One of the reasons why electric shavers get a constant bashing, especially from wet shaving purists, has to be the closeness of the shave.
You’ve probably heard or read in some forums or message boards that electric razors can’t even dream of matching a razor blade in terms of closeness.
The funny thing is that the vast majority of these statements come from men that have only used an electric shaver once or twice.
I’m also going to assume that their technique was probably not on point or the shaver wasn’t suitable for their particular needs.
There are pros and cons to anything and I’ll be the first one to admit that the benefits of electric shavers come with a slight trade-off in closeness.
However, with a few easy to implement steps we can reduce this trade-off to a minimum and actually get a shave that’s close by anyone’s standards.
Is closeness an inherent limitation of electric razors?
Traditional wet shaving, where an exposed blade is used to cut the hairs at skin level, is the benchmark in terms of closeness. That is a fact and there’s really no point in arguing over it.
Electric razors on the other hand use cutting blades that oscillate or rotate behind a perforated thin foil or metal guard.
This means there’s a physical barrier between the skin and the actual blades, so the very design and operation of electric shavers are the cause of this limitation.
Manufacturers have constantly tried to compensate for this drawback and today’s electric razors are capable of providing excellent results.
But that alone is not enough in order to get the closest possible shave with an electric shaver.
With that in mind, I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the most important things you can do in order to improve the closeness of your shave when using an electric razor.
I’ve written quite a few general guides in the past regarding electric shaving and I definitely recommend reading those as well, but here we will only focus on the closeness part.
How to get a close shave with an electric shaver
1. A simple and effective pre-shave routine is as important as the actual shave.
I know it’s probably the least exciting part of this list, but it’s the foundation of a comfortable and close shave.
It’s quite astonishing how getting the basics right can massively impact the final results. My recommendation? A simple and effective pre-shave routine.
The linked guide above will provide you with all the details, but here’s an actionable summary:
- Don’t wash your face or take a shower if you’ll be shaving dry; you’ll want to have the skin as dry as possible as any moisture will likely affect the quality of the shave;
- Do use plenty of warm water and a thin layer of watery leather if you will shave wet with your electric razor.
2. Use an electric shaver that is up to the task.
There are quite a few electric razors out there that offer excellent performance for the money.
However, an entry-level shaver that’s great for shaving daily can’t compete with a high-end razor like a Braun Series 9 or a Panasonic Arc 5 when it comes to performance.
If closeness is more important than getting the most bang for your buck, then a powerful and more advanced razor is a must.
As a side note, I get a subjectively closer shave when using a foil-based razor as opposed to a rotary shaver.
I also recommend checking out this article for some in-depth thoughts on some of the closest shaving electric shavers you can buy today.
3. Use shaving cream.
Wet shaving with an electric razor can vastly improve the comfort and, of course, the closeness of your shave.
A quality shaving cream will soften the hairs and provide lubrication, allowing the razor to cut the stubble efficiently and close to the skin.
The added comfort means that you can get away with more strokes and a bit more pressure than usual, again contributing to the closeness of the shave.
The lather also acts as a lubricant for the blades, minimizing the friction and the heat and simply makes the razor more forgiving.
Quick tip: only apply a very thin layer of slick, watery lather. I find using my hands and working the lather into the stubble to work best.
So the approach here is a bit different than in the case of traditional wet shaving where you would use a brush to build that fluffy, rich lather.
If shaving cream is not an option for you then skip this step and check out the next one.
4. Use an electric pre-shave lotion.
This is probably the next best thing if wet shaving is not your thing.
Dry shaving requires your skin to be as dry as possible, but the moisture and oils of the skin make things more difficult. Moreover, the razor also has to deal with flat-lying hairs.
An electric pre-shave lotion will provide a layer of lubrication, absorb the moisture and cause the hairs to stiffen up and stand straight.
Using one will often contribute to a closer and smoother shave.
5. Make sure the razor is fully charged.
This definitely has to be on your pre-shave checklist. In my personal experience, I get the closest shaves when I use a fully charged razor.
While many manufacturers state that their shavers can maintain peak performance right until the moment the battery is fully drained, in practice things are a bit different.
The loss in power is not massive, but enough to have an effect on the final result.
You’ve probably noticed that a fully charged razor even sounds faster than one with a battery level of 50% or less.
Again, we are only concerned with the closeness of the shave here and you’ll want to take advantage of the full cutting power of your razor.
