Electric Shaver Vs Razor

We all want the perfect cut on our facial hair but what method is best?

Do you go for the convenience and accessibility of electric shavers or the clean-cut, smooth efficiency of a manual razor?

Well, read on and you’ll find all of the answers here. We’ll discuss razor and shaver types, how they differ, pros and cons, how to use both types, and a whole lot more useful info that’s going to come in handy.

So, let’s begin.

 

Electric Razors Vs Manual Razors: What’s The Difference?

Manual Razors

With manual razors, the hair is cut with a single stroke of the blade. The blade of a manual razor lifts the hair from the follicle before cutting it, then the lifted hair is cut and gets back below the skin’s surface to give you a clean shave.

Manual razors are favored for their price and effectiveness at cutting close to the skin. However, they only last for several uses and there’s a greater chance of getting nicks and cuts.

Electric Shavers

With an electric shaver, the hair is cut between two blades. The shaver presses down on the skin and creates a bow wave, the skin then contacts the holes of the foil and causes the hair to become more exposed.

While the initial investment is considerably more than a manual razor, electric shavers are preferred for their accessibility and convenience. However, if you want the best clean shave money can buy. These electric shavers just don’t cut it.

 

Advantages Of Electric Shavers

Convenience

One of the main reasons for switching to electric shavers is the practical side of it. You won’t have to deal with a laborious pre-shave or suffer the hassle of cleaning to take care of your shaving arsenal. You just grab your electric shaver and get straight to shaving, you can do it anywhere too, from at home to a quick trim in the car if time is of the essence. After that, you can tap out the stray hairs or give it a quick rinse and it will be good as new.

Wet/Dry

Using shaving cream can greatly improve the closeness and comfort of your shave and luckily, you’re no longer limited to a manual razor if you want a wet shave. Most of today’s electric shavers are waterproof and can be used with shaving creams and gels. One of the main advantages of electric shavers is not having to deal with the messy lathering and cleaning that are usually associated with traditional shaving so having wet shaving as a perk may seem a little contradictory but options are always good.

Safe and comfy

Using an electric shaver immediately decreases your chances of getting nicks and cuts. While it isn’t impossible, electric shavers have guards that prevent the blades from coming into close contact with your skin so nicks, cuts, and nasty side effects like razor burn or razor bumps are much less likely so long as you’re careful.

Long term investment

Manual razors are cheap and disposable which is a big appeal of them. However, in the long term, it’s not economically efficient. You’ll save money by investing in an electric shaver as opposed to continually buying cartridge razors.

 

Disadvantages Of Electric Razors

Not as close

This is a personal and subjective matter to some extent, as some find an electric razor cuts just as close as a manual razor. Moreover, a blade will also exfoliate the skin by removing the top layer of cells which is healthier for your skin as it removes debris and dirt. However, the closeness of the shave is a sacrifice that many make when opting for an electric razor. Of course, if you don’t like being clean-shaven and rock a short beard or stubble then this disadvantage won’t really affect you.

Pricey

Electric razors don’t come cheap. With an average price of around $50, it can be a steep initial investment compared to a pack of disposable razors for $5.

 

Advantages Of Manual Razors

Close Shave

Regardless if you’re using a straight, double-edged, or even a cartridge razor, a manual razor blade will almost always shave closer to the skin than an electric shaver. Also, proper prep work, quality products, and the right technique can yield great results in terms of both comfort and closeness.

Therapeutic

Many find the traditional shaving experience relaxing and it can become somewhat of a ritual. Take a shower and have a slow, close shave to exfoliate your skin and you’ll feel like a new man.

Inexpensive

As we mentioned above, manual razors are cheap and disposable. This makes them very popular as they’re only a minor purchase you can get with your weekly groceries.

 

Disadvantages Of Manual Razors

Takes Time

When using a manual razor you have to lather your face, carefully shave your face, and wash afterward as well as apply any aftershave or lotion. This whole process can take up to half an hour so if you’re in a rush, this isn’t going to be the best choice for you.

Need Practice

A wet shave with a manual razor requires an experienced hand if you want to avoid razor burn and razor bumps so you’ll probably have a few attempts before you really get the gist of shaving with a blade.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric shavers as good as razors?

Electric razors are known for reducing skin irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Initial uses of an electric shaver can cause some skin irritation until you’ve gotten the hang of using one and perfected your technique. An electric shaver will provide a close shave but not quite as close as a cartridge razor.

Is it better to shave wet or dry?

Dry shaving results in fewer nicks and cuts than wet shaving. This is because the blade of an electric shaver doesn’t actually come into contact with the skin and therefore can’t cut you. This is why dry shaving is faster than wet, but also why wet shaving produces a closer shave and a more luxurious experience.

Is shaving with an electric razor better for your skin?

In general, electric shavers are better for sensitive skin because there’s no chance for cuts, nicks, and/or razor burn. This doesn’t mean that there’s no irritation with electric razors, but they’re generally easier on sensitive skin.