When it comes to electric shavers, many people assume that they can’t provide a close shave. As a frequent user of electric shavers, I can tell you that this isn’t necessarily true.
While it’s true that electric shavers can’t quite match the closeness of a razor blade, there are still plenty of ways to get a close shave with an electric razor.
If you’ve only used an electric shaver once or twice and didn’t get the results you were hoping for, don’t give up just yet. It’s possible that your technique wasn’t quite right, or that the shaver you were using wasn’t the best fit for your needs.
That being said, there are a few steps you can take to get a closer shave with an electric razor.
- First, make sure your shaver is fully charged and that the blades are clean and sharp.
- Next, use a pre-shave lotion or oil to help soften your facial hair and prepare your skin for the shave.
When you’re actually shaving, take your time and go over each area multiple times, using a circular or back-and-forth motion. If your electric shaver has adjustable settings, try experimenting with different speeds and intensities to find what works best for you.
With the below tips, I’ve been able to reduce the trade-off between convenience and closeness and get a shave that meets my high standards.
Can electric razors provide a close shave, or is there an inherent limitation?
As someone who has experimented with both traditional razors and electric shavers, I can attest to the fact that each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
One of the biggest benefits of using an electric shaver is that it’s less likely to cause irritation or cuts compared to a manual razor.
However, if you’re looking for a smooth and close shave, it’s important to understand that traditional wet shaving is still the gold standard when it comes to closeness. The exposed blade is able to cut the hairs at the skin level, resulting in a very close shave.
On the other hand, electric razors use cutting blades that oscillate or rotate behind a perforated thin foil or metal guard, creating a physical barrier between the blades and the skin.
While the design and operation of electric razors inherently limit their ability to provide an extremely close shave, manufacturers have made great strides in improving their performance. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of tips to help you achieve a closer shave when using an electric razor.
During the shaving process, it’s important to take your time and go over each area multiple times, using a circular or back-and-forth motion.
Check out my tips, you can achieve a close and comfortable shave with your electric razor.
How to get a close shave with an electric razor?
1. When it comes to getting a close shave with an electric shaver, there are several things to keep in mind.
One important factor is the pre-shave routine, which is just as crucial as the actual shave itself. In fact, getting the basics right can have a massive impact on the final results.
Personally, I’ve found that a simple yet effective pre-shave routine is the foundation for a comfortable and close shave. While it may not be the most exciting part of the process, it’s essential for achieving optimal results.
If you’ll be shaving dry, don’t wash your face or take a shower beforehand. You’ll want to have the skin as dry as possible, as any moisture can negatively affect the quality of the shave.
If you’ll be shaving wet with your electric razor, use plenty of warm water and a thin layer of watery leather. This will help to soften the hairs and prepare them for a smoother and closer shave.
2. Use an electric razor that is up to the task
When it comes to electric razors, choosing the right one is crucial to achieving a close and comfortable shave.
As someone who has tried various electric shavers over the years, I can say that not all shavers are created equal. While there are plenty of affordable options that do a decent job for daily shaving, they simply can’t match the performance of high-end models like the Braun Series 9 or the Panasonic Arc 5. Investing in a powerful and advanced shaver is essential if you prioritize closeness over price.
From my personal experience, I find foil-based razors to be more effective in providing a closer shave than rotary shavers. However, everyone’s skin and hair types are different, so it’s important to find the right one that works best for you.
If you want to learn more about the best electric razors available on the market, check out this article for some in-depth reviews and recommendations.
3. Use shaving cream
I know that using shaving cream can greatly improve the quality of a shave, even when using an electric razor. A good shaving cream can soften the hairs and lubricate the skin, which makes it easier for the razor to cut through the stubble efficiently and closely.
When it comes to applying shaving cream, I recommend using a very thin layer of slick, watery lather.
I find that working the lather into the stubble with my hands works best. Unlike traditional wet shaving where you use a brush to build a rich lather, the approach for electric razors is different.
If you don’t have shaving cream, don’t worry. You can still get a great shave by following the next step.
4. Apply an electric pre-shave lotion before shaving.
When it comes to dry shaving with an electric razor, using a pre-shave lotion is key to getting the best results. I highly recommend incorporating this step into your routine.
The lotion acts as a lubricant, allowing the razor to glide smoothly over the skin and minimizing irritation.
Additionally, it helps to stiffen the hairs, making them stand straight and easier to cut. This can result in a closer and smoother shave, even without the use of water or shaving cream. So if you’re not a fan of wet shaving, give a pre-shave lotion a try!
5. Ensure that the electric shaver has a complete battery charge.
I can tell you that making sure your razor is fully charged is crucial for getting a close shave.
Even though many manufacturers claim that their razors can maintain peak performance until the battery is drained, I have noticed that a fully charged razor performs better.
A loss of power may not be significant, but it does affect the final result.
A fully charged razor also sounds faster than one with a battery level of 50% or less. For the best results, you’ll want to take advantage of the full cutting power of your razor. Modern electric razors are equipped with Li-Ion batteries that are not susceptible to the same issues as older NiMh or NiCd batteries. So you do not need to worry about the battery’s lifespan.
6. Clean and lubricate your razor:
Hey there! One of the most important things to remember when using an electric shaver is to clean and lubricate it regularly. This is not only to prevent the growth of bacteria but also to maintain its performance. I personally recommend cleaning your razor after every use, whether you use an automatic cleaning station or do it yourself.
Lubricating the blades and foils is also crucial to minimize wear and tear and reduce heat generated during use. Some electric shavers come with a small bottle of lubricant, but you can also use refined mineral oil, which is cheap and readily available.
If you want to know more about how to clean and lubricate your electric shaver properly or if you’re looking for some recommended products, feel free to check out my guide on lubricating electric shavers.
7. Use a spray cleaner and lubricant
To keep your electric shaver in top condition, I rely on using a spray cleaner and lubricant. Not only does it make cleaning and lubricating my shaver a breeze, but it also improves its performance significantly.
If you don’t have an automatic cleaning station, I highly recommend getting a spray cleaner and lubricant.
This will clean and degrease your shaver, removing dirt and mineral buildup from the blades and foils. As a result, it reduces friction and minimizes the stress on the motor.
I personally use Remington Shaver Saver and it’s a fantastic product that has made a noticeable difference in the performance of my shaver. If you’re finding that your shaver isn’t cutting as close as it used to, trust me and give this product a try. You won’t regret it.
If everything is done right, how close is it possible to shave with an electric razor?
In my years of using electric shavers, I have found that with the right technique and a good shaver, I can achieve a shave that is almost as close as the ones I used to get from a safety razor, but without the nicks and rashes.
Of course, this is just my personal experience, but I can confidently say that it is possible to get a close shave with an electric shaver.
While it’s true that electric shavers are designed to prevent the cutting elements from actually touching the skin, this can be overcome with the right shaver and technique.
Over the years, electric shavers have improved in this regard, and with a few simple adjustments, you can get a close shave without sacrificing comfort or adding too much time to your grooming routine.
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