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7 Best Electric Shavers List for Men – November, 2024
There are two types of men in life, and we’re not referring to the tedious “boxers vs. briefs” debate.
For men looking for a convenient and efficient shaving option, the best electric shaver is a popular choice. With advancements in technology, these electric razors are able to provide a shaving experience that is almost as satisfying as a traditional wet shave, without the risk of cuts and nicks. However, some men still prefer the traditional, manual shave for its closeness and cost-effectiveness.
Please find our detailed analysis, buying guide and test results of all the best electrical shaver models after the summary table below.
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Our selection standard is objective, and Groom+Style will keep ahead of the trends by updating our list when a new or more sophisticated shaving solution arrives on the market.
Just one look through any dedicated website or forum will offer more questions than answers – should I use a foil or a rotary shaver? Will 3-blades, 4-blades or even 5-blades give me the closest shave? How can I know that I am choosing the right shaver before I buy it? Should I just give up and spend $400 on one of those old barbershop-style straight razors?
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Electric Shavers
Those are all excellent questions. But you’re in luck. Groom+Style faithfully reviews all of the best electric shavers available on the market. Nothing will be missed here.
What follows is a comprehensive list of the very best shavers available for November, 2024
So here’s how we’re handling it. In our top 7 rankings of the best electric shavers for men we recommend one or two shavers from each manufacturer – but we also provide links to dedicated Braun electric shaver pages, where you can browse all of their products and choose the specific model that fits your needs.
Make sense? Here we go.
Best Electric Shavers – Top 9 Reviews for November, 2024
- Braun Series 9 Model 9290cc
- Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV 95-S
- Philips Norelco Series 9000
- Braun Series 7 7790cc/7850cc
- Braun CoolTec
- Remington F5-5800
- Braun ProSkin 3040s
- ANDIS Profoil Foil Shaver
- Manscaped The Lawn Mower 4.0
1. Braun Series 9 – Best Model 9290cc
Men who have used electric shavers in the past probably don’t need an introduction to Braun, the German company which has been in the forefront of electric razor technology for years. An introduction to the Series 9, though, is definitely one worth accepting.
Comfort, Build and Performance Second to None
To start with, as soon as you pick up a Series 9 shaver you know that you’ve got something very comfortable and very substantial in your hand. It’s made from chrome-finished plastic so it looks sleek, yet it’s solid and obviously extremely well-built.
And when you turn it on and begin using it, you know there’s something special going on because it delivers a closer shave than any foil electric razor you’ve used before (our #2 choice, the Panasonic Arc 5, now shaves just as close – read section #2 for our Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc 5 head-to-head discussion). This is why the Braun Series 9 stands out from other electric razors on the market.
Braun uses a four-way shear system, which is a combination of floating grills, four cutting elements, two Optifoil foils, to come very close to a manual shave. The company claims there are “40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute” which we obviously can’t measure ourselves; but however many there are, they definitely do the job well enough to create a close shave.
Two of the cutting elements are responsible for this razor’s outstanding performance. One is called “direct and cut” and another is designated “hyper-lift and cut.”
The first is intended to shave the areas of the face where hairs are pointing in all different directions, the second is designed to lift up and then cut the hairs which lie flat in the neck and chin areas.
While the Braun doesn’t get every single hair on the first pass – no electric razor we’ve ever used does that – these two elements are largely responsible for ensuring that almost all of them are cleaned up with just a couple of passes.
Note – Braun recently updated their series 9 shaver models. The original series 9 models start with 90xx (example 9095cc), and the updated models use the prefix 92xx (example 9290cc). We discuss the minor differences and the reason for the change throughout the article below. In summary, Groom+style recommend you focus on the 92xx models as they come with the more durable titanium coated shaver head cassette as standard (part number 92s). If you are after a shaver head replacement for your 90xx model then you can also buy the 92s head – details below. |
Wet and Dry Model, Battery Life and Cleaning Station
Note – all the 92xx models are wet & dry and can be used with shaving foam. Although, not all of the 90xx models are wet & dry and with the first Braun Series 9 generation shavers, like the 9095cc, you cannot use shaving foams and gel. |
There are several notable features of the Braun Series 9 shavers.
One is the battery life; the razor can go for almost an hour straight on a single charge, with a digital display showing the shaving time left before a new charge is required. There’s also a five-minute “emergency charge” feature which can give you a little extra time if you need it to get those last few hairs.
The review team were also are impressed with the attractive combination cleaning and charging station (all the models that end with “cc” have the cleaning and charging station, while suffix of “s” is without the cleaning station) which gets all of the hairs out of the blades and disinfects them while your razor is recharging, and automatically determines how dirty your razor is before choosing the correct cleaning program.
Please note that buying and using the cleaning station does add to the ongoing costs for this shaver. Please see the comment section below from Groom+Style on November 15, 2016 (in response to Charles’s question about cleaning his shaver), for a detailed description of the cleaning options available for the Braun Series 9 shaver. The options include:
- using the cleaning station all the time
- using the cleaning station only part of the time
- making your own cleaning solution
- manual cleaning and oiling
- wet cleaning
- dry cleaning
The one surprise we found is that there’s nothing new or terrific about the pop-up trimmer for sideburn, beard or mustache work. It’s basically the same as on previous Braun models and while it’s fine for what it does, it doesn’t outclass the field as the other features of this razor clearly do.
Groom+Style believes that the shave from the Braun 9 is second to none.
If you buy the product fully informed, and you are willing to pay the premium price for the shaver, cleaning solution and replacements heads, then you should not be disappointed.
The Braun Series 9 shavers are definitely in the higher price range but are also unquestionably the best electric shavers on the market. The Braun Series 92xx and Braun Series 90xx are effectively the same shaver (shaving performance wise), with a much-improved shaving head and the ability to use shaving foam on the newer models. Specifications of the Braun Series 9-92xx Men’s Wet/Dry Shaving and Cleaning System:
Check Braun Series 9-9290cc Price on Amazon (silver finish & best value) Check Braun Series 9-9293s Price on Amazon (no cleaning station) |
2. Panasonic Arc5 Best Model ES-LV95-S
Are five blades better than four? Not necessarily, as the Panasonic Arc5 comes in just slightly below the Braun Series 9 in our rankings of the top 7 best electric shavers (we try and clarify our reasoning below). In fact, with their latest models (ES-LV9N-S, ES-LV9A-S, ES-LV9B-S) Panasonic have arguably closed the gap.
No review list detailing the best shavers on the market would be complete without this excellent shaver. Yes, it is expensive, but it is easily one of the Rolls Royce products in the world of men’s hygiene.
This is one of the best shavers for men that money can buy and, if that is your main buying criteria and price isn’t a concern, then this might be the shaver for you.
Is your thick and unruly facial hair presenting a problem for you every morning when you wake up and shave? Have you put your trust in other shaving products previously only to be disappointed? Thankfully, the Panasonic range of shavers ES-LV9N-S (ES-LV9A-S, ES-LV9B-S), ES-LV95-S & ES-LV81-K are there for you.
The Panasonic ES-LV models are the world’s very first 5-bladed linear electric razors. They are foil shavers – and as you’ve probably guessed, Arc5 means that it is designed with five arched cutting elements.
They are built with a pivoting head like the Braun, with the same type of lift and cut action provided by the reverse-taped foils. That means these shavers have most of the same advantages: a very close shave for an electric razor, the ability to get almost all stray hairs with just one or two passes, and wet/dry capabilities.
They also have the most powerful motor on the market, at 14,000 RPM, and a digital charge display in the ES-LV81-K whilst the ES-LV9N-S & ES-LV95-S get an LCD one. These razors feature 30-degree swiveling nano blades that offer the cleanest shaving experience possible, as well as an automatic charging and cleaning system and an attached trimmer. The Panasonic ES-LV9N-S & ES-LV95-S (and ES-LV81-K) are also 100 percent waterproof, making it a pleasure to use in the shower or bath.
Why Do They Rank Just Below the Braun Series 9, Then?
In fact, Groom+Style would rank Panasonic’s latest models (ES-LV9N-S etc. ) roughly on par with the Braun’s latest Series 9 shavers.
There were two main (very minor) considerations, for ranking these razors (ES-LV81-K & ES-LV95-S), slightly behind the Braun Series 9 shavers – one cosmetic and one functional.
The first disadvantage Groom+Style found to the Arc5 is that even though it’s smaller overall, it felt a bit bulkier, has a larger head and feels less comfortable in the hand. Since the control you have over your shave is completely dependent on how well the razor follows your direction, we thought the Panasonic came up a bit short there, with the larger head a bit more difficult to maneuver.
The second issue was that, for the older model ES-LV95-S, we didn’t feel the shave was as close as that delivered by the Braun series 9 (this is however dependent upon a wide range of factors and many people feel the latest ES-LV9N-S delivers a closer shave).
One of the common complaints made about the Panasonic ES-LV95-S (older model) was that the shave was slightly too aggressive – and for those people with sensitive skin, this could be an issue.
The latest models (ES-LV9N-S, ES-LV9A-S, ES-LV9B-S) have been improved with the addition of gold rollers that are positioned next to the cutting elements. The rollers spin allowing the shaver to “glide” smoothly over your face, and to stop your skin from becoming squeezed in the gap between the cutting elements.
Once again, the pop-up trimmer wasn’t exceptional, but it does the job well enough.
The Arc5 series are terrific razors and were our topper in 2014-15. The latest Panasonic models are arguably just as good as the latest Braun Series 9 shavers – while the older models come a very close second. Details for the Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razors ES-LV9N-S, ES-LV81-K & ES-LV95-S:
Check Panasonic ES – LV95-S Price on Amazon (best value) Check Panasonic ES – LV9N-S Price on Amazon (latest model gold rollers) Check Panasonic ES-LV65-S Price on Amazon (no cleaning station) |
3. Philips Norelco Series 9000 Wet & Dry Electric Shavers
Earlier we spoke of two types of men, the electric razor guy, and the manual razor guy.
Dedicated users of electric shavers know there are two sub-groups among their number: those who prefer foil shavers and those who swear by rotary razors.
For the latter group, the Norelco Series 9000 shavers (or series 8000 shavers detailed below) are head and shoulders above the competition.
This shaver is definitely not your father’s shaver. To start with, it has an unusual body shape featuring a nicely-contoured grip, making it supremely comfortable to maneuver the razor around your face and offers a closer shave than almost anything else that you can find.
The shaver head is elevated above the body where the three rotary blades can pivot, flex and tilt much easier than on a traditional shaver – Philips achieves this with what they call their 8-direction ContourDetectHeads.
The cutting heads have 3 layers of grooves, which are smartly-designed and nicely-positioned to be able to get all of the different types of hair which grow on a man’s face, from stubble to long, stubborn strands which have been untouched for a while. There’s also a dual-blade “Super Lift & Cut Action” system built into the heads, which are perfect for the neck and jaw where stubborn hairs usually require multiple passes.
In Groom+Stlye’s opinion, the Norelco Series 9000 shaver provides the closest shave of any rotary electric shaver currently on the market. Does it compare with the closeness of a manual shaver? Probably not, especially if you have a very thick beard which grows quickly and needs constant attention.
Does it compare with our top-ranked foil shavers? We think it’s very, very close.
One of the benefits of this rotary shaver over foil razors is that the pressure distribution around the face, due to the pivoting three heads, is largely equalized, which can minimize irritation and inflammation when shaving.
The Philips Norelco Series 9000 shaver, includes the SmartClean system which washes, lubricates and dries the razor at the same time it’s being charged.
The Norelco series 9000 shavers are attractive, full-featured, but more importantly, high-quality and effective – they’re the best rotary razors you can find. The Norelco Shaver Series 9000 has 3 models. The best value one at the moment is the S9721/89. A closer look at the Philips Norelco Series 9000:
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4. Braun Series 7 – 7790cc or 7850cc
The Braun Series 7 shavers are a very advanced electric shaver that Braun carries on its product line, and it offers some of the most sophisticated shaving technology in their entire catalog. German engineering at its very finest, Braun consistently delivers excellent foil shavers, and this is one of their leading products.
The Series 7 shavers feature a fully flexible pivoting head that allows for maximum adaptation to the contours of your face. The latest series 7 models feature five separate shaving modes, while the slightly older models feature three – effectively you can choose between, intensive shaving for heavily bearded individuals, normal mode, and an extra sensitive mode for those with sensitive skin.
These shavers feature advanced technologies such as Braun’s proprietary Optifoil and ActiveLift systems, which are, like the rest of the product, a testament to world-renowned German engineering. This premium shaver deserves the popularity that it receives from the people who use it.
If you are after a tried, tested and proven shaver (and don’t need/want the very latest device) then you can save some money by buying a Braun series 7 razor (rather than a series 9 shaver).
Updated Braun Series 7 Models – 7850cc, 7899cc, 7865cc, 7893s
Braun recently revamped the series 7 line of shavers and introduced a few new models. The slightly older models start with the prefix 77xx while the newer models start with 78xx. Unfortunately, the changes are effectively cosmetic, and from what Groom+Style could tell, there are not any shaving performance improvements between the newer and older models.
Other than the few external differences, the newer models can be used with foams and gels, while the older wet/dry versions did not support this. As mentioned above, the newer models have five personalized shaving modes, while the older models have three. The only other key difference is in the terminology used to describe the shaving elements.
As the functionality is so similar, Groom+Style suggest that if you are interested in a series 7 shaver, that you purchase the model that is the best value at the time you are looking (unless you really want to use shaving foam and gel, then you should buy one of the latest models). As with all razors, the prices can vary significantly, based on production volumes, availability, demand and time of year.
Check Braun Series 7 7790cc Price on Amazon – great value Check Braun Series 7 7850cc Price on Amazon – grey finish Check Braun Series 7 7899cc Price on Amazon (silver finish) Check Braun Series 7 7893s Price on Amazon (no cleaning station) |
5. Braun CoolTec Men’s Shaving System
The Braun Cool Tec shaver is the first to ever integrate an aluminum “cooling bar”, designed to lessen the effect we all know as razor burn – the burning and irritation some men get even when using quality shavers.
The bar is meant to reduce moisture and lessen tension in the skin in order to help deliver a smooth shave, and then furthermore to cool the skin to soothe any irritation which does occur.
There are three cutting elements on the CoolTec, two which move independently to give as close a shave as possible; it’s not quite as close as the more expensive Braun Series 9 the review team placed at the top of our rankings, but that’s one of the trade-offs you have to make for the lower price. There is one important thing to note about this Braun model; while it is nominally a wet/dry unit, you cannot use it with shaving foams, gels or lotions.
The CoolTec also comes with a clean and renew station that cleanses and lubricates the shaver as it charges – the only slight negative for some users is that when the razor is cleaned, it has a slight lemon scent the next time you use it. However, some men might like this change.
This model won’t give you the best electric shave you’ve ever had, but that’s why it’s ranked #4. What it will do is give you a darned good shave, at a darned good price and with an interesting cooling twist. Specs of the Braun CoolTec Men’s Shaving System:
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6. Remington F5-5800 Rechargeable Foil Shaver
There are plenty of men (we’d guess it’s the majority) who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their electric razor – they want a good shave for a low price. Our suggestion for that large group is this Remington shaver.
The F5-5800 delivers the closest shave you can find with an inexpensive electric razor, primarily because of the “intercept trimmer” between the two foils which grabs longer hairs and trims them down to the level of the rest of the stubble on your face, to then be cleaned up by the blades.
The foils are also allowed to float independently, so they can move along the contour of the face easily.
