeatedly while the shaver is switched on and off. There isn’t a definitive approach to how often you should be using the cleaning station. The manufacturer will obviously suggest to use it after every shave, but I don’t think that’s really necessary as you can clean it manually in between. Check out this guide I posted a while back, I think it will answer your questions precisely.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu: Thank you for the link to the cleaning video. Very helpful! I just received my new series 9 (S9) and compared to my old rotary, it shaves much closer, quieter and smoother. The one issue I have, and it’s not a small one, is that at the end of every shave from a completely clean shaver, I have very fine whiskers in my sink, on my shirt, and even on top of my feet and on the floor. Again, this is using a clean and whisker-free shaver. I can’t imagine that a shaver as advanced (and expensive) as the series 9 should be doing this, and I know I don’t want my shaver to be sending stubble outside the shaver heads every time I use it. Please advise if there is a fix for this. I have made sure my shaver head is locked firmly in place before shaving. Thank you again or your advice, Ron.
You are very welcome, Ron. Glad you’re happy with your new Series 9.
Regarding the fine hair that goes all over the place, there are a few adjustments you can make in order to reduce the inconvenience.
But do keep in mind foil shavers like the Series 9 tend to be a bit messier compared to rotary razors. The blades oscillate a lot faster and produce more fine whiskers.
Here are a few things you should try:
– Shave in front of a sink, leaning a bit forward so that any hair clippings that escape will end up in the sink and not of the floor.
– By leaning forward, it also allows you to hold the shaver a bit more upright while still maintaining the same angle relative to the area being shaved (I hope this makes sense). So fewer hairs should fall out of the shaving head.
– Try to reduce the speed of the stroke. If you go really fast over an area, there are more chances of hairs flying around instead of being captured inside the head unit.
– Avoid holding the razor with the head pointing downward.
This is what I personally do and even though I still get some hairs on my forearms and chest, it’s not a lot and I quickly rinse it off with a bit of water.
I always shave shirtless as I really hate having hair dust on my shirt, but that’s a rather personal preference.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
First off, just like to say you do a great job with your extremely thorough & detailed reviews & it’s very much appreciated.
I’ve been shaving for almost 30 yrs & during that time I’ve tried just about everything for a better shave. My beard grows thick, fast, dense & in multiple directions. And to top it all off, I have very sensitive skin. Razor burn so bad I had to wait at least a week before attempting to shave again. I’ve tried normal razors ranging from 1-5 blades shaving every direction possible with varying amounts of pressure. Many types of creams, gels, etc, pre & post shave, or just dry. Eventually I moved onto electrics trying rotaries & foils, not much changed. Many yrs ago I gave up close shaves & only use trimmers as they give little to no irritation. But what I wouldn’t give to be able to shave every day or so & not destroy my neck.
Bout the only thing I haven’t tried is a high priced electric. In my experiences, it’s about 50/50 whether more money really equals better results for the price tag. But after reading this particular review, I think it’s time to put down some real money & get that Braun series 9. Coincidentally I have #5 on this list. It’s a good electric for the money but not great for my specific needs.
I do have one question, maybe you have a general answer. As we know, replacement blades aren’t cheap & I feel like I go through blades quicker than normal due to my stubble thickness & density. I have a full beard so that saves on blade life but the neck is still a big problem area. I also started shaving my head a couple yrs ago. For shaving full face, neck & head with the Braun series 9… let’s say, 3 or 4 times a week, what kind of life span might one expect to get out of a set of blades before they get absolutely need to be replaced?
Thanks again for your reviews. Glad I stumbled onto your site.
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
Considering your specific needs and the fact that you’ll also be shaving your head, I think the Series 9 would be a suitable shaver. I would also recommend using a pre-shave lotion (the one from Speick is the best in my experience), it should be beneficial considering your sensitive skin and the problems you’re having because of that.
Regarding the lifespan of the shaving head, it would be really difficult to predict. However, since you’ll be shaving 3 to 4 times per week (and your head as well) and you have thick and dense facial hair, I think you’ll be looking at replacing the cassette every 6 months or so. Properly cleaning and lubricating the shaver will also help to reduce the wear, so again you may get even more shaves out of it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Which of these shavers would you recommend for african american men with curly hair?
