If shaving means that time when you have to endure irritation and razor burn, maybe it’s time to up your shaving game and switch to an electric razor.
Even though they’re not a perfect fit for everyone and you’ll ultimately have to decide what works best for you, there are some undeniable benefits to using an electric shaver.
In this article, I’ll go through the 7 most compelling reasons why you should start using one. Let’s dive right in!
1. Comfort
While traditional shaving evangelists will argue that an electric razor will never match a razor blade in terms of closeness — which is true to some extent — the real benefit of using an electric shaver is the improvement in comfort.
We are trading a bit of closeness for more comfort. No more nicks, cuts, irritation and razor burn. Is it worth it? I think so.
2. Close enough is good enough
During the last two decades, we have seen massive progress in the manufacturing of electric razors.
From the use of materials to advancements in the design of the blades and shaving heads, today’s modern electric shavers are able to provide comfortable and close shaves.
Regarding the closeness, we must take into account the inherent limitations of an electric razor.
The thin metal foil that covers the cutting elements forms a protective barrier between the blades and the skin. But this barrier also means that it won’t shave as close as a classic razor.
Various workarounds were tested by manufacturers, including the use of specialized elements that would lift the hair and, ideally, cut it below skin level.
This works to some extent and there are quite a few electric shavers that manage to provide very close shaves.
And you don’t necessarily have to go for premium-priced models as there are lots of budget-friendly options that offer great performance for the price.
You can check out our reviews section for in-depth, thorough testing of some of the most popular models on the market.
3. Fast and practical
Apart from the improvements in comfort, one of the main reasons for switching to electric shavers is convenience.
Traditional shaving usually means a thorough pre-shave routine, lathering (preferably using a bowl and brush) and the actual shave that is usually time-consuming: short strokes, rinsing your razor often, re-lathering for a second or third pass.
And at the end you must also clean and dry your shaving gear.
With an electric razor, you just turn it on, shave and toss it into the cleaning station only to find it squeaky clean and fully charged, ready for your next shave.
Even if you choose a razor that doesn’t come with a clean & recharge station, cleaning is usually very straightforward and only implies some liquid soap and a rinse under running tap water.
Since the vast majority of electric shavers operate cordless, they’re very practical to be carried around and are an ideal choice when traveling.
4. Cost savings
An electric razor means a higher initial investment.
You’ll be spending anywhere from 40 to 300 dollars or more depending on your particular needs and requirements for an electric razor.
You can check out my recommendations for affordable shavers here; if your budget allows it, you can go for a top-of-the-line electric razor.
Either way, the shaver will eventually pay for itself.
Given proper care and maintenance, an electric razor will last for many years and will only need new parts once every 12 to 18 months (according to the manufacturer).
Cleaning cartridges can add up to the expenses, but it’s up to you to decide if the added convenience of a cleaning station is worth the extra money.
With Braun stations for example there are a lot of third-party cleaning solutions that work great and are really cheap.
Compared to traditional shaving, where the popular multi-blade cartridges are expensive and they only last for a few shaves, using an electric shaver is actually very economical in the long run.
5. Less steep learning curve
Using a multi-blade cartridge razor and especially a safety razor takes some getting used to.
Angle, pressure, grip and lathering technique are just some of the things you must pay attention to.
In the case of electric shaving, things are much simpler.
With just a few simple and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to master electric shaving in no time.
Electric razors are also more forgiving compared to a traditional razor since there’s no exposed blade touching the skin.
Just remember that if you decide to go electric, your skin needs a few weeks to accommodate to the shaver.
6. Versatility
Since the vast majority of modern electric shavers operate cordless, you can virtually shave anywhere.
Furthermore, many of them are fully waterproof and feature a quick charge option; this can be very handy when you’re in a hurry.
You can even use an electric shaver to shave your head or for some light grooming.
Almost all modern shavers feature an integrated pop-up trimmer that can be used to trim your sideburns or shape your goatee and stache.
If you shave your head too, an electric razor can be an excellent 2 in 1 alternative to the blade.
7. You can still wet shave
While the idea of getting rid of all the creams and gels seems very appealing and it quite possibly is the one thing that made you opt for an electric shaver, the addition of a good shaving cream can further improve the comfort and closeness of your shave.
There are various electric razors that can be used both wet & dry and for some men, especially for the ones with sensitive skin, the benefits of using a cream are worth the extra work.
However, for some, the improvements will only be marginal and in that case, it’s better to stick to dry shaving.
When it comes to personal care, there’s really no other way of finding out if something will work for you except actually trying it.
Make sure to check my tips for wet shaving with an electric razor as well.
This article may have left you wondering if there are any drawbacks to using an electric shaver at all. Of course there are some.
As it’s the case with any decision, there will always be compromises to be made. You just have to decide if the benefits outnumber the drawbacks for your particular case.