If you’re concerned that this will affect the lifespan of the battery, you can rest assured that it won’t.
Modern Li-Ion batteries that are fitted to electric razors aren’t susceptible to the problems of the older NiMh or NiCd batteries.
For more information on this topic check out this post.
6. Clean and lubricate your razor.
Apart from being a very welcoming environment where bacteria can thrive, dirt buildups will affect the performance of an electric shaver.
Whether you use an automatic cleaning station or you do it yourself, always clean your razor thoroughly after every use.
Also, lubricating the blades and foils on a regular basis will minimize the wear and reduce heat generated during use.
Some brands like Panasonic include a small bottle of lubricant in the package. However, you can use either refined mineral oil that’s cheap and readily available.
For more details on how to do it and a few recommended products, you can check out my guide on lubricating electric shavers.
7. Use a spray cleaner and lubricant
A cleaning spray specifically designed to be used on electric shavers can also be used instead of (or alongside) the cleaning and lubricating method above.
In fact, I highly recommend you to get one as it will make a massive improvement to the performance of your shaver, especially if you don’t have or you don’t use an automatic cleaning station.
A spray cleaner and lubricant will clean, degrease, remove dirt and break down mineral buildups from your shaver’s foils and blades, reducing the friction and minimizing the stress on the motor.
I personally use Remington Shaver Saver and I can honestly say that it’s a fantastic product.
If your shaver doesn’t cut as close as it used to, just trust me on this one and get it. You won’t regret it.
8. Replace dull blades.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Depending on how often you shave and the coarseness of your beard, the blades and foils must be replaced every year or so.
This is important not only for closeness, but for safety and comfort considerations as well.
Do not wait until the blades have worn through the foils and always buy the parts recommended by the manufacturer from a reputable vendor.
Again, I find a spray cleaner and lubricant to significantly extend the lifespan of the cutting elements and it’s a lot cheaper than buying new replacement foils and blades.
9. Work on your technique to get a closer shave.
Adjusting the pressure, angle, direction and length of the strokes are necessary when shaving certain areas, like your neck, chin or jawline.
Always go against the direction of hair growth and adjust accordingly.
Sometimes you may also have to stretch the skin with your free hand so the razor can cut the hair more efficiently. This will also cause the flat-lying hairs to stand upright.
Do not apply excessive pressure as it will only lead to irritation. Some razors are more forgiving and you can get away with it, so try it gradually and see how it goes.
I also recommend starting your shave with the most difficult areas as they require more time, attention and patience.
If you’re just starting out, it may take some time until you will master shaving with an electric razor. But you will definitely see progress, so just stick with it.
10. Be patient and thorough.
Getting the closest possible shave with an electric razor also means more effort.
There’s prep work and then there’s the actual shave. But these extra steps will definitely be worth it in the end.
How close can an electric razor shave if everything’s done right?
Short answer? Pretty darn close.
I may be accused of being biased as a longtime proponent of electric shaving, but when using the right shaver and following the steps above I am able to get a shave that is pretty much as close as the ones I used to get from a safety razor (minus the nicks and rashes).
It is a bold statement, but that’s simply my personal experience and trust me, it wasn’t always the case. Luckily, my technique has improved throughout the years and electric shavers kept getting better and better in this regard.
As I mentioned in the beginning, electric razors have this limitation compared to a razor blade, being designed to prevent the cutting elements from actually touching the skin.
This ensures great comfort during use, but can negatively impact the closeness.
Fortunately, with the right shaver and these simple adjustments, you can significantly improve the closeness of your shave without any major tradeoffs in comfort and without adding too much overhead.
white whiskers are far more difficult and different to shave with an electric razor
my results were far far better when I had dark whiskers
haven’t tried pre shave lotions yet
wondering if anyone else has over come this problem
Hi Joe,
I think the skin is more likely to cause some problems than the hairs themselves. The skin loses elasticity and becomes flaky and wrinkly, while the hair follicles simply produce less melanin, resulting in that greyish/white color of the shaft. Try using a pre-shave, it can help with priming the skin. Shaving more often could also be beneficial.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Yeah. The few greys I do have, (don’t mean to gloat ) are definitely tricky. What is it about them??? I feel your pain brother
Hi,
Would a close shave also be possible with let’s say a braun 5 5190CC? I’ve got the mentioned device and I notice it still leaves stubbles around the area between my ears and jawline and my chin, causing my chin to look like a morning after stubble beard.