Definitely the ones from Braun (the Series 9 and even the Series 7).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great article (good to see something that isn’t the standard “IT’S AMAZING! IT HAS BLADES AND EVERYTHING!!!” rubbish you get on GQ et al!
I’ve just had to ditch my old (2009) Braun Series 3 390cc. I usually wet shave and had this as a standby for the days when I just couldn’t be bothered with the faff. It worked well enough (I have pretty coarse stubble and my neck does get a bit raw at times) but it’s dead now. The battery won’t charge at all so I’m in the market for a new one. Amazon seem to have a bajillion different versions of much the same razor so would their suggestion of the Proskin 3090cc be the best similar unit or is the 3040 Proskin model as good without the bells and whistles for half the price?
As I say I mostly wet shave with a Mach 3 so I’m not expecting super close levels of shave from an electric and I don’t want to spend a fortune on something that may just sit on a shelf for most of the time!
Thanks in advance!
Thank you for your comment, Laurance. The 3090cc is indeed more similar to your 390cc in the sense that it also has a cleaning station. Performance-wise, it’s absolutely identical to the (cheaper) 3040s. Unless you absolutely must have the station, I think you should go with the 3040s.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Since I have a sensitive skin, and also never succeeded in getting a smooth shave in the neck area (only with a razor, and only if I shave upward), I’m having a difficult to decide which electric shaver is the right one for me. Braun 7 or Panasonic arc4?
When you describe the Braun as “comfort but not as close as the Panasonic”, will I get any better result with the Braun?
Ever since I started shaving, I have only rotary shavers.
Thanks, Amir
Hi Amir,
For someone with sensitive skin and some difficult neck hair, I would recommend the Braun Series 7 over the Arc 4. I also think you’ll get a closer shave compared to the rotary shavers you’ve used before.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi. Your article has been very helpful! Thank you.
Any thoughts on the Braun series 6? From what I can tell it supposedly is designed for sensitive skin. (I know that it has the “newer” design which you don’t seen to be a fan of)
Hey,
Thank you for your comment.
I actually reviewed the Series 6 in detail here if you want to check it out. It’s a decent shaver, quite comfortable, but not as good as the older Series 5 for example (5195cc, 5040cc, etc.) which can be bought for roughly the same money and it’s better in pretty much every aspect.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Can you review new Remington f5 pf7500d ? I have the f5 5800 and Braun 3 3040s… the Remington is better. Closer, faster, and less irritating shave. The Braun is so underpowered for my facial hair that the amount of passes (4-5) needed to cut causes irritation. The Remington takes about 2 passes and it’s closer to the skin than the Braun can ever get.
I hope to review it sooner than later, but in the meantime, you can check out my review of the previous Remington PF7500 which uses the same foil and cutters. My guess is that the new one will perform pretty much identical.
My experience with the F5 5800 was quite different, especially when compared to the 3040s. While it does shave a bit closer, it is not as comfortable as the Braun and it has some serious trouble with the hairs on my neck that stay flat on the skin. But I wouldn’t recommend either to users with very heavy beards.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi can the 7 series 745 pulsonic pro be used for a wet shave
Hi Gordon,
The 745 Pulsonic Pro is a dry only Series 7 model.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, hope you are doing great.
I need your help.
I have very sensitive skin, my beard doesn’t grow tall. I usually have to shave every 3 days, because my hair back fast but not tall.
Plus I am prone to ingrown hair if I shave with a razor.
What electric shaver would you recommend?
Hi Garrick,
Thank you for your comment. I would suggest one of the older Series 7 models like the 790cc in the article. It would be the safest choice considering your needs.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi first of all great article.
I am teetering on the brink of moving to electric for ease vs wet shaving which although good can be a pain when you just want to get up and go.
Thing is I have very fine hair and find that it is easy to get ingrown hairs. Which product is best for me based on the above.
Don’t want to go crazy but am prepared to invest well for the right piece of kit.
Thanks
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your comment, glad you found the post informative. I think your best bet would be the Braun Series 7 even though it’s not exactly cheap. Some of the models that don’t include a cleaning station like the 7893s or some older discontinued variations (like 740s) are usually priced lower, so you might one to consider those as well. I wouldn’t however recommend the new 2020 Series 7, it’s just nowhere near as good as the previous ones.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi
I have a question. Using the Braun 9370CC. How often would you recommend using the cleaning station.m? I shave daily. I also use the Lab Series electric pre-shave and their corresponding razor-burn relief balm. I find both products to be synergistic. Thanks.
