One of the constant battles in the world of shaving, among many others, is that of choosing between electric shavers against manual razors. And like many other battles such as Growing a Perfect Beard, it is often unnecessary as some people prefer electric shavers and others prefer traditional manual razors.
In this article we will take a step back and present the general views of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Let’s see!
Advantages of Shaving with an Electric Razor
Convenience and Speed
One of the main reasons for switching to electric shaving is because of the practical aspect that this entails: No more long and meticulous preparation work, no more shaving foam, and no more cleaning or care of your equipment.
You take your electric razor and start shaving. After that, you just need to place your razor in the automated cleaning and charging station and that’s it.
Comfort
Traditional shaving involves the use of a razor blade that is sharp and inherently comes with some risks. Of course, careful preparation work and proper technique can considerably diminish these risks, but for some less fortunate men a manual razor is not an option.
Normally, using an electric razor will provide more comfort, less irritation and avoid possible cuts in your skin.
Most men with sensitive skin, which is prone to irritation, chafing and ingrown facial hairs will benefit from switching to an electric razor. For body care, checkout our best body groomer guide.
You Don’t have to Give Up a Wet Shave
In fact, you shouldn’t, as it can greatly improve the quality of your shave compared to the tightness and comfort provided. Most of today’s electric razors are waterproof and can be used with shaving creams and gels.
This may seem to defy the purpose of an electric razor for some; and that’s completely understandable. After all, one of the main advantages of electric shaving is not having to deal with all the messy things of traditional shaving.
But if you’re one of the men who bought an electric razor just for the convenience of it, I assure you this can further enhance your shaving experience.
Our team have written an extensive guide on how to choose a quality shaving cream, and we strongly recommend that you read it if you want to know more.
Wet shaving has the luxury of hairdressing associated with it and you can still enjoy a visit on weekends, for example, if you are limited by the time during the week.
Inexpensive
The initial acquisition cost is usually quite high (although you can find excellent shavers below $100), but in the long term buying little expensive one is definitely a good investment.
A quality electric razor such as the bald head shaver will last for many years, but will require you to replace blades and knives (usually once a year).
Even so, if compared to replacement cartridges of blades that are expensive and do not last long, you can easily see that saving money.
Unfortunately, when it comes to manual cleaning, an electric razor cannot match a double-edged razor where dirt only reaches the blades.
Disadvantages of Electric Shaving
Electric razors don’t offer as close a shave as razor blades. Although high-end shavers such as the Panasonic ES-LV65 and the Braun 9 Series are very close in terms of blade performance, they still can’t match it.
This is a personal and subjective matter to some extent, as many men demand that the hurry offered by an electric razor be equal to that offered by a razor.
On the other hand, a blade also exfoliates the skin by removing the top layer of dead cells. However, the quality of the close shave is a compromise you must be willing to make when switching to electric shaving. Getting more comfort by a small loss in the quality of the close shave is not a bad business at all.
It Takes Time for the Skin to Adapt to it
When you use an electric razor for the first time, you will most likely be disappointed with the results (irritation, small traces of facial hair, etc.). But before you go back to your old manual razor, we recommend that you wait 3 weeks before making a decision.
In addition, practice is needed to get used to it and your technique will improve. Take a look at our guide to choosing an electric razor to get the most out of it.
Purchase Price and Maintenance can be Expensive
High-end electric razors are expensive. In addition, spare parts and cleaning cartridges can be quite expensive. You don’t necessarily need the best electric razor you can find in order to get satisfactory results, so be sure to read our analysis to help you find the right product.
Advantages of Traditional Shaving
Tightest Possible Shave
Regardless of whether you are using an electric double blade or even a cartridge razor, a manual razor will always shave you closer to your skin than an electric razor.
In addition, proper preparation work, quality products and the right technique can produce great results in terms of comfort and closeness.
Affordable
This mainly applies to double-edged shavers using a single blade. They are crisp, low-cost and last a longer period of time compared to refill cartridges.
There is Something Manly and Nice about Razor Blade
Hot water, your hand looking for your razor while you apply a little refreshing cream on your face with a refreshing smell – these are some of the things that make a traditional shave so pleasant.
You’ll never feel that pleasant feeling when you shave with an electric razor.
Disadvantages of Razor Blade
Long time, requires extensive preparation work and many tools that also need careful maintenance and cleaning.
Just think of travelling and having to deal with a sink full of water, a razor, blades, shaving cream, brush, pre-shave oil and alum instead of carrying a single element.
Manual Shavers Have a Difficult Learning Curve.
A firm hand takes time. This is especially true for razors and razors with straight blades. And this leads to the next drawback.
Increases the Chances of Getting Cuts and Irritations
It can also lead to more serious problems for men with sensitive skin, such as ingrown facial hairs and razor blows. There are ways to greatly improve your experience (using the right products and technique), but sometimes it’s just not enough and electric shaving is the only viable option.
Refill cartridges are expensive and need to be changed frequently as they wear out quite quickly.
Conclusion
Electric and traditional shaving seems to have divided shaving fans into two camps.
The best method is really the one that works best for you, regardless of your reasons for choosing one over the other.
It can be either the dry electric shave for its convenience and weather efficiency, it can also be the wet electric shave for its comfort, or completely apart it can be a traditional shave for the quality of the tight shave and the pure enjoyment.
The most important thing in the end is that you use the one that works best for you and enjoy your shave! This is what our team here at “Men Grooming Review“ highly recommends.