Hi Rick,
The Series 5 from Braun isn’t the closest shaving electric razor in the mid-range segment; a Panasonic Arc 4 for example will get you a closer shave. Here are a few tips that could help you improve your results:
– Try using a pre-shave lotion;
– Stretch the skin with your free hand; this also helps the hairs to stand straight;
– Always go against the grain; this implies changing the direction of the strokes if your beard grows in different directions.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Ovidiu
I had shaved with an electric razor before, but for the last several years I’ve been wet shaving with a DE safety razor. I’m retired now, and don’t need a BBS shave, or even to shave every day. My wife gave me a Braun 790cc for Christmas, and I’m enjoying it very much. My beard is completely white now, even though the hair on my head is still mixed brown and white. It is harder to see white hairs unless they are pretty well grown out. I have found that I get the best results when I shave every other day, use a pre-shave (I like Mennen Afta) and shave before showering. I get a very satisfactory and comfortable shave this way, although it isn’t as close as I was getting with the DE razor…but neither do I get cuts, irritation, or burn. Not to mention that I can shave at the kitchen table while I watch TV and drink coffee!
Thank you for your comment, Ken. I’m glad you’re enjoying shaving again with an electric razor. They can be ideal in many situations and are a great compromise of comfort and closeness.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your web-site. I searched for any information about difference between models of shavers, about using of lubricants and other in russian/ukrainian languages web-sites. And nothing at all. So you may think about expansion. Just find a good translator 🙂
Maybe you could add some information about trimmers please?
I use just a BRAUN BeardTrimmer to shave and can’t find any information about lubricating of it’s blades.
There was an original BRAUN oil in a package so looks like it should be used. But how often and in which way – no any information.
Hi Serhio,
Many thanks for your comment. I didn’t cover beard trimmers so far as I don’t maintain a beard, so I wouldn’t be able to test one and express a valuable opinion. Regarding your question, lubricating a beard trimmer once or twice a month should suffice. You can use other brands of oils that were specifically designed for trimmers, like Wahl clipper oil. That one is inexpensive and won’t gum up the blades.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your fast answer!
Anyway almost each model of Braun shavers of which you make your reviews contains a built-in trimmer. And I think maintenance is the same for built-in and separate trimmer.
You are welcome, Serhio.
That is correct — any trimmer is basically a set of blades, a fixed one and an oscillating one on top. I guess the pop-up trimmer that is integrated into an electric shaver would effectively be used less time compared to a beard trimmer. After all, we’re talking about tweaking sideburns vs trimming an entire beard.
With that in mind, I would probably lubricate a beard trimmer every two weeks or so. Just make sure to hold your trimmer with the blades pointing down to avoid any possible oil leak inside the motor. Pat dry with a paper towel if needed and remember that a little bit goes a long way (a drop or two are enough).
Thanks again! And sorry for a stupid question but how the oil would lubricate blades if they are pointing down? I always tried to turn them up making possible for oil to leak between blades. Especially if the device is allowed to use for wet shaving. Doesn’t matter is it a shaver with a trimmer or a separate trimmer.
Is it wrong way, how do you think?
P.S. Strange that the manufacturer doesn’t specify anything about it in documentations. Maybe it doesn’t matter?
Thanks for this! Very informative. My boyfriend hates shaving but he has to everyday because he is in the military. I would like to get him a nice electric razor, don’t care how much the price is really, would just like to get him a good one that he will love. He has a cheaper one right now so he doesn’t use it often. He needs one that will give him a very close shave, any recommendations?
Hi Brandi,
Thank you for your comment. In my experience the Panasonic Arc 5 is currently the closest shaving electric razor and works particularly well for everyday use. There are several variations available, but I would recommend the ES-LV65-S as a very cost-effective option or the newer ES-LV9N-S if your budget allows it. The latter also comes with an automatic cleaning station, but again, it is very pricey.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve been using electric shavers for the past 20 or so years. In recent years, the results have been terrible. On many parts of my face, it doesn’t look like I’ve shaved right after I’ve finished shaving! (The mustache is the worst culprit, and for other areas, I’ll have a 11am shadow!). I’ve tried both foil and rotary, wet and dry. Am I doing something wrong? Do I not know how to shave? Any advice?