There’s no cleaning station with this Remington model, of course, because of the low price. But it cleans up easily with a quick rinse under the faucet (it’s not a wet/dry model, but it is waterproof) and gives you a nice shave for a budget price. Going into detail on the Remington F5-5800 Rechargeable Foil Shaver:
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7. Braun ProSkin 3040s [and Braun 3 Series 340S-4 (380S-4)] Budget Foil Shavers
Note: Focus on the Braun 3040s (the older 340s has escalated in price for some reason).
As with all their shavers, Braun recently gave the series 3 a facelift and renamed them – so the 340S has become the Pro Skin 3040. The shave is effectively the same but with a different look.
This electric shaver is meant for those individuals who are looking for a great shave on a budget. The Braun Series 3 is capable of providing an effective, close shave without forcing you to pay big bucks for it. This is a highly efficient device that offers both dry and wet shaving functionality at an affordable cost that anyone can enjoy. |
Read Our Braun 3 Series 380S-4/340S-4 Full Review Here
Braun Series 9 Foil Cutter Head Replacement Cassette – Availability and Durability
If you are thinking about purchasing a Braun Series 9 shaver (or any other razor) it is important to consider the maintenance costs (other than the cleaning solution). Braun suggests that the cutter and foil cassette should last between 9-18 months. With the original Series 9 shavers, some customers had complained that the cutting head failed much earlier than the advertised period.
Braun listened to their customers and started work on the newer, more durable cutting head which comes standard with the updated Braun Series 9 92xx shavers (the updated replacement head is part number 92s). For a short period, while the new head was being designed, there was a high demand and low supply of the original replacement foil & cutters – model 90s (silver) and 90b (black) – which drove up the price. Thankfully, this no longer seems to be a problem.
The newer replacement head, model 92s, is titanium coated and Braun has redesigned it to better withstand the “power” of the shaver. Braun Series 9 foil cutter head replacement cassette availability is no longer an issue. Check the Braun 92s replacement head on Amazon Groom+style recommend buying the newer titanium coated head, model 92s, which is compatible with all Braun Series 9 shavers. |
Braun Series 7 vs the Braun Series 9 – Which One Should You Buy?
First, our team really like both the Braun series 9 and the Braun Series 7 shavers. From the G+S team’s experience, they are both very high-quality shavers (Braun backs their products with a two-year warranty) and we do not think you can really go wrong with either option (as long as you have reasonable expectations that you would apply to any electronic item and do not expect it to perform magic).
If we were to summarize who should buy which shaver, then the general rules below could be applied:
Braun Series 7 vs the Braun Series 9 Relative Strengths
Read the detailed reviews of each shaver as well to help form your opinion.
Read Our Series 9 9000 cc Detailed Review Here
Read Our Series 7 799cc Detailed Review Here
Braun Series 9 Advantages
The closeness of shave & comfort –> from the team’s experience (variety of different facial hair types), it was easier and faster to get a closer shave with the Braun Series 9. The more powerful motor and enhanced cutting design (see details in the review above) also helped to minimize irritation.
Shaving frequency –> if you have coarser facial hair or only want to shave every few days the series 9 will typically deliver a better shave.
Braun Series 7 Advantages
Purchase Price and cost of maintenance – the Braun Series 7 provides the best compromise in terms of performance and value for money. The shaver has been around for 17 years now and has a loyal following and long history of delivering quality shaves. If you do not need the latest shaver, want to save a bit of money, and want something proven, then the Braun Series 7 might be for you.
Panasonic Arc 5 vs the Braun Series 9 – Which One Should You Buy?
This is actually a really difficult question to answer as the quality of the shave provided by both shavers is of such a high quality, but this is our perspective (which will hopefully spark some debate in the comment section below).
– If you do not have sensitive skin, have tricky hairs that tend to grow in different directions or are not going to shave every day, then we would lean towards the Braun series 9. The Braun 9 offers a slightly more aggressive shave and the two central hyper lift & cut and direct & cut trimmers work wonders, on longer or stubborn hairs.
– If you have sharper contours on your face, then the smaller Braun shaver head will probably be easier to manoeuver in those areas.
– If you are going to shave most days and want to avoid any irritation, then the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV9N-S, with the gold rollers, might be the way to go. The rollers will help the shaver glide over your skin offering an exceptional shave without irritation.
If you do not feel you fall into any of these categories, and just want a close and fast shave, then either shaver will do the trick – so shop around and find the best value.
Panasonic ES-LA93K Arc 4 – Brilliant Budget Foil Shaver
Significantly cheaper than the top-tier Arc 5 option, this model offers the same motor, but with 4 cutting blades. Groom+Style for art of shaving may not be able to call this the Rolls Royce Model, but it is definitely a luxury shaver of class and esteem in its own right. So if you love the Panasonic models but don’t want to pay for the Arc5 then this model might be just what the shaving doctor ordered.
The ES-LA93K is a quadruple-bladed electric shaver with an extra fast 14,000 CPM motor that delivers a quick, efficient and close shave, without hair pulling or irritation. Getting a clean, close shave with this device is an effortless process that any man is sure to enjoy. It comes with sophisticated Slit Foil technology that allows it to catch longer hairs and cut them short in an equal manner with shorter ones.
This Panasonic shaver comes with an automatic charging and cleaning dock that takes the need to manually wash it out of your hands, ensuring a clean and fresh-scented shave every time. Despite its high-speed motor, this is a surprisingly quiet, wet and dry shaver.
Read Our Panasonic ES-LA93-K Full Review Here
Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1250X/42 Electric Razors – Rebranded as Series 8000
The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D models have been rebranded by Philips as the Norelco Series 8000 shavers (8900, 8800, 8700 etc). Before, the Series 9000 shavers came along the 1250X/42 was Groom+Style’s preferred rotary model from Philips. If it was not for the fact that the retail price of the 1250X/42 is actually higher than the newer 9000 Series S9311/84 models (and effectively the same as the S9721/84 model), it would probably still be at the top of the list of preferred rotary shavers.
The performance differences between the newer Series 9000 models and the Series 8000 (1250X/42 models) are negligible. The key difference seems to be that the technology has been renamed (see below). This might be a good thing, as it indicates that other than replacing the shaver heads (which you should do every year) you will not need to replace the actual core shaver for many years to come.
Philips Series 9000 vs Philips Series 8000 Models ComparedWith the Series 9000 models the:
With the Series 8000 (1250X/42 models etc.)
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Read our full Philips Norelco Series 8000 Shaver Review Here
8. ANDIS Profoil Foil Shaver
The ANDIS Profoil Foil Shaver or Andis ProFoil 17150 as the official product name, provides some of the good features that are beneficial for someone who often uses electric shaver. It includes Blade Brush, Blade Guard, Charger Stand, and Dual Voltage Charge. That’s one of the reasons why this shaver is popular among the barbers.
The advantages that you’re going to find from ANDIS Profoil Foil Shaver are the long-lasting battery with lithium-ion material, very close shaves, and cord/cordless beard trimmer operation which make you shave even if the battery is low. The gold titanium material with hypo-allergenic feature foil will make your shaving experience be irritation-free. The flexible usage and good for skin fades are also the advantages if you’re using this shaver.
There are also some disadvantages that you probably find troublesome. ANDIS Profoil Foil Shaver doesn’t have specially designed cutters to capture and trim hair that other foil shavers usually have. This causes the shaver to work better only with short hair. It’s also noisy and doesn’t have waterproof features, so it might bother some people.
Going into detail on the ANDIS Profoil Foil Shaver:
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9. Manscaped The Lawn Mower 4.0
The Lawn Mower series, a popular trimmer designed for male body grooming, has recently released its latest product, The Lawn Mower 4.0. With upgraded features not found in previous versions, it promises to provide a better grooming experience for men. One of its new features includes a back shaver attachment, but does it live up to people’s expectations as a complete grooming tool?
There are some features from The Lawn Mower 4.0 that you’re probably going to love. Those are the SkinSafe Technology, waterproof, wireless charging system, 600mAh li-Ion rechargeable battery, LED charge indicator, and many more. Between all these features, wireless charging system and LED charge indicator are the things that are new from this version. It also has the multi-function button which will make it easier to trim.
With all the new features packed into one design, it’s kind of understandable that it weighs a little more than the 3.0 even though it’s smaller. It might be a problem for some people, but again, it’s all about preferences.
Going into detail on the Manscaped The Lawn Mower 4.0:
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is Braun better than Philips?
Both brands provide a good electric shaver with a smooth shave. So, it all depends on what your habit is in shaving hair. Because of Braun’s foil shaving system, will be more effective for someone who wants a more traditional typical shaving look like a manual razor.
On the other hand, generally speaking, the Philips razor may not work as well as other razors if you prefer the traditional style. It’s because of the shape, which is more curved, more shaveable, and shaved in an arc. However, if you don’t mind shaving with an unusual circular style, then Phillip can be the better choice.
What’s better, foil or rotary shaver?
Honestly, it all depends on the model that you use. Either for foil shaver or rotary shaver. The price of products also can take a part of it. But in general, a foil shaver works better at cutting hair as it can shave the hair really close and is comfortable to use. An example of this type is the product that Andis produced. It tends to be gentler on the skin than a rotary shaver.
Meanwhile, both shavers work well at close shaves, even though in different ways. However, if you want to avoid razor burn easily, then a rotary shaver can be the choice.
Conclusion
These nine shavers represent the very best available and will provide excellent shaving results. Any man who is looking for a top-rated electric shaver that offers the highest in quality, comfort, and closeness can utilize the information in this review, combining it with his personal preferences, to make an accurate purchasing decision.
For example, Braun made it to the Top position and is the best shaver for the man who wants a premium foil shaver with all the latest innovations. The Braun Series 9 might be a good fit if you are attracted to a list of the top 10 best luxury watches.
However, this might not be your requirement, and if you have sensitive skin, then the Braun Cooltech would be ideal. If you are on a budget, then consider the Remington F5-5800 or Braun Series 3 shavers. Ultimately, knowledge of Groom+Styles’ reports combined with a common sense approach to your situation will help you make the right final decision.
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Related Resource:
Dilemma Of Black Men – Are There Any Best Electric Razors for Us?
Finding the right electric shaver for your skin can be difficult. In fact, for most people, finding an electric shaver is a process of trial and error, even if their skin isn’t particularly sensitive and their hair is neither curly or course. The needs of Black hair and skin up the ante, as your skin is more sensitive, and your hair is curlier and coarser than most. Because of this, finding an electric shaver that doesn’t irritate or promote ingrown hairs can seem like an impossibility. Worry not, though, we’ve collected four of the best electric shavers for Black hair and skin for your comfort. Simply put, Groom+Style have done the research for you.
Braun Series 7 & 9
The Braun Series 7 & 9 are high-end razors that will set you back a pretty penny, but it well worth the cost, if you are an African American man with sensitive skin. The 790cc, 799cc and 9095cc, for example, use active lift technology, and intelligent pulsonic technology to help stand the hair up, which keeps the razor away from the skin. Sensitive skin reacts poorly to having a razor directly on it, and Braun has figured out a way to offer a close shave without placing the razor directly on the skin. Active lift technology helps to lift curly hair up from the skin, and the pulsonic technology adjusts the vibrations to meet the needs of your particular, unique skin.
Panasonic Arc3
The Panasonic Arc3 works best as a trimmer instead of a traditional razor. The interchangeable length allows you to trim down a beard without going for a completely beard smoother machine. Dermatologists that special in African-American skin, suggest this might be the best bet for men with sensitive skin. Because of the curly, course nature of your hair, you are prone to ingrown hairs, and razor bumps. Trimming, instead of going for a completely smooth shave, prevents this problem and can lead to healthier skin. This electric shaver can get a smooth shave if you desire, but that isn’t what it is best for. If you are in the market for an electric shaver with superior trimming power, the Arc3 is a safe bet.
Wahl Professional 8061 5-Star Series
The Wahl Professional 8061, is an electric shaver that promises a close and precise shave without causing the skin irritation that black men with sensitive skin often face. It comes equipped with a “bump-free” razor, which helps to pick up the hair and prevent ingrown hairs and painful razor bumps. The Wahl is a good razor on very short hair, or a beard that is grown back in, but you’ll need to use a traditional trimmer prior to using the Wahl, as it tends to yank on longer hairs. While that won’t cause problems with the end result, it is certainly painful and can be avoided.
Phillips Norelco PowerTouch Razor
The Phillips Norelco PowerTouch is one of the cheaper options on the market, but it still does a good job to get a smooth, clean shave without irritating the skin. Unlike the other electric shavers, this razor utilizes three rounded blades to create a close, clean shave. This can be particularly helpful for African-American skin, as the blades work in several directions, and hair growth most certainly isn’t uniform. This razor also utilizes moisture strips that are said to soothe dry skin, which is a common complaint among men with sensitive skin. Finally, it works to cut the hair just below the surface for a super smooth shave.
These four razors are among the most highly-rated and well-liked in the Black community. They seem to work well for those with sensitive skin, and special shaving requirements. Each of these electric shaver options allows you to work with wet or dry skin. Most with sensitive skin find that wet skin prevents more razor bumps, burns and ingrown hairs. With that being said, everyone’s skin and hair is different, and you may need to try more than one razor to find the best fit for your skin. To get a good starting point, consider visiting a barber who is versed in the needs of black hair and skin, for a single shave. Once you’ve had a shave with a straight razor, you can begin working with an electric shaver to keep things neat, tidy, and, most of all, pain-free.
Please note if you are a frequent traveler then you might want to read Groom+Style’s best electric travel shaver review.
P.S: These reports supersede our recommendations from our top razors list of 2014-19.
very helpful article keep the good work
I wear a partial beard, down from sideburn along jaw, and below nose. I presently use a Braun M90 Mobile Shaver running on a couple of AAs. The trimmer is OK, but the shaver does a poor job on my neck unless I shave daily. It cant handle longer hairs. Replacement foil for the M90 is as expensive as a new shaver, therefore my interest in changing types.
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the comment.
Yes, the Braun M90 mobile shaver, which we review in our best travel shaver page linked below, will not compare to the home shavers in our list above. The Braun M90 does not have the power and multiple cutting elements of the shavers on this list. Do let us know if you have any follow up questions.
https://groomwithstyle.com/best-travel-shaver-review-top-5-list/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I am chagrined that the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige cannot be used with a cleaning system (unless you have another S9000 shaver and cleaning system in which you can put the S900 Prestige head on during cleaning). And I am wary that mere water can keep it clean and lubricated.
Do you see any harm in running the S9000 head in Norelco Philips cleaning solution or a substitute that is poured into a small receptacle? If so, would you use an alcohol-based or non-alcohol-based cleaning solution for this purpose?
Thank you.
Hi Republius,
Very interesting question.
The simplest solution might be to purchase a stand alone clean and charge station. You can see an example on Amazon via this link -> https://geni.us/Philipssmartclean
Alternatively, you can definitely perform manual cleaning. We talk about all the possible electric shaver cleaning options in this reply to Charles, which you can read by following this link -> https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/mens-top-5-best-electric-shaver-list/comment-page-1/#comment-482021
You can certainly just use water most of the time, but a thorough weekly clean with a proper alcohol based (lubricating) solution would help extend the life of your cleaning heads. You can either make your own solution (explain how to do this in the answer to Charles) or buy a ready made solution like this example from Philips.
Sample Link to product on Amazon -> https://geni.us/hq200jetclean
Let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Not a bit of discussion in the article or in the comments about how well any of these do on a bald head. Why? I don’t feel like there should be a difference, would that be your reason for neglecting to mention it? Or should these not be used on heads for some weird reason? You recommended the one guy who said anything about bald heads to use a trimmer? Why not a shaver?
