The Right Way to Use an Electric Shaver

Using an electric shaver is easy, quick, and convenient. It gives you an accurate shave and is absolutely painless.

However, be it wet or dry shave, there are certain rules to follow if you want to make the most of your electric shaver.

If you want to know the right way to use an electric shaver, keep reading the article below.

How to Shave with an Electric Shaver? 

Here is a step-by-step process to use an electric shaver and get the best grooming results. Make sure you follow the grooming rules religiously for a comfortable and close shave.

1. Choosing The Right Electric Shaver

The thumb rule for using an electric shaver is to choose the right one that best suits your skin and your facial hair. With different models of electric razors available in the market, you need to be careful when deciding the right option.

Are you a beginner? Are you someone who is shaving for the first time? If yes, you will have to decide whether you want to go for a wet shave or a dry shave.

Most electric shavers come for dry use, i.e., you can use them only when your face is dry. This may cause irritation and (or) razor bumps on the face. Moreover, there has been an ongoing debate as to which shaving method gives a close shave. As the best way out, we suggest you to prefer any of the new models that come with both wet and dry options.

There are other options to choose from, like the rotary electric shaver that features three circular heads. However, it is up to the user to take the call. Needless to say, these electric shavers are easy to use and more popular, too.

Before you choose any product, we suggest you to read the reviews and select one from a brand with a good reputation. Do not go for something non-branded or lower quality just to save some bucks. It can be tough on your grooming routine.

2. Check Out the Instructions and Any Online Tips

The next step after you chose the right electric shaver is to check out for the instructions to use. There are a plethora of products available in the market. However, not all of them are popular like Philips and other renowned brands. Hence, you always need to read the instructions mentioned in the user manual. Also, check for some tips and hints to achieve smoother skin after each shave. This will help you make the most of your device.

Following the instruction carefully, as mentioned by the manufacturer, will extend the life span of your electric shaver. You can find these printed on the paper that usually comes with the product. In case you cannot find it, you can always check for the instructions online.

3. Do Not Shave Straight Away After You Wake Up

Is shaving the first thing in your mind after your wake up? Hold on! It is advisable not to shave immediately after you wake up. It can be the worst time for this. Usually, after you get up from sleep, your face will get a little puffed up, and your skin pores remain closed. Consequently, you may end up having sore skin after shaving.

The best way to get rid of that stubble is to give your skin some time before starting your grooming routine. Allow yourself about 15 minutes for your face to relax. This will help your skin pores to open up, and you can proceed with your grooming process. Moreover, it will even allow you to get a close finish easily and quickly.

4. Prepping Your Skin for a Close Shave

The next thing to do is prepare your skin for the shave. This is something that most men do not do. It can be either out of sheer negligence or they fail to remember. Getting your skin ready will help in giving you a smoother and closer. Did I tell you that there are fewer chances of skin irritation when you try this!

Let us see how to prepare your skin for wet shaving and dry shaving.

a. For Wet Shaving

This is what you have to do to get your skin ready for a wet shave:

• Firstly, Splash some warm water on your face. Splashing helps in softening the facial hair. The electric shavers of high quality can easily get through the dry hairs without any trouble, though. But still, it is advisable to follow this process for the best results.
• Next, use an exfoliating cleanser to wash your face. This will help in scrubbing the dead skin cells and also open your pores. Ultimately, you will have a clean shave. You can even use an exfoliating soap instead of a cleanser.
• Many men prefer using a pre-shave lotion that will help in removing oil and other impurities from the skin. This is also a better idea for a cleaner shave. Most of these pre-shave lotions contain ingredients like astringent, vitamin E, and other minerals that are an added advantage. They help in reducing irritation and even limit the chances of razor burn.
• You can either apply pre-shave lotion or gel, based on your availability. It is always advisable to have one in your bathroom cabinet to get that perfect finish.

b. For Dry Shaving

This is what you have to do to get your skin ready for a dry shave:

• Repeat the same steps as above for dry shaving, as well.
• However, after you finish washing your face, dry your hair. This will help in getting the close shave.

5. Use the Best Shaving Technique

Now that you have prepped up your skin for a wet or dry shave, it is time to get started. But before that, are you aware of the right technique to use for shaving? You may have been shaving for the past many years or doing it for the first time. Following the right method will always help you enjoy the best results. Here are some grooming tips to help you achieve the closer shave:

Step 1: Identify the Direction Of Grain and Go Against It

The first and foremost thing you need to do before getting started is to find out the direction of your grains. Most of them may tell you to shave with the grain, and you may be doing the same. However, it is exactly the opposite when it comes to electric razors – Going against the grain and shaving will you the best results in this case.

If you want to know the direction of the grain, gently rub your hands against your face. You will identify the direction where you feel rough and smooth. The rough one is against the grain, and the smooth side is with the grain.

Step 2: Hold The Electric Shaver At An Appropriate Angle

Now that you know the direction against the grain, it is time to shave. Make sure you are doing it at the proper angle. To achieve the same, hold the electric razor at a right angle to your face. This will help you to get maximum contact with your skin. Furthermore, it helps in getting the job more quickly and easily.

