There are almost as many electric razors available as there are faces, hair and beards out there. Which one to buy? Should it be wet, dry or both?
Dry shavers are ideal for a quick daily shave – they’re fast and easy to use, says Christian Kastl of Germany's TUV Sud consumer advice association.
If you get a device that can also be used wet, you will have more flexibility. You'll be able to use it with shaving foam or gel, or in the shower.
That makes many like wet-dry razors who have sensitive skin, "since foam or gel provide additional protection and soothe the skin”, Kastl says.
So alongside personal preferences, your skin type also affects the best model for you.
If you have irritable skin or tend to get razor burn or ingrowing hairs, look for gentle shaving heads and models that require minimal pressure.
Good ergonomics are also important. Non-slip handles and easily accessible controls increase safety, especially during wet shaving, so reduce your risk of cuts and irritation.
Foil or rotary razor?
Foil razors are suitable for fine to normal beard hair plus smaller or hard-to-reach areas, such as under your nose or along your jawline. They are particularly precise.
The elongated shaving heads mean the beard hairs enter the small holes in the shaving foil and are cut by the blades underneath.
But if you have thick or dense beard growth, you may prefer a rotary razor.
These devices usually have three rotating, movable shaving heads that adapt well to your facial contours. They help you do a quick shave over larger areas.
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Reduce skin irritation
You can significantly reduce any skin irritation by using high-quality shaving foils and blades.
If you have a nickel allergy, check the material specifications and choose nickel-free or low-nickel alloys.
What else to consider: runtime, other features
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can focus on details such as noise level, ease of use and extra functions like long-hair trimmers, contour attachments or adjustable trimmers.
Adjustable cutting height
Models with an automatic cleaning station handle cleaning, oiling, and drying the cutting system on their own.
Convenient, though these stations also require more space, consume more energy, and incur ongoing costs for maintenance products.
Cordless devices with a fast-charging function are convenient. A battery life of at least 40 to 60 minutes is standard. You will get a far longer runtime with a high-quality model.
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Replaceable battery
A replaceable battery can extend your device’s lifespan, conserving resources and avoiding unnecessary electronic waste.
It’s also worth checking how long the manufacturer offers replacement parts.
If you travel frequently, look for automatic voltage adjustment and a travel lock. This prevents the device from turning on unintentionally while you are out and about.
How much to spend
More expensive models starting at around US$150 (approximately RM595) often have additional features such as an automatic cleaning station, special modes for sensitive skin, or precise battery indicators with a percentage display, says German magazine Chip, which recently tested electric shavers.
High-quality models are also often more comfortable to use. But you can find good electric shavers for less than US$100 (RM396) that have all the essential features you need for a thorough and comfortable shave. – dpa
