Frequently asked questions about electric razors
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We spoke to professional barber Sydney Schlakman of Hairalari Hair Salon in Brooklyn, New York, for tips on care and maintenance of your grooming tools. Electric razors aren't as easy to clean as the best safety razors, but with these tips they can last a very long time.
We've also answered other frequently asked questions about grooming tools.
What is the difference between a foil razor and a rotary razor?
Foil: Foil electric shavers contain vibrating blades that move back and forth at high speeds. These blades are covered with a guard that lifts and cuts the hair and protects the skin. Foil razors often have several individual blades that curve individually to fit the contours of your face. However, the foil head has a rectangular shape, so it may not fit your face as well as a rotary razor. Rotary: A rotary razor has a rotating round blade. A slotted guard above the blade protects it from the spinning blades and lifts the hair for easier cutting. The head bends in multiple directions, allowing you to get a close shave that follows the contours of your face. However, rotary heads are more difficult to clean after shaving than foil shavers.
How often should I clean my razor or trimmer?
“You have to clean your tools after every use,” Schlakman told Insider. “It's important to maintain clean grooming tools to ensure they function properly and do not accumulate bacteria or rust.”
What is the best way to clean grooming tools?
“The best way to clean your grooming tools is to use a barber's bristle brush to brush the hair off the tools, and also use a blade-cleaning spray,” Schlachman says. “I like to use Andy Cool Care Plus to clean and lubricate the blades. I brush out the hair first, then spray with a cleaning spray.”
Some shavers, such as the Braun Series 7 and Series 9, have a charged base that automatically cleans itself. If your device does not have a cleaning system, you will need to remove the blade, brush or rinse excess hair, disinfect and re-oil the blade before next use.
Why do I need to oil the blade?
Without oil, razors, whether foil-style, rotary-style, or a combination of both, can generate a lot of friction and heat. If the blade gets hot without proper lubrication, its performance will decrease and eventually it will rust and become deformed. You won't get a clean shave, you'll be more prone to scratches and cuts, and you'll need to replace the blade more often.
What kind of oil can I use on the blade?
Most electric razors and trimmers come with oil, but if you run out of oil, you can use a variety of oils to keep the blades lubricated. Just a few drops of olive oil, coconut oil, baby oil, or your favorite beard oil will do the trick. It's best to avoid products that you should never put on your face, such as motor oil and WD-4o.
Can I use the same electric razor for my face and body?
Although some electric trimmers can be used properly anywhere, it is recommended to use separate blades for the face and body. Bacteria on the face thrives in dry areas with oxygen, while bacteria in the groin thrives in moist environments. Using the same blade everywhere and mixing the two can cause irritation and breakouts.
If you already have a favorite facial grooming tool, we recommend purchasing a separate tool specifically for body grooming.