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A man using an electric razor

Manual Versus Electric Razors: Getting the Perfect Shave

How to Get the Perfect Shave

Shaving, for many people, is a task that must be done every day. You want to know how to get the best shave, and make sure it's not stubbly. You might ask yourself, "which is better, an electric razor or a manual razor?" There are many options out there, with top brands for electric razors including: Braun, Remington, Philips, Panasonic, and others.

Which is the best option, and how should you be using them? Read on to learn more.

Best Electric Razors

Philips, Series 9,000: The Best Rotary Shaver

  • Can be used for a wet or dry shave; good for every day use, or on up to three days of hair growth
  • Uses eight direction heads and precision blades
  • Has a facial cleansing brush attachment included

Braun, Series 7: The Best Value and Performance

  • Has four specialized cutting elements that allow for shaving with one stroke
  • Allows you to shave wet or dry
  • Waterproof
  • Long-lasting (up to seven years)

Remington F5: The Best Price for Any Budget

  • A dry shaver that gives you an exceptionally close shave
  • Has a three-stage cutting system
  • Easy to clean

Panasonic Arc5: The Best Easy Maintenance

  • Uses five blades with pivoting heads for a close shave
  • Comes equipped with a powerful motor
  • Has an automatic charging and cleanup system
  • Waterproof

Whether it's a Philips, Braun, Remington, Panasonic, or other brand of electric razor, you should be able to find one that suits your needs, and performs well.

How to Get the Best Shave with an Electric Razor

Knowing how to use an electric razor can be intimidating. These ten easy steps should help:

  1. Establish e a pre-electric shave routine, whether you’re doing a dry or wet shave.
  2. Make sure your razor is fully charged.
  3. Clean and exfoliate your face.
  4. Use powder or a pre-shave lotion for a dry shave, and a high quality shaving cream for a wet shave.
  5. Hold the shaver in one hand, and hold your skin tight with the other hand.
  6. Start by shaving the side of your face and cheeks.
  7. Shave your sideburns.
  8. Shave the area below your nose.
  9. Shave below your lip and chin.
  10. Shave your neck and under your jaw. You may want to experiment to see if you want to start on your neck first. Electric razors get warmer with use. Therefore, since your neck is a sensitive area, the warmness may be irritating to your skin and can cause razor burn.

How to Use a Manual Razor for a Perfect Shave

  1. Choose a premium shaving cream with natural ingredients, not a cheap drug store brand.
  2. Choose one of the three types of manual razors available.
  3. Try not to shave the first thing in the morning. Facial swelling can occur overnight, showing more hair after you already shaved. Wait or take a morning shower to warm up your face.
  4. Use warm water to cleanse and exfoliate your face.
  5. Apply shaving cream and lather it into your skin, then let it set for a couple of minutes.
  6. To prevent razor burn, always shave with the grain of your face, not against it.
  7. Shave slowly, with short strokes, and rinse your blade periodically as your shave.
  8. Use an after-shave that has lotion as its base, not one that is alcohol or menthol-based. This will help prevent in-grown hairs and skin irritation.

Some individuals will want to shave a second time for an even smoother shave. If you do this, follow the same steps as the first time you shaved.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both electric razors and manual razors. Regardless of the option you choose, follow the tips and techniques mentioned, and you'll be able to get the perfect shave.