Hi Michael,
It would be nearly impossible for me to pinpoint the causes just from your previous comment. There are many factors at play, ranging from not using a suitable razor for your beard type to faulty shaving technique and ineffective prep work. It would be helpful to know if you have a light, medium or very coarse and dense facial hair, how often you shave and the exact models of the shavers you’ve used lately.
I like to combine both in my shaving routine. I have a Harry’s razor and a Norelco multi-purpose tool that includes a foil shaver. I start by wet shaving with Harry’s and find that the Norelco is very helpful in eliminating hairs in close quarter areas like under the nose and spots I tend to be hit or miss with like the end of my jawline near the ears. I find this to be the most effective technique I’ve run across so far but am always open to suggestions.
Dear Ovidiu,
first i have to thank You for this site that I read on and on and learn al lot from! 😉
As a converted wet shaving purist, i would say that a Panasonic LV61 will give you the adequate shave of an ordenary Gilette Mach 3 in about half the time. If some would get closer shaves, a DE Razor and a lot more time, equipment, effort and experience is needed.
Kind regards from germany!
Hi Klaus,
Thank you for your kind comment, I really appreciate it. I totally agree — the Arc 5 is a fantastic performer, especially with regards to closeness. And some of the older models can often be found with a discounted price, so they’re definitely the ones I would recommend to anyone looking for an electric razor that can shave really close.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I fully appreciate. I own a lot shavers, from Norelco, Braun and I ended up with Panasonic. I own the ES8249, the LT4N and both, the LV61 and the LV81. I updated my LV61 with the WES9032 which gives a very closer shave than the older WES9030. They are also slightly different at the foil patterns. I remember the transition of foil paterns from my Braun 7 when they changed from smart foil with randomized and closer Pattern to the actual optifoil with more comfortable but less closer regular pattern. Unlike at Braun, in case of Panasonic, the closeness seems to get straight upwards with never Foilpattern.
Can You confirm that the blades of the LV65/95 changed the angle from 30° to 45°? I’ve seen this on ponasonic.co.jp and I just wondered if they will also will be sooner or later changed in the global market. – sorry for my bad english 🙂
Kind regards
Hi Klaus,
Thank you for your comment. I am not aware of Panasonic changing the angle of their blades from 30° to 45° with any of their shavers, that would be a major change and I would be surprised to see that happening (even on the models intended for the Japanese market). Can you please share a link to the exact page where you saw this?
The ES-LV65-S and ES-LV95-S use the exact inner blades as the first and latest generation Arc 5 (part number WES9170). These blades have a 30° bevel and have never been updated since the Arc 5 line was launched. The foils do vary throughout the different generations though and have been improved as you mentioned in your comment. The latest iteration (with the golden rollers) is more comfortable than the WES9032, but the closeness seems pretty much the same to me.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Here You are: https://panasonic.jp/shaver/lamdash5.html
the picture at the very end of the page 🙂
Thank you for the link, Klaus. I’m pretty sure that the image depicts the popup trimmer, the one on the back of the shaving head that is used for trimming your sideburns and so on. 🙂
Dear Ovidiu,
now I’ve made it clear: the blade angle of 45 degree is concerning only the inner foil for cutting long hairs, not the other foils!
Kind regards from germany! 😉
Hi! I have a Braun Series 7 7840S Wet & Dry electric shaver with a cleaning station for it, which i use after every shave. When i try to shave dry, which i will do after taking a shower, there is very little glide so it’s very hard to shave. So i have tried using a Proraso shaving cream, this makes the shaver glide like a hard soap in the shower, which is good. But it takes forever to finish, like 10-15 minutes and the results are not always that good. And it’s very hard to see or feel if i got all the hairs cut or not. The neck is the hardest and takes too damn long, and i usually end up bleeding in couple of places.
I’d very much like for a dry shave that can be done as quickly as possible. Can you give me some tips?
Thanks Ovidiu!
Hi Oscar,
That is actually an excellent question. In my opinion, you shouldn’t cleanse/exfoliate your face or take a shower right before a dry shave. One of the reasons for this was perfectly described by you — it will likely cause the shaver to skip and drag on the skin. It happened to me as well and I know how annoying it can be. So one workaround would be to shave first, take a shower and then apply a moisturizer/balm. I know that it seems a bit counterintuitive, but it works. In the case of using shaving cream, taking a shower or washing your face with warm water beforehand will have the opposite effect and will improve your shave. But for a dry shave, definitely not.
