Thursday, October 06, 2005

Mailbag: electric shavers vs blades

I just re-started shaving my head again. I use a gillete sensor on my head every other morning. The sensor is nice but I get tired of putting shave cream all over my head and going over it with a razor. I am now thinking about getting an electric razor. My question to you is do electric shavers work well on the head? How do they compare to a standard blade w/ shaving cream?
The only electric razor I've used on my scalp is a small travel shaver that I use every once in a while when I don't feel like doing a full wet shave. With that razor, I don't get a terribly good shave, but it does smooth things out in many areas and give me another day before I feel the need to shave again.

I haven't used any of the better electric shavers on my scalp, so I can't comment on them directly. I have gotten feedback from others, though, and the impression I get is that you can get a decent shave with an electric, but it won't be as close and smooth as you get with a full wet shave.

In particular, electrics seem to have a problem getting close in areas where the scalp surface isn't entirely even. The face is generally malleable and bends with the razor, but the scalp doesn't have the same amount of soft tissue underneath; as a result, it's much easier to miss some spots.

Still, the comments I've received from people who use electrics are generally positive. It's not as close as a blade, generally speaking, but it's enough for many people.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been using an electric for a while now, a wet/dry Panasonic ES8092...nice thing with wet/dry is being able to use it in the shower with some shaving foam.... not as quick as a dry shave but still very convenient.

Anonymous said...

It's really funny, but I've used many expensive electric razors. I've used various Braun (including Syncro), Panasonic, Norelco and even Remington razors. Yet, I've found that I get the closest dry shave from an inexpensive $6 throw-away AA battery electric razor called the 'Shaveman'. As long as you hold this razor at the correct angle and don't apply too much pressure, you'll get a decent and close dry shave. I've also never gotten any razor burn from it.

The Braun product is great at cutting longer hair (due to the trimmer + foil), but it just doesn't want to get that close. The Shaveman doesn't really do longer hair well, so use a trimmer or a Braun first. But, once the hair is sufficiently trimmed, the Shaveman works very well.

The one thing I really like about the Shaveman razor is that you can actually hear the hair being cut by the blade. So, you know when the blade has hit a patch of hair. This sound really aids in shaving close. I can usually hear this sound with brand new Braun foils, but it doesn't last as the foil becomes used. The Shaveman continues to make this sound until it's no longer useful. Hey, and it's only $6.

However, I really do prefer a wet blade shave simply because it also exfoliates where a dry shave doesn't and, of course, for the closeness.

Anonymous said...

I realize this is a very late comment, but I hated having shaving cream on my head too. I solved this by switching to shaving oil and I've never gone back to cream or gels. I get a better shave without looking like a white ninja in the process.

Anonymous said...

I've used a wet shave all my life, and have always had problems with rashes & breakouts. I recently bought a Cool Skin Lotion Dispensing Razor (7735X) from Norelco and this thing is much easier on my skin. I would say a dry shave is actually a superior alternative...I don't notice any change in the quality of the shave going from wet to dry.

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Anonymous said...

Where can you buy ShaveMan razors.
I can't find them anywhere.
The wedsite comes up blank.

Braun Electric Shavers said...

While I prefer an electric shaver for my face, I always use a straight razor on my head. I'd much rather have a nicer shave than a more convenient.

passc said...

Please someone should help. I have used razor for shaving on several occasions but it all end up giving me an ugly sight with bumps. I have used different creams and oil but no one is proffering a lasting solution.I don't even want to consider clipper as an alternative because I don't like it for anything.

Bruce K said...

After I change to shave with an electric razor, I never turn to use manual shave again. Because it shaves quicker and do not hurt me.

Electric Razors said...

I am now thinking about getting an electric razor. My question to you is do electric shavers work well on the head? How do they compare to a ... aelectricrazors.blogspot.com

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