The best electric shaver for your friend isn't necessarily the best electric shaver for you. Today's shavers aren't one-size-fits-all and the differences only grow when you compare mens electric shavers to those designed for women.
Designs
Electric shavers for men are designed for the face, where hair is coarse and tough. The parts of the body most shaved by women, legs and underarms, have finer, softer hair, so women's shavers need less powerful motors and cost less as a result. Women's electric shavers often feature pivoting heads and ergonomic handles that adapt to the contours of the parts they shave most.
Considering borrowing your boyfriend or girlfriend's electric shaver? Don't. Men will likely be disappointed in the quality of a shave from a women's electric shaver. Women should resist the temptation to use a men's electric shaver, as their finer hair can clog the mechanisms and dull the blades.
An ergonomic electric shaver is easy and pleasant to use daily, as long as the one you choose is the right size for your hands. A model styled like a disposable or cartridge razor is the best fit for most, although men with large hands may prefer something more substantial.
Form also must follow function. Men should make sure that the head of the shaver is small enough to reach that tricky patch below the base of the nose. Women should look for a product that will work efficiently on legs. And whatever type of electric razor you choose, make sure its beautifully designed handle won't shatter when it gets dropped in a hard sink or on a bathroom floor.
Cutting System
A men's electric shaver comes in two basic types, foil and rotary head. Foil shavers work by sliding a thin, perforated sheet of metal over the surface of the skin. Hairs penetrate the foil and are sliced off by rapidly vibrating blades that work like scissors with the foil. Rotary head products use the same principle as blades by cutting hairs poking through a metal face, and they feature spinning blades in round heads. They also tend to be quieter and easier to clean.
If you have a beard, mustache, sideburns, or just let your hair get long before shaving, you'll want to be sure your electric shaver has a trimmer, preferably one that adjusts to your desired cutting length.
A women's electric shaver comes in foil models and epilators, in which tiny tweezers pull out the hairs completely, much like a wax treatment. Some women find epilators uncomfortable to use, but they save time, as an epilator usually needs to be used once every two or three weeks.
Charging Systems
The majority of shavers available today are cordless, which means that they need to charge before they can work. Ones that charge exclusively in a base can't be plugged in to shave when the electric shaver battery runs down, which can be a problem if you need a shave in a pinch and didn't charge your razor.
Some types feature a quick-charge system that lets you power them up for a short time to provide a three- or five-minute shave. If you're the forgetful type, look for higher-end products that include LED or LCD charge indicators, so you'll know how much battery life is left.
Business travelers will appreciate the convenience of a model that can hold a charge for a few days, eliminating the need to pack the charging dock. If you travel internationally, choose one with a charging base that works with 220-volt power and includes adaptors for foreign electrical outlets.
Most home users will find an electric shaver that stores in its charger the best combination of service and space. Men who need to shave more than once a day should check the charge times, which can range anywhere from 1 to 24 hours.
Several razors now include a self-cleaning feature built into the unit's charging base. You'll need to change the cleaning fluid periodically, but many consumers prefer this to taking an electric shaver apart to clean out particles.
Wet-Dry Shavers
For go-anywhere convenience, a dry electric shaver is the best choice, but most men know that they'll get a closer shave in the shower or with shaving cream. Wet-dry electric shavers for men and women offer additional lubrication, and some of these shavers will work with shaving creams or soaps.
A wet-dry electric shaver can be easier to clean than a dry shaver, depending on how you use them. For shaving in the bathtub or shower, be sure to choose a product that is fully submersible. These razors protect electronic components in a watertight housing. Some of them protect only the blades, so you'll short the battery if you get them too wet.
Warranties
The true test of any electric shaver is how well it works with your skin and hair type. Some will be better for you than others, and it takes a few weeks for your skin and hair to adjust. Look for a 30- to 60-day return guarantee, along with a 2-year warranty on the blades and motor.
The blades and foil will wear out over time if you use them daily and should be replaced about once a year. Some models include a second set of blades and foil or rotary heads. If yours doesn't, you'll need to order these from the manufacturer. A bargain electric shaver may be designed to be thrown away when it wears out. Since a new one will cost more than replacement electric shaver parts, make sure the cost and lifespan is equal to the cost of cartridge or disposable razors over the same period of time.
