Electric razors are a great option for people with very sensitive skin or those that don’t have much time and need a quick have. However, electric razors require proper cleaning and maintenance in order to maintain efficiency. Lack of proper cleaning and applying a lubricant to your electric shaver can cause it to lose performance and in worse cases even cut your skin.
What Are Electric Razors?
Electric razors can shave you in a fraction of the time it takes with a traditional razor. In fact, depending on my mood and how much time I have on a given day, I might prefer to use an electric razor. These razors are designed to provide a close, comfortable shave. They also cause less irritation and redness than traditional razors for the most part. Many people prefer to use electric razors over manual razors to avoid common problems like razor burn.
Electric Razors generally come in two types, foil shavers and rotary shavers. A foil shaver is a type of electric shaver that has foil over the blades. The metal foil is covered in small holes that direct the hairs to the blades. Foil shavers are great because they flex and pivot with the contours of your skin. Rotary shavers are similar to foil as the blade is covered and acts to direct hair to the blades. However, rotary blades spin in a circular motion as opposed to the side-to-side motion in foils. Rotary shaver blades are organized in a triangular fashion and have blades under multiple points on the head.
Electric razors, whether rotary or foil, are designed to give a close shave either wet or dry. These shavers can be used with or without cream or gel-based on your preference. Now, let’s answer the question of can an electric razor cut you and how it might happen.
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How Can an Electric Razor Cut You?
Shaving your face with an electric razor does not seem like a very dangerous task. However, in fact, it is possible to hurt yourself with an electric razor. Electric razors are great for shaving because they cut hair at the base and can be used in any direction. So when you shave your face you don’t need to go in only one direction like when using a manual razor. This means that you can shave much more quickly than when using a manual razor.
But there is an issue with electric razors – if they are not designed well, or if they become damaged, they can cut skin quite easily. A poorly designed or cheaper electric razor might not offer the protection and quality of a better one. Lower quality blade construction also increases the risk of having an electric razor cut you. Choosing a good quality electric shaver is a must, I personally love ones from the Braun S series.
Having your electric shaver at a low battery level can also decrease the power output and cause the blades to pull and tug at your hair. An electric shaver that tugs or pulls at your hair can rip them out and cause bleeding. Not to mention contours of your skin can put your skin closer to the blade and cause cuts. Lastly, having a damaged or defective shaver and decrease its protection against cuts and irritation and increase your chance of injury.
The most important things to consider when preventing cuts or irritation from an electric razor are the quality of the razor and your shave preparation. If you have overly sensitive skin, a proper shave prep might be needed, even when using a rotary or foil electric shaver.
Recommended Shavers
Philips Norelco Shaver 9800
This high-end electric razor features three shaving heads that move in eight directions for a close, comfortable shave. It also includes a cleaning and charging station for easy maintenance.
Braun Series 7
This popular electric razor offers a smooth and efficient shave with its intelligent Sonic technology that adapts to your beard. It also includes a precision trimmer for detailing and a clean and charge station. If you’d like, you can check out my full review and unboxing of the Series 7.
Panasonic Arc5
This five-blade razor delivers a powerful and precise shave with its 14,000 CPM linear motor. It also features a flexible shaving head and a pop-up trimmer for sideburns and mustaches.
Andis Profoil Lithium Plus Titanium Foil Shaver
This compact and lightweight razor delivers a comfortable and close shave with its hypoallergenic titanium foils. It also features a powerful lithium-ion battery that provides up to 80 minutes of runtime. The Andis is one of my favorite foil shavers and you can check out my full review and uboxing.
BabylissPRO
This professional-grade electric razor features a high-torque pivot motor that delivers fast and powerful cutting performance. It includes two hypoallergenic gold foils that provide a smooth and irritation-free shave, and a 3-hour runtime on a single charge. The ergonomic design makes it easy to use and control, and the removable and washable head makes it easy to clean and maintain. It’s a great option for those who want a premium electric razor that can handle heavy-duty use. Check out my full review of the BabylissPro with unboxing.
Electric Razor Shave Preparation Tips
The most important things to consider when preventing cuts or irritation from an electric razor are the quality of the razor and your shave preparation. If you have overly sensitive skin, a proper shave prep might be needed, even when using a rotary or foil electric shaver.
 Dry Shaving Prep Tips
- Make sure your shaver and face are as dry as possible. Avoid dry shaving right after showering or washing your face.
- Use a pre-shave lotion or conditioner to help stand up your facial hairs so they are easily caught by the electric shaver.
- Try not to go over the same area too many times as it will cause friction and lead to irritation.
- Make sure your electric shaver has a good amount of charge and is clean.
- Change your electric razor blade regularly to ensure it’s sharp and avoid tugging.
- Always trim your facial hair to a more manageable length. Electric shavers are designed to work best on stubble and not long hairs.
Wet Shaving Prep Tips
- Wash your face with warm but not hot water. Warm water will open the pores in your skin up. Avoid hot water because it can actually dry and irritate your skin.
- Pick the right shaving cream for your skin type.
- After applying your favorite shaving cream, allow for the cream to sit and work its magic for a minute or two. Shaving cream helps stand up the hairs on your face and makes shaving take fewer passes.
- Continuously rinse your electric razor and keep it clear of hair while shaving for best results.
Takeaway
While an electric razor can be a great alternative to traditional manual shaving, it can still hurt you. If an electric razor cut you, it is more than likely you need a new blade, have a defective shaver, or need to adjust your shaving preparation. To prevent any possible cuts or irritation, choosing a high-quality foil or rotary shaver is paramount.