Hi Josef,
Thanks for the question.
We cover head shaving in the article linked below. In that article we talk about using our 3 best face shavers for head shaving.
https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/top-5-best-electric-head-shavers-for-men/
Section 7. Can I use an Electric Face Shaver as a Head Shaver?
In summary there are a few key points to consider:
– if you ever let your hair grow out you will need to use a trimmer before using a face shaver on your head
– ensure you are happy with the hygiene aspects of using a shaver on your head that will be then used on your face. The top of the range face shavers have cleaning stations, so that should certainly help alleviate these concerns.
Hope that helps!
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Thanks for your post, I had the choice for my thick beard. Panasonic arc 5 is the right choice 🙂
Hi. I’m at a crossroads with my shaving. I’ve been a bit of a diehard rotary shaver for most my life, and have lived by the Norelco brand. However I upgraded to a Norelco 9000 series late last year, and its almost useless now.
I’ve replaced the shaving foils three times (twice in the last two months), and despite using only Phillip’s cleaning solution in the SmartClean system, it appears the pump impeller is rusting, as the used cleaning cassettes are coming out muddy (I checked, it’s not just a lot of trimmings), it seems metal is dissolving in the solution. Did I mention the head makes a screaming sound every time I turn it on? It’s from what I presume is the head’s ratchet bouncing around one of the cutting foils or universal joint.
At this point I need to either buy a completely new head and cleaning station for it- and hope that fixes it, or just buy a completely brand new shaver. I love Norelco, but I feel like their quality has taken a steep nosedive over the last few models. My first Norelco lasted for almost 5 years, felt solid (the 9000 feels like cheap flimsy plastic), it kept a charge, and took a long time for blades to dull (I probably replaced the blades 4 times in its life). My 9000 series has been hard to get fully clean, eats blades, goes through a cleaning tank about every two weeks now, and likes screaming (very loudly) every time I use it. It still “technically” works, but it’s become unbearable.
Should I try to salvage it, or just bite the bullet and go for a Braun 9 series, and hope it has the longevity of the original Norelcos?
Thanks!!
Hi Zak,
Thanks for the comment.
If you had time to answer a few comments/questions, that would help me provide some focused advice:
– have you reached out to Norelco the shaver?
– I am really surprised that the metal might be dissolving…I know the solution can appear weird after it gets dirty with the trimmings breaking down a bit and mixing with dead skin etc. this can be a bit disconcerting. But this should only happen if you are moving the cleaning station. The dirty hair/skin will sink in the cleaning liquid, but if you keep moving the cleaning station this will stir up all the gunk – if you don’t wait for the gunk to settle and trigger a cleaning cycle this dirty fluid will be used to flush out the shaver again.
I have always tried to not move the cleaning station at all… This should in fact be made clearer on the instructions. Find a spot for your station and don’t move it…
– the screaming sounds does not sound normal – sorry, Norelco should once again advise on this. Can you take a video and send it to them.
– Is your previous Norelco model still available, maybe Norelco will exchange your current model for one you like/trust.
– myself and most of the team do really prefer foil shavers, but m gut feeling is that you should try and get Norelco to back their product, before making a switch.
Those are my initial thoughts, let me know what you think.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Thank you so much for the extensive research & comparison. I am an African American man who has been on the hunt for a new shaver after my main shaver malfunctioned. I’m a previous Wahl 5 Star Foil shaver user, it did not given me any problems. Currently open to trying other brands such as Braun with newer technologies.
Braun Series 7 or 8 is a device I’m looking to trying so it was great seeing the pros and cons for those models.
You all really topped the cake when I saw at the bottom you had a section dedicated to AA skin/hair. Finding a product compatible with my sensitive skin & course hair is the challenge. You all at Groom & Style May have solved my problem.
Thank you
Thanks for the kind words, do let us know if you have any specific questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce and the Team
Can any of the Panasonic ES-LV9 series razors be used for manscaping?
Hi Steve,
Yes and no, let me explain…
Some men, when manscaping, want to be able to trim hairs (in some areas) to a specified length (i.e. you might not want to shave all areas completely, but keep some hairs an inch long for example). The popup beard trimmer on the Panasonic ES-LV9 (and the other models on our list) are not really suited for this purpose – they can trim smallish areas of hairs to a very short length but you have very little control over the trimming length.
So if you only wanted to go hair free, without the ability to trim then a face shaver can perform this task very well. The other option, of course, is to just buy a separate electric trimmer if you might want some length control.
The other factor to consider is hygiene i.e. do you want to use a face shaver on your face after it has been on your manly bits? The great thing about the clean and charge stations available with the top of the range electric shavers such as the Panasonic ES-LV9 is that they do disinfect the cutting elements!
So in summary the Panasonic ES-LV9 can definitely be used for manscaping, its just good to be aware of the few small limitations.
Alternatively you could check out some specialised body groomers which we discuss in the article linked below.
https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-body-groomers-for-men/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I’m a woman and tired of woman’s electric razors short lifespan. Many men I know have the same razor for years. Do you have any recommendations for a men’s razor for shaving legs? Knees and ankles are tricky. I have fine hair and sensitive skin. Ongoing costs are a factor as I am shaving a much larger area (about every 3 days). Also, I occasionally take a break from shaving so something that can handle longer hairs is important. I’ve read a lot of reviews for men’s razors but none of them talk about woman using them. I only found one article written by a woman who recommended men’s razors and it wasn’t very detailed. I would like to get another opinion, if possible.
Thanks, Krista
Hi Krista,
Great question!
We talk about this exact issue in our bikini trimmer page linked below (in section 5), and talk about the men’s body groomer, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7000/7100, as a solution to this problem. The benefit of the Philips Bodygroomer is that is has a built in trimmer and shaver. Really narrow/hollow ankles will require you to tackle them with a few different angles and multiple passes, as the shaver head is still quite big, but it should eventually get most hairs.
https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/top-5-best-bikini-razors-bikini-trimmers/
Detailed Review here -> https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-body-groomers-for-men/
The other option is to go for something like the Braun Series 7 (the series 9 also works a treat for women’s legs but it might be a bit of overkill). The issue with using the Braun Series 7 (i.e. a true men’s shaver vs a body groomer) is the fact that is has a very little trimmer, so the first shave (or shaves which you try after a long time) will require multiple passes (or require a lot of patience when using the smaller trimmer) – the other solution is to buy a cheap trimmer to complement the Face Shaver (such as the Bikini Shaper and Trimmer From Panasonic ES246AC).
You can see a detailed review of the Braun Series 7 here.
https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-7-790cc-shaver-review/
The other alternatives of course are epilators and you could also try home laser hair removal for a more permanent solution.
https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-home-hair-removal-laser-devices-reviewed/
Hope this helps a bit, and do let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Kind Regards,
Lisa
Bought the Series 9290cc, replacing a series 7. MUCH closer shave. Comfortable, no burn or irritation. Worth the $$$.
Hey Samuel,
Yes, without a doubt the Braun Series 9 is a superior shaver to the Braun Series 7. Great to hear you found it worth the money…
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi Team,
I have a question, hoping you can help?
I have the world’s worst beard=impacted and tough. Even safety razors don’t do it for me. Takes me 45 minutes to shave. Circular type shavers don’t cut it either, any ideas?
My routine: shave most every day. I’ve tried every electric shaver on the market. Only the Braun does a good job. In past years, it’s taking me 45 min to shave and my skin is starting to be irritated. My wife is giving me a routine of vitamins and I suspect that one of them is provoking the rapid, course hair growth.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
So these are some thoughts:
Tips to try without changing your shaving tool:
– try a beard softener daily or twice daily to soften the beard and skin, such as this one from Amazon -> https://geni.us/beardoilandsoftener
– shave after a hot shower and use a pre-shave oil, such as -> https://geni.us/shavesecret
Read more here
– after you shave apply witch hazel to your skin, example -> https://geni.us/RetroShave
– Shave at night. In the morning your face is puffier which means the hairs are not going to protrude as far out of the skin, and are going to be harder to shave.
Alternatives to Shaving
– Stick with stubble -> if you don’t need to be clean shaven, just trim your beard daily to maintain stubble. There are plenty of beard/stubble options out there. -> https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
Ingrown hairs
-> read https://groomwithstyle.com/tips-to-choose-shavers-for-ingrown-hairs/
Electric Shaving Tools
We recommend the Braun Series 9 or the Panasonic Arc 5 model ES-LV9N-S (with gold rollers) discussed in details on this page. Before shaving with an electric shaver (you can also try using this before shaving with a manual blade) try using, Lectric shave, it tightens the skin to help the hairs stick out -> https://geni.us/lectricshave
Hope some of this helps a bit.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi, my beard is hard so when I shave my blades only last a few times before I have to throw them away. What can you recommend and does it shave as smooth as a blade. I’m not looking for an electric shaver as I hate wires. How long do the normally last. Thank you
Hi Izak,
Thanks for the question.
We have tested the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc 5 on men with very thick and tough beards and they have performed extremely well – I will send some images to your private email.
No electric shaver will shave as close as a new/sharp/quality manual blade, but the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc 5 get very very close.
The Braun Series 9 and the Panasonic Arc 5 come with a clean and charge station. This means that after the shave you place the razor into the station and it gives the shaver head a clean and it will charge it ready for use the next day. This clean also lubricates the shaver heads ensuring they will last as long as possible.
The body of these electric shavers should last an extremely long time (10+ years), but it is the shaving heads and blades that will need replacing. Please read our answer to Bill on November 10th 2017, where we talk about how long the shaver heads will last and the cost of the cleaning liquid which is needed for the clean and charge station.
The link to Bill’s answer is this one.
https://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/mens-top-5-best-electric-shaver-list/comment-page-2/#comment-505947
Do let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
YOu should never refer someone to read a previous comment without giving a link to that comment. How can someone read what you want them to read if they can’t find it.
Hi Joseph,
Very good point, we will ensure we provide links to relevant comments in the future.
Was there a specific question/answer you were referring to?
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I don’t understand how these are 5 blades,there are only 2 rows of blades under the foils.There are 5 foils on the head but the foils do not cut do they? I thought just the blades under the foil does the cutting.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the great question.
Effectively with the Braun series 9 and Panasonic Arc5 shavers, the majority of the cutting and trimmer function is contained within the “shaver head” – that is why replacement heads are quite expensive to replace (and need to be cared for [cleaned and oiled regularly] to ensure they remain sharp etc).
For the Braun series 9 the shaver head has 2 built-in cutter foils and 2 built-in trimmer functions which are driven by the motor in the shaver body.
For the Panasonic Arc5, there are 2 cutters external to the shaver head but the shaver head also has 2 additional built-in cutters and a built-in trimmer – all are driven by the motor in the shaver body.
I will send you some photos to the email provided so you can see this all clearly.
Let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Cheers Pierce
Even though the other types or shavers are hyped, I would automatically go with Braun Series 9290cc as my best choice.
I have used it severally and I can say yes, it gets you what you want.
I recently bought Remington and it works perfectly. It cuts smoothly on my skin.
Thanks
WHAT IS THE BEST ELECTRIC RAZOR, PREFERABLE WET/DRY FOR A TEEN’S FIRST WITH MORE SOFT FUZZ THAN COURSE HAIR?
Hi Brandie,
Thanks for the great question.
Effectively, any of the shavers on our list would work…it just depends on how much you want to spend and how long you want the shaver to last.
I assume that your goal would be to buy a reasonably priced shaver like the Braun series 3, Braun series 7 and Remington F5-5800 Rechargeable Foil Shavers (premium shavers like the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic are going to be too much shaver for someone just starting out).
You will probably also need to focus on a shaver that will not irritate a young man’s skin (the Remington F5-5800 is probably slightly too powerful/aggressive), which is not used to being shaved (although any electric shaver is going to cause less irritation than a blade, and younger skin is going to be more resilient than an older man’s skin).
I spoke to my nephew who is 14, he uses the Braun Series 3 shaver and loves it. He only needs to shave once a week at this point above his lip and chin (he has light fluff on his sideburns but is not shaving that yet) but says the shaver captures all the hairs very easily and does not irritate his skin. The Braun Series 3 is reasonably priced, easy to charge, and clean under the tap, and should be sufficient to handle his shaving needs at least for the next 4-5 years (at that point if his hair gets coarser etc then he can decide to upgrade to the Braun Series 7/9 or Panasonic premium shavers).
Feel free to read more on our page above and do let us know if you have any additional questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi, I am looking for a new electric razor for my elderly father (93). He can shave himself. His stubble is still fairly tough. I would appreciate your advice.
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for the question.
Any of the electric shavers listed on our page would perform well for elderly gentlemen; other than thinking about the budget, the unique factors you might want to consider for your father are:
– will he want to clean the electric shaver himself, or will he be comfortable using a Clean & Charger Station?
– how sensitive is his skin?
– as we get older our skin gets a bit “looser” so the technique he uses will have to be adapted.
– how close a shave is he after?
Please read our answer to Joan on the 17th of April 2017, who had a similar question.
If your budget was “unlimited” and your father wants a very close shave then I would probably lean towards the Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV9N-S (as it is slightly nicer on sensitive skin), or the Braun Series 9. Typically, these come with the Clean & Charger station
– so maybe you could help your father replace the cleaning solution every 6 weeks or so. It is a pretty convenient way to clean a shaver, all your father would have to do is place the shaver in the cleaning station at the end of the shave, and it would be cleaned, sterilized and charged for the next day.
From there you could look at the Braun Series 7, or Braun Series 3 shavers respectively. They will not shave as close but are very well built shavers etc.
Please let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce and the G+S Team
Hi Steven,
I don’t have much facial hair and I shave once or twice a week. Should I get the Braun series 9 9290cc or the philips Norelco S9311/84, Shaver 9300? I want to trim my sideburns too.
https://www.amazon.com/Braun-9290CC-Electric-Shaver-Travel/dp/B01M716CC2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1522618794&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=braun+series+9&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=gands20-20&linkId=a3e438dcdefac4e27bc68d42e644c14d
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Norelco-S9311-84-Shaver/dp/B00M1E5G9S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?&ie=UTF8&qid=1470067454&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=philips+norelco+s9311+84+shaver+9300&&&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=gands20-20&linkId=c4375cf31b24d3ccc00442417e71481a
Hi Spence,
Thanks very much for the question.
We would lean towards the Braun series 9 9290cc over the Philips Norelco S9311/84 – unless you have used rotary shavers in the past and have a particular affinity with rotary shavers.
In regards to trimming your sideburns, what trimming length are you after and what style are they – because the trimmers on both the Braun series 9 9290cc over the Philips Norelco S9311/84 are “simple” pop up trimmers that can define edges and “attack” long hairs which can then be shaved later. So whether or not the pop up trimmer is on these shavers is going to be sufficient for your needs depends upon your requirements.
You can check out this page for more detailed photos of the Braun Series 9 and its pop up trimmer for more information.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-9-90cc-shavers-review/
If you have quite specific needs in regards to your sideburns (i.e. they extend down your jawline and you like the hair to be kept a specific length) then you might need a product with a more featured trimming solution – if that is the case you could always consider a product like the Philips Style Shaver QS6141/33 Dual Ended Shaver and Beard Trimmer which we talk about on the page below.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
I will email you directly in case you have any follow up questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
G+S,
I’ve had a Panasonic ES-LV61 for about 3.5 years. I like the close shave I get in the shower (important for a military officer). My chief complaints are poor battery life (I typically get three 7-8 minute shaves between charges) and poor blade life (requires replacement every 3-3.5 mo). The latter is cost prohibitive at $55 a pop.
