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Using an Electric Razor

Using an electric razor is quicker and less involved than using a manual razor.

The electric rolls up the skin, forcing whiskers above the "skin line", where protected oscillating blades cut the hairs that poke through the perforations.

While perhaps not as close as a wet shave, electric razors generally result in fewer cuts and ingrown hairs.

Wet your beard before shaving

Shaving a softened beard is more effective whether you're using a razor blade or an electric shaver.

Either way, showering first or soaking your beard with a hot, wet towel for several minutes gives the best results.

If electric is your choice, pat your face dry, then dust it with cornstarch or a cornstarch-based powder, or use a pre-shave lotion to lubricate skin without clogging the razor heads.

Note: Talcum power is NOT safe. Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims.

Shower with your electric razor

Many new electrics are "wet-dry" devices that can be used "dry" in front of the bathroom mirror or "wet" in the shower to take advantage of a well-softened beard.

Avoiding razor bumps

Razor bumps/ingrown hairs are caused by whiskers that are cut too short and get caught under the skin as they grow out.

The first step is to determine the direction of beard. Rub your fingers on the area to be shaved to learn the pattern of your particular hair growth.

If you're NOT PRONE to ingrown hairs, pull the skin gently with one hand as you move the razor against the direction of beard growth. This gives the closest shave, yet sometimes cuts hairs below the skin surface. Using the closest setting may aggravate the skin.

If you ARE PRONE to ingrown hairs, shave with the direction of beard growth. Razor bumps (Pseudofolliculitis barbae or PFB.) can be painful, itchy, red, unsightly, last for months, or darken and cause scarring.

Exfoliating prior to shaving and on a regular basis will help prevent the formation of ingrown hairs.

Hints for Sensitive Skin

• Shave WITH the direction of beard growth, without pulling the skin, press lightly and don't go over the same spot(s) repeatedly.

• If your electric razor generates heat, shave the most sensitive areas first, while the shaver head is the coolest.

• Choose the setting best for your skin. The closest setting can irritate the skin.

Cleaning your electric razor

• Clean your shaver after every use or, at a minimum, after every third shave. Use the brush supplied by the manufacturer to remove any whiskers, dust and lint that accumulate in the cutting head.

• Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding touching fragile parts like the screen (foil).

• After cleaning your shaver, lubricate the metal surfaces of the screen and cutter,following the manufacturer's recommendation on the product(s) to use.The Basics

• Know your shaver, keep it clean and lubricated, replace the screen & cutter once a year or when necessary, use a light touch and moisturize your skin after shaving.

If you're new to an electric razor, the key is to use this method consistently, as the skin needs time to adapt to any type of razor.

Alternating its use with that of a manual razor can cause severe irritation.

Looking in the mirror to check if my tie is straight
is a waste of my time. I only look in the mirror once a day,

and that's in the morning when I shave.

Lennart Meri

Creative Commons License credit: lilpixie

Click here to ask a question about electric razors.

Scruffy -

Untreated ingrown hairs

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