An alternative would be to use a pre-shave lotion after your shower. It only takes seconds to apply and will provide a layer of lubrication for the shaver to glide on. My personal favorites are Freelette and Speick. In this case I think Freelette will work better, it is a pre-shave balm, very moisturizing and slick. I get some of my closest shaves when using it. Just make sure to massage it into the skin really well before starting to shave (and use it sparingly).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I would like to get an electric shaver but in years past, they would not get the hair right below my nostrils(I currently use a 5 blade razor with a edger blade on the back of it).
Any recommendations would appreciated.
Hi Derek,
I would consider a Panasonic shaver like the ES-LF51-A. This model has quite a compact shaving head despite the 4 cutting elements and shaves really close, even if you have dense and coarse hair on that area. I do and I can confirm that it really shaves close and clean.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello!
First of all, let me tell you this site you have put together is amazing! Ok, onto my topic: For several years, I was using a rotary Noreclo 8140 Speed XL. I would change the blades at regular intervals. The shave was fine, but I am always a bit red afterwards for most of the day. Due to your website, I started using Lectric Shave and the Shaver Saver and they both had a huge positive impact.
Last week, I finally dove in and bought a Braun Series 5 with cleaning station. I have a very light beard and shave every day. I still use Lectric Shave (obviously I am dry shaving). I am noticing that I am even a bit more red now with the Braun than when I used the norelco and I know I am using a far superior shaver now. Is there some sort of adjustment period I need to go through as my face adjusts to the new shaver? I thought I was going to have better results instantly so I wanted to reach out for help.
Hi John,
Thank you for your kind comment, I really appreciate it.
In my opinion, when switching from one type of electric shaver to another (in this case from rotary to foil), the adjustment period has more to do with your technique and figuring out how to use the new shaver in the best possible way. The skin usually needs some time to adjust when switching from a razor blade to electric (and the other way around), but not so much in this case.
I personally would take a Series 5 over any other rotary shaver I’ve ever used, including the Series 9000 Prestige (the best rotary shaver out there in my experience). So I think your results will likely get better. Here are some tips you may find useful (the How to shave with a foil shaver section).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve been trying to decide on which razor to get and it comes down to either the Panasonic arc 5 or the Braun series 9.
I know the Panasonic arc 5 will get the closest shave, but struggles at shaving a bit longer hairs. While the Braun series 9 is good for longer hairs (which I find important).
My question is if the Braun can offer a really close shave (almost like the arc 5) as well as getting the slightly longer pieces or if it would be better to opt for the Panasonic
Hi Timothy,
I think for most Series 9 users the closeness will be satisfactory. Using them side by side, I do notice a closer shave when using the Arc 5 on areas where I have very dense and thick stubble, like above the upper lip and on my chin. The Arc 5 does manage to be more aggressive and cut the hairs really close to the skin but does so with the well-known downsides (it’s not as comfortable nor as good with longer hairs as the Series 9). So either way, you will be making a small compromise. It’s up to you do decide which one would be less of an issue.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
One thing to remember for older men. I am on blood thinners and blade shaving got to be a pain because a small nick became a major bleeding problem. There fore I decided to trying electric shaving and found this to be the answer to my problem. Buy a good shaver such as Braun 7 and the shave will be nearly as close as a blade shave. Plus it is easy to use and can shave in much shorter time not to mention the the elimination of cuts and nicks.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, William. That is an excellent insight. In these situations, an electric shaver would be a much safer option.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi I just bought a lambdash from japan do I need to oil it and under the neck is hard to shave any thoughts
Hi Martin,
It is recommended to oil an electric shaver on a regular basis, especially if you use water and soap to clean it. If yours has a cleaning station and you use it regularly, there’s no need to oil it. Check out this guide I wrote on when and how to oil your shaver.
As for shaving under the neck, try to always go against the direction of growth of the hairs; also, Panasonic shavers aren’t great with longer facial hair, so maybe shaving more often would yield better results. Finally, try a pre-shave lotion (the one from Speick is particularly good in my experience).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I respectfully disagree with you as to your recommendation for preshave routine. I have been using electric shavers since the early 1960s and have always used them dry. The only time I required a preshave powder was when shaving in hot, humid, non air conditioned environments to dry my skin. I have been using screen type shavers since the early 1970s which were all Braun shavers sold in the U.S. under the names Ronson and later Eltron. Sometime in the early 80s Braun could sell their shavers under their own label. I did have a Panasonic ES8103 shaver which I also used dry for the past five years.
