Electric razors have continued to evolve and are a fundamental product in the landscape of grooming technology. The choice of an electric razor is an important one, especially for those taking their first steps into the reality of shaving. The UK market is quite literally flooded with options, with every model boasting about cutting-edge features and promising an unparalleled shaving experience.
As a beginner, trying to figure out this world of choices can be overwhelming. In my comprehensive guide, I will clearly explain the intricacies of selecting the best electric razor tailored to the specific needs of beginners. Whether you're making the switch from traditional razors or just starting out on your shaving journey, understanding the basics and pinpointing the right device is worth understanding to get it right.
I will show you the top recommendations for 2024, explain any special considerations, and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision on the best electric razor for your unique needs. It's important to enjoy a smooth, comfortable shave that aligns perfectly with your beginner grooming endeavors.
Key things you need to know about buying an electric shaver for a beginner.
Electric razors have many advantages that make them particularly well-suited for beginners starting to shave.
- Their user-friendly design removes the risk of nicks and cuts and are a very safe option
- They are very easy to use unlike other razors as all of those take time and practise to master (Safety razors, straight razors, etc)
- Electric razors are generally quicker for shaving, allowing beginners to achieve a clean shave efficiently.
- You can use them to dry shave, unlike other razors where you need to use hot water and some type of soap, cream, foam or gel.
Primarily, electric razors are very convenient and easy to use at home or when traveling.
Types of Electric Razors
There are three types of electric razor:
- Foil - This type has a thin, perforated foil covering the cutting blades. They are best suited for precise, straight-line shaving.. Ideal for individuals with finer hair and a preference for frequent shaving.
- Rotary - This type has circular cutting heads that pivot and are adaptable to facial contours, making them suitable for individuals with more irregular hair growth patterns. They are popular for those who shave less frequently.
- Hybrid - As the name suggests, these combine the features of both foil and rotary razors.. That makes them versatile and suitable for various hair types and shaving preferences. They offer a balanced approach, providing the benefits of both foil and rotary designs.
Electric Foil Razor
Electric Rotary Razor
Electric Hybrid Razor
Electric Razors vs Traditional Razors
Electric Razor
Safety Razor
Straight Razor
While traditional razors, like those shown above have their merits, electric razors present a compelling alternative for beginners.
- Safer to use - Electric razors are generally safer, minimizing the risk of accidental cuts, making them well-suited for those still mastering the art of shaving.
- Convenient - Electric razors eliminate the need for water, shaving cream, and frequent blade changes, making the process for beginners with busy lifestyles faster.
- Precise - Modern electric razors are designed for precision, ensuring a consistent shave without the need for intricate shaving techniques.
- Adaptable: Electric razors are adaptable to various hair types and growth patterns, offering a versatile solution for beginners exploring their optimal shaving routine.
Understanding Electric Shaver Price Points
Electric shavers’ range in price from as low as £20 and right up to £600. Why the big difference?
A basic shaver will have all the right features to give you a good quality shave. Typically, they will have 3 floating heads which hold the blades, are cordless and will come with a pop-up trimmer for doing sideburns or general trimming. These are shavers such as the Braun Series 3 300 or the Hatteker Classic.
At the higher end, electric shavers such as the Braun Series 9 9385cc Latest Generation Electric Shaver will have features such as a clean and charge station, fully waterproof, lots of cutting actions, sonic vibrations, and longer lasting batteries.
The reality is that as a beginner, you need to figure out how much you are prepared to spend. Our advice when starting out is to buy a lower priced electric shaver. If you decide you like the quality of shave it gives you, at some time in the future, you can always upgrade to a more expensive option.
So those are, according to our research, the key important things any beginner should know. Our next stage of research then broke down what electric shavers are available that meet the above criterion.
We have now shown below out top recommended electric shavers based on a range of price points.
My Top Picks 2024
1. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
This Braun model has been around for a long time and remains a best seller for the company. It is simply just very good value for money and ticks all of the boxes for someone beginning to shave for the first few times.
This is a foil head so good for sensitive skin, can be used for wet and dry shaving, and offers up to 45 minutes shaving time on a full charge - there is also a quick 5 minute charge that will give you one shave. It delivers a close shave and is easy to clean and has a precision trimmer as well.
Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £49.99 - 88% buyer satisfaction based on 15,000+ online buyer reviews
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2. Philips Shaver Series 3000 S3233/52
The price on this shaver goes up and down and if you can find it on a sale at around £85 is exceptional value for money
This is a 3 headed rotary shaver with 27 blades sitting under the three heads and delivers a close shave.
It also has a trimmer but a key difference is this Philips option can not be used in the shower as it isn't waterproof.
The heads pivot so better for shaving around the contours of the face and a full charge gives you 1 hour of shaving time. Comes with a travel pouch and protective cap.
Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £65.54 - 88% buyer satisfaction based on 16,000+ online buyer reviews
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3. Panasonic ES-SL41 Milano Wet and Dry 3-Blade Electric Shaver
This razor has a 3-blade cutting system with 2 distinct foil patterns which work in combination to capture and cut even the most difficult parts of your beard. The shaver's head remains in-touch with your skin, including tricky areas like under the chin.
