Top Electric Razor Reviews for Men in 2017, Updated 2018

Your face is the first thing people notice when they meet you. It’s important to keep your face groomed properly. Even if you are trying to grow a beard, which is very stylish at the moment, you’ll need a grooming system that keeps everything trim. You would be a wild grizzly or a stylish trend-setter, and it all comes down to the shaver that you choose.

There was a survey conducted by The International Dermal Institute regarding skin issues. It reported 79% of men have skin problems. Those skin problems were related to shaving, but that men didn’t always link those issues with their choice of shaver.

The best electric shaver is one that will have features like rotating heads and contour recognition. When the shaver isn’t held directly to the face over contours and angles, it requires more than one pass. When you shave an area more than once or twice, you’ll end up with razor burn and serious irritation. Those are the skin problems that many men face on a daily basis. It can be alleviated with a better electric shaver in their grooming kit.

Top 10 Electric Shaver Comparison Table

Best Electric Shaver Reviews For 2018

Braun Series 7- 790cc Pulsonic Shaver System

The Braun Series 7 is a shaver that’s considered “smart” enough to adapt the length of your beard. It captures more hair in a stroke than some other shavers. It’s considered powerful, yet, gentle for your skin.

Key Features

Sonic & Autosense Technology – The microvibrations are how fast the blades are moving in your shaver. For this foil shaver, the vibrations are rated at 10,000 per minute. The hair is captured with Autosense technology. It’s how the shaver can adapt for the length and density of the hair. Once the razor has sensed the hair and pulled it into the foil, the blades slice them cleanly.

8D Contour Adaptation – The flexible head will move in 8 directions. The elements float to adapt to the gentle curves of the face. It helps to get into hard-to-reach areas like the jaw line. The angle of the cheek bones and around the nose are also hard areas to shave. When you can reach those areas, you’ll spend less time doing touch-ups.

100% Waterproof – It’s easy to clean this shaver because it’s waterproof. The waterproof nature of this shaver means it can be rinsed in running water. Cream and hair won’t clog the shaver, and you’ll get a close shave every time. It’s submersible up to 5 meters, so you can take this into the shower for a wet shave, too.

Clean & Charge Station – Quick cleanups can be done under the faucet, but this shaver has a cleaning and charging station. It’s an alcohol-based cleanser that actually sanitizes your shaver. It’ll remove dead skin, hair, and grime that can build over time. When the shaver is cleaned properly, the blades will last longer.

4 Shaving Elements – As mentioned previously, the shaving elements can capture more hair in one stroke than other shavers. This is according to a study by the IPI Research Institute that tested the shaver on beards of 3 days. The test was conducted in 2015.

My Impression

Braun Series 7- 790cc is a great foil shaver for those who want one that reads and adapts to the length of your beard. It has innovative technology that captures flat hairs with the ActiveLift Trimmer. The trimmer works by pulling the hairs in one direction for easy cutting. It’s like a guide for the hairs to ensure they’re facing the same direction to be cut properly.

There are a few modes of speed for this shaver. It will give you a gentler shave or one that’s more powerful. All you have to do is push a button to access the alternate speeds. There are 5 speeds from slow to high. The slow speed is ideal for sensitive skin. The high speed works for those men who need to run out of the house quickly. Medium is the speed that most men will use.

This is a great foil shaver with a variety of speeds and technology that make a close shave possible. You’ll have to shave with the grain of the hair from top to bottom. It’ll give you a more precise shave in certain areas like around sideburns.

Pros

Cons

Philips Norelco Electric Shaver S8950/90

The 8900 is a wet and dry shaver with a click-on beard styler. The blades of the 8900 are V-Track Precision, which cuts 30 percent closer than other shavers. The product boasts perfection in every pass. It’ll remove more hair and get closer, so you’ll end up with less irritation and razor burn.

Key Features

Contour Detect – This technology allows each shaving head to move separately from the next. It’ll follow the curves of your face from sharp cheekbones to angled jaw. When the shaver detects the shape of your face as it moves, it’ll stay in close, complete contact with the skin. This will ensure that you don’t have missed patches of whiskers.

V-Track Precision Blades – The blades lift the hair into the right position for cutting. When the hair is lifted and cut close to the skin, that results in a better shave. Flat hairs can be difficult to cut because they’re passed over by most shavers. That won’t happen with the Precision blades. The blades are also self sharpening, so they’ll last longer.