Based upon your article, I’m considering replacing with either the Braun 9-series or Philips 9000 series, but I have a couple questions. First, has the upgrade to the Braun blades you described resulted in significantly better blade live than the competitors? If so, then the cost could be worthwhile. If not, then perhaps the rotary would be a better fit given my coarse, multi-direction hair that makes it challenging to cut. I’m comfortable with a foil shaved, but willing to make a change if it’s seems like the better choice for me. I’m tired of wasting extra minutes to try to get those difficult hairs and money on expensive blades that don’t last.
Hey Steven,
Thanks for the question – will try and deal with your points in order.
Battery life – do you not get a chance to charge the shaver between shaves (also a relevant question when we consider the clean and charge station)? Either way the Braun Series 9 and Philips Series 9000 will run for about 50 minutes between shaves.
Blade/Cutter/Foil life – Please read our answer to Bill on 10th of November 2017 where we talking about the maintenance costs of the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic. This is rough but considers replacement liquid for the clean and charge station and replacement cutters. At the end of the day, there are costs involved and the differences between the 3 brands (Braun, Panasonic and Philips) are not going to be huge.
Note – the clean and charge station, will definitely extend the life of your cutters, the cleaning station will clean the cutters, and lubricate them to keep the cutters sharp. But when it comes to costs, you are then paying for the cleaning liquid etc. So if you did not want to buy the cleaning station, then the key to extending the life of the cutters is to clean the shaver daily and use the recommended spray to keep the blades lubricated.
When it comes to the Philips Rotary, I would be hesitant to recommend this for you. Any switch between foil and rotary, or the other way, will take some getting used to. And especially from foil to rotary, you will typically just not get the same closeness you are used to with the foil (which seems to be one of your key shaving requirements). The rotary cutters could very well last longer, but I am not sure the cost saving would be significant.
As for the shaving with a foil, and tricky hairs…please read our answer to Bogdan on January 25th 2017. We find starting with the popup trimmer to snip off problem hairs on the neck etc certainly makes a huge difference.
If cost is a huge factor, and the closeness of shave, then you could always consider a safety razor?
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-top-safety-razors/
Please do get back with any additional questions you have.
Cheers Pierce
Remington F5-5800 Rechargeable Foil Shaver is currently $10 less on Amazon with a clip on coupon. I think I will give this a try at such a great price, hope this helps someone else as well!
Mansoor
I should also mention that his hair is extremely thick!! And his beard grows back very quickly. So overall he has very coarse hair, hair growing in different directions and extremely sensitive skin. Would you still recommend the Panasonic over the Braun? I am really torn between the two.
Hey Cherise,
Yes, I still think the Panasonic ES-LV9N-S would be a great choice for your husband’s facial hair type and sensitive skin.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi Cherise,
I forgot to mention, don’t forget to utilize the pop-up trimmer attached to the Panasonic Razor. This will be especially useful to start the shaving process for those especially difficult hairs (which are lying flat or growing in strange directions) around your husband’s neck and under the chin. So you pop-up the trimmer and just use it to lift up and trim any of these difficult hairs, you can then complete the shave with the electric razor as per normal.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Oh i forgot to mention his hair grows in different directions.
Cherise.
Hi Cherise,
For the best balance of exceptional cutting performance and reduced irritation I would suggest you focus on the Panasonic ES-LV9N-S – the gold rollers really do work to minimize the impact on sensitive skin.
Hope your husband enjoys it!
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I want to buy a new electric shaver for my husband as the one he currently uses always causes him skin irritation. However, I am having troube choosing between the latest version Braun series 9 and the lastest version Panasonic with the gold rollers. I read reviews for the Panasonic where people stated it prevets irritation due to the rollers. But which one would u recommend bearing in mind the direction of hair growth and sensitive skin issues? (cost not being a factor)
Cherise.
Enjoyed and learned a lot from your article but one area you did not hit upon. I am a 73 year old and have a lot of grey hair on my face. I am clean shaven and am presently using foam and manual razor. I have tried a couple of inexpensive razors but they did not shave the grey hairs at all. Can you suggest any razors that will cut both my black and grey hairs and of course, I am on a fixed income so I would appreciate the lesser expensive ones as well!
Hi David,
Thanks for the question. I would suggest going for the Braun Series 7 if your budget can stretch that far. If not then the Remington F5-5800 Rechargeable Foil Shaver is one of the most powerful shavers available for the price.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Cheers Pierce
I have tried Braun, Panasonic, and Norelco in recent years. The best electric shaver of all time is the Norelco 8000 Series. It is the ONLY shaver I have ever used that doesn’t pull and tug stubble which is a painful and jolting experience. Unfortunately Norelco decided to stop producing the original RQ12 replacement heads and as I result I may have to abandon Norelco. The 9000 Series that replaced it is utterly inferior. I also find Panasonic makes a better product than Braun. Braun shavers are simply uncomfortable, loud, pull hair like crazy. Foil shavers, most electric shavers really, require the facial hair to be trimmed down before actually shaving whereas the Norelco 8000 Series can directly shave a week of stubble. Truly an engineering marvel and sad Norelco let a good product go.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your comments. We talk about the Philips Norelco 8000, and the shaver head and cutters development in the article below i.e. if you want to update the shaver heads it is still possible, just go for the Philips Norelco RQ12PRO (RQ12/72)
In summary (pasted from the article below)…”Philips have also updated the RQ12/62 (RQ12+) with the Philips Norelco RQ12PRO Replacement ShaverHead for Series 8000 (SensoTouch 3D). The RQ12PRO (RQ12/72) is the new and improved shaver head replacing the RQ12/62. You might want to check these out?
Link to the product on Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2m7wwDg ”
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-philips-electric-shavers/norelco-sensotouch-3d-review/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Thanks Pierce for such a detailed review. I ended up purchasing the Braun 9293s. Some background, I did use in the past Braun Series 3, 5 and 7 (with the cleaning system). My last one was the Panasonic 4 blade head, a good one but at end of it’s battery life after 4 years! Washable under tap water, i was freeed from the Braun expensive and wasteful cleaning cartridge.
Receiving the Braun was a scary experience; picked it up at the post office and get that very much uneasy feeling as things were moving and clinging in the package, luckily when I opened the box at home it was the charger and the charging base freely moving around while the shaver was secure in its travel case and boxed appart in one side of the box (althought nothing was broken, Braun can do a better job at securing the item in the box for shipping).
After an overnight charge it was ready to start as my new shaver. Well, well, well what a treat, a very close shave like only a blade can do, leaving nothing behind, even the rebellious one are no match for this one. First time, that I was looking forward for the next morning shave 😉
One point that seems to be overlooked by reviews is how quiet the Series 9 is, way more quiet than any of my previous shaver; even so that my daughter told me that she does not hear anymore my shaver from her bedroom the other side of the wall!!! I guess that my Panasonic was very noisy. This was an unexpected and very much appreciated bonus, making the morning shaving experience with the Series 9 that much more pleasant.
Thanks again for your great review that directed my choice.
Robert
Hi Robert,
Pleasure, glad you found the information helpful.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Pierce,
Wow, thank you for that speedy answer. I keep my face and head skin close so I guess the Series 9 will work.
If not I can always purchase something else, however, your answer leads me to believe I will be fine with the Braun 9.
Thanks again.
George
Hi Pierce,
Thank you for taking time to publish such an in depth review/tutorial on electric shavers. I am close to purchasing the Braun 9 series but have one question before I do. I currently shave my face and head with a regular razor, will any of the electric shavers here do the head or do I need to look into an electric shaver designed specifically for heads?
George
Hi George,
Great question. The answer will depend upon what “compromises” you want to make – some guys embrace head shaving with an electric shaver, and some guys prefer a manual blade (there are also people that prefer blading clippers that trim to 0.1/0.2mm [see our answer to Kurt in the head shaver article linked below]).
In theory, the higher end shavers like the Braun series 9 will be able to do a good job shaving your head (not as close as a blade though). 2 main factors you might want to consider:
1) A specialized head shaver will have a trimmer function. Head hair needs to be short first before you actually shave it (if you shave your head regularly I guess this will not be an issue).
2) Some specialized head shavers, like the skull shaver and Philips Norelco QC5580/40 provide functions that take into account the shape of the head, to help with shaving.
Our article below expands on these ideas a bit more.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/top-5-best-electric-head-shavers-for-men/
If you are going to buy a new face shaver anyway, then you can always try shaving your head with it and see if you are happy with the results?
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I am glad I found this review but I am not sure I am any closer to picking a shaver. I currently own the Braun 390CC-4 and have had it for about 5 years. To me its a terrible shaver. It will eventually get the job done but only after many passes at many different angles. I have changed the head 2 times in the 5 years and its almost due for a new one so I would rather buy a new razor. I have medium stubble, I do not shave everyday but every other day and I do not shave on the weekends. I am a white male with fair skin. I do not have overly sensitive skin but if I shaved every day maybe it would be more sensitive. My neck hairs seem to be the worse for the 390CC-4 model as it struggles to lift the hair to cut it. I want a shaver that can get a close shave on one pass if possible. My current shaver takes longer than a manual shave so I want a faster shave. Is it possible to return a shaver if its not cutting as expected? I always have felt that would be a very non hygienic thing to do but I don’t want to get stuck with a $200.00 non performing shaver. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Hi Michael,
The Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV9N-S will both shave significantly faster and closer than the Braun Series 3 shavers. When I shave with the Braun Series 3 I do need to “work” the shaver quite hard to obtain a clean shave, with the series 9 and Arc5 there is significantly less effort and time involved (and a smoother finish).
We have never made use of the money back guarantees but both Braun and Panasonic offer them (60 days for Braun and 30 days for Panasonic).
Good luck with the choice.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Pierce,
Thank you for all of this info. I bought the Braun 740 some years ago from Costco, and have changed the head once or twice I think. They seem to lean toward a lower initial cost perspective, typically not the newest model and without the station. I’m also considering long term costs, including the value of a products optimum performance going forward. I should also consider the life and cost of replacing the foil and cutters I guess. Do the Panny and Braun stations both lubricate as well as clean?
My beard might be medium thick (?), and my skin is somewhat sensitive as I occasionally experience irritation and discomfort when I shave with my Braun or with a 5-blade disposable manual. Seems to mostly occur if I try to get a closer shave with increased pressure or repeated passes. But I wouldn’t say that my skin is unusually sensitive. I do have areas where the hair grows in different directions…primarily on my neck. I tend to shave every day, but occasionally skip a day if I shaved late the day before and I’m hanging out at home, but never longer than that.
Thanks again,
Bill
Hi Bill,
Yes, that all makes sense. There are certainly ongoing costs involved in shaving, both with electric and manual shavers. If costs are a big factor then you can always consider adopting a stubble look (and buy a beard trimmer). Philips has a product called OneBlade, which I tried recently and really like – it cuts very short stubble (and the blades need replacing about once every 4 months). But then this might not be practical with your “look” or job, so….
Finding the optimal balance to minimize costs down the line is interesting – I guess if most people are going to spend $200+ on a shaver they are really after a high-quality shaving experience and are not so focused on costs? But I will give it a shot with some calculations below for the ongoing costs between the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc5.
From experience, the cleaning station (which does clean and lubricate the shaver heads and cutters), will certainly extend the life of the cassette. You certainly don’t need to use it every day i.e. you can clean the shaver under running water and do a “deep” clean 1 or twice (probably best) times a week. Braun and Panasonic, of course, recommend a daily full clean.
For Braun, 1 cleaning cartridge will last about (minimum 3 weeks with daily use, maximum of 8 weeks when Braun says the “disinfection” solution will become less effective). Lets say you go for a balance and make it last 6 weeks, this would mean approximately 8 cartridges a year so about $50 ($25 for 4 cartridges). The Braun Foil and Cutter will last up to 18 months and replacement will cost about $50.
Link to the cutter on Amazon -> http://geni.us/BraunHeadReplacementt
Let’s assume for the Panasonic, the cleaning liquid will last about the same period of time (it has roughly the same volume and uses roughly the same amount of liquid per clean). 3 sachets at $10, so yearly cost is about $30. The replacement Foil and cutters from Panasonic are more expensive at about $120. The official recommendation is to replace the outer foil every year and inner blades once every 2 years.
http://shop.panasonic.com/personal-care/mens-shavers-and-grooming/mens-replacement-blades-foils/mens-shaver-foil-blade-combos/WES9034P.html
A quick back of the envelope shows me that after 2 years with cleaning and cassette/cutter replacement Braun is about $165 and Panasonic is about $180.
Seems like you fall right into the middle band, where both the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc5 could work for you. The earlier version of the Arc 5 without the foil roller, shaves just as well but does have a more aggressive feel to it without the rollers. We try and explain in the article that the Braun 9 seems to handle the longer multidirectional hairs slightly better, but the Panasonic 5 will also pick them up eventually, and shave just as close. Without costs being a factor, I would lean towards the latest Arc 5 for your situation…but having said that the Braun 9 would also be a great choice.
Good luck!
Cheers Pierce
I currently shave with a Braun 740 that didn’t come with a cleaning station. I would like a closer and faster (but still comfortable) shave than I currently get, but I am also interested in a good value as well. I was wondering if a cleaning station improves the shaving experience or the expected life of the foil cutting heads, or is it more a matter of convenience? I’ve read that the newer Panasonic shavers use packets to refill the station…that sounds sensible to me…but can I do essentially the same thing without the station? I have considered trying a Panasonic shaver and I wondered about the cost/value relationship between their various models…the latest with the gold rollers vs older models? I recently noticed an attractive price on the ES-LV65, without a cleaning station I believe, and was interested in that compared to the other Panasonic ARC5 or ARC4 models that you’ve mentioned on your website. I also noticed Panasonic shavers on Amazon from Japan called Lamdash (whatever that means), and wondered about pros/cons. I haven’t ruled out Braun or other brands either.
I really appreciate your attention to detail.
Thank you,
Bill
Hi Bill,
Thanks for your question on G+S.
The cleaning stations (of all the brands) effectively prolong the life of the shaver head/cutters, by keeping them in top condition (cleaning, sterilizing and “lubricating”). The fact that the shaver head/cutters are so clean after you use them means that the cutting performance is optimised as much as possible for that shaver. However, obviously, having a cleaning station for the Braun Series 7 will not make it shave as well or as fast as Braun Series 9 or the Panasonic Arc 5s.
Yep, the Panasonic Arc 5 comes with a sachet which you mix with water. The Braun comes with the actual cartridge. The Panasonic version is better value long-term and is better for the environment. See links…
Panasonic Cleaning solution on Amazon
http://geni.us/panasoniccleansolution
Braun Clean and Renew Refill on Amazon
http://geni.us/brauncleanrenewrefill
You can also make your own cleaning fluid…see our answer to Charles on GROOM+STYLE NOVEMBER 15, 2016 above.
“All” the cleaning station does is flush the cleaning fluid through the shaver cassette a few times and then a fan dries the head (as well as charging). In theory, you can do this yourself, but it might be a bit messy.
That is the “easy” questions out of the way.
As for the comparisons etc, there are a few other factors to consider.
Do you have a light, medium, or thick beard hair? Do you have sensitive skin? Do
you have any major problem areas, with difficult hair growing in different directions?
Do you like to shave every day?
Knowing this information will help a bit to answer your comparison questions.