Jay
Hi Jay,
There’s no right or wrong answer to that. You can use it after every shave or after several shaves and just clean the razor manually in the meantime with warm water (and optionally some liquid hand soap). Just keep in mind that when cleaning the razor manually you should also lubricate the blades a couple of times per week with some clipper oil (which is basically light, highly refined mineral oil).
An alcohol-based pre-shave lotion like the one from Lab Series leaves little to no residue on the shaver, so that shouldn’t have any impact on your cleaning routine.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, thanks for your suggestions with electric razors. I’m thinking of switching to an electric razor bc every time I use a regular blade now, I get a really bad ingrown hairs or pimples and my skin is really sensitive. I only have to shave once a week bc I grow little hair on my face and neck. Would the Braun 790 cc be my best option? I’m not worried about price.
Hi James,
I think the 790cc would be one of the best options in this situation. Just make sure to take it slow, be careful and allow your skin (and technique) to adapt to the new method of shaving. It may take a few weeks until you get the best results.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for taking the time to put the data together, along with your opinion based on experience.
Still have a decision to make but your insights definitely helps to get on the right path of the journey.
I’m sure as soon as I make the purchase new technology will start process all over again, LOL.
(Tipping Hat) Thanks again
Thank you for the kind words, Don, glad you found the post useful. That’s probably true, but shouldn’t by any means stop us from getting the product that currently makes sense for our needs.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
English is not my native lenguage, is spanish. sorry for any mistake in my comment. My biger problems is with my skin, every time i shave some hairs grown behind my skin give some pain and disconfor. Please which electric shaver you recomend for me?? Thanks
Hi Darién,
I would recommend one of the Braun shavers mentioned in the post, those are probably your best option given the issues you’re having. As for which one to buy, that depends on your budget, but the Series 7 should be a safe choice for most users. You can get one with a cleaning station like the 790cc or 7865cc or just the shaver (for example the 7893s), usually for a lower price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
How can you call this a 2021 guide when two of the shavers are no longer available? The series 7 and 5 now look nothing like the 7865 and 5190. I really enjoyed the article but when it came time to trying to find a 7865 or 790 to buy, there are none to be found so I now I need to start again find another article that actually is relevant
Thank you for your comment, Blake.
There are a couple of reasons why I included those specific Series 7 and 5 generations as opposed to the newer ones you’ve mentioned.
First of all, they are still widely available in many countries and online stores, including Amazon.
Secondly, the shaving performance is significantly better compared to the newer 2020 Series 7 and 5 that you’re referring to. I wrote detailed guides specifically on those models here and here if you want to check them out.
For these reasons I consider the 7865cc or 5190cc (still) highly relevant in 2021 and to be some of the best options out there for users with sensitive skin.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I am just wanting some guidance/ recommendations on the best electric razor to buy for my situation. I have sensitive skin that does get irritated easily when shaving, in saying that I do have to shave frequently to obtain that clean shaven/ well presented look for work. I am shaving every second day if not daily, and the razors I currently use are just not doing it for me, I use both electric rotary and for a wet shave, the schick HYDRO razor heads, these both leave me with irritated and red skin both checks and neck areas. I am 21 years of age and would like to have a clean looking shave daily/ every second day without my skin being irritated, my facial hair I would say is dark, medium thickness and regrows fast, to give you an idea.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hey,
I would go with the Braun Series 7, I think it would be a suitable shaver in this situation. You should see a noticeable improvement in the comfort and quality of the shave compared to your current rotary razor. Please keep in mind that the Series 7 I’m referring to is the older generation (7865cc, 790cc, 7893s, etc.), not the 2020 generation that is in fact worse. I would consider a variation that is suitable for wet/dry use: 7865cc, 7893s, 7880cc.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Do you think is would be best I spend the extra $ and get the series 9? Just seems if I’m looking to spend the $ it would be the better option? That’s what I’m getting from your feedback/ recommendations for others.