LED Display – The display will give you plenty of details about your shaver. You won’t have to guess when it’s time for a charge. The LED display on the handle will show low battery and when a new shaving head is required. It’ll alert you to the travel lock being on, too.

SmartClick Beard Styler – For those days where you don’t want to shave, you can use the beard trimmer. It’s a styler that will trim your growing beard. You can use it for shaving and trimmer around any facial hair like a goatee or a mustache. There are 5 lengths in the trimmer. There’s a comb with rounded tips to capture the hair. The rounded tips means there will be less skin irritation.

SmartClean System – Hair and shaving gel can get clogged in the shaver. It needs to be cleaned properly regularly. That can be done with this cleaning system. You add a special solution to the cleaner, and it does all the work for you. The SmartClean System charges as well as cleans. After the shaver is cleaned using the dual-filtration system, the shaver is lubricated. Once it has run through the cycle of cleaning and lubricating, it will charge the shaver for your next use.

My Impression

The 8900 is a shaving system that boasts “perfection in every pass.” That’s what you’ll get with this shaver. It also has plenty of accessories, so you’ll get a complete shaving system without the need for extra purchases.

There’s a beard styler, cleaning system, and travel case. You’ll be able to bring this with you on vacations or work trips, too. It’s an all-around great shaver that can give you a smooth wet or dry shave quickly. You won’t have to spend very long with this shaver to get a good shave. It’s a quick way for you to head out the door sooner.

The best part of this shaver is the fact that it has independent shaver heads. They will move along the contours of your face. Your face may seem like a smooth surface, but there’s angles and dips around the cheeks. The jaw and neck are where most men have an issue. The shaver heads on the 8900 will tackle those wild hairs without giving you razor burn or bumps.

Pros

Cons

Braun Series 9 9290cc Electric Shaver

This is a foil shaver with 5 shaving elements to give you a very close shave while protecting your skin. The company calls this their number 1 shaver and with good reason. This 9290cc foil electric razor is a terrific travel razor that will provide quick shaves for a long time.

Key Features

Wet and Dry System – A wet/dry system means that you can use this shaver with foam or cream for a more soothing shave. It’s great for the shower, too. You’ll cut down on your morning grooming routine when you can shave in the shower. It’s easy to clean this foil wet/dry shaver with a quick rinse under the faucet.

50 Mins Cordless Shaving – With wet or dry shaving, you have the ability to choose the perfect shave method each day. You can stash this in the car to shave on the go. It can be taken on vacation without all the accessories, too. A simple, full charge will give you a full 50 minutes of cordless shaving.

Clean & Charge Station – With the wet/dry combination, you can rinse this under running water. It’s important to sanitize the charger at least once a week. The cleaning station makes that maintenance a breeze. All you have to do is add the shaving unit into the dock, and it’ll clean, lubricate, and charge the shaver.

10D Contour – The 5 shaving elements are separated, so you can easily shave the varied planes of your face. The blades move in 10 directions to adapt to the angles and curves. Instead of missing patches of whiskers because the shaver has lifted, it’ll stay flush with the skin. This is perfect for the cheeks and the angle of the jaw and neckline.

My Impression

Most foil shavers are meant for fine hair that is short or sparse. It’s used with the grain of the hair giving you a smooth shave each time. This foil shaver has specialized trimmers and shaving elements that create 10,000 microvibrations. It’ll shave the coarsest hair. The trimmers will lift and direct the flattest hairs, so every one of them can be cut evenly.

This waterproof shaver is perfect for the shower. When the hair has absorbed wetness, it’s easier to cut. That will lead to better shaves without irritation. The extra cutters will tackle the stubborn, wiry white hairs that can creep into your beard, too. When you can shower and shave at the same time, it gives you a close shave and gives you extra time in the morning.

There are 5 shaving elements in this foil razor. There are 4 cutting elements covered with a SkinGuard to ensure the smoothest shave possible. The head of this razor has a slim profile that allows you to get the upper lip area. It’ll focus on areas like under the jaw and the neck to give you a close shave without inflammation and soreness.

Pros

Cons

Panasonic ES-LV95-S Arc5 Electric Razor

This is the Panasonic Arc5 with a 5-blade shaving system. It’s a foil shaver that delivers 14,000 cuts per minute across one blade. That’s thousands of cuts across the 5 blades of this shaver. It has a sensor that measures hair length to ensure you’re getting the smoothest shave possible, too.