Cheers for now,
Pierce
Tad confused here. If these are the best savers for 2017? How is that some of these comments and questions report posting date on 2015-2016
Hi Jeneane,
Thanks for the question. The team have been updating and editing the same article since it was first written back in late 2015.
For example, when the article was first written the Panasonic ES-LV81 Arc 5 was Groom+Style’s top choice followed by the Braun Series 7 799CC. As time progressed we have tested the newer models and have adjusted the rankings slightly. In addition, new models of the Braun, Panasonic and Philips shavers have been released eg. the original series 9 models start with 90xx (example 9095cc), and the updated models use the prefix 92xx (example 9290cc). We also, try to ensure that any key information about shaver head shortages etc. are mentioned.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I have a Braun 9090 and I love a lot of what it offers, the one thing that bothers me the most is it doesn’t catch and hold any whiskers. Every time I shave I end up with a sink full of whiskers. Has anyone experienced similar problems?
Hey Chris,
Thanks for your question.
Just curious if you shave daily, or if you only shave every few days? Because, if the hairs are longer then the HyperLift & Cut trimmer and Direct & Cut trimmer (central trimmers, not the foils) will be doing more of the work which will mean the hairs will end up in the sink (hairs that are directed into the foils will be cut inside the shaver).
Are you cleaning the shaver after each use, do you have the clean and charge station? If the cutters get clogged with hair, this could also affect their effectiveness.
I assume you are dry shaving. If this continues to be a problem, you can try;
– using some shaving foam, or even shaving in the shower (with a fogless mirror).
– try something like the beard king bib, this will capture all the stray hairs -> follow this link to check out the product on Amazon, http://geni.us/beardking
Cheers for now,
Pierce
Really great reviews and detail for each products. 1 question please, Braun Series 9 is good to use with foam or pre-shaver (Williams Lectric Shave)? please recommend. thank you.
Hi Achea,
Thanks for the question.
The latest Braun Series 9 shavers which start with model number 92xx (example 9290cc) can be used with shaving foam. The first generation Series 9 shavers (that came with a cleaning and charging station) which start with model number 90xx, according to Braun, cannot be used with shaving foam.
It is fine to use a pre-shaver with all Braun Shavers.
Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi,
Enjoyed your review of shavers. Have just one question. As far as I can see on both Braun and Panasonic the cutter is in the middle with a foil either side. So how do you cut right up to a sideburn, moustache or half beard line? Because when you shave up to the sideburn you always have the width of the foil between the cutter and the sideburn line. How do you get round this problem?
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the great question.
What you will typically find is that the included trimmers on the Braun and Panasonic shavers are enough to help create a nice edge/lines. Using the attached trimmer you can define your line and trim “beneath” the sideburn/moustache to start, you can then use the foils to complete the shave. The result is usually pretty good.
If you find the results do not meet your expectations you can then invest in a detailed trimmer. The link below will give you some options.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
Good luck…
Cheers Pierce
I apologise for repeating the question .. the first one had disappeared when I checked earlier.
Kind regards,
Sally
Hi Sally,
Hopefully, you can see the question and response now…
Cheers Pierce
Hi Pierce,
Thank you so much for your quick response and extremely helpful explanation.
I also read your response to ‘Joan’ above who had a similar question to mine.
You also recommend the Braun 5 5040s and Braun Series 7 720s-4.
Is there a noticeable difference between these and the Braun Series 3080s ?
Are they all relatively easy to operate ? Do you recommend the cleaning the cleaning station or is this unnecessary ?
In regards to cost, there is only £20.00 difference in the purchase price between the Braun Series 3 3080 and the Braun 5 5040s.
Also could you please tell me if the Braun cleaning spray or oil etc is needed or are these are unnecessary as water will clean the shaver perfectly well.
Thank you once again,
Sally
Hi Sally,
No problem, very happy to help out.
There are some key differences between the Braun Series 3, Series 5, Series 7 and Braun Series 9 shavers…the shaving technology and features do improve through the series. If you are willing to pay a bit more (and the price differences at the time you are buying are not restrictive) then you will get a better shave as you move through the series:
– as your father does not have heavy beard growth, there would be no need to jump to the series 9
– but as he likes to feel really clean shaven, then you could potentially jump up to the series 7
Key differences between the series are:
Braun Series 3 – Fixed shaving head, with 3 independent floating cutting parts (2 foil shaving heads and a central integrated middle trimmer to capture longer hairs and help them “stand up” so they can be cut better). Reliable, effective, budget shaver for those with light beard growth, or want a backup shaver etc.
Braun Series 5 – has the same features as the Braun Series 3 with a floating head, and slightly better technology on the cutting parts (they adapt to facial contours better). The Braun series 5 will give a more comfortable shave, and be more effective on the more troublesome areas such as the neck and chin. The Braun Series 5 also has a better motor and battery (Lithium ion). If the price difference at the time of buying is minimal it will certainly not hurt to buy the Braun Series 5.
Braun Series 7 – We have written extensively about the Braun Series 7 and 9 in this article and those linked below. The shave will the Braun Series 7 will be much faster and most likely closer than with the 5 and 3 Series. The faster the shave the less chance there will be irritation, which is great. There are different settings based on the shaving mode you are after, and the shaver can automatically adapt its shaving speed etc,. based on the beard density.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-7-790cc-shaver-review/
Groom+Style, certainly like the cleaning and charging station (but as we mentioned to Joan) it is tricky to know whether your father will like it or find it “too much”. They help clean and charge the razor but require some “feeding” (see answer to Charles above). Note – if you do buy the cleaning and charging station, please check if you can use foams with the shaver (with the older series shavers Braun did not support foams and gels to be used – Braun series 77xx, no foam with the cleaning and charging station [clogged the cleaning and charging station] but it is okay with the newer models which start with 78xx).
If you do not buy the cleaning station (which cleans, disinfects, charges and oils the shaver) you will then need to buy the cleaning spray etc. to ensure the shaver continues to operate as new.
See more details here…
http://groomwithstyle.com/clean-electric-shaver/
Good luck…
Cheers for now,
Pierce
Also may I add .. my father presently uses gel to wet shave with a razor so I think he would prefer a shaver that he can also use wet with gel, as that is what he is used to.
Thank you.
Hi Sally,
If you want to use the shaver with gel then just ensure it says “Wet & Dry”. In the Braun series 3 range look for the s as a suffix on the model number.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I need help .. ! I am trying to find an electric shaver for my 88 year old father who is struggling use a regular razor.
I am looking for a mid price product but I am completely overwhelmed by the choice !
He does not have a heavy beard growth but shaves every day and likes his face to be smooth.
I am drawn towards the Braun Series 3 3080 shaver due to the excellent reviews and the fact it repeatedly is mentioned in articles recommending shavers.
I have just read your review if the Braun Series 3 380S-4. Is this the same shaver as the 3080 ??
I find all the different Series etc completely confusing !
The shaver does not have to necessarily be a Braun. My father does appreciate attractive design though.
I would be most grateful for any help or suggestions you might have. Thank you so much.
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the question. I think a Braun Series 3 shaver would be a great option for your father – as a mid priced, high quality shaver, that is easy to understand and use.
All the different model numbers can get confusing, but the important point to remember is that all shavers in a series will effectively shave the same – the different models numbers might provide some different functionality (different buttons, clean and charge station, pop up trimmer etc), or different add ons (travel kits, protective cap etc.), and maybe even a slightly different look. The other thing is model numbers change per country zone (US, Europe and Australasia), and different releases might get an additional number etc, which will not necessary affect the shavers performance.
In effect Braun recently “updated” the Series 3 line of shavers and so the Braun Series 3 380s now became the Braun Series 3080s etc. The s at the end means the shaver is a wet & dry shaver. The cc at the end means the shaver comes with the clean and charge station. The performance difference between the old (380s) and new (3080s) models are effectively non-existent. So the one you choose can be based on the best deal you can find…
Hope this helps a bit.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi, My Dad is 90 and doesn’t shave often due to some age issues. When he does, the long hairs get in the way of doing a good job with his electric razor. Is there something that would make shaving easier for him and do a good job? My brother helps sometimes, but it would be nice to have something Dad can use. Thanks, Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your email. This is quite a common problem, trying to finding the best electric razor for elderly gentlemen. Thankfully, there are a few options you can try/consider in identifying the best solution for your dad.
In your situation I would suggest that there are 3 main alternatives. As you have noticed most electric shavers have trouble dealing with longer facial hair, so you either need to:
1) invest in a very high end shaver like the braun series 9 (or the slightly older Braun Series 7) or Panasonic ES-LV9N-S/ES-LV95-S which might be able to deal with your fathers longer hairs. These shavers have “trimmers” built in to the shaver head (hyperLift and cut, and direct and cut trimmer for the Braun) which do a very good job of capturing longer hairs (and longer flat lying hairs, or hairs growing in different directions).
This is an option, but due to the expense, and possible “advanced” technology which your father might not necessarily be comfortable with, and investment of this kind might be “risky”.
You can read more on these shavers in the above article.
2) The next option, would be to just buy your father a stubble trimmer. If he does not need a clean shave, and does not like to shave every day, then he could “change his look” and go for a constant stubble (5 o’clock shadow type look). If he is happy with this he could find a relatively inexpensive, high quality, easy to user stubble trimmer.
Something like the Panasonic ER-GB370K will trim hair down to 1mm, is easy to clean, easy to use, easy to charge etc.
You can read more on this page.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
3) If you father likes a clean shaven look then the next option is to go for a device that can trim and shave. The Panasonic Arc3 Electric Razor ES-RT97-S (amazon link here http://geni.us/bestelectheadshav4 ), comes with a comb attachment that can be used to trim longer hairs first (down to 1 mm), and then by removing the comb you can then finish off for a smooth shave.
You can read more on this page.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/top-5-best-electric-head-shavers-for-men/
Hopefully, this helps. Please let us know how you get on.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I thought you might be interested in my review (which I also posted on Amazon) of the top three electric razors:
I have been shaving for over 50-years, starting with a DE for several years, until Gillette introduced its first cartridge, theTrac II in 1970 or 1971. I then progressed through all the cartridges that Gillette introduced over the years. About 10-years ago I went back to shaving with a DE and even shaved with a straight razor, from time to time, along with the latest Gillette Fusion cartridge. Recently, however, I decided to go all-in on electric shaving (for the first time). I was no longer willing to deal with wet shaving: the face prep, the cream/soap, brush, bowl, the long duration shaves, the clean-up, and the blood. So, I purchased the three top rated shavers on the market: the Panasonic ES-LV9N-S, the Braun 9290cc, and the Philips Norelco S9721.
All three shavers will provide a very close shave, possess excellent build quality, and have charging/cleaning/drying stations that perform well. So, my main criteria for judging a shaver is how close it shaves. I do not have very sensitive skin and shave dry (as I think this provides the closest shave). Recently, however, I have begun using Dickinson’s Witch Hazel as a pre-shave prep. I just spread a little of the liquid on my face and let it evaporate for about 30 seconds before shaving. This stands-up the beard for an even closer shave, with no chance of gumming up the blades, as other pre-shaves have a tendency to do. No electric razor shaves as close as a blade, but these three models are close enough, especially considering that I can shave in about 7 minutes, versus 30 minutes for a careful blade shave (with no styptic pencil required!).
I think that the Panasonic and the Braun are very close. The Panasonic may inherently give a slightly closer shave (and a little faster because of its larger head), but the Braun is more aggressive (not overly so, but worth mentioning for those with sensitive skin) and, because of its smaller head, is able to follow the contours of the face slightly better than the Panasonic, especially at the jaw-line and neck. This was only a minor issue and became even less important as I became more proficient with these two foil shavers. As for the Philips Norelco S9721, I think that it provides the most comfortable shave of the three and, for those with very sensitive skin, it may be the best choice. However, I find that, although it is capable of providing a very close shave, IMO it places third in this respect, behind the two foil shavers. In addition, although my technique with a rotary shaver has improved greatly, it still takes me a little longer to shave with the Norelco than with the Panasonic or Braun. I prefer the trimmer on the Panasonic to that of the Braun. I think the Norelco trimmer is excellent, but it is not integrated into the body and to use it one must detach the blade head and replace it with the trimmer. This is an annoyance.
In summary, each of these shavers performed incredibly well and much better than I expected (I am never going back to blade shaving) and, if you are considering purchasing an electric shaver, you cannot go wrong purchasing any of the three. However, at this point, if I had to rank them, it would be 1. Panasonic ES-LV9N-S, 2. Braun 9290CC, 3. Philips Norelco S9721. They are very, very close in all respects and others may rank them differently, of course. So, as always, YMMV.
Hi Steve,
Thanks very much for comment and perspective. For those readers who are interested you can find out more about the shavers Steve describes in the article above or via the amazon links below.
Panasonic ES-LV9N-S (and the newer model ES-LV9B-S) – http://geni.us/electricfaeshavers9n
Braun 9290CC – http://geni.us/electricfaceshavers920
Philips Norelco S9721 – http://geni.us/electricfaceshavers721
Kind Regards,
Pierce
In this and all your razor reviews, please state the presence/absence of separate charging units which are a big problem for travelers. Also the inclusion of protective cover for the head which is also essential for travelers.
My existing Braun 3615 has internal charging circuits and the only extra that I need to carry is a simple power lead and as an extra bonus, it can use the same lead as my portable.
Please tell me which units have protective cover, and 110/230v power input direct from the wall, [not 12v from a separate adapter].
Please also describe the power plug in the base of the unit [2pin figure 8, 4pin square, metal studs, etc]
These items are critical factors for travellers and your help will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Graeme,
Please check out our best travel shaver review (linked below).
http://groomwithstyle.com/best-travel-shaver-review-top-5-list/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hi Pierce,
I wanted to come back with a feedback after my purchase. I got the Philips S9711/31 in the end for about 180$ equivalent. Unfortunately on our market the razors don’t have the possibility of returning them in 30 days (they are doing this from time to time as a limited promotion – but none was avaliable in this period). After some research on the internet, I got to the conclusion that Philips S9000 series and Braun Series 9 are somehow similar, only Panasonic LV9N being better than them. But, being almost double in price than the Philips S9711, I decides that the price difference is not worth it. The Philips’ device price had limited availability, right now is about 280$.
One of the reasons I got the Philips was the trimmer head as I thought as being a separate head would have an excelent performance. It does not,
I have shaven 2 times with the Philips and I got mixed feelings about it. First I dry shave an 1 day stubble and it managed a great shave preety quickly. The second shave was on a 3 and half days stubble. On this one, it took more time and the shave was not close. I did not washed my face previously so the razor got throught all the dead skin and impurities on the face. After the first attempt, I washed my face and gave another try, and the result was much better – a clean, close shave. Not as close as with a safety razor when going against the grain, through.
The sideburns trimmer (beard trimmer) is not very good unfortunately. It does not cut as close as the shaver and the difference in the hair length is visible. Maybe as a beard trimmer will be better as it has the possibility of adjusting the length.
I have noticed that a shave takes about 20% from the battery, which seems fine.
The device is very quiet in operation, which is remarkable comparing with its competitors.
The cleaning process is simple, under the tap; I did not tried yet the cleaning station.
As comparing with my previous RQ1260, is way better. This one really cuts the hair, a thing that the Sensotouch was unable to do. But my feeling is that for guys like me with thick beards is not that great when dry shaving. If is used wet, it seems to be good.
My feeling is that only the Panasonic LV9N would match my thick beard and is a device that I am interested in trying.
Also, another negative point is the fact that after first shave I got ingrown hairs, but I guess is due to the fact that I had shaven after only one day. Usually I shave after 2 or 3 days.