My current shaver is a Braun 7893s which I have been using since April which provides amazingly close and comfortable shaves. I use it dry before I either shower or wash my face. This procedure is recommended by Braun for dry shaving. I don’t have or need a cleaning station and don’t clean the shaver under running water. If you dry shave you can just tap the cutter/screen cassette onto some tissue by tapping it on the sink counter and then brush out the clippings from the top of the shaver body with the supplied brush. This method also doesn’t require applying lubrication to the screens or trimmer according to the Braun owner’s manual.
Keeping the shaver charged is not required with lithium ion batteries. They don’t have a memory as did the old Nicad batteries they replaced. I recharged the Panasonic shaver weekly when the charge icon appeared on the screen. With the Brsun shaver I recharge it after two or three shaves after the red charge indicator illuminates. Both razors operate at full speed until the power runs out and they stop. Digital circuits in the shaver control the battery charging functionality. The Panasonic began losing its ability to hold a charge for seven days which encouged me to by a replacement shaver. Five to seven years use of a battery powered shaver seems reasonable. Afterwards newer models will be available with new bells and whistles.
Hi Bob,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, much appreciated.
It’s totally fine to disagree and we can all learn something new from each other. If something works well for you and it also implies doing less work, that’s even better. Pre-shaves are particularly great when used in humid environments as you mentioned, but many users also find them beneficial regardless, myself included. I don’t always use one and that also depends on the shaver I’m using. When shaving dry with any of my Panasonic shavers, a pre-shave does help quite a bit since I would usually get a rash on my neck. I can get away with using almost any modern Braun razor without a pre-shave lotion though and the results are good enough.
I prefer to be extra thorough when cleaning my shavers and even if I only shave dry, I would still give them at least a quick rinse under the tap (apart from tapping out the hairs). I don’t mind adding a drop of lubricant on the blades every once in a while. But again, that’s just a way of doing things.
Regarding the batteries, that is basically what I was trying to emphasize as well, that you can simply charge them whenever you need without any worries.
Again, thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Will the daily use of a beard oil impart the function of my electric razor? Than you
Hi John,
From what I understand, you’re growing a beard and also use an electric shaver, maybe on the top of the cheeks or on your neck. So your question is about an actual electric shaver, not a beard trimmer. If some beard oil comes into contact with your shaver, it shouldn’t cause any issues. Just make sure to clean it properly, it can get clogged more easily with hairs, dirt, grime and so on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just purchased a Panasonic arc5. I shaved without any prep and was pleasantly surprised by the closeness of the cut. I’ll be trying your tips for a closer more comfortable shave in a couple of days. Thanks for the info
Thank you for taking the time to share this, Jim. The Arc 5 is arguably the closest shaving line of electric shavers currently available, so it’s already a great starting point. Hope you’ll find the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello,
Now I have heard you talk about the importance of “oil” on the foil. My Braun Series 7 of course has a cleaning station. But I want to know what type of oil I should use. Because I “tap” and run under warm water after use. I use the cleaning station after 2 shavings. But this “oil” what type?
Hi,
If you only clean it with water (no soap) and you use the station after 2 shaves, in my opinion there’s no need to oil the blades. The cleaning solution should provide all the needed lubrication. Otherwise, any light machine oil or clipper oil should work.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You need to change foils and blades a lot more often than once per year. Manufacturers are flat out lying when they tell you their shavers blades last more than a year. Most blades need changing every couple of months at most.
Manufacturers have a testing methodology that can sometimes be really far off from real-world usage. It’s just like carmakers and the official mileage figures. Those results are obtained under ideal conditions. With that said, there are a lot of factors at play, ranging from the quality of the blades (that can vary even in the case of the same manufacturer), to shaving frequency, the coarseness of the hair and how the user cleans and lubricates the shaver.