Key Features

Shaving Sensor – The sensor will pick up on a change in length while shaving. In areas where there’s more density, the shaver will sense it and adjust the speed of the blades. It’ll become softer or faster based on the thickness of your whiskers.

Micro-Foil Patterns – There are three thin foils that hold and lift hair to get the closest shave without missing any areas. Stubborn hair that lays flat and defies most shavers will be lifted and cut with this foil pattern.

Charging and Cleaning Station – Keeping the shaver clean will prolong the life of the blades. It’ll give you a close shave each time you use it, too. This clean & charge station uses a solution that cleans, lubricates, and dries the shaver. Once the cycle is complete, it’ll charge the shaver for you.

Wet/Dry Technology – When you’re in a hurry, there’s nothing easier than taking your shaver into the shower to combine two activities. It saves time when you don’t want to dry shave, too.

High CPM – The cuts per minute should be fast for your shaver. It’ll give you a comfortable shave while getting as close to the skin as possible. The cycles per minute, or CPM, for this shaver is 14,000. It’s a truly impressive amount when most shavers are only 10,000.

My Impression

The Arc5 is a natural fit for the hand without the sensation that it might slip from your grip. That’s important when you are shaving over the sink with gel or foam. You don’t want to drop the razor into the sink and break it.

The pop-up shaving trimmer makes this a shaving system that’s also a complete grooming system. You’ll always look your best with minimal effort. You won’t need extra accessories to trim your mustache or sideburns. In the long run, that will save you money as well as time. Instead of having to attach a trimmer, it’ll be easy to flip and use. It will never get lost, either.

This shaving system has a cleaning and charging station. The alcohol-based solution washes and sanitizes the shaver for the cleanest shaving device possible. Once it’s clean, the station will actually lubricate the shaver before drying. After the station cycle is complete, it’ll charge your shaver for your next use. All of these actions are ones you don’t have to perform. They can happen while you’re at work or out with friends. The next morning, it’ll be like having a brand-new shaver.

Pros

Cons

Braun Series 5 5090cc

This Braun Electric Razor is the official shaver of the NFL. Tough guys doing tough work also need to have a razor that treats their skin gently. The flex head moves in different directions to ensure that it’s always in contact with your skin.

Key Features

Wet/Dry Technology – A wet/dry shaver can be used with foam for a smoother, less irritating shave. It can also be taken into the shower. Water plumps the hairs and makes them easier to cut. This electric shaver is completely waterproof.

Cleaning and Charging Station – The cleaning station will remove all the hair and foam that builds up in your shaver. A clean shaver works better than one that’s clogged with hair and dead skin. The cleaning station can also be used as a charger.

8-Direction Comfort Head – To get a great shave, the blades must have constant contact with the skin. This ensures that you don’t have to make more than one pass to get a clean shave. The comfort head moves in 8 directions to always stay in contact.

ActiLift Trimmer – The middle of the shaver has an ActiLift Trimmer. This area lifts hair of different lengths. Flat-lying hairs are hard to shave, so this is important for getting a smooth shave with no missed areas.

AutoSensing Motor – The motor of this foil shaver will read your whiskers as you shave. It’ll adapt itself to the length and thickness of your beard to ensure that you get a comfortable shave.

My Impression

The Braun Series 5 is a shaver that will give you a close shave each time you use it. The charging and cleaning unit will keep it in the best condition possible for a very long time. When you don’t use a cleaning station, the hair, skin cells, and foam will sit in the razor dulling the blades over time. That won’t happen with this shaver.

There are plenty of accessories and extra features with this shaver to make it a great purchase that gives you more bang for your money. There’s a precision trimmer, Li-ion battery, and SensoFoil blades.

The ActiLift Trimmer is an essential type of feature that should be on all shavers. It guides hairs of varying lengths to stand in the same direction. Once they’re standing in the same direction, the foil captures them and the blades slice them cleanly from your face. All of these features work together quickly and smoothly to give you a smooth shave that will be the softest one you’ve ever had.

Pros

Cons

Philips Norelco Electric Shaver S9721/89

A rotary shaver like the 9700 has some of the most advanced technology available in electric razors. The heads move in multiple directions independent of the ones next to it. This will give you a closer shave in areas that are angled or hard to reach. The chin, cheeks, and jawline can be difficult when the shaver doesn’t have mobile heads.

Key Features

Contour Detect Technology – Each head of the rotary shaver moves in 8 directions. With that kind of contouring, the head will detect when the face is angling and move to stay in connection with the skin. You won’t have any missed spots with this technology.