Lastly, as compairing shaving performances, my feeling is that is no difference in shaving closeness between the top electric razors (at least not when you have your face clean and moist, but when you shave you will wash your face eventually), the difference is in the shaving efficiency (shaving time) and this is due to the power of the motor. Panasonic LV9N being the most powerful one, should provide the quickest shave. Again, this is applicable for the people with tough beards. I cannot speak for the other ones.
Thanks for your advices, I hope this helps the people who are looking to buy a razor. Getting the right razor is a difficult process and my process is one of trial and error. I will continue to use safety razors and I will use the Philips S9711 for travel and when I will not be in the mood for the extended safety razor shaving process.
Hi Marius,
Thank you very much for sharing your experience it is much appreciated – I am sure it will help our readers.
For those people who are interested in the Philips Series 9000 S9711 Shaver please check it out on Amazon via the link below.
http://geni.us/electricfaceshaver9
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hello Pierce,
Thank you for your prompt response. Please see my comments below. Your comments
and suggestions were quite helpful and confirmed my initial inclinations based on
review from your website and others.
So, unless any of the “additional information” I provided suggests a razor other
than a Braun Series 7, that’s what we’ll try.
-He is currently using an electric three head razor. We was also career military,
so used a traditional manual razor for many years.
-At this point we need something easy to use and easy to maintain. When my husband
was at their home the other day, his razor was all “clogged” up and barely running.
-A caregiver, his spouse or we would be taking care of the “maintenance” of the solution.
How frequent is that? I was intrigued by these units because it looked like the razor would rest in the
charger/cleaning base and he would just need to “push a button”
-I would say a clean shaven look is important.
-You are confirming my inclination to switch to a foil type shaver for ease of motion,
whether it be my father-in-law or a “caregiver”
-So a wet/dry razor without a cleaning station will be “easier” to use and maintain
than a razor with a cleaning station?
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Joan
Hey Joan,
I think the Braun Series 7 is a good choice. The Braun cleaning station is not complicated
to use, I just know how my own mother and father can feel about new technology (sometimes
even just the thought of it can stop them wanting to try), so wanted to give you
a few options. If you and the care-giving can set it up, then effectively your father
in law just has to put the shaver into the cleaning station and it will be ready
to go the next day.
From a maintenance point of view you have to replace the cleaning liquid about every
6 weeks (depending on how you decide to use it). So there is a cost involved in
that. For full details of cleaning options see my reply to Charles on the 15th of
November 2016 on the page below.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/mens-top-5-best-electric-shaver-list/
I also just wanted to point out a few other things I thought of. Shaving with an
electric shaver can be a bit of a learning curve (it can take a month for the face
and skin to adapt and with the elderly looser skin might not help) and to get a really
nice shave tight facial skin does help i.e. if the face is puffy then the hairs on
the face are not as prominent so are harder to cut. For the elderly it can help
to “pull” the skin downwards (or stretch the skin) on the area that is being shaved,
to help raise the hairs. Also, your father in law might want to avoid shaving first
thing in the morning – when the face is slightly puffier.
Feel free to read our answer to Bogdan on JANUARY 25, 2017 where we talk about these
types of shaving tips in more detail.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/mens-top-5-best-electric-shaver-list/
Good luck with everything.
Cheers for now,
Pierce and the G+S Team
Hello,
We need to purchase a new electric shaver for my 87 year-old father-in-law. Unfortunately my husband, his son, does not use an electric shaver. We’re looking for a suggestion as to the easiest to use and keep clean so that it will continue to work.
Thank you.
Hi Joan,
Thanks for the great question. To give you the most relevant answer I have some further questions for you.
– How has your father in law shaved previously – manual, safety razor? If manual
is there a key reason for the switch to an electric shaver?
– Has he used any electric shavers in the past? I assume familiarity might be important,
so if he has used a specific model/brand in the past then it might just be easier
to continue with that model.
– Some of the newer models (Braun series 9, Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV95-S etc.) which
have the self-cleaning and charging stations, although great, do require maintenance
i.e. refilling the cleaning solution etc. Would he be capable, or even want to,
learn how to use a potentially “complicated” shaver?
– How important is a close shave to your father in law? i.e. does he take is appearance
very seriously, or does he just want to avoid a beard? For example, a stubble trimmer
is typically very easy to maintain, but then he would have a constant (can be very
very short) stubble.
My initial thoughts would be to go for:
– a foil type shaver (typically easier to use, and easier to transition from manual
shaving to electric shaving with a foil shaver). Foil shavers are effectively moved
in an up and down motion on the face (whereas rotary shavers are moved in circles,
which can be weird for some people starting out with electric shavers)
– a Braun shaver, great name, reliable, durable etc. good customer support (as far
as these big companies go)
– a shaver that is wet/dry without a cleaning station. So the shaver can be easily
rinsed under the tap.
– minimum number of features
So either:
– Braun 3 Series 380S-4 (340S-4) Budget Foil Shaver – if you wanted to start with
a budget shaver to see if he likes the concept
– Braun Series 5 5040s shaver with Wet&Dry functionality – if you were slightly more
convinced he would be interested in an electric shaver and were happy to spend a
bit more
– Braun Series 7 720s-4 (or an series 7). This would be a great choice, if you were
happy to commit to the process. He could ignore the cleaning station totally, and
just clean the shaver with the brush and then under the tap. Then when he became
a bit more comfortable with everything he could even try the cleaning station.
– Most likely give the Series 9 for the moment as it is too complicated, feature rich.
Hope this helps a little bit.
Kind Regards,
Pierce and the Team
Thank you Pierce for the great advice. In deed, I have a very thick and strong beard. Also, I don’t have many problems with skin irritation- even with safety razors I irritate seldomly.
As I think back, maybe I should have given the Philips RQ 1260 more chances. I have tried shaving a couple of times and as I got mad with it, I gave up. I did not used any techniques nor I had waited for the month in order for my face to adjust. My bad!
In a nutshell, what I would like to know in order to help my purchasing decision is (in Romania – in all Europe I guess – you cannot return these type of peronal products, so therefore I seek for as many info as possible):
– in a normal usage (after the adjustment) do you save time in shaving with an electric razor vs a safety razor? There is any difference in time saving performances between the top rated electric razors?
– I understand that the foil razors are shaving closer than the rotary ones. The difference in closeness is that big?
– I checked the prices on Amazon and I saw that the top razors from Philips, Braun and Panasonic are somehow similar. Strangely Braun 9 series is cheaper than the others. In Romania, is the other way around. The Philips 9711 is 190$, but the other ones are almost double in price. So the question is: it is worth it to pay almost double for the better performance of Braun 9 series?
– is there any difference in wet/dry shaving performance for these top shavers (Philips, Braun, Panasonic).
Thanks!
Hi Marius,
Such great questions, and G+S can only offer guidance based on our experience. Some of your questions are very specific and ask for exact answers to your personal requirements, and unfortunately at times there are so many factors involved in the shaving performance of these devices that it is certainly part science/part art. Having said all that we have tried to answer as specifically as possible.
Firstly, as mentioned earlier, a lot of Brands like Braun offer a money back guarantee – you are right I am not sure if this is available in Romania but it is certainly worth considering when buying your product. See the link from Braun UK, so you know what to look for and what the conditions are – http://uk.braun.com/en-gb/promotions/mbg. If you can buy a high end shaver with a money back guarantee this certainly removes a large part of the risk for you.
On to the rest of your questions.
It is hard to give exact timings, as there are a lot of ifs and buts. The typical consensus is that shaving with an electric razor will save you time over a manual shave. From G+S’s experience with a top end shaver you can get a reasonable quality shave in around 5 minutes. This timing and general rule however needs to be considered in light of a few additional factors:
a) The more experienced a manual shaver you are the less time you will take i.e. you might be able to complete a manual shave with your safety razor in 5 minutes (some people ever shave in the shower with a fog free mirror to save extra time)? If you are this fast and you didn’t enjoy the experience of your previous rotary shaver in the past then you might not be able to see significant time savings with an electric razor.
b) If you shave daily with an electric shaver you will need less time for each shave. If you leave the shave for a few days and have fast growing hair, then the next shave with the electric razor with take longer.
c) The more thorough you want to be with your electric shave the more time you will need to spend. It’s the 80/20 rule i.e. you can shave 80% of your facial hair with a high end electric razor (dry shave) extremely quick (between 3 to 4 minutes). However, if you have a few stubborn stray hairs it can take exponentially longer to round them all up.
The other factors you can consider…With an electric razor you can shave anywhere, it is easier to travel with in hand luggage, less chance of cuts, and maybe not in your case but for some men potentially less irritation. It might also be worth running some costs of manual shaving vs an electric razor in your situation.
In terms of shaving time from the Braun Series 7 to the Braun Series 9, G+S found that we were able to shave faster with the Series 9 due to its additional power and more cutting elements – if you insist on putting a time on it, let’s call it a 1 minute saving. The key difference though was when we had not shaved for a few days, then the Braun Series 9 was significantly faster than that Braun Series 7 (the Braun Series 9 seems to cut through longer hair a lot faster).
As you are someone who has experienced the closeness of a safety razor shave, it is our opinion that you would notice that a foil shaver delivers a closer shave then a rotary shaver.
From our perspective, the key advantage of buying an electric shaver is the convenience, so the G+S team do not typically wet shave with an electric shaver. In addition, we find we get a better shave dry – as the hairs are stiffer and stand up better into the cutters. Once again see our answer to Bogdan in the comment section above on January 25 2017 above. Although some people do enjoy a wet shave in the shower with their electric shaver for the added convenience (and they get good results) – one of the key advantages of the wet shave with an electric shaver is to further reduce irritation. Once again, from our experience the performance between the high end shavers is further reduced when wet shaving.
Based on the answers above, only you can answer the question of whether it is worth paying twice as much for the better performance of the Braun Series 9 – how important is the additional shaving performance for you for the additional cost?
Regards,
Pierce and the Groom+Style Team
Hello,
I am interested in an electric razor and I am looking for the best product. An online store has a sale on Philips S9711/31 for 191$ and I want to know it it’s worth to buy it.
I use safety razors, double edge razors as well as Gillete Mach 3, and even if sometimes I cut myself, I am happy with them.
But, using manual razors takes time, so I would like a time saving option – an electric razor. I had purchased a Philips RQ 1260 in the past but did not get along with it, as the shaving process took more time than with the manual razors and the razor was failing to cut all the hairs (after numerous passing with the razor on that area, I would give up and just finish the job with a manual razor).
Therefore, what is your recommendation: should I purchase the Philips S9711? It is newer and better than the previous generations? Or maybe Braun 9 series or Panasonic LV9 are better? Thanks!
Hi Marius,
That is certainly a great price for the Philips S9711, but as you have mentioned just because this Philips Series 9000 Shaver is available at a great price does not mean it is good value for you.
Getting the bad news out of the way first, it is not uncommon for men who have experienced the close shave of a safety razor (or straight razors) to be initially disappointed with the results from their first electric razor. There are certainly some techniques that can be tried to help improve the shave when switching to an electric shaver for the first time – but for most men the electric razor will never shave as close as a manual razor (disposable, safety razor or straight razor). I mention this because if your key requirement is a close shave then it might be worth sticking with the safety razor. If you are willing to compromise a bit of closeness for some convenience and flexibility then investing in an electric razor might be worthwhile.
Before considering shavers, you will need to spend some time working out what type of beard you have, this will determine the quality and type of shaver you would aim for. Reading between the lines it sounds like you have quite a thick beard – so only a high end electric shaver will do. As for the foil vs rotary shaver decision, if you have tried the rotary Philips RQ1260 Series 8000 Senso Touch shaver and did not enjoy the shave then it might be worth considering a high end foil shaver.
Additional resource: http://groomwithstyle.com/foil-or-rotary-shaver-which-ones-choose/
If you still have the Philips shaver in the cupboard maybe getting it out and trying it again with an adjusted shaving technique would help determine if buying the Philips Series 9000 S9711 shaver is a good idea. The recommended shaving technique for a rotary style shaver is to move the shaver lightly over the skin, without pressing too hard – the shaver should just touch the skin, which lets the cutter do the work. The shaver should be moved in small approximately 5cm circles – this allows the hairs to be attacked from all sides. If you don’t shave every day then pre-trimming is very helpful in reducing the number of passes you will need.
From G+S’s perspective the cutting differences between the Philips Series 9000 (model S9711 is in this series) shavers and Philips Series 8000 (model RQ1260 is in this series) shavers are not major. See the section in the article above:
Philips Series 9000 vs Series 8000 Models Compared.
Based on the above information if you decide on a high-end foil shaver the Braun Series 7 or Braun Series 9 shavers would be the best options (see differences etc. in the article above). The good thing about shaving with a foil shaver is that you can adjust the pressure you use during the shave based on your beard thickness and how close a shave you want (and which part of your face you are shaving) i.e. generally the closer the shave you want the more pressure you can apply.
Two more points:
1) It can take up to a month for your facial hair and skin to adjust to the use of an electric shaver i.e. you need to train your beard, so don’t discount your new shaver if you don’t get a brilliant shave straight away. For the high end shavers this learning phase is usually covered with a money back guarantee.
2) See also our advice to Bogdan in the comment section above on January 25 2017 – he had some similar questions about rotary shaving and we discussed some shaving techniques he could try.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
The Braun cooltec is my daily driver currently. I had the Braun 9095c before but the Cooltec price got me and the shave quality is almost identical.
Hi there,
my son is 16 and needs to start shaving, he has inherited the fair sensitive skin that runs in our family. He also has occasional blemishes. What is the safest, gentlest reliable shaver?
It would be nice if he could use it in/out of shower.
Also am I correct in eliciting that some of these models are not meant to be used with shaving cream or gel?
What then?
Sorry. I’m a single mom and no one to teach my boy this guy stuff.
Thank you.
jo
Hi Jo,
Thanks for the questions, hope we can help a little bit.
Firstly, G+S believe you are doing the right thing by focusing on an electric shaver for you son if he has sensitive skin (or might be prone to ingrown hairs). Electric shavers are designed in such a way that they keep the cutting elements away from the skin which causes less irritation than manual shavers etc. You can read more here.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/
Next, we would typically suggest you focus your search on foil shavers. There a 2 main types of shavers; foil and rotary. Foil shavers are generally easier to learn how to use than rotary shavers, and also cause very little irritation on sensitive skin.
http://groomwithstyle.com/foil-or-rotary-shaver-which-ones-choose/
Keep in mind that typically with electric shavers you want the hairs to stand on end, which means you get the best shave dry. This is a generalisation and something your son will have to experiment with as there are a lot of factors that come into play.
From there is really depends on your budget. As this is your sons first shaver he probably does not need the very latest and greatest so if we look at a few options at different price ranges you might consider:
Braun Series 7 shavers (great for sensitive skin, with multiple modes of personalisation, technology which helps the hairs stand on end and keep the razor away from sensitive skin). Within this range you have the;
799cc – wet option, can be used in the shower (but not with gels or foam as it might damage the cleaning station)
790cc – dry only option
More details on the range can be found here.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-7-790cc-shaver-review/
Braun Cool tec – specifically designed with a cooling element to reduce irritation. The shaver can be used in the shower. It comes in 2 models one with the cleaning station and one without the cleaning station. Once again if you get the cleaning station then you cannot use gels with the shaver.
http://amzn.to/2kIj4W3
The Braun Series 3 is another high quality shaver at a lower price point.
http://amzn.to/2lj6Kbs
Read our full review here.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/braun-series-3-340s-4-wet-dry-shaver-review/
Also, we have a fun article about teaching sons to shave – which you might enjoy.
http://groomwithstyle.com/teach-son-shave-modern-day-rituals-manhood/
Hopefully, this information gives you and your son a good head start on his shaving journey.