I think the Series 7 is still the one to get. The Series 9 would make more sense if you were to shave less often.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I am just wanting some guidance/ recommendations on the best electric razor to buy for my situation. I have sensitive skin that does get irritated easily when shaving, in saying that I do have to shave frequently to obtain that clean shaven/ well presented look for work. I am shaving every second day if not daily, and the razors I currently use are just not doing it for me, I use both electric rotary and for a wet shave the schick
Hi, is the series 7 you mentioned in this article the same as Series 7 70-N1200s?
https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/braun-series-7-70-n1200s-wet-dry-shaver_R03677334/
Please let me know asap – looking to purchase this today/tomorrow
Thanks in advance
Hi,
It is not the same — the 70-N1200s is actually part of the new Series 7 generation (introduced in 2020) and it is in my opinion a downgrade in all areas compared to the older Series 7 mentioned in this article. You can check out my comparison of the two generations here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello
For Braun s9 mentioned here – if you buy it with a cleaning station – do you need to use the cleaning station?
Or can you still clean the shaver without the station?
Also, how does the 9390cc shave compared to the s9 pro? In terms of closeness to skin and how it handles sensitive skin? Looking to buy this weekend so would be grateful if you could reply when you get a chance!
Thanks a million
Hi liyad,
You can of course still clean it manually; in fact, you don’t have to use the station at all if you choose so. There’s no difference between a solo and a cc shaver in that regard and the former doesn’t come with a station, so a manual clean would be the only option.
The 9390cc and any standard 93xx Series 9 is a bit gentler to the skin; the S9 Pro feels a bit more powerful and even slightly rougher, especially if you move the shaving head too fast. Again, it’s not a huge difference, but after years of using the standard S9 I was able to notice it. The closeness is very similar; you’d have a hard time trying to notice any difference if you’re using both.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have sensitive skin & currently wet shave each day for work but am a bit bamboozled by the choices. I want a shaver that gives a good result, doesn’t get hot & that is easy to maintain as I start work at all sorts of silly hours. I never get past 3 days growth even when I’m off.
Hi Chris,
I would consider the Series 9 or even the Series 9 Pro if the budget allows it. If not, the next best thing would be the older generation Series 7 (like the 790cc in the article) or the Series 5/8 if you can’t find a Series 7 anymore.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Firstly, thanks so much for all your invaluable information and advice. This is such a great website.
Like many others, i’ve always suffered from very dry, sensitive skin. I even have a little bit of facial psoriasis.
On a recent visit to a dermatologist, she recommended trying an electric razor over my current DE safety razor, lather and badger brush routine. I’ve only ever shaved once or twice a week due to irritation.
I purchased a Braun 9390cc a few weeks ago and have to say, i’ve had mixed results.
I know that you should give your face a few weeks to adjust but i find that dragging anything across my face, be it blade or foil irritates my face.
I was surprised at how close the Braun shaved on my cheek area and chin. Pretty much as close as a blade.
Different story for my neck and jawline area. The Braun doesn’t seem to cut well here at all. In fact, it doesn’t seem to be really doing much at all. As a result, it’s been giving me worse razor burn than a razor as i’ve had to go over this area multiple times to no avail.
I just tried a wet shave and this was worse. The Barun just seemed to glide over my face without cutting any hair at all. I had to finish my shave with a blade.
Could it be that i’m leaving it too long between shaves so my facial hair is actually too long for the Braun to cut.
How much longer should I give it before returning to a razor?
Hi,
Many thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it.
I’m sorry you haven’t got the desired results with the Series 9 yet. I think there’s still quite a bit of room for improvement though.
The Series 9 (and the old generation Series 7) are among the most effective shavers out there when it comes to actually capture the hairs. So the fact that the shaver doesn’t seem to be doing anything can hint at a few potential causes.
The first one would be the length of the hair as you’ve also mentioned in the comment. Once a week may just be too much in this case. Some users manage to get a decent shave even after a week, but there are some other factors at play as well (for example how fast their beard grows and if the hairs stay flat on the skin). Try shaving dry every two days and see how it goes. Even if you have flat-lying hairs (and with different grains) on the neck, shaving more often makes this less of an issue.
The other cause could be related to your technique since I understand this is your first electric shaver. It sometimes takes a lot of trial and error before finding what actually works. As a rule of thumb, you should be using short, controlled strokes, always against the grain and with minimal pressure.