I’ve had shavers that lasted for years with the same blades and foils, while others needed new ones after a few months.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve been a traditional wet shaver AND electric shaver over the past 50 years. Kudos for emphasizing the prep. I shave with exactly the same prep whether using a DE or electric razor (and my current electric stable includes the Series 9, Norelco Prestige and Arc 5) – artisan soap, scuttle and brush, with a pre-shave in addition (prefer Jack Black). And I can achieve a shave every bit the equal of a DE blade with an electric. Whatever I miss as far as the microscopically increased height of the whiskers due to a foil or rotary comb compared to a bare blade, is more than compensated for with a good aftershave as far as face feel and longevity of the shave. In my opinion, the prep is 90% of the success of the shave, and the myth of an electric being “not quite as good” as a blade is busted using a modern electric, a good prep and good technique. You can’t expect a good save with a dry electric blade any more than a dry shave with a Feather in your Timeless DE, regardless of the quality of the blade or razor. You might verify this by shaving dry with your DE of choice sometime. The argument of speed and convenience with an electric by skipping the prep, and using a splash of pre-shave, is legitimate – it IS more convenient and faster than a full DE prep. It’s also not as good as far as shaving results. The advantage – for me – of using the same prep with an electric and DE, is that with an electric I can shave faster, with less perfect technique, less irritation, less risk of a cut, and a more consistent shave, day to day and area to area on my face. Even if it took longer to shave with an electric (and it doesn’t), see previous advantages. Using an electric is every bit as good a choice for a modern shaver as using a DE, in spite of the nostalgia factor and the – actually marginal – improvements in DE razors over the last 50 years, and in some ways much better. In my opinion.
Allan, those are some excellent points on this topic and I fully agree with everything you said. Many thanks for taking the time to share this.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I find the best result for me is to massage my face with baby oil preshave. I get a nice close, smooth shave and my skin looks good after. I still use a moisturiser and after shave and feel great.
Thank you for your comment, Thomas. Baby oil (mineral-based) is actually quite commonly used as a pre-shave oil, but usually with razor blades. You haven’t mentioned it, but I assume you’re using an electric shaver. I personally haven’t tried it in this manner yet.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My electric razor has two speeds. What are the different speeds used for?
Thanks
Usually, the lower speed is intended for the more sensitive areas or with lighter hair, while the higher speed should be used when shaving areas with denser and coarser hair. They don’t always work as intended though; for example, the lower speed can sometimes make the razor feel underpowered and slow. Try both and see which one works better for you.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’m looking to buy my first proper razor after years of making due with a cheap trimmer, and I’m wanting to get something close to top of the line. I was looking at the Braun Series 9 until I stumbled across your articles here. I was wondering, then, is it only the ES-LV9Q that provides a closer shave than the Series 9, or would any Arc 5 shaver do as well?
Thanks,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Any of the available Arc 5 models, including the ones in the older generations, will shave just as close. In fact, if you’re mainly interested in getting a very close shave, I would actually recommend something like the ES-LV65-S/ES-LV95-S over the newer models like the ES-LV9Q. They shave just as close, but usually cost a lot less. Moreover, the newer foils and blades are backwards compatible, so you can upgrade them later on (more details here).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just wondering what the consensus is. Is it to shave with the pivot working without stretching the skin and let the shaver do the work which means less time and less irritation, but more stubble growth as the day goes on. Or stretch the skin, spend more time and have less stubble growth as the day goes on. Just curious.
There’s no right or wrong approach. For some users, one method may work better than the other, so trying different techniques is definitely a good idea. Or you can for example only stretch the skin on certain areas where it makes sense to do so. If you know from previous experience that stretching the skin on your neck causes you irritation, it’s probably best not to do it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The problem with electric shavers, under the chin and below the jaw, is that constant use will give older men “turkey necks.” It was great for middle age, but as I headed into my late 50’s I went back to blades. Guys my age, now in my late 60’s, who stuck with electric have turkey necks (sagging jowels).
Thank you for your comment, Gabby. However, sagging skin around the neck and jaw has absolutely nothing to do with the use of electric shavers. Correlation doesn’t mean causation and there’s zero scientific evidence to support that claim.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You never mentioned the most important fact. Shave every day will definitely give you the best result. Only one days growth means the bristles are short,stiff,and upright. Leaving the growth for several days, and the bristles are obviously longer which results in the shaver bending the bristles and resulting in much poorer shave. Try having a quick everyday shave and you will not fail to notice the difference.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for the comment, that’s an excellent point. I totally agree that shaving daily can offer several benefits. But when it comes strictly to closeness, things are a bit more nuanced in my opinion.