V-Track Precision Blades PRO – All your hair doesn’t grow at the same length. There will be some short hairs and some long ones. Even if they were last shaved together. The V-Track Precision Blades capture each hair to be cut. It doesn’t matter if it’s long or short.

Cleansing Brush Attachment – There’s a cleansing brush for your face that attaches to the outside of the shaver. This gives you a dual purpose device that can clean your face before you shave. It’ll help remove oil from your skin with its deep cleaning brush.

Varied Speeds – The shaver has a variety of speeds. There’s a gentle slow speed that is friendly to all skin types – especially sensitive skin. The shaver has a medium speed for a shave that’s more thorough. The high speed is for a quick pass before you’re headed out the door.

SmartClean PLUS –  As a base, the SmartClean system will clean using an alcohol-free system. It’ll lubricate and dry the shaver for your next use. Best of all, the base does all of these things while it’s charging your shaver.

My Impression

There’s so much to impress me with this shaver. It has the precision blades for a close shave that won’t irritate the skin. There’s personalized speed settings, so you can give yourself the shave that works for your skin type. There’s no more worry that you’ll end up with missing patches around your jaw or neck since it’ll detect the contours of your face.

As far as attachments, there’s a SmartClick Precision trimmer. The attachments are what makes any razor a complete grooming system instead of just a shaver. The trimmer can clean up sideburns, edges of your mustache or goatee, and the back of the neck. It also has a unique addition in the SmartClick face cleansing brush. It’ll wash your face to remove dirt and oil that could be blocking you from getting a good shave.

The personal comfort settings allow you to customize the speed of the shaver. There’s a sensitive, gentle setting that works for people who are prone to irritation and razor burn. The Normal setting is good for everyday shaves. The Fast setting works quickly to save time when you’re running late.

Pros

Cons

Panasonic ES8243A Arc4 Electric Razor for Men

The thin head of this foil razor from Panasonic has 4 blades for a precise, close shave. It has wet/dry technology for convenient shaving routines. It’ll get you out of the house quicker than other razors. Jump into the shower and bring this slim razor in there with you. It has a pivoting head and high-performance motor. That power will last from the moment it leaves the charger until it needs to be recharged.

Key Features

Pivoting Shaver Head – The shaver head moves in a way that ensures you’ll get coverage without missing any spots. The heads move side-to-side as well as up and down. This allows you to closely follow the contours of your face.

Arc4 Shaving System – The system involves a stainless steel arc foil that lifts and captures hairs for cutting. Once the foil has the hairs in place, the 4 blades do their work. It’s a comfortable shaving system that gets deep for a smooth shave.

Wet/Dry Shaver – The wet/dry technology makes shaving with this razor incredibly convenient in a few different ways. It’ll allow you to easily wash the hair and shaving cream from the blades by running it under the faucet. The shaver can also be taken into the shower with you for fast grooming.

Nanotech Blades – The stainless steel blades are angled at 30 degrees to give precise, sharp cuts. The hair is lifted and the forged blades whisk the hair away close to the surface of the skin. The blades are hypoallergenic and won’t cause serious rashes or ingrown hairs.

Pop-Up Trimmer – This shaver is more like a complete grooming system. It has a trimmer that works on the mustache and sideburns. You could easily take care of your own trimming on the back of your neck between hair cuts, too.

My Impression

This foil shaver is an outstanding grooming system with all the features you could possibly need. The pivoting heads and sharp blades will give you an incredibly close shave. The pop-up shaver trimmer along with the high performing motor make this an outstanding system.

The shaver can be used in a wet or dry environment. You can decide what kind of shave you want to have each day depending on your mood. Some days, you want to enjoy a quick dry shave, so you can get out the door quickly. Other days, you might want to indulge in a wet shave with your favorite shaving gel.

The shaver has an illuminated display that gives you all kinds of information. There’s a 5-stage indicator that will let you know when it’s time to charge the shaving device. There’s a reminder for when it’s time to replace the blades or foil. It’ll give you a shaver timer to let you know how many minutes you’ve used of your battery life that day. It’s easier to keep track of the state of your shaver with this display.

Pros

Cons

Braun Electric Shaver Series 3 ProSkin 3040

This is a foil shaver from the very popular Braun company. It has all the technology that the company has been famous for over the years. It has a middle trimmer, Proskin technology, a triple action cutting system, and 2x SensoFoil. The foil is perfect for sensitive skin as it won’t cause a rash or razor burn.

