Electric Shaver vs Razor: Which Is Better For Facial Hair?
In the last few decades, the art of shaving has produced a thriving market with a huge range of products available. Sometimes, walking down an aisle of grooming products can be overwhelming, the options are endless! One of the first questions we tend to ask ourselves when considering our shaving routines is whether we should stick to a classic razor, or opt for an electric shaver. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the pros and cons of electric and manual shaving, so you can make up your own mind.
Advantages of using an electric shaver
Electric shavers have become an extremely popular feature of bathrooms and grooming regimens all over the world. Here are some of the advantages of electric shavers, which explain why so many men rely on them:
- One of the top reasons why some of us favour electric razors is because they’re super speedy, allowing us to save time and maybe even fit in an extra ten minutes of shut-eye in the morning.
- Electric shavers are a solo act; they don’t usually require any other products such as shaving soap or a shaving brush, so you can keep it really simple.
- The versatility of electric shavers can also be a huge advantage. Whether you’re maintaining a clean-shaven look , taming a full beard, or trimming round your sideburns, an electric shaver will probably be up to the job.
- Electric shavers are often considered slightly safer, and less likely to cause nicks and cuts, which are easier to inflict when dealing with a regular razor blade.
Disadvantages of using an electric shaver
It’s not all sunshine, rainbows and smooth skin though: there are also a number of reasons why electric shaving isn’t always the best option, and it’s not just nostalgia for a good old barber shop shave with a cut throat razor. Here are some of the downsides:
- Electric shavers rarely give as close a shave as regular razors, so if you’re looking for a truly smooth shave, you might want to stick to the classics. You’ll also probably have to shave a lot more regularly to keep the stubble at bay if you’re going electric.
- You’ll need rechargeable batteries or a power source to get your electric shaver up and running, so if you don’t have an electrical socket in your bathroom, you could find yourself stuck mid-shave when your shaver runs out of charge.
- The initial price of an electric shaver is more expensive than even the best cartridge razor, and they require more maintenance and care. For example, you’ll need to clean your electric shaver, and take care not to let it get too wet.
Advantages of a manual shave
There might be plenty of good reasons to go for an electric shave, but at Wilkinson Sword, we always love to highlight the benefits of a classic manual shave with a regular razor. Here’s some of the reasons why you might want to keep it old school:
- A classic razor offers the longest-lasting shave, so if you’re a clean-cut gent who wants to ward off that scruffy give o’clock shadow, you’re probably best to opt for manual over electric. And if you're looking for a wet shave razor for a smooth shave, you'll need a good old manual razor of course.
- Manual razors are readily available, inexpensive, and can be used anywhere since they don’t need electricity. If you’re really pressed for time, you can even use your razor in the shower – efficient!
- Manual razors, particularly double edge safety razors, often stay sharp and effective for a long time, and when razor blades do need replacing, it’s a very easy and quick task.
Double edge blade technology increases the life of each blade. Great for trimming! Barber's Style Face Wash allows you to clean your face for smooth, gentle skin. Designed to protect your skin from shaving irritation
Classic Double Edge Razor
Barber's Style Shave Cream
Hydro 5 Ultimate Men’s Razor & Blade Pack
Disadvantages of a manual shave
There’s so much that’s great about a classic manual shave, and it’s hard to beat that smooth, fresh feeling after a proper shave with plenty of hot water and shaving cream or soap. But it’s not always smooth sailing. There are a few reasons why you might be less enthusiastic about a manual shave:
- It’s definitely easier to cut yourself with a manual razor than with an electric one, so it you’re bleary-eyed and half-asleep in the morning, or prone to an unsteady hand, you might want to take extra care, or switch to electric.
- You can’t dry shave with a manual razor, so you’ll always need to be near a sink, and you’ll need lubricating products such as shaving creams, gels or soaps, which aren’t usually necessary with an electric shaver.
- Razor blades do require regular replacement, which can cost you money and cause waste if you don't dispose of the razor blades safely.
Well then, there are the pros and cons for you, ammunition for next time you find yourself lost in the face of a gazillion supermarket grooming options. You can thank us later.
