In a previous article I shared my recommendations for shaving with an electric razor and shaving cream. For the gentlemen out there that don’t have the time or just don’t want to mess around with creams and gels since the days of the brush and blade are way behind, here are my top 10 tips for getting the closest and the most comfortable dry shave.
1. Keep it dry.
This goes for both the shaver and your skin. One of the most common mistakes is to wash your face or take a shower prior to a shave. You’ll want your face to be as dry as possible to ensure a comfortable shave.
Any kind of moisture will have a negative impact on the quality of your shave and cause discomfort.
Also, if you just cleaned your razor make sure it is fully dried. For some men using an electric pre-shave lotion or powder works wonders. Lectric shave or Afta from Mennen are two good options.
2. Make sure your razor is properly charged.
Shaving when the battery is almost out of juice will lead to pulling and tugging and of course the closeness of your shave will suffer.
3. Do not apply too much pressure.
Move the shaver over the skin without pressing it too hard. Most shavers tend to get warm after a while and this will only make things worse.
Also, it’s a good idea to put a few drops of fine machine oil on the foil and cutters to minimize the friction.
4. Shave against the direction of growth of your stubble (whichever that may be)
Use your free hand to feel the hair and to stretch the skin. This is especially important for foil shavers; you’ll want to use a circular motion when shaving with a rotary shaver.
5. Trim your beard if you haven’t shaved in a long time.
Very long hair is a big problem for any electric shaver, regardless of the quality of it. Just use a regular hair trimmer to reduce it to a more manageable length.
6. Keep your shaver clean.
Dead skin, hair and dirt on the cutting elements and foil can’t be good for performance and hygiene. Always clean your razor thoroughly after every use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If your shaver is fully washable use some liquid soap for effective cleaning.
7. Replace worn parts.
That includes foils, cutters or the whole assembly. Spending money on replacement parts is no fun, but it has to be done. Depending on the frequency of the shaves and how tough your facial hair is, these parts usually last longer than what the manufacturers state.
8. Use a quality, soothing, alcohol free balm.
After you finished your shave, wash your face with cold water, let it dry or gently pat it with a paper towel and apply a balm. Hydrating your skin is the single most important thing you can do after shaving.
9. Find a razor that suits your skin, facial hair and technique.
There isn’t such a thing as the best electric shaver, but there is the one that is right for you. Finding it is a matter of research and trial and error, but there are reviews that will hopefully help you narrow down your options.
10. Take your time and enjoy your shave.
1. Keep it dry.
This goes for both the shaver and your skin. One of the most common mistakes is to wash your face or take a shower prior to a shave. You’ll want your face to be as dry as possible to ensure a comfortable shave.
Any kind of moisture will have a negative impact on the quality of your shave and cause discomfort.
Also, if you just cleaned your razor make sure it is fully dried. For some men using an electric pre-shave lotion or powder works wonders. Lectric shave or Afta from Mennen are two good options.
2. Make sure your razor is properly charged.
Shaving when the battery is almost out of juice will lead to pulling and tugging and of course the closeness of your shave will suffer.
3. Do not apply too much pressure.
Move the shaver over the skin without pressing it too hard. Most shavers tend to get warm after a while and this will only make things worse.
Also, it’s a good idea to put a few drops of fine machine oil on the foil and cutters to minimize the friction.
4. Shave against the direction of growth of your stubble (whichever that may be)
Use your free hand to feel the hair and to stretch the skin. This is especially important for foil shavers; you’ll want to use a circular motion when shaving with a rotary shaver.
5. Trim your beard if you haven’t shaved in a long time.
Very long hair is a big problem for any electric shaver, regardless of the quality of it. Just use a regular hair trimmer to reduce it to a more manageable length.
6. Keep your shaver clean.
Dead skin, hair and dirt on the cutting elements and foil can’t be good for performance and hygiene. Always clean your razor thoroughly after every use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If your shaver is fully washable use some liquid soap for effective cleaning.
7. Replace worn parts.
That includes foils, cutters or the whole assembly. Spending money on replacement parts is no fun, but it has to be done. Depending on the frequency of the shaves and how tough your facial hair is, these parts usually last longer than what the manufacturers state.
8. Use a quality, soothing, alcohol free balm.
After you finished your shave, wash your face with cold water, let it dry or gently pat it with a paper towel and apply a balm. Hydrating your skin is the single most important thing you can do after shaving.
9. Find a razor that suits your skin, facial hair and technique.
There isn’t such a thing as the best electric shaver, but there is the one that is right for you. Finding it is a matter of research and trial and error, but there are reviews that will hopefully help you narrow down your options.
10. Take your time and enjoy your shave.