Kind Regards,
Lisa & Pierce
I am interested in the Braun Series 7 and Series 9 shavers. However, none of those shavers appear to come with plastic caps to protect the expensive foils and cutters. I have always had caps with my less expensive (and less desirable) shavers, and consider caps necessary. Am I wrong?
Hey Ron,
You are absolutely right the Braun Series 7 and Braun Series 9 shavers do not come with a protective cap for the foil heads. Whether the protective cap is really necessary, well that is another matter…it would probably have been nice of Braun to have included one to give people a choice. What you can imagine has happened is that Braun has decided that as these shavers are sold with the Clean and Charge Station the protective cap is not required.
For travelling the 9095cc, 9090cc, 9050cc, 799cc, 790cc and 760cc all come with a hard protective travel case which will protect the head of the shaver.
Good luck with the choice.
Cheers Pierce
Hey guys,
I have a bit of a problem. About a year ago I decided to change to an electric razor since normal ones got me very irritated on the neck especially so I’ve bought a Philips series 7. I am pretty pleased with it, it does a good job and I can use it everyday without any irritations. The problem is that it does not shave my neck completely; I end up having patches of hairs that simply do not get cut so I still have to use a normal razor to finish the job. That beats the whole purpose.
So I was thinking of buying a foil one, maybe the rotary system is just not for me. But I don’t want to invest a lot of money in a Braun series 9 just to end up using a normal razor again to finish the job.
What do you think? Could a foil razor be better than a rotary one for my neck?
Thanks
Hi Bogdan,
Sounds pretty frustrating. Our initial thought would be to try a few things first with your existing rotary Philips Norelco Shaver 7300.
Shaving neck hairs can cause some guys lots of problems: with a blade (irritation) or electric shaver (difficult to cut all hairs). Unfortunately, we don’t have a silver bullet (every guy’s facial hair, skin type and facial structure is different), and we can only suggest that you try a few of the tips and techniques below and see if they help. It is really a matter of trial and error and seeing if we can find something that helps you out. You can try the suggestions together or one at a time and see what works for you.
Things to try to get a better shave of your neck (and face)
1) As a general rule with electric shavers we would say that you want the hairs to be dry and stiff before you begin shaving. This way the hairs are easier to shear once they have gotten in the head of the shaver – so generally we would say to avoid washing your neck/face before shaving.
1a) There is a great product we can recommend Lectric Shave which makes whiskers stiff and stand on end. You could try applying this just to your neck or to your entire face. http://amzn.to/2jR0ubv.
2) Ignoring the general rule above have you tried a wet shave? You could try a wet shave with just water, with creams, or shaving in the shower. Have you tried shaving at different times – before and after a shower, before work and after work? Note – when you first wake up in the morning you skin tends to be slightly swollen, so wait at least 20 minutes before trying to shave (this allows the hairs to be closer to the surface of the skin making for an easier shave).
3) Have you tried to trim the neck hairs first with the precision trimmer and then shave?
4) Shave your problem area/neck first. This will mean the shaver heads are cooler – some guys find this helps to improve results.
5) The next suggestions are shaving technique related. With coarse to medium coarse hairs, and specifically neck hairs, you probably have to resign yourself to the fact that you will not capture all hairs on the first or even second pass.
– add and reduce pressure, see what works.
– Tilt your head back and to the side to stretch out the skin on the neck. Use your opposite hand to help stretch the skin.
– shave in all directions, circular, up and down, sideways etc. Don’t restrict yourself, play around and see what works. Change the stroke length, long short, faster, slower…
Play around with these suggestions and try to find something that works for you and your neck. If all that fails, you could then try a different shaver (maybe if you have a close friend with a foil shaver you can try theirs). However, you already have a high end rotary shaver so there is no guarantee that a high end foil shaver will work better for you.
Another alternative you could try is a high-end trimmer that cuts hair down to .4mm such as the Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer 9100.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Cheers for now,
Pierce
You are saying great things about Braun 9 serie, but if you look reviews and comments on amazon, significant number of people will say that serie 7 is still better than 9. So now I am really confused which one to buy.
Hi Ricky,
Thanks for the great question, let me try and summarise Groom + Style’s viewpoint below.
Firstly, the team really like both the Braun series 9 and the Braun series 7 shavers. From the G + S team’s experience they are both very high quality shavers (Braun backs their products with a 2 year warranty) and we do not think you can really go wrong with either shaver (as long as you have reasonable expectations that you would apply to any electronic item and do not expect it to perform magic). If we were to summarise who should buy which shaver, then the general rules would be:
Braun Series 7 vs the Braun Series 9
Braun Series 9
Closeness of shave & comfort –> from the team’s experience (variety of different facial hair types), it was easier and faster to get a closer shave with the Braun Series 9. The more powerful motor and enhanced cutting design (see details in the review) also helped minimizing irritation during a shave.
Braun Series 9
Shaving frequency –> if you have coarser facial hair or only want to shave every few days the series 9 will typically deliver a better shave.
Braun Series 7
Purchase Price and cost of maintenance – the Braun Series 7 provides the best compromise in terms of performance and value for money. The shaver has been around for around 17 years now and has a loyal following and long history of delivering quality shaves. If you do not need the latest shaver, want to save a bit of money, and want something proven then the Braun Series 7 might be for you.
A quick note on the amazon.com reviews (just for your interest).
Braun series 7 – approx. 5000 positive reviews, 913 critical reviews since Sept 2010. 5% critical reviews.
Braun series 9 – approx. 240 positive reviews, 70 critical reviews since Sept 2015. 3% critical reviews. Where a large percentage of these critical reviews complain about the cost and availability of the foil cutter head replacement (which is a valid consideration and something you should factor in to your decision – see the section in the article “Braun Series 9 Foil Cutter Head Replacement Cassette – Availability Issues have driven up to the cost”).
More reading from G+S – detailed reviews of the Braun Series 9 and 7 below.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-9-90cc-shavers-review/
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-7-790cc-shaver-review/
Hope this helps.
Pierce
I recently bought the Remington F5-5800 and i gotta say its amazing. You were spot on when you mentioned the easiness to clean it.
Thank you so much for your quick response. It is truly appreciated! I will look further into the shaver that you recommended. And thank you for the links on the helpful articles. I will forward those to my son. This site is great and I appreciate the detail in the response!
Hello I am a single mom looking for a device that my 18 year can use for his mustache only. He had a Wahl and used it daily, the gold foil cracked in the corners and now he misplaced the device altogether. In my opinion, and I can be wrong, his mustache area seems to be a little darker (possibly ingrown hairs?) again I could be wrong. Either way, he is in need of a new device. I’m thinking the devices mentioned in your very detailed and appreciated review may be too wide and awkward for using solely on the mustache area. Something thinner? One blade perhaps instead of 4 to 5 blades? Any suggestions? Please help!
Hi Monique,
Thanks for getting in touch. Your son is very lucky to have such a caring mum. Our team would suggest you look closer at the Braun 3 Series 380S-4 (340S-4) shaver.
The Braun 3 Series 380S-4 is a high quality (lower priced) shaver that has 2 foils heads (SensoFoils) with a MicroComb in the centre – the MicroComb helps to feed more difficult hairs into the cutting foils. All three cutting elements move and cut independently adapting to facial contours.
One feature that might be particularly useful for your son is the Precision mode/lockable head feature (only available on the Braun 3 Series 380S-4, and not on the Braun Series 340S-4), which when activated via a simple switch retracts one of the cutting foils to make the effective shaver head slimmer allowing for a more precise shave of the upper lip(or other hard to shave areas).
You son could also use the Braun Series 380S-4 shaver in the shower and even use shaving gel/foam for a wet shave it if helps him get a better shave of his moustache.
We have a more detailed review here.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/braun-series-3-340s-4-wet-dry-shaver-review/
We also have a fun but informative article on how to teach you son to shave which you might enjoy.
http://groomwithstyle.com/teach-son-shave-modern-day-rituals-manhood/
Oh, and if you want more information on ingrown hairs please check out this article.
http://groomwithstyle.com/tips-to-choose-shavers-for-ingrown-hairs/
Good luck with your decision – let us know how it turns out.
Kind Regards,
Lisa
Exactly what I was looking for, regards for posting .
HI and thanks for the quick response.
Update about cost of shaver heads. I finally (after 3 hours) spoke with a real person at Braun. It seems that there is a MAJOR back order on the shaver heads. They were able to get one ordered for me, and maybe worth while calling if in need of replacement sooner than later. This is why the price is going up so fast, and they have become hard to find. No one with in 500 miles of where I live has any. this is also impacting series 9 replacement heads as well.
No idea when back order will be cleaned up.
Sorry for confusion, the little bit of hair I have left on my head is much finer than what is on my face.
HI, I am wondering if anyone else has noticed that replacement heads for Braun series 7 shavers have more than tripled in the last 6 months and there is almost no where to get them. I spent $31 last July, and currently the ones I can find are over $110. Are these shavers being discontinued? I have been using my Braun since 2009/2010 and I love it especially the cleaning stand as I chafe head and face, thats whey I replace foils very 6-7 months to keep the best shave possible.
Next question is what is a good affordable shaver for thick Irish/Scottish facial hair and very fine (now almost non-existent, thanks mom) hair.
I have spent over 2 hours on brains website and phone with out ever getting a human, getting frustrating as you can imagine.
Any feedback would be great.
Hi Doug,
We haven’t really kept track of the price of the Braun replacement foils – but you are right the going price on amazon seems to be about US$110. GroomNStyle have not heard any talk of the Braun Series 7 being discontinued, and as it is one of the most popular Braun shavers we doubt they will discontinue it any time soon (please don’t quote us on that 🙂 ).
The team are a bit confused by your question (thick facial hair as well as very fine hair?) – but if you are looking to replace your Braun Series 7 shaver, you could consider upgrading to the Braun Series 9?
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Thanks guys, good info as I am considering replacing my Panasonic ES-LA63, I have been pretty disappointed with this razor in general. I now have apparently dinged the foil and it is scratching up my face pretty good. So, rather than replace the foil and blades, I think I am going to just buy a new one. I appreciate your solid reviews… kinda torn between the Braun 9 & 7. Kinda tough to warrant that kind of a payment but… I have also considered doing the Harry’s shave club deal but I don’t know. Anyway, thanks again for your reviews and information, good job!
And can the braun 9 used for bodygrooming also ?
Hi Mah,
One of the key benefits of an electric razor designed especially for body grooming is that it will trim hair as well. For example, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 7100 has a trimmer at one end and a foil shaver at the other. This way you can trim your body hair down to a reasonable length first before applying the razor.
In theory, the Braun Series 9 could be used for shaving body hair once it has been trimmed. However, the Braun Series 9 trimmer is not designed to clipper/trim body hair so you would need a separate trimmer tool anyway. Also, from a hygiene perspective utilising your shaver on your face after it has been used elsewhere (even after it is has been sterilised) might not be the best idea. Overall, GroomNStyle would recommend you keep your facial hair razor and body grooming tools/trimmer separate.
Feel free to read GroomNStyle’s review of the top 5 best body groomers linked below
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-body-groomers-for-men/
Cheers,
Pierce
Hi,
Im looking since a while for the best shaver for me and thank you very much for this very informing article but im confused still between the braun 9 and the philips norelco 9 !! Its like they’re both the best of the best but I still didnt understand which one shaves better ?
And Which one shaves closer and last longer ?
Hi Mah,
Thanks for the question. The key difference between the Braun Series 9 and the Philips Norelco Series 9000 is that the:
Braun Series 9 is a foil type shaver and the Philips Norelco is a rotary style shaver. From GroomNStyle’s perspective they are both the best in their class. The one that is best for you will depend on your exact requirements, such as skin sensitivity and the type of facial hair you have etc.
Please read the following articles to gain a better understanding of the type of shaver that is best for you:
This article will help you decide if a foil or rotary shaver is best for you:
http://groomwithstyle.com/foil-or-rotary-shaver-which-ones-choose/
This article will cover the different factors you should consider when deciding which electric shaver is best for you
http://groomwithstyle.com/a-complete-guide-to-buying-an-electric-shaver/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Dear Groomnstyle,
of all the gift related lists, recommendations and product hype I’ve sorted through this – this article BY FAR was the most helpful. Please keep this going every year! Great job – even the comments were helpful. I brought a Braun Series 7 for my husband who has not treated himself to a new shaver in 10 years. I think I’ll be more excited when he opens it than he will.
Thanks – you’ve found a new convert to the site.
Jeannine
Hi Jeannine,
Thanks for the kind words, it makes all the effort worthwhile…
Kind Regards,
Lisa, Pierce & The GroomNStyle Team
With so many on the market, looking for an electric razor that operated with cord or cordless.
Hi Steven,
The general rule is that shavers/trimmers that can be used in the shower/bath cannot be used while plugged in (corded). If the shaver is a dry shaver it will operate corded. The key reason is that the manufacturers need to consider that some users might try to operate the wet shaver, plugged in, while in the shower – which would obviously be dangerous. Without further details on your budget, beard type, shaving style/frequency etc. it is difficult to give you specific advice. Please read the top 5 electric shaver reviews and related articles to get an idea of what will work for you.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Hello, I’m interested in all of the hype about the Braun 9 series, and even 7 series. Before I purchased one, I did some research to see about replacement blades as I never see them in Target when buying for my 5 series. Has anyone found replacement parts for the 9 or 7 series in the US?
Some findings say its too early since they are so new but I see posts for people looking for them in February. If you cant come out with parts by then, how can you expect me to pay $300 for your razor?
Hi Brandon,
Thanks for the question. The replacement foils for the Braun Series 9 and Braun Series 7 are available on Amazon via the links below.
Braun Series 9 – http://amzn.to/2gEy8mh
Braun Series 7 – http://amzn.to/2gIaJPn
Enjoy the holidays.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Having used high end shavers of both brands, the major difference between Braun 7-9 series and Panasonic Arc 4-5 series are as follows:
1- Panasonic has very little vibration. Braun has greater motor vibration during shaving.
2- Braun doesn’t spew around cut hair all over your body while Panasonic spills it all over the place.
3- Panasonic gives a closer shave in all over the face – other than neck area. That’s where Braun wins.
4- Braun razors feel more solid.
5- Panasonic razors make less noise.
Hiya,
I just received my new Braun 9095cc and will use it tonight for the first time. The instructions for the cleaning station are very limited? Is there a way to choose the quick cleaning or is it chosen automatically per what is thinks is needed? Can I skip cleanings, the solution is an expense I never had and I have owned almost every electric shaver over many many years and always try to buy the best. I hope I made a good choice with the Braun 9095cc thinking it is your highest and best model. Only the cleaning is questionable.
Hi Charles,
Congrats on your recent purchase – we hope the Braun 9095cc meets your expectations and serves you well for many years.
There is no option for the user to select any cleaning programme with the Braun 9095cc cleaning and charging station (the Braun Series 7 station has a specific fast clean button). Once you insert the shaver into the Cleaning Centre it automatically selects which option is appropriate based on how long it has been since the previous cleaning, how dirty etc. A full clean and dry will last about 45 minutes, which comprises of several actual cleaning cycles (cleaning fluid is flushed through the shaver head – this lasts about 3 to 5 minutes) and then the drying process which lasts about 40 minutes. The cleaning solution should last about a month for a regular user – the cleaning unit is intelligent enough to only use the minimal amount it needs. The key benefits of the cleaning and charging centre are the convenience, shaver maintenance and lubrication, hygienic clean & sterilization (more hygienic etc. than just cleaning with water).
