Electric Shaving

How to Shave with an Electric Shaver

Overview

Shaving with an electric shaver is a completely viable alternative to the wet shave. While most fans of wet shaving will refer to it is the most ideal method of shaving--in terms of both comfort and closeness of shave--regular users of electric shavers know that the process can provide as comfortable and close a shave at a fraction of the difficulty involved in wet shaving.

How the Electric Shaver Works

Unlike a traditional razor, which scrapes along the face, cutting off whiskers at the surface of the skin, the electric shaver actually cuts hair below the surface of the skin. This is made possible by the shaver's ability to roll up the skin surrounding the whisker, forcing it above the surface. The shaver's blade then cuts the whisker as it is exposed above the surface, giving what is actually a closer shave than is possible with a traditional manual razor.

• Note: Because the electric shaver cuts hair below the surface of the skin, those prone to ingrown hairs are advised to take caution when shaving with electric shavers. Shaving with the grain of the hair will allow for slightly longer hair post-shave than shaving against the beard's grain.

Types of Electric Shavers

Electric shavers are primarily divided into two types: foil shavers and rotary shavers. A third type of electric shaver, often referred to as the trimmer, is used most often to trim beards, but may also be used as a multi-task razor for trimming and shaving hair on other parts of the body beside the face.

Foil Shaver: Foil shavers feature an interior cutter that moves horizontally to the surface of the skin. A perforated metal guard covers the cutter to protect the skin; this guard is called the foil. Hair is cut when it enters holes of the perforated foil and is exposed to the interior cutter.

Rotary Shavers: Rotary shavers feature multiple bladed placed in a circular pattern, often with three individual wheels. The wheels rotate and cut the hair as they move along the face.

Materials Needed

The primary draw of shaving with an electric shaver is it's ease of use. Electric shavers are generally used with no lubrication or pre-shave products of any kind. Perhaps the best reason to use an electric shaver is the fact that you really don't need anything beside the shaver to shave.

Step by Step Method

1. Use Hot Water: It is a good idea to expose the face with warm water, just like you would before a wet shave, when preparing to use an electric shaver. A hot shower is ideal. The water will soften the beard and make it easier to cut.

2. Find the Grain: Rub the face to find out which direction the hair is growing. While you will come to know the characteristics of your own face with regular shaving, recall that hair grows out of the face in different directions. You want to find out which way it is growing in each portion of the face, so you will be able to shave against the grain for the closest shave possible.

3. Tighten the Skin: Pull the skin tight with one hand while you direct the shaver toward your skin with the other. Move the shaver along the skin against the grain of the beard; although, if you experience ingrown hairs, you may want to shave with the grain for a less-close shave. With foil shavers, you can shave with a straight, even stroke; with rotary shavers, a circular motion may be more beneficial.

4. Shave Gently: Avoid pressing the shaver to the skin with force. Also avoid repeated shaving over the same spot or shaving too rapidly. These actions can cause the shaver screen and cutter to wear prematurely. A thorough, methodical shave will result in both a close shave and an accurate lifespan for your shaver's components.

5. After-Shave: When finished, use a quality aftershave with soothing ingredients and no alcohol. A huge part of the bad rap electric shaving gets about leaving skin dry and chapped is the failure on the part of most shavers to follow the process with aftershave.

For sensitive Skin: Because electric shavers produce heat that is transmitted through screens and wheels, it is advised that sensitive areas of the face be shaved first so as to expose these regions to the shaver during its coolest period of operation.

Electric Shaver Care

Unlike a manual razor, which needs little more care than to run water through it after a shave and replace the blade when it dulls, an electric shaver needs significant upkeep to perform most effectively.

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