You could also try a pre-shave lotion, maybe double-check that with your dermatologist since these solutions are alcohol-based. Most users do notice an improvement in the effectiveness of the shaver.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks so much Ovidiu.
I’ll give these tips a try and report back!
Hi Ovidiu, just wanted to say thanks for this post. It has been so helpful and my skin has cleared up so much since buying the Braun S3 and following this guide. Appreciate it!!
Hi Dylan,
That is awesome, I’m glad you found the information useful. Enjoy shaving with your Series 3!
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Love your articles.
I am looking to buy for my young teenager. What do you recommend for ease of use, least skin damage, etc please
Thanks.
Hi Jane,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated. I think a Braun Series 3 ProSkin (like the 3040s mentioned in the post above) would be a really good shaver for a teenager just getting started with shaving.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for prompt reply. I was wondering if it worth looking at series 7 or 9 as your article says give a closer shave.
You are very welcome. That is correct — however, in the case of a light to medium beard, the Series 3 ProSkin will be good enough. If your son already has a rather heavy beard and you’re looking to invest in something a bit more future-proof, then it makes sense to consider a more advanced shaver like the Series 7 or 9.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this wonderful info! My friend is on many meds that cause his skin to be very sensitive. I’d like to get him an electric razor for Christmas. I’m looking for a wet/dry razor that gives a close shave, is easy to use and easy to clean (my friend doesn’t do well with complicated, time-consuming tasks). What would you recommend? Braun series 9? Panasonic Arc-5? A lesser model? I want make a good, informed choice. Thank you for your help!
Hi Anne Marie,
Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate it.
I would consider a Braun Series 9 if it is within your budget or a Series 7 (the older generation with models like the 790cc in the article above or the 7865cc). The Series 7 is getting more difficult to find, unfortunately.
Even though a Panasonic Arc 5 can shave slightly closer, I would still go with a Braun shaver as they’re generally gentler to the skin. You can choose a shaver with or without a cleaning station.
If you think it’ll just make things more complicated, you might be better off buying a shaver model without a cleaning station. It can easily be cleaned manually as well. Again, a Series 7 with no cleaning station is more difficult to source (still possible if you live in Europe), so a Series 9 will probably be the one to get. It doesn’t matter which model you get as they all shave the same.
Hope this helps and that your friend will enjoy shaving with his new electric razor.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you. I was leaning toward the Braun. It’s pricier but it seems to be the right choice. Thanks again for responding so quickly.
Hello,
From what i have read in this it seems the series 7 would be best for me. I require a fairly close and even shave but I have quite sensitive skin as well as a thick, fast growing beard, plus i’m on a budget (can’t afford series 9).
I however cannot find anywhere to buy the series 7 in this article as it is the older one. So i’m wondering if you would recommend the newer version of the series 7 still or maybe another series for the newer versions? I cannot seem to find the older series 5 available for purchase either.
Your help is much appreciated!
Hi John,
I chose the old Series 7 over the new one because the old one is much better. I wouldn’t recommend the new one, it’s a step down performance-wise (more details here). I think you should consider getting a Series 8 which is basically the older Series 5 with a larger battery. It doesn’t matter the model, just get the cheapest Series 8 you can find as they all shave the same. You can check out my Series 8 guide as well for more info.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You bloody ripper, ill give it a captain cook, cheers mate.
i have tried philips latest 9000 prestige, braun latest and japanese panasonic 5 blade. probably spent over $1000 over few years….
nothing helps my coarse and thick hair. i never had smooth shave. only shaver that i found a little bit comfortable is panasonic lvq9, it shaves closer than the all high end ones from other brand ive tried but still i have to stroke pull up down 100 times untill to get close shave plus the acnes burns afterward….. I never could shave with shaving creams always burnt my skin and made shaving worse. i have never tried the shaving cream advertised here Speick….
I should say that i havent tried newly released 2021 – ones from philips…. i dont think its goanna make any difference i also dont want to waste $400.
Any advice for this struggling poor soul ? i had the idea of laser my facial hair to be done with it but i dont really want to 🙁
Thanks
Hi Ali,
Sorry to hear about your struggle. But there’s certainly something you can do to improve the results.
