Electric razors typically come in two different forms, foil and rotary. In this article, we will be focusing on my personal favorite – the foil shaver. Foil shavers are electric razors that have a metal mesh covering the blades. Foil shavers provide an amazing shave without the use of razors. Eliminating razor blades using foil razors allows for a super close shave with far less irritation. Generally, foil shares are made with hypoallergenic materials and are easy to use and clean.
Foil shavers are very versatile as they can be used on the go and don’t require water or shaving cream. Simply turn the unit on and begin shaving, it’s that easy! Oftentimes, the head of the foil razor will actually collect the hair after cutting it, reducing the need for clean-up.
Personally, I use and prefer the Braun S3 foil shaver due to its affordability and great shave. My S3 is my go-to electric shaver to use when I’m in a rush to work and don’t have much time to shave. Along with the Braun S3, I will be covering a few other foil razors that I have used and highly recommend at the end of the article. Read on for the pros and cons of using foil shavers!
How Do Foil Shavers Work?
Foil shavers work so well because they can get far closer to the skin than a trimmer or most rotary shavers. Your hair enters the tiny holes in the thin metal covering the blades. The blades under the foil move back and forth thousands of times per minute and make quick work of any hair they come in contact with. Normally cleaning a foil shaver can be done simply by removing the top cover and blowing it out or rinsing it with water.
Pros and Cons of Using Foil Shavers
Foil Shaver Pros
- Very versatile
- Can be used on the go
- Great for sensitive skin
- Easy to clean
- Virtually no irritation
- Wet or dry use
- Can be used on bald heads and sensitive areas
Foil Shaver Cons
- Needs to be recharged
- Can’t be used on thick beards
- Some foil shavers can be loud
- Not precise
Foil Shaver Vs Rotary Shaver
Did you know that there are different types of electric shavers? First invented in 1915, the electric shaver was originally intended to be used on only dry skin. Over the decades, many different types of electric razors have been developed to allow for wet and dry shaving as well as different preferences in shave experience.
Foil shavers and rotary shavers have their most notable difference in how they work. Foil shavers have a foil cover over blades that oscillate back and forth to cut here. Whereas a rotary shaver has a spinning blade under a protective cover. People develop preferences over whether they use rotary or foil shavers but the use intended for the machines is the same – a close shave without irritation or the need for water or shaving cream.
Foil Shavers Vs Manual Razors
The largest difference comes between foil shavers and manual razors. Electric shavers like foil shavers are intended to give a smooth shave without the irritation commonly experienced with manuals. However, some could argue that a manual razor will always get the closest shave as it is directly on the skin. Foil shavers are also a great option for people with disabilities or who otherwise have a hard time shaving. Foil shavers overall win in the competition over manual razors if you are a person with very sensitive skin as there is less friction on the skin, or if you have a hard time shaving with other methods.
Best Foil Shavers
Looking for the best foil shaver? Below I have listed a few that I have personally tried and highly recommend for their overall quality.
Braun S3 Electric Razor
The Braun S3 Electric Razor is by far my favorite foil shaver. The S3 offers a quick shaver that is super smooth and close. Also, the S3 is very affordable compared to other electric shavers on the market. The shaver has a comb element on its head that directs hairs toward its oscillating blades. A full charge with the shaver offers 45 minutes of shave time which is more than enough for a full-face or even touching up a bald head. The S3 is inexpensive and well worth the price compared to other options.
KEMEI Electric Razor
When my Braun S3 isn’t handy I have my KEMEI foil razor. I primarily use this razor at work when I need to touch up some stubble. The KEMEI is very easy to clean, super compact, and offers great battery life of up to 1 hour per charge. Conveniently, my KEMEI came with a travel bag as well which paired great with what I use it for. With everything else going for it, the KEMEI foil shaver is also extremely affordable and priced far lower than its competitors.
Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor
If you’re looking to get the best shave an electric can offer, the Arc5 is where you’ll get it. The Arc5 sports 5 individual blades in a pivoting head foil setup. Also, the Arc5 offers a pop-up trimmer blade for precision hairline trimming. An LCD indicator shows you exactly how much battery life is left in the shaver. With a charge time of 1 hour and a run time of 45 minutes, the Arc5 is a great everyday shaver for the face, bald heads, and even sensitive areas. The Arc5 is on the pricier side but does little to disappoint as far as giving a close smooth wet or dry shave.
Takeaway
Foil shavers are an amazing alternative to traditional shaving with manual shavers such as safety razors or straight-edge razors. With a foil shaver you’re able to get a great close shave wet or dry, not to mention they are great for use on the go. I keep my KEMEI foil razor in my glove box for when I need to get to work and don’t have enough time to shave at home. Electric shavers like these are ideal for people with sensitive skin, who don’t have a lot of time or both.