For example, the speed at which the beard grows back varies among different men. Some can get away with shaving every few days since the length of the hair would still be manageable. Also, some electric shavers are quite good even with longer bristles (like the Series 9 Pro for example).
Men with really sensitive skin may need a day between shaves in order to mitigate any irritation, inflammation, tenderness, pseudofolliculitis etc. Trying to shave again while dealing with that will certainly affect the closeness. Personally, shaving every other day seems to work the best for me in terms of closeness. If the hair is too short, the skin around it tends to cling to it if that makes any sense and I will sometimes get some razor burn and not the closest possible shave.
I’m actually a proponent of shaving daily — it’s just that doing so will not always result in a better/closer shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
A thoughtful article, as always. I wonder whether you could say more about the dynamics of adjusting to a new shaving method. I suspect you are right, that the adjustment between different electric shavers has to do with learning to master the new device. I don’t see how skin itself would adjust. But you suggested that switching either way between a blade & an electric would require the skin itself to adjust. Switching from blade to electric, I can sort of understand this, as running a blade directly on the skin causes irritation, and the skin can, as I think you have observed, produce collagen scar tissue in response, and I can see how this might interfere with electric shaving. It could make the skin harder and less even until it is cleared. However, I do not see why the skin would in time adjust (in a good way) from electric to blade shaving, as I don’t see how the resulting increase in collagen could possibly be a good thing. I realize this is not exactly what this article is about, but I just wonder if I’m missing something basic. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment, Barry. That’s an excellent point and definitely makes sense if someone would just switch from electric to blade and stick to blade shaving — I don’t see any problem there. I was however only referring to the situation where this switching would continue, going again from blade to electric and so on.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great article as usual, Ovidiu.
I personally find that shaving after a shower is better for me for dry shaving with my Braun Series 7. So a bit of “your mileage may vary” on that point. (As a sidenote, Braun has always suggested shaving before showering and its user instructions, whereas Remington always suggested just the opposite for foil razors its materials. Go figure.)
I have a very tough, dense beard. Real steel wire stuff. Normally I daily wet shave with my Braun + gel or shaving soap, which really gives me best results. But, for occasional dry shaving, I find that a wash and a re-lather in the shower, plus plenty of warm water, softens up my heavy beard. If I pat-dry my face thoroughly, and then use a preshave, the post-shower dry shave is nearly as close and comfortable as my lather shaves. It’s a big step up for me from pre-shower dry shaving.
Unfortunately, for me personally, when I have used your method of putting preshave on my dry face before showering, it’s slower, less comfortable, not as close. Again, for me personally. Not offered as a universal truth or anything.
I do take your point about the electric shaver potentially bogging down if one’s face is not wet. However, as I say, careful toweling and use of a preshave seems to eliminate any issues there, again for me personally.
Hi David,
Many thanks for the comment. That’s a fair point and makes perfect sense. If you can soften the beard and mitigate the rest (toweling, pre-shave and so on), it can definitely work. The post is in need of an update and I will be covering this as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Sorry, at the end of my post when I said, “ I do take your point about the electric shaver potentially bogging down if one’s face is not wet….” I MEANT to say, if one’s face is not DRY.
Apologies for any confusion.
Despite having been very much a razor blade / shaving gel user for the past 20 years (after some pretty average experiences with electric shavers in the past) I recently bought a Braun Series 9 (9477CC I think?) based on your excellent reviews.
Where has this thing been my whole life???
What a game changer! Super close shave, super comfortable, no burn and no irritated skin anymore!
I have a pretty thick beard, with plenty of white hairs that are stiffer / coarser than when they were dark brown, and this thing eats it up. I do clean my face thoroughly first of any oils etc, and make sure my face is as dry as possible.
The Braun Series 9 is amazing…..I simply cannot fault it. To clarify though, it does not like my 7 day growth as much, as my beard curves around and lies so flat that it is hard to lift it and cut. It takes me a few extra minutes in such circumstances, but the final result is still perfect.
After 3 months of use, I am still amazed and certainly consider myself converted to electric shavers now.
Bravo, your website is amazing and extremely helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the comment, Brett. Glad you’re happy with your S9 Pro.
Your observation is correct — a long beard can make things a lot more difficult when shaving with an electric razor. And the S9 Pro is in my opinion the most capable foil shaver in that regard. It would be pretty much impossible to get a decent shave with some other shavers that can only work reasonably well on short stubble.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu