Electric shavers: Features explained

Most electric shavers are now rechargeable or mains rechargeable so are great for use on the move.

Some can be used wet with shave gel, making shaving in the shower possible. Others dispense moisturiser through the shave heads while you shave. You can also clean some models under the tap, while others clean themselves.

Foil shavers use oscillating blades

Different types of shaver

Foil

Foil shavers use oscillating blades beneath a fine perforated foil to cut hair. All Braun and some Remington shavers use foil heads.

Rotary

Rotary shavers use 2 or 3 rotating heads to 1st lift then cut stubble. All Philips and some Remington shavers use rotary heads.

The 3 rotating heads lift then cut stubble

Power

Mains rechargeable

Most electric shavers are mains rechargeable. This means you can use them while they’re plugged into the mains or when unplugged.

Rechargeable

Most other shavers are rechargeable, which means you can use them on the move but can’t use them while they’re charging.

Mains

Mains shavers need to be plugged in to work. These days you’ll only find cheaper entry level shavers that are mains-only.

Battery

Some travel shavers are battery powered, so they’re ideal for holidays. They usually come complete with batteries.

Cleaning

Dry cleaning

Some top-end shavers are self cleaning

This involves removing the guard and either brushing or tapping the stubble out – most shavers come with a special brush for just this task. Avoid banging the shave head of your shaver when cleaning it, this may make the blades and cutters blunt.

Wet cleaning

Some shavers can be washed under a tap, which is a quick and easy way to keep your shaver clean and stubble free. Always read the instructions before getting your shaver wet as not all shavers are suitable to be cleaned in this way.

Self cleaning

You’ll find top-end shavers that are clever enough to clean themselves. They come with self cleaning docks and base units filled with cleaning fluid, which rinse the shaver’s heads clean using the rotary or oscillating motion.

Foil models usually have a push-out beard trimmer

Other features

Beard trimmer

Most shavers come with a built-in beard trimmer. On a foil model you’ll find the trimmer pushed up beside the shave head. On rotary models they flip out behind the rotary head.

On some models you need to detach the shave head to use the beard trimmer, and on others the beard trimmer needs to be attached separately.

Shower

Precision trimmer with hair cutting guard

Some electric shavers can be used in the shower like a wet shaver with gel or foam. Not all shavers can be used in this way so always read the instructions before getting your shaver wet.

Precision trimmer

This is smaller than a beard trimmer and there to help with the close detail work of some beards and moustaches.

Moisturiser