First of all, I think your best bet for a decent shave is still one of the high-end Panasonic shavers from the Arc 5 or Arc 6 lines. Those perform the best on coarse, dense and thick facial hair. Do not spend any more money on rotaries.
You mentioned the LV9Q, that one is a really good shaver in this situation.
If shaving cream is not an option, I highly recommend trying a pre-shave lotion. I recommend the one from Speick as it’s the most effective.
Then there’s of course the shaving technique. I really can’t give you any actionable tips except getting the basics right (short, controlled, overlapping strokes, always against the grain and keeping the shaving head flat on the skin). If you can record a short video then upload it to YouTube as PRIVATE (it won’t show up in the listings) and send the link to me via email, I can take a look and give you some feedback on what could be improved.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Awesome blog about shavers! Well done setting up these comprehensive and detailed reviews!
I have a sensitive skin and I am somewhat light-bearded. I have the Braun 790CC, and I love using the “rougher” blades (the one you flip-up, not sure what it is called, sorry) to remove some extensive long beard hairs on my face, but it doesn’t seem to be that…efficient, and if I use the normal blades, it “pulls” the hair from my skin, which is really unpleasant. When I shave on my cheeks however, it works superbly.
My question is: Do you have any recommendations for a shaver that suits my needs that doesn’t cost overly much (such as the Braun 9-series), and while keeping in mind that I already own the 790CC? No rotary shavers either, as they are too bad for my sensitive skin. I hope there are shavers that suits my needs.
Keep up the great work! Love the engaging reviews!
Hi Johan,
Many thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it.
Just to make sure I understood this correctly, you need a shaver with a good pop-up trimmer to pre-cut some longer hairs and fitted with a foil head that’s easy on the skin. This is certainly going to be a compromise.
Panasonic foil shavers have by far the best trimmers, but the shavers aren’t my number one choice for sensitive skin. Some of the high-end models are really good (like the Arc 6) but those are very expensive. I am surprised that your 790cc pulls hairs as it’s one of the gentler shavers out there. Maybe the hairs are too long or you’re moving the head too fast? Also, when was the last time you replaced the head? It just might be worn out, making it a lot more likely to yank the hairs.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ahh, thanks for the response!
Yep, you understood it correctly.
Maybe you are right about the pulling too fast… I will try to take it slowly next time, to see how that works. Usually, I go all hasty with the shaving, heh. Probably why the 790cc “pulls” then, yes…
If that’s not the case, then perhaps the issue you explain afterwards might be the case; not replaced the head since I bought it… But, the head still seems to shave neatly and good. I will try looking for a new head to see how that one turns out then.
And yes, Arc 6 seems to be a bit too pricey for me, unfortunately.
I see some of the shops we have here, have Braun series 7 S7200cc, B1200s and Series 8 8385cc, any experiences with those?
You are very welcome. I do actually, the newer Series 7 (360 Flex) is a step down in performance from the old Series 7 generation like yours. I even wrote a detailed comparison between the two. The Series 8 is clearly better than the aforementioned new Series 7, but still slightly behind the venerable Series 7. I also covered it in great detail here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
What amazing coverage – and such comprehensive detail. I’ve spent hours reading through the contents. Problem is, I am now totally lost, but I can say it’s down to one of two models:
9390 cc and
9465 cc
It’s an expensive choice for me as I live in South Africa and our currency doesn’t go very far, but I am fortunate enough to travel to the UK once every 18x months. Having said this, there’s not that much of a price difference between the two to put me off.
I like comfort, but don’t we all. And that is important to me as it’s a real consideration for me and I don’t have a particularly rough stubble. I’ve always had a wet shave, and some of the blades burn me.
Lastly, do I need a charging stand as some of the newer models include this.
After all of this, please suggest what you feel would be best for me. The 9390cc or the 9385cc ?
Thank you so much for “being there” and providing incredible detail and care to so many consumers.
Hi Ted,
Thanks so much for the kind comment.
I think you should get one of the regular Series 9 models (like 9390cc or 9385cc, the color is the only difference between these two), basically any Series 9 that starts with 93 and has the lowest price. You do not need the cleaning station, but it is nice to have (you can simply not use it and clean the shaver manually), but in the UK almost all Series 9 models come with the station. If you can get a solo 93 Series 9 for a lower price — these end in s instead of cc and don’t include the station — go for it, the shaving performance will be identical to the cc models.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you so much for responding so promptly and efficiently. Your comments confirm what I’ve read reading through your extensive and I’m on my way to buying a new Braun Series 9 shaver.