Step 3: Use One Hand To Pull the Skin Tightly and Shave with the Other

Here is a useful tip for effective results. While shaving, use the other hand to pull your skin tightly. Now start shaving with the other hand to get the close shave. Doing this will allow the facial hairs to stand upright and help you cut them easily.

Step 4: Move the Electric Shaver in Proper Motions

It is essential to use the proper strokes while shaving. In the case of a foil shaver, you need to move your device up and down, and in back-and-forth motions. Contrarily, for the rotary shavers, you should always do it in small and circular motions. This will guarantee the best results.

Step 5: Do not Burn Your Face

One limitation of using an electric shaver is that it gets hot within a short period of using it. This could be even before you finish the task. Hence, it is always a wise thing to shave sensitive areas in the first place. After that, you can move on to the other areas of your face.

6. Keep Cool

The electric shaver tends to get hot easily when operating. This can be a problem for those having sensitive skin and may even end up with irritations. To avoid the same, make sure you allow it to remain cool. Also, it is advisable to start with your sensitive areas like the neck region first while the electric razor is not overheated. Do not go over the same spot repeatedly.

7. Finish With a Soothing Balm

After you finish shaving and you are happy with the results, your job does not end there. You need to do a couple of things that will help stay the smooth finish for a little longer.

After wet shaving, your skin may feel a little sore because of the close shave. What you can do is apply a moisturizing and soothing balm to your face, especially the shaved area. This will help soothe your skin, remove the redness, and leave the face feeling smooth and refreshed.

If you are someone who prefers a wet shave, switching from a razor to an electric shaver can seem challenging in the initial days. However, you will find it easier once you get a hang of it. Using the right shaver and following the appropriate technique will make shaving a much easier task giving smoother skin.

8. Maintain Your Shaver Well

Like every other appliance, even shavers need regular maintenance to enhance their performance. Else, the parts become worn out, and you may have to replace them. Most models, these days, come with a self-cleaning technique that requires less maintenance. Does your shaver have the option? If yes, then use it? It will not only help in performing better but also gives a smoother shave. Additionally, it will extend the life span of the shaver too.

The foil shavers come with a cleaning brush. Use this brush to gently remove the dust from the cutters and the foil. Make sure you do it right after every shave. One more essential thing you need to be careful of. Never tap the shaver on the edge of the sink to remove the hair or whiskers from it. The parts of the shaver are delicate, and doing so may damage the device altogether.

If you have a rotary shaver, remove all the cutters first and then comb the retaining plate. Make sure you do this every alternate month. If your hair is thick or grows faster, brush the whiskers from the cutters. After removing, soak the cutters in a liquid cleaner and then lubricate.

You will have to lubricate the metal pieces of your cutter and also the screen. You can do this by spraying a small quantity of lubricant on the screen while the razor keeps running. After you finish lubricating, do not wipe it off.

You may be using a foil shaver. In such a case, you need to replace the foil every 1–2 years, depending on how tough your stubble is. You will have to change the rotary blades every year. Failing to do this may make hamper the performance of your shaver. As a result, you may have to press the device harder against your skin to get a decent shave. This may leave your skin with irritation and soreness.

9. Stick With It

An electric shaver is definitely the quickest way to get your desired look. If you are more habituated to using a wet razor all your life or you just started using an electric shaver, you may find it difficult initially. Allow your skin some time to adjust to this new shaving technique. Do not give up even if you notice some mild irritation. You will find it easier and satisfying once you get used to it. So, stick with this new shaving technique for some weeks, and you will no longer find it difficult.

Which Type Of Razor Is Right For You?

Choosing the correct type of electric razor that suits your hair type is very crucial. If you do not know how to determine the correct device for you, then here is an assessment you need to take. This will help you in choosing which one you need the most:

Rotary Razor is a suitable option for you in the following cases

• If you are someone whose hair is thick or coarse
• If you hate the loud noise of the foil razors
• If your facial hair grows in multiple directions
• If you do not have a sensitive skin
• If you have difficulty in shaving your neck area

If you have most of the issues mentioned above, then a rotary razor is all you need. It is the most suitable option for your requirements.

Foil Razor is a suitable option for you in the following cases

• If you are someone with normal facial hair
• If you prefer shaving daily
• If you choose to have a close shave every time
• If you have the habit of cleaning your electric razor regularly
• If your facial hair growth is extremely straight
• If you need precision shaving

Do you relate yourself more to the points mentioned above? Then a foil razor is all you need. It is the best suitable option for your requirements.

Conclusion:

An electric shaver is the best option to get a close shave, and the desired look easily and comfortably. It is easy to use. A newbie may find it a little difficult to use this shaving technology. However, once he gets used to it, he would love to get the most of it. If you have recently switched to the electric razor, this article would definitely help you get the right method to use it. You are sure to enjoy the best results following the tips mentioned in this article.

Let us know in the comments below if you tried this method and share your experiences with us. If you still have any doubts or need more information, please write to us. We would try to answer all your queries soon.

We would love to hear from you. So, feel free to share your suggestions with us concerning the article. If you have any inputs to add, do not hesitate to mention them in the comments. We welcome your feedback.

Stay healthy and stay safe!!!