It can be used for both wet and dry shaving and is 100% waterproof, allowing you to rinse the shaver under running water.
It also has a handy pop-up trimmer for detailed grooming of moustache and sideburn edges.
Comes with a carrying holder for storage or travel use. You can also store the shaver upright or lying down in the charger stand depending on your preference.
Check Amazon UK for Availability - Price when reviewed £26.97 - 84% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
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Other Factors to Consider
Charging time for an electric shaver
According to our research, there are two main sources of complaints when people buy and use an electric shaver. Those are:
- Not a close enough shave – this complaint is mainly about how your face feels after you have had a shave. Does it feel soft and bristle free all over? Many buyers say it does a good enough job but there are small areas, like under the chin, where it has left some short bristles.
- The electric shaver takes too long to charge – this complaint arises because people don’t want to wait for hours to be able to use a shaver. They want to be able to use it as and when they need it.
When you are buying your first shaver, these small things can easily be overlooked. Charging time can be a real issue for some people. The better shavers have a quick charge and we think that is really an important feature to go for.
Electric Razor Research and Popular Brands
According to Statista (the consumer research company) UK buyers spent in 2020 as follows:
- 139,000 people bought electric shavers costing less then £10 (8% market share)
- 528,000 people bought electric shavers costing between £10-£24 (33% market share)
- 678,000 people bought electric shavers costing between £25-£49 (42% market share)
- 267,000 people bought electric shavers costing between £10-£24 (16% market share)
So in total in 2020, a total of 1,612,000 electric shavers were sold. The majority of buyers paid less than £50 for an electric shaver. That's worth bearing in mind.
The two main brands available in the UK are Braun and Philips. They account for most electric shavers sold in the United Kingdom.
Philips remain the leading brand and Braun are the second biggest. So, why does that matter? First, it informs us that these two brands make really good quality electric shavers, otherwise they would not be selling such high numbers.
We also found from our research two important things:
They have a local UK based customer service which means they are easy to contact them should you need to and that is important. They also have spare parts available such as replacement batteries or heads.
Both of these things can be very important as your shaver starts to get older and you need to replace worn out or broken parts. As a beginner we would strongly recommend sticking with either Philips or Braun as they have lots of experience in making these shavers. They also invest a lot of money into research and development to keep improving their products.
Skin Types and Shaving
Our advice is not to overlook understanding this section. An electric shaver is mainly used to shave the face and neck areas. These two areas have lots of contours and any good electric shaver needs to have flexible enough heads to be able to move with the contours to get a close and uniform shave.
It is important for any beginner to electric shaving to work out what type of skin they have. That can really determine your best choice of electric shaver. We inherit our skin type from our parents through our genes and can only change that with certain treatments.
There are five main skin types:
- Normal – this is skin with a regular texture and a clean and soft appearance.
- Dry – almost always dry skin is caused by the weather. Our skin simply lacks moisture and can become quite irritable and itchy.
- Oily – the opposite of dry skin where our body produces too much fat/oil from the sebaceous glands. You find a lot of this in adolescents and people under the age of 30. If you are beginner, you are likely to fall into this bracket.
- Combination – this is where the skin on our face has both oily and dry areas. The chin for example could be oily and the face cheeks could be dry.
- Sensitive – this is a fragile skin and is identified by issues such as itchiness, redness or heat.
The reason we explain these skin types is that different types of electric shaver are better for sensitive skin than others. For example, a shave that can be used for wet shaving is much better for dry or sensitive skin than using a dry shaver on it. Likewise, a foil shaver is a better choice for sensitive skin rather than an electric rotary shaver.
Special Considerations for Beginners
- Always read the instruction manual provided with your electric razor. Understanding the specific features and recommended usage ensures a smoother experience.
- Prior to shaving, wash your face with warm water to soften the hair and open up pores. Applying a pre-shave lotion can further enhance the comfort of the shave.
- Always hold the electric razor at a 90-degree angle to your skin. Avoid pressing too hard; let the razor's blades do the work to prevent irritation.
- Begin with short, gentle strokes to get accustomed to the razor's feel and your skin's sensitivity. Gradually increase pressure if needed, but avoid excessive force.
- Follow the natural direction of hair growth for a more comfortable shave. For most areas, this means shaving with the grain.
- Regularly clean the razor according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and hygiene.
- Allow time for your skin to adapt to the electric razor. It may take a few uses to determine the best technique and achieve the desired results.
- If your electric razor supports wet shaving, experiment with shaving creams or gels. Some beginners find this method more comfortable, especially during the initial transition.
- While budget is a consideration, investing in a quality electric razor designed for beginners can significantly improve the overall shaving experience. Look for features like skin protection and adaptability.
Hopefully we have given you enough information on deciding the best electric shaver for a beginner. We would always advise any man to wet shave as that is always the best option for a close shave. If like many millions of people you don't have time to do that, then an electric shaver is the handiest option.
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