Key Features

MicroComb Technology – The middle of the razor has a ProSkin MicroComb that actually catches hair and straightens it. This allows the hair to be gathered in one direction to be cut. It results in faster shaves and less passes over the skin.

Wet/Dry Shaving – The Series 3 is waterproof, so you can use it with shaving cream or gel. You can also take this into the shower for quicker morning grooming. It’ll help you get out the door faster. It’s easier to clean when you can rinse it under the faucet, too. It’s 100% waterproof.

Intelligent Design – The thin design with multiple shaving heads moves as needed across the skin. It’s able to easily get into the space under the nose as well as around the jaw. It’s slim profile can be used around beards, goatees, mustaches, and the back of the neck.

Powerful, Premium Battery – The NiMH battery charges very quickly. In one hour, you can have a shaver that will give you 45 minutes of cordless shaving. There’s also a mode for a quick 5 charge in case you need a quick shave.

My Impression 

My favorite part of this waterproof shaver is the fact that it behaves almost like a rotary shaver. The thin razor heads will rotate to follow the curve of the face and get very close under the nose. It’ll work on fine hairs that might not be picked up by some other shavers, too.

There are plenty of great features like the wet/dry nature of the shaver as well as the powerful battery. That’s important if you want to take this on vacation or on your next work trip. You don’t have to worry about the voltage at your destination. Charge it before leaving home, and toss it into your grooming kit.

The MicroComb Technology has a few pluses in terms of shaving. It’ll pick up flat-lying hairs that can resist your shaving efforts. It can feed hairs of varying heights into the foil for cutting. This will result in less frustration and less passes across the skin. Your face won’t become irritated and neither will you.

Pros

Cons

Philips Norelco AT830/46 Shaver

The 4500 from Norelco has precision heads that capture and cut long and short hairs. It’ll lift flat-lying hairs to ensure that you have the cleanest, smoothest shave possible. It has technology like Aquatec, DualPrecision and the Pivot, Flex, and Float system. If you’re looking for a good deal under $100, then this shaver is one of the perfect products you can go for.

Key Features

Pivot Heads – Each head of the shaver has the Pivot, Flex, and Float system. It helps the head stay in contact with the skin. There are various planes and angles to a man’s face from cheekbones to jawline to neck. A fast shave can be gentle while giving a smooth, close shave.

Detailed Trimming – The pop-up trimmer helps to groom your facial hair when you want to grow a beard. It’ll help shape sideburns or trim mustaches. With this trimmer, you could also tackle the hairs on the back of the neck between haircuts.

DualPrecision – The shaving system has low-friction heads to protect the skin. They’re rounded and will help when the hair is lifted and cut below skin level. It works with short stubble and long hair. Both are problematic when shaving. Leaving patches of whiskers behind when shaving means that you’ll have to make repeated passes over the same area. That can lead to razor burn.

Aquatec Technology – Shaving in the shower will cut time from your busy morning. It’ll allow you to lather, shave, and rinse without having to set up at the sink. The Aquatec technology makes that possible. The shaver’s case is sealed against moisture.

50 Minute Charge – Charging the shaver for one hour gives you 50 minutes of use. When it only takes a few minutes to shave each day, you’ll get weeks of use from one charge. This makes it a great travel shaver for vacations or work trips.

My Impression

There’s much to love about this shaver. It’s a rotary shaver with three separate heads that have DualPrecision blades. There isn’t just one head and one blade. You’ll get a closer shave than you ever expected. The DualPrecision feature actually lifts hairs to be cut evenly. Hairs that lay flat are not immune to the blades of this shaver.

There’s an LED charge and battery indicator on the case of this shaver. It’ll charge for 50 minutes of shave time, or you can do a quick charge for one shave. There’s an adaptability that will make your mornings much easier. It’s a great feature for men who travel for work or vacation. You don’t have to worry about the voltage of the destination. It’s easy to toss this in your luggage without any bulky accessories.

There are plenty of accessories for this wet/dry shaver. It’s like having an entire grooming system in one purchase. There’s a popup trimmer for your sideburns, the mustache, and the area around a beard or goatee. It’s also a great addition for the area on the back of the neck that might need trimming between hair cuts.

Pros

Cons

Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Foil Wet/Dry Shaver

The Arc3 is a foil shaver that is able to work in a wet or dry situation. It depends on the needs of the user. This kind of versatility makes it an outstanding shaver for many men. It has a three-blade shaving system.

Key Features

Pivoting Shaver Head – The foil shaver from Panasonic has flexible electric shaver heads. The movement of the heads will follow the contour of your face. This gives you a quick shave that doesn’t need many passes to get smooth and clean.

Linear, High-Performance Motor – The motor of this powerful shaver delivers more cuts per minute than many other shavers of its kind. Behind the foils, there are blades that work side-to-side to cut that’s captured by the foil. There are 13,000 cuts per minute with this shaver. It’ll stay at that peak performance even as the battery runs down.

30-Degree Nanotech Blades – The Nano 30-degree blades are made of stainless steel. They’re hypoallergenic, too. You will have less irritation and razor burn from these blades on your sensitive skin. That’s important when it’s delivering 13,000 cuts per minute. You don’t want those cuts causing skin irritation.

Wet/Dry Shaver – The option of using this shaver in the shower or on your dry face will save you time and hassle. Some days you will want to take this into the shower for a quick shave. Other days, you might need a quick, dry shave on the way out the door. The dual nature of this shaver means that you can customize your morning routine to what suits your time restraints.

Digital Display – The LCD will indicate battery level and cleaning reminders. There’s a sonic cleaning mode that will indicate on the display, too. Cleaning your shaver is what keeps the blades sharp for a long period of time.

My Impression

This foil electric razor has some really great features. It has a turbo mode that will rinse the blades while running them under a faucet. The sonic vibration mode gets the razor extra clean. It’s a great feature for those who have a problem with sensitive skin. Leaving hair or foam in the shaver can cause skin problems. You’ll never get a bad reaction from this razor.

The popup grooming trimmer is a great added attraction for this foil shaver. You might want to let your beard or mustache grow out. This will keep your facial hair trimmed and clean even when you’re growing a beard. You can apply the trimmer to areas that need precision like around a goatee or on the back of the neck between hair cuts.

The shaver has a linear motor that can relieve the tugging and pulling that’s common with shavers. Running the shaver down your face won’t cause pain. There also won’t be pain from repeated passes of the razor over the sensitive skin of your face. This shaver will cost you more than 50 bucks but if you are looking for some cheap electric shaver models then you may check this article: Best electric shavers under $50

Pros

Cons

Types of Electric Shaver

Rotary Shaver – This kind of shaver works for men with thick facial hair that grows in different directions. It’ll follow the angle of the face unlike the foil option. A rotary shaver has three or four heads that will lift the hair to a standing position before cutting.

The shaver is used by men who don’t want to shave every single day. It’s moved in a circular motion that isn’t impacted by the planes and angles of the face.

Foil Shaver – The foil shaver works better than a rotary in certain situations. It’ll depend on the shaver’s skin and density of their hair. Foil shavers have a slim foil layer that covers shaving blades that oscillate. It’s like an oscillating fan that blows air back and forth. The blades work back and forth behind the foil to cut the hair. The foil lifts the hair and the blades cut.

Those with sensitive skin and thinner hair will find that the foil might be a better option than the rotary shaver. The foil shaver is worked in an up-and-down motion. It isn’t able to get close to certain areas and doesn’t work in a circular motion. It’s good for precise shaving. Read here complete foil shaver guideline.

Both (foil and rotary) shaver have some differences and Similarities. If you have a clear conception on this issue definitely you’ll not make any mistake while making purchase.

History of the Shaver

The first electric-powered razor patent was filed by John F. O’Rouke in 1898. The patent didn’t lead to much for O’Rouke. Col. Jacob Schick patented an electric razor in 1930.

Schick was recovering from an injury and wasn’t able to find time to shave in the traditional way of those times. He drew up plans for an electric razor that was powered by a large external motor. The manufacturers that he contacted thought that his idea was too bulky for production.

After returning to the military during WWI, he was inspired by the weapons. This helped him redesign his electric razor plans. It would include a part of the razor that could be replaced without touching the blades. He started a company named Magazine Repeating Razor named after the one he invented. It eventually became known as Schick Dry Shaver, Inc.

The rotating, electric razor was invented by Professor Alexandre Horowitz working at Philips Laboratories in the Netherlands. Braun was also an early adopter of the electric razor. They developed many advancements in the industry with over 100 patents for innovations in the dry shaver market.

Battery powered razors became popular in the 1960s. Now, they’re available with lithium-ion options that last much longer with a charge. This has allowed razors to become wet and dry version, too.