I’m subscribing to your newsletter as it is bound to continue updating me with interesting and well-researched constructive information.
You are very welcome, Ted, thank you for the kind words and for subscribing to the newsletter. Hope you’ll enjoy shaving with your new Series 9.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hii! I just bought the Braun 7071cc and i was wondering if it’s a good shaver and also if it’s good for sensitive skin? What do you recommend?
Hi,
After my experience with it, I’d say it’s not ideal for sensitive skin. There are more suitable shavers in Braun’s lineup in my opinion like the Series 9 (this one is also significantly more expensive), but especially the Series 8.
The Series 8 costs about the same but it’s more comfortable, more effective when shaving difficult facial hair (like flat-lying hairs that grow in different directions) and it’s easier to use thanks to the greater range of motion of the foils and the slightly more compact shaving head.
The Series 7 7071cc is not a bad shaver by any means and some users are happy with it, but the Series 8 is objectively a better shaver in every area that matters. It also has an integrated trimmer, whereas the 7071cc comes with a separate attachment.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you
Wish I had found you years ago.
You are very welcome, Mick — glad the info was useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I shaved my beard/goatee off and started looking for an electric shaver for sensitive skin. I found your article and didn’t need to go anywhere else for research. Thank you Ovidiu.
Thank you for the comment, Jerome, really glad the article was useful. Hope you’ll enjoy your new shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This is a great guide with practical help.
I have extremely sensitive skin and my beard is stiff and thick straight hair. I’m seriously considering using pre shaving lotion with a braun 7 or 9(dry) and panasonic arc 5 with a shaving cream(wet). I want to find a comfortable shaving routine that minimizes skin irritation by shaving once every 2-3 days.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the post useful.
I think the shavers you mentioned will be really good in this case — the two Braun for shaving dry and the Arc 5 with shaving cream. The best pre-shave (at least for me) is the one from Speick. I also wrote a guide on that topic here if you want to check it out.
It’s very important to see how many days between your shaves will yield the best results. Short hair is easier to be cut, but shaving too often when you’re still dealing with some irritation from the previous shave is not ideal. So you’ll want to make a compromise in that regard. For example, I usually shave every other day or every two days, so I’ll give the skin at least one day between shaves to recover. You can even go more days if that works better for you.
You should always use light pressure and controlled, short, overlapping strokes. Wash your face with cold water at the end, gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel and apply the post-shave balm of your choice. Getting the basics right and not overcomplicating things will be the foundation of a good shave.
I recommend checking out this article on how to wet shave with an electric razor before using your Arc 5 with shaving cream. There are a couple of simple, but important tweaks that will make your shave that much better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovídiu, great article! Thank you.
A close shaving has always been an impossible mission for me. I never gave high-end electrical razors a go, so I am wondering if I should give it a try.
When I do a wet shaving with a razor, I know I will have to wait 1-2 weeks for my neck skin to recover. I get skin burn and develop nasty pimples. I have tried several quality products and razors and tried several times being shaved by a professional on barber shop but the end result is always the same. Wet shaving is not as bad if I use very sharp old-style basic blades and only cut hair along the grain.
My current technique is to use a hair shaver (0.8mm) right after showering and shave one a week. At least it is pain free 🙂
Would like to hear you thoughts!
Hi Daniel,
Thanks so much for the comment, I really appreciate it.
In very severe cases, unless you absolutely need a close, skin-level shave, using an electrical device that leaves the hair a bit longer is probably a better approach. So something like a beard trimmer with a small guard will reduce the occurrence of razor bumps and pimples. It may not still be enough and some complementary topical treatment may be required, along with some specific cleaning products (with salicylic or glycolic acid). But that of course will be decided by a dermatologist and my suggestion would be to consider that as well.
The shavers I recommended in the post will most likely be an improvement over using any type of razor with an exposed blade. The Braun Series 9 or 8 would be my picks. That said, it would be useful to know if you’ve used an electric shaver before and what was that like. And that’s because something like a Braun Series 9 will still cut the hair close to the skin which is again something you’d want to avoid, at least before getting the breakouts under control.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu