The correct way to use an electric shaver
Nowadays, electric shavers are a modern and easy way to shave your beard or face. With this device, you can shave quickly, comfortably and safely — that too at home, without going to the salon. However, many people do not know how to use an electric shaver correctly. In today’s post, we will learn — how to use an electric shaver correctly, along with some important tips and precautions.
What is an electric shaver?
An electric shaver is an electrical device that trims beard and facial hair with the help of a rotating (rotary) or oscillating (foil) blade.
These shavers are usually of two types:
Foil Shaver – There are narrow blades under a thin metal foil that oscillate to cut the beard.
Rotary Shaver – Usually has three round rotating heads that rotate to cut the beard.
Steps to Using an Electric Shaver
Steps to use an electric shaver correctly:
Step 1: Start with medium or low heat
Too much heat will scald the skin and it is preferable to shave on medium heat initially.
Step 2: Trim the facial hair
Foil Shaver: Start from the opposite side of the beard hair, that is, shave against the structure of the hair. This will cut the beard better.
Rotary Shaver: Run the rotating part of the head on the skin of the face in small circular movements with light pressure.
Step 3: Apply slow and light pressure
Pressing hard can hurt the skin. So shave slowly and with light hand pressure.
Step 4: Continue shaving systematically
Run the shaver once from the bottom of the cheek to the chin and neck. Shave again in the necessary areas if necessary.
Step 5: Use a cool shot at the end
Many shavers have a “cool shot” feature, which when used towards the end of the shave, closes the skin’s cuticles and soothes the skin.
Some important tips and precautions
Keep your shaver clean: Clean the shaver head after each use. Many shavers are waterproof — they can be easily washed with water.
Charge the battery regularly: Shaving performance may decrease if the battery is not fully charged.
It will work even if you don’t shave every day: With an electric shaver you can shave daily, but it is advisable not to do so too frequently.
Careful round the nose, ears and behind the ears: The blade can get stuck in these areas, so be careful.
When should you use an electric shaver?
When the skin is sensitive
When you need a quick shave during a busy time
When you are afraid of getting cut with a knife or razor
When you are traveling — it is easily portable
Some additional tips and useful information before shaving
Develop the habit of washing your face
Shaving softens the skin a bit by washing your face with lukewarm water. This renders the shaver much more convenient and less irritating. The comfort of shaving increases in one step.
Use pre-shave oil or lotion (if available)
Others who would prefer to go an extra mile can apply some pre-shave oil or lotion in the market before doing the shaving. It gives protection to the skin, such that the blade slides softly across the skin when shaving.
When to shave? Time is important
The morning is the best time to shave. Because, after sleeping all night, the skin is much fresher and more relaxed, so shaving causes less irritation or rash.
Wet shave or dry shave?
Currently, the majority of electric razors can be wet shaved with foam or gel. Sensitive-skinned people will find it more convenient to shave in wet conditions. Nevertheless, dry shaving is also convenient in terms of time.
Shave slowly in front of a mirror
While shaving, stand in front of a mirror and work slowly and carefully. If you can’t see, extra pressure can be applied somewhere, which can damage the skin.
If you have acne or cuts on your face
It is not advisable to shave on acne or fresh cuts. Instead, avoid these areas. Otherwise, infection or skin damage may occur.
Cool the skin after shaving
Wash your face with cold water after shaving or apply aloe vera gel or alcohol free aftershave. This will aid the skin to relax and minimize rashes.
Have the blade or head changed frequently.
When the shaver blade is not replaced after a long period, it will be blunt, and this will lead to poor shaving and skin pressure. Therefore, the blade or the head is replaced after every 12/15 months depending on the use of the shaver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Does an electric shaving razor do any better than a standard razor?
Answer: An electric shaver has the ability to shave fast and easily. A razor may give you a closer shave, but you are less likely to cut your skin and it also saves time in your busy daily life.
Q2. Will using an electric shaver every day cause problems?
Answer: If your skin can tolerate it, then there is no problem. However, for new users, it is better to shave every other day instead of every day, as this gives the skin some time to recover.
Q3. Wet shaving or dry shaving — which is better?
Answer: When you have a dry or hypersensitive skin, it will be more comfortable with a wet shave using foam or gel. But to those who are in a hurry to shave, dry shaving suffices. You know, you should not worry about what to make up because you need to be able to try both and you see which one fits you.
Q4. Why does your skin itch or burn after shaving?
Answer: There could be a few reasons for this — old blades, shaving with excessive pressure, or dry skin. The answer is: a shaver should be used in a soft way, cold water or aloe vera should be used after shaving and the blades of the shaver should be changed in time.
Q5. What is the frequency with which you wash your shaver?
Answer: If you at least rinse it with lukewarm water after each use, your shaver will last longer. Many shavers come with brushes or cleaning kits — use those too.
Q6. Can you use the shaver on a wet face?
Answer: If your shaver is a “wet & dry” type, then you can safely use it. However, in the case of dry shavers, it is not advisable to use it on wet skin — it can damage the device.
Q7. How often should you change the shaver blade or head?
Answer: Generally it is better to change it every 12-18 months, however, when you are shaving nearly every day it is better to change it after 9-12 months. When you experience a lot of tension in shaving it is time to change.
Conclusion: An electric shaver is very simple and time-saving to use. Nonetheless, unless you are aware of the proper rules, you might experience skin irritation, rash or ingrown hair issues.
If you shave in the right steps: The skin will be smooth, The shave will be perfect and The risk of damage will be low
So follow the above steps while using an electric shaver and keep it clean regularly.