Note – with the 9095cc you cannot use foams as gels, as these will damage the cleaning centre.
You have a few options available in regards to the cleaning station:
– Using the cleaning and charger station after every clean which is what Braun recommends (of course). This way every morning you will have a fully steralised and maintained shaver waiting for you.
– Not using the cleaning and charging station at all and just cleaning & oiling the shaver manually (you can plug the charger directly into the shaver). But as you have spent the money on the station, you should probably at least use it sometimes…
A more balanced approach where, for example, you clean your shaver manually for several days and then use the cleaning station twice a week (to lubricate and remove bacteria/staph etc.).
->You can actually make your own cleaning solution – see below (we are certain Braun would say this voids your warranty).
– Manual Cleaning and Oiling
There should be plenty of details available about this, but you can perform a wet clean (under the tap) or a dry clean (with the brush provided etc.).
– – Wet Clean – while the shaver is on you can rinse the shaving head under hot water (you can do this even if you are going to put it in the cleaning station to start the cleaning process). You can use some non-abrasive soap during the clean, but make sure it is all rinsed off fully i.e. keep the shaver running under the tap to make sure the water is running clear again. If you are not going to use the cleaning station then remove the foil cap and cutter cassette to let them dry.
– – Dry Clean – switch off the shaver, remove the foil cap and cutter block and using the brush clean the components. Do not use the brush on the foil or cutting block as this may damage them (tap these parts on the sink). Oil every week if you are not going to use the cleaning station (if you do use the cleaning station you do not need to oil).
-> Make you own cleaning solution
Now, there are some alternatives to the Braun cleaning solution. You can make your own using 70-99% isopropyl/rubbing alcohol and then either add some copier lubrication, or you can buy some sachets from http://ccrrefills.com/. So you clean the Braun cartridge very well, rinsing and emptying (repeat), then fill with your new solution and off you go.
If you found this helpful, please share details of the site with friends and like us on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JustGroomNStyle) and twitter (https://twitter.com/TheGroomNStyle).
Kind Regards,
Pierce & The GNS Team
I shave with a Gillette mach 3 razor. I get a close shave and lots of ingrown hairs. I heard that I should get an electric razor that leaves short stubble to prevent ingrown hairs is that right?
Hi Jeff,
Yes, unfortunately some men are more prone to ingrown hairs (especially while shaving with a blade). GroomNStyle have a number of resource articles which can hopefully help you make the right choice for your skin type (and lifestyle).
This article effectively summarises what you have hinted at – choosing an electric razor (or trimmer) will significantly reduce the number of ingrown hairs that you experience. If you lifestyle allows it you can opt for a beard trimmer, and maintain constant stubble – rather than shaving every day. The trimmer option will also save you a significant amount of time.
http://groomwithstyle.com/tips-to-choose-shavers-for-ingrown-hairs/
Foil vs rotary or clipper – this article will help you decide if a foil, rotary or clipper is best for you.
http://groomwithstyle.com/foil-or-rotary-shaver-which-ones-choose/
Trimmers – if you decide to go for a trimmer, this article lists the top 5 best trimmers available.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
Tips to prevent ingrown hairs – whatever you decide this article will give you some tips on how to manage ingrown hairs.
http://groomwithstyle.com/how-to-remove-prevent-ingrown-hairs-fast-10-amazing-tips/
Kind Regards,
Pierce & the GNS Team
Really insightful and well-written article. I have been using the Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver and found this shaver to be awesome. Have been using it for a while know, shaving 2 to 3 times a week. And it just keeps going and going. Again thanks for your reviews and will definitely be back for some tips and tricks.
I have been using Number 2 on the list since it first came out or forever whichever came first (?). Works great and I save on the refill cartridges by tapping the cartridge in the dry bathtub to get most of the hair out and then rinsing with water while shaver is on as they suggest if you are travelling and then use the clean and renew every third day. You can also start mixing alcohol into the Clean and Renew plastic cartridge refill and it cuts down on the fragrance smell as well as saves money. HOWEVER I now have problems with my ears and the noise level of this shaver has become unbearable. Super sensitive baby skin means no manual shaving and now you say no rotary either?. I know the rotary shavers are considered to be more quiet and would appreciate any help on this front. I have worn earplugs while shaving for the last 4 years but because we also hear through the bone next to the ear this is not that great an improvement. I think I’m SOL but just thought I would ask . Thanks
Hi James,
Thanks for the post, and your shaving tips for the Panasonic Arc5. In regards to your requirement for a quiet shaver for sensitive skin, it might just be that a high end rotary shaver will work for you – such as the Philips Norelco Series 9000. From a noise perspective it might be best you find a shop where you can try the shaver to ensure the noise is quiet enough for you. From a sensitivity point of view, the GNS team would typically recommend a foil shaver, however a top of the range rotary shaver like the Philips Norelco Series 9000 can also be used by people with sensitive skin. It has different comfort settings (one of which is sensitive) and some people find that the 3 pivoting heads actually equalize shaving pressure and help minimize irritation.
Other alternatives for your situation might be to; grow a beard, or to switch from shaving to trimming your beard (some men actually just trim twice weekly, which saves them a lot of time).
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I’m interested in electric razors at the moment and looking at buying one for a gift for someone. I have read a few buying guides like this one but I’m still deciding on the best bang for buck. I appreciate this article as it has also been helpful with some great info.
The best guide to look a top electric razor. But now i’m searching about Braun Series 9. Do you have any idea about this product?
Hi Leo,
Yes, just follow this link for a detailed review of the series 9 shavers.
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/best-braun-electric-shavers/series-9-90cc-shavers-review/
– Lisa
I have had the 9700 Norelco for a year. After the first couple of months the cleaning stand stopped working, but was replaced under warranty. I understand this is a common problem. Each of the three shaving heads are secured by a plastic ring which must be released or secured using a plastic tool. One ring continually comes off while shaving. I used the plastic tool so often it broke. I am not sure what the cleaning stand does since the heads are always filled with hairs whenever I open the shaving head.
I do well to shave with a manual razor but I also shave my head bald and I am trying to find something that will clip my head close and I can razor cut after if I need it
Hi Mark,
What about a trimmer?
http://groomwithstyle.com/art-of-shaving/5-best-beard-trimmers-for-men/
– Lisa
Hey Alex. I have a question.Which choice between panasonic lv95 and braun 9095cc? price not important. Function is very important. Which Preference you?
thanks
Hi Chapdast,
They are both exceptional, the Braun 9095cc came out on top in our review. Please read the reviews for both and decide based on your exact specifications. Good luck!
– Lisa
Your article is so informative.It was clearly worth my time.
I use the Norelco 1250 for many years. Problem is when I went to buy replacement blades for it they’re not available. I really like to shave it gave but really a bummer that you can’t buy replacement blade for it.
Hi Scott,
Depending on the age of your model you might be able to find them, or even a replacement head? A few sample links below.
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Norelco-RQ12-Replacement-SensoTouch/dp/B003V37Z6U?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
http://www.philips-store.com/store/catalog/accessories-and-replacements/replacement-heads/shaver-series-8000-shaving-heads/productdetail/RQ12_62_US_SHOPPUB/US/en?active_tab=reviews
– Lisa
Nice list of shavers out here. I have Panasonic Arc 5 has a list of specifications and I am looking forward to buy it. Thanks.
Hi,
Question: Which shaver is faster – Panasonic 5Arc, Braun Series 7 or Braun Series 9? You wrote that in Braun line the Series 7 is the most advanced but Series 9 is newer – am I missing something?
Hi David,
The Braun Series 9 is our top-rated shaver and will deliver a slightly faster shave than the Series 7. Due to, by not limited to the fact that, it has a slightly larger head (see detailed review for more information). Good luck with the decision.
-Pierce
Hi! My boyfriend seriously needs a razor and it’s been so long since he’s gotten a new one so I was going to surprise him with a new electric razor but it’s EXTREMELY difficult with all of the options and claims especially since I am utterly clueless. His currently gives him somewhat of a razor burn. He doesn’t have very thick facial hair, but it does grow back quickly and he has grown to resent shaving. I know for a fact he doesn’t at all like the wet/dry action shavers. but he does like a close shave. He has a rotary right now. I will definitely add to this in a separate comment and give more info.
I bought the Philips wet/dry shaver (about $400), and it failed 3 times in 3 years. It was replaced 2 times under warranty, but Philips would not back the product after the third failure. There appears to be a problem with the water seal, which kills the electronics. A search on the web finds that I’m not the only one experiencing this issue. Beware before purchasing this pricey shaver.
Which is the best not too expensive electric face and full body shaver for men wet/dry system? please inform ASAP.
Thanks.
Ackie, You can never go wrong with Braun 9095 or Panasonic Arc5. Please try them and let us know your experience!
-Lisa
Arc5 ordered, against my dads advise lol
Will let you know
Thanks Shane,
Let us know how it goes.
-Lisa
Main problem is the thick hair, and the manufactures say a rotary is best for that?
I have sensitive skin, but a seriously tough facial hair, I wouldn’t even get a single shave out of a. Gillette blade, have always used Philips, never change the heads just replace the shaver.
However the last 2 or 3 razors the shave quality seams to be getting worse
AT790 and then what I think is an S5600 ( it says replace with SH50 heads ) it’s the worst shave I have ever had, and it’s still new,. I have to use this then a blade. And have almost given up shaving.
So I want another, but not sure I can trust Philips with my money, I don’t have a budget, normally just buy what looks the best value, mainly I just need to know what I buy will work, this is the first time I have given any thought into which model I choose, Any help will be much appreciated.
Might be worth noting I don’t shave everyday, and I stay in hotels more than my own bed so cleaning stations are useless, to me
Shane,
Hands down Braun 9095cc or Panasonic Arc5 if you are looking for the closest shave for sensitive skin. Rotaries are a big no-no: not because they don’t give you the closest shave but due to the technology used, it will not be as comfortable as the 9 series or Arc 5 skin.
-Lisa
Great article! Using number 3 right now, can recommend it!
My husband recently decided to go bald and also dry shaves his face/beard. He is African-American and after research, he bought the Wahl 5 Star. It’s not expensive at all and it works great. His head is so smooth and he has not had any ingrown hair, bumps or razor burn. You can find replacement foils and blades at Sally’s Beauty Supply for about $25-$30. The shaver itself was about $60 as Sally’s as well. He is picky about the products he uses and will discontinue use as soon as it is not performing as expected but this product he really likes and it gets the job done.
Thanks for letting us know Kaye
-Pierce
My teenage son needs to shave every few days right now but we are having difficulty finding a good electric shaver to use with his acne. So far the ones we have tried seem to really set off the acne and make things not look so good. Any suggestions for acne prone skin? He has not tried wet shaving yet…not sure if that is better but would be concerned about putting any type of gel or anything on his face…Any input appreciated. Thanks!
Mom of Teen Boy
Leslie,
Acne prone skin and dry shaving can be very tough ride given that there is no lubrication. Have you tried water based natural shaving gels that don’t have any chemicals?
Panasonic Arc5 and Braun series 7 & 9 all are pretty good with acne prone skin as they come with advanced technology that’s not too harsh on the skin.
Let us know what you decide and your experience.
-Lisa
I’d like to buy a razor for my 91 year old dad. His grey haired beard is very stiff and difficult to shave. At the same time, his skin is thin and sensitive. Your thoughts/recommendations please!
Hi,
The skin at 91 can be very sensitive. At the high end, Braun 9 series shavers are pretty good for sensitive skin. On the other hand, the cooltec series is specifically designed for sensitive skin at a lower rate. Suggest you try them! Let us know how it goes.
-Lisa
Is there anything to apply to a soft beard to help lift hairs so they get shaved? I have had electric razors, to include Braun, and it seems that not all of my hairs get clipped. What would you recommend?
Brian,
You wouldn’t need an application for lifting soft hair. We suggest you try the Braun 7 or 9 series foil shaver that come with Acti-Lift technology.
-Pierce
Hi
I wana buy a shaver to my boyfriend as a gift
he was talking about shaver that helps him to do arts to his beard and be able to remove his head hair as well
so what do you recommend
Sara – well that’s a dilemma as you cannot get a shaver that does both. You will be able to do all sorts of designs on beards with specialty beard trimmers but will need a head shaver or a very good electric shaver that can also be used on the head. Check our beard trimmer & head shaver section for recommendations.
-Lisa
I just bought the ES-LV65-S
Reading other reviews it think that this is the best electric shaver right now and the price is ok.
Braun 9 series shaver are over $300, like the 9090cc or 9093s. So expensive for an electric shaver.
http://www.braun.com/us/male-grooming/series-shavers/series-9/series-9-models.html
Jumo-ES-LV65S is great but still hasn’t passed our tests. How is it so far?
Let us know
-Pierce
Hey, thanks for this research, it helps a lot.
BTW, there is a new version Arc5 5-Blade Shaver w/ Shaving Sensor ES-LV65-S.
Anything to mention in regards of this new item vs the previous version?.
Jumo – A bit more money for features that we think don’t warrant the price increase. As you have gone ahead and purchased it, please let us know your experience.
-Lisa
My husband has recently been put on serious blood thinner medication and was told no more shaving with a sharp blade. What is the best electric shaver that will give him the same close shave he likes.
Laurie-
Both Braun 9095cc and Panasonic Arc5 provide a close and comfortable shave. They aren’t harsh on sensitive skin either so we recommend using them. Cuts are extremely rare but please exercise caution as no amount of technology can guarantee a cut-less shave. Preparing the face is the key to smooth shaving experience.
let us know how it goes!
-Lisa
Hi, I’m looking for an electric razor that is best in its class for a close shave on sensitive skin – at the moment I have to wet shave everyday as it is required by my line of work to be perfectly clean shaven. Looking for an electric razor to make my life easier in the morning!
David,
Not sure what the budget is, but I would suggest you go for Braun 9095 or Panasonic Arc5 based on the requirement for wet shaving and the closeness they provide (without irritating sensitive skin). The Arc 5 is a consistent performer for the last year and a half with a reasonable price…while Braun series 9 9095cc has taken the world by storm it is currently more expensive. You cannot go wrong with either of them. Let us know how it goes!
-Lisa
My husband takes his beard serious. But he’s never indulged himself to anything more than drugstore shave cream and manual razors for trimming. He loves the beard balm and oil Santa brought him last year. I was thinking of a high quality electric razor or beard trimmer this year or maybe an old-school razor. I would love for him to have the best avsilable but I haven’t a clue what’s best for his particular grooming preference. He also shaves his head weekly with clippers sometimes a razor. Any suggestions on products?
Hi Stephanie,
Check out our list for the Best Beard Trimmers – Philips came up truimphs in all our in-house testing if he is into beards. He can then style with some beard and mustache wax.
Lets us know if he likes the recommendations once he gets the gifts from Santa!
-Lisa
philips norelco all machines are best.
I’m a fire fighter and happen to be African-American so shaving get isn’t easy for me I found this to be very helpful especially the part at the end explaining which shaver might be the best for African Americans I was thinking about the braun 7 before I read this but know I’m sure that I will be buying that soon. Thank you for your helpful information.
Many thanks Jahmal- Glad you liked the article!
-Lisa
Panasonic es-lv81 arc 5 is very suitable for every gents i think.
Hey I have found Braun series 7 799cc to be the best from all of those. I also have included your response to my list. Please check