Buying Guide to the Shaver That’s Right for You

Specialized Shavers for Your Needs

Sensitive Skin – If you have a sensitive skin , you’ll want a shaver that isn’t going to rub and irritate. It should lift the hair and lock it into place for cutting. The Braun Series 7 790cc is a great shaver for all your sensitive skin needs. The ActiveLift Trimmer captures even hairs that lay flat and prove impossible with other shavers. It has a powerful motor that provides 10,000 microvibrations.

Black Men – Those with a dark complexion and coarse, curly hair can find it harder to find a shaver that works well. The Braun Series 9 9290cc will give a close shave to men who find that they get ingrown hairs easily. Razor bumps will be a thing of the past with this shaver. It has an autosensing motor that will register the thickness of the whiskers and adjust itself.

Head Shaver – Some men want to be able to shave their face as well as their head. The hair on your head presents unique challenges when shaving. The Pitbull Silver Shaver is made specifically for shaving your head. It can be used in the shower and held at different angles as needed.

Affordable – When you’re trying to find the best shaver on a tight budget, you’ll want to purchase the Panasonic Arc3. It has sharp Nanotech blades that will cut hair effortlessly. It has an ultra-thin foil for a comfortable shave. It has a digital display and all the other features available in a Panasonic shaver.

Travel – A travel shaver has to hold a charge because you might be traveling to a country without the same voltage as your home town. In this case, the Philips Norelco PQ208/40 is battery operated. It should be small enough, so you can pack it with all your other toiletries. This is a small shaver that packs a punch, but won’t take up a lot of space in your luggage.

Men’s Back Shaver – Many men have hair on their shoulders and back that they want to remove. The ManGroomer shaver has an extendable arm that flexes, so you can get to those hard-to-reach areas of your back. There are 2 interchangeable shaving head attachments that are wide enough for large areas.

Coarse Hair – It can be hard to shave coarse hair. Men with coarse hair have a tendency to get razor bumps and ingrown hairs easily. The Braun Series 9 works gently to lift hair of many thicknesses and cut them cleanly. It has 4 cutting elements with a SkinGuard to protect against irritation, too.

Neck Area Trimming – The Philips Norelco Shaver 9300 has a SmartClick precision trimmer. It attaches easily to the shaver and trims the neck between hair cuts as well as the sideburns and mustache area.

Daily Use – When you shave daily, you need a shaver that won’t irritate your skin. It should be able to cut short hairs quickly and cleanly. The Braun Series 7 is the right shaver for the job. The ActiveLift Trimmer grabs and lifts flat hairs, so you won’t miss any patches of hair.

Beginners – Young men who are starting to shave can be introduced to the Philips Norelco 4100 shaver. It has all the features of a more expensive shaver and will work with sparse or fine facial hair. It can be used with foam for a wet shave, too. He can practice before getting into more expensive models with more features.

Don’t Buy, I don’t know whats your take on paying an extra $50 for a soft pouch but I certainly would not. As long as you don’t buy any of the following models, you should be safe from paying extra for nuts when you don’t have to. Braun Series 7-760cc , Braun Series 5 5030s , Braun Series 5 5090cc , Panasonic ES-LV95-S , Panasonic ES-LV65-S.

Among the above mentioned razors, the Braun 760cc is a very good reason and matches almost every aspect of the 790cc except it does not have fast cleaning system and automatic program selection feature. It also does not come with the premium leather pouch like the 790cc does but still costs around $30 more. The only advantage this razor has is that it comes in black. So go for this one only if you’re a die hard fan of black!

Precise Shaving – Steps to Get the Best Shave

To start, you need to prepare your skin for shaving. Some men skip this step and end up with a less-than-perfect shave. A good exfoliating product should be used for cleaning. It’ll remove dead skin and oils that could clog the pores. Clogged pores lead to breakouts as well as ingrown hairs.

Once the face is clean, you can begin by adding gel or shaving cream to the hair. Some men also add shave oil to this step, too. That will be a personal preference and will depend on your skin. The purpose of the oil is to plump the hair for removal. It’s a good idea to shave after a shower when the hair has had time to absorb steam and water to plump.

Now, it’s time to shave. Allow the shaver to do the work. If it’s a rotary option, use a circular motion on the face. If it’s a foil, start at the top and shave down. Try to achieve even strokes when shaving with the grain of your hair growth. When you shave against the grain, you’ll end up with hair under the skin. This leads to ingrown hairs.

