Shaving routines are subjective and are influenced by the evolving nature of grooming needs. Some people prefer sticking to traditional hairstyles and beard looks while others like to experiment to express the various shades of their personality. Though there’s no one way to use shavers and trimmers, there are still many aspects to if you want to perfect your shaving and grooming routine.
Different Kinds Of Shavers
Types Of Traditional Razors
- Safety Razor: A safety razor is an earlier version of a shaving tool that uses only a single, double-sided blade. It’s fixed between the base on top of the handle and a safety guard flap. Instead of requiring regular sharpening, the blade can be replaced at regular intervals. Most safety razors are made with brass or stainless steel to give it a premium feel. However, some are made with aluminum and titanium to reduce the weight of the product and for easy usage.
- Cartridge Razor: Cartridge razors were introduced in the 1970s when the first range of cartridge razors were disposable. However, it was soon developed for feasibility and less wastage where the cartridges became replaceable instead of chucking the entire tool. Cartridge razors differ in the number of blades that are fixed in them. While 2-blade cartridges are mostly found in disposable shavers, premium brands offer 4-blade cartridges for a smooth shave and longevity. The only drawback is that the cartridges can be difficult to clean as the hair and dead skin cells stuck in them can be hard to wipe off.
- Straight Razor: You may have seen barbers use straight razors where the blade folds into the handles. Similar to safety razors, the blade can be replaced at regular intervals. The great thing about straight razors is the ergonomic grips they provide as well the ease to use them at different angles depending on your need. If you experience constant razor burns or bumps, then a straight razor would be an ideal choice as it shaves close to the skin with a sharp finesse and few passes. If you shave your arms and legs, then a straight razor would be easier to clean and maintain.
Types Of Electric Razors
- Clippers: If you have a long, scruffy beard or thick, voluminous hair, clippers would be an appropriate choice. Clippers are specifically designed for heavy-duty shaves. They’re great if you want a shave that is efficient and cuts back on time or if you want to cut hair in larger sections.
- Trimmers: Love to maintain a good stubble without compromising shape? A trimmer is just the device for you! Unlike clippers, trimmers are meant to give your beard and hairstyles light touch-ups or precise detailing. They have smaller heads and shave close to the skin, also making it ideal if you want to reach hard-to-reach areas.
- Ear, Nose And Brow Trimmer: If you have stray nose and ear strands that are extra long, then you might want to go for a nose trimmer. They’re small, circular blades that easily fit into the nostrils and ears to grip the hair from all sides without pulling or tugging. They take out the tedious routine of using scissors which might not always be safe. A nose/ear trimmer can also work for the eyebrows if you want to pluck out stray strands for a clean shape.
- Rotary Razor: If you have a short curly and unruly beard that tends to grow from different angles or even thicker skin, then you might want to go for a rotary shaver. Rotary Shaver heads have three circular heads that move in circular motions. They reach those difficult crevices of the face to give a clean shave without leaving behind stray hair. Rotary shavers are also great for those who don’t shave regularly.
- Foil Razor: Buy shavers for men to get their name due to the mechanism it uses. The shaving head has blades that are covered with a thin sheet of metal, mimicking the appearance of a foil that has multiple small holes. The head takes the hair through the holes and is shaved off by the blade. The sheet acts as a protective barrier between the skin and the blade. Unlike rotary shavers, a foil shaver’s blades move in one direction so it’s important to know that you have to follow the direction of the hair growth. Foil shavers are easy to use and give you more accuracy. So, if you have a fine beard or sensitive skin, they’d be a great choice.
- Shaving With And Against The Grain
Beard growth and skin types are highly subjective and determine what kind of shave would suit you the best. If you have dry, sensitive skin or thick unruly beards, it’s best to shave with grain (in the direction of the hair growth) to avoid razor burns and ingrown hair. If you have normal skin and fine beard growth, you can get away with shaving with and against the grain for a smoother shave. The same goes for the skin and hair on your arms, legs and underarms.
Body Care And Skin Care Tips For Smoother Shave
- Following a simple skincare routine like cleansing and moisturizing can keep the skin clean and nourished, reducing the chances of razor burns and ingrown hair.
- If your skin feels rough and bumpy after a shave, then consider exfoliating once to twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and keep the follicles clean. In this way, if you want a smooth look, it won’t leave your beard feeling and looking grainy.
- If you have an unruly or dry beard, consider treating it to a conditioning treatment either with a deep massage using a beard oil or a conditioner. This will soften the hair from the roots for an easier shave that is pain-free.
- If you have sensitive skin, avoid aftershaves with alcohol in them as they will sting and irritate the skin. Instead look for natural antiseptic properties like tea-tree, neem and aloe vera.
Razor Hygiene Care
- Always replace the cartridges and blades after every 5-10 uses. Blunt razors will tug and pull at the skin and hair, leaving behind painful, inflamed razor burns and bumps.
- If you’re using an electric razor, make sure to detach the head once in a while and give it a good clean. If you wet-shave with one, keep the head detached to give it enough time to dry before the next use.
- It’s ideal to store electric razors in a dry place like a drawer to prevent unwanted mishaps with the battery and mechanism. The same goes for double-edged razors which can get rusted quickly.
We hope you use this as a guide to make your shaving regimen efficient and hassle-free.