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Introduction to Electric Shavers

The modern electric shaver, or electric razor as it can be known, has come a long way since the original patent by Col. Jacob Schick in 1928.

In the current market the main manufacturers are Braun, Philips, Remington and Panasonic. At the highest level, the choice in choosing an electric shaver comes down to rotary or foil based.

Rotary Shavers

Rotary based electric shavers are those originally produced by Philips (previously under the Philishave brand) and now also Remington. These typically feature three round cutting heads. Each cutting head consists of an outer guard featuring a number of slots, sometimes in combination with round holes. A rotary cutter then spins beneath the guard to cut the hair as it enters.

When using a rotary shaver you usually use it in circular motions around the face in combination with a back and forth stroking action. For best results you shave against the grain of the beard. You can also use your free hand to stretch or hold the skin tight as it is being shaved. This helps flat lying hairs stand up from the skin and be more easily cut.

Shavers.co.uk Recommended Rotary Shavers

Foil Shavers

Foil based electric shavers feature a fine metal foil with many holes wrapped over an oscillating cutter block. The foil stays still while the cutter block moves from side to side and cuts the hair as it enters the holes in the foil.

The main manufacturers of foil shavers are Braun, Remington and Panasonic. Braun manufacturer the widest range and in our opinion are the more popular, with a solid reputation for quality and innovation. Remington also make wide range and offer excellent mid-level pricing while Panasonic offer a more specialised range, often focusing on the waterproof and wet and dry shaver.

Shavers.co.uk Recommended Foil Shavers

Foil or Rotary, which is better?

In terms of performance, modern foil and rotary shavers are generally capable of achieving the same quality of shave. However people will often find they have a preference towards one or the other, often in terms of comfort or closeness of shave.

Wet and Dry Electric Shavers

You may enjoy the feel of a wet shave or the added comfort of a shaving gel or foam. Braun, Philips and Panasonic all make electric shavers just for this purpose, in addition to their mainstream dry-use electric shaver.

Panasonic Wet and Dry

Panasonic produce a series of waterproof wet and dry shavers that can be used in conjunction with a shaving gel or foam or even taken into the shower.

Shavers.co.uk Recommended Panasonic Wet/Dry Shavers

Philips Coolskin

The Philips Coolskin range of electric shavers are waterproof and feature a built in Nivea for Men shaving balm application system.

As you shave, at the press of a button you apply the soothing Nivea lotion to the surface of the cutting heads. It helps greatly with comfort and also brings a cool, refreshing feel to the morning shave.

To prove the Coolskin is no passing fad, Philips have now had this product on the market for over 5 years and with each update of their shavers, based on strong customer demand, continue to develop and improve the Coolskin range.

Shavers.co.uk Recommended Philips Coolskin Wet/Dry Shavers

Braun FreeGlider

Braun produce the FreeGlider which features its own specialised shaving balm which is automatically applied to the surface of the foil during shaving. This helps reduce friction and condition the skin, greatly improving comfort and helping with the closeness of shave.