After shaving, it’s important to use an after-shave cream or oil. It closes your pores and protects your skin. Choose one without alcohol. You don’t want to dry your face out or cause stinging pain. You’ve essentially taken a bit of skin off your face. You don’t want to cause a burn. Cold water can shock the pores closed, too.

Best Brands of Shaver

Braun – The Braun company prides itself on its German engineering for the longevity of their razors. The company was established in a small engineering shop in 1921. They’re a leader in the shaving and grooming market. They’ve won awards for their innovative designs.

Panasonic – In 2018, Panasonic will celebrate its centennial year. The company has been known for its home electronics and speakers as well as housewares and shavers. They have 100 years of innovation and design awards for their products.

Philips Norelco – The company started making shavers around 1939, but the war held them from introducing the shavers until later. They became successful with their two-headed shaver in the early 1950s. Since then, they’ve had incredible success and great designs.

Remington – The Remington corporation was founded in the late 1800s, but started by making products like firearms and sewing machines. It wasn’t until 1937 that the personal care line was created. They also make other products like flat irons and women’s electric razors.

Wahl Professional – The company was started in 1919 with the invention of the first electric hair clipper. It’s amazing that Leo Wahl brought about electronic products in a time when electricity was fairly new. The company has expanded on its beauty and barber products and sells products around the world.

Surker – The Surker company produces relatively inexpensive shavers and trimmers. They are fairly popular and have a variety of options with all the greatest features. Many of their shavers have attachments that turn them from a rotary or foil shaver to a grooming system.

Hatteker – The company has a line of men’s shavers that include wet/dry rotary shavers as well as cordless foil shavers and clippers. They are reasonably priced and customers appear to be extremely satisfied with their products.

Guide to Cleaning the Shaver

Cleaning your electric shaver involves routine daily tasks as well as monthly maintenance. You’ll need to some basic maintenance each day to ensure that your shaver doesn’t get clogged with hair and shaving cream. Cream left in the shaver can become as hard as cement. That will lead to a broken shaver that doesn’t do its job properly.

After each shave, you can give it a quick rinse. If your shaver is a wet/dry one, it’s easy to hold it under the tap and allow water to wash through it. If you use it dry, you don’t have to worry about a daily rinse for your shaver. Use an old toothbrush or a shaving brush to sweep the hair from the razor.

Once a week, you’ll want to give it a quick clean. This could involve a more thorough brushing with alcohol for your dry shaver. It’ll keep oils and skin flakes from building up in the shaver. Your wet shaver could do with a brush with alcohol, too.

Each month, it’s a good idea to take apart your electric shaver. It sounds more complicated than it actually is. You’ll remove the cutter from the head of the shaver. Rinse the cutter part before placing it in some rubbing alcohol. This will disinfect the entire shaving head.

While the heads are disinfecting, use an old toothbrush or the brush that came with your razor. Clean the handle and the rest of the razor with alcohol. It shouldn’t be submerged in the solution, though. Take the heads out of the alcohol and allow everything to dry thoroughly.

If you have a cleaning system with your shaver, follow the directions to clean and disinfect the entire unit. To clean the outer part of the case, you can use rubbing alcohol to get rid of dirt, grime, and dust.

Why You Should Upgrade from Regular to Electric

A manual razor is a slower process than electric. It takes more time to ensure that you’re getting a close shave. It doesn’t take a ton of preparation to get your face ready for an electric shaver. Although, you’ll want to make sure your face isn’t dry to avoid razor burn.

Shaving on the go is more convenient for those who are incredibly busy in the morning. It’ll save you precious minutes each morning, so you can get to work on time looking your best.

Sharp blades from manual razors can cause cuts and nicks of the skin. If you want to stop cutting yourself while shaving, the electric shaver is perfect. Those with sensitive skin can cause serious damage to their skin with bumps and ingrown hairs. Electric-powered shavers are more comfortable than regular, manual shaving.

Manual razors have to be replaced constantly. The good ones are incredibly expensive and won’t last as long as an electric shaver. An electric shaver is a good investment even if it costs a bit more in initial outlay of cash. In the end, you’ll be saving money on replacement blades throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The best electric shaver is one that has features that will reduce irritation and razor burn while making your morning routine easier and faster. Nobody wants to spend hours in the bathroom shaving their face repeatedly to get a smooth shave. You want to shave quickly and have the shaver clean and charge itself while you run out the door to do more important things. It’ll take some research to find the right shaver for you, but that research has been done for you here with these shaver reviews.