Traveling with Your Electric Shaver: Tips for Grooming on the Go

Ever stepped into a sketchy hotel bathroom at 6 AM, half-asleep, and realized you forgot half your shaving gear? Or worse, you've got everything you need, but the lighting is terrible, the water pressure sucks, and there's barely enough counter space for a toothbrush?

Travel throws curveballs at your grooming game.

Fear no more, because we've got you covered. With 14 years of shaving experience, I've learned what actually works on the road.

I'll share hacks on how you can continue with your regular shaving routine, even when traveling.

Do I Bring My Main Shaver or Travel Shaver?

Your main electric shaver is probably bulky, heavy, and packed with features you don't need on a weekend trip. Travel shavers are compact, lightweight, and built for portability.

But here's where it gets interesting: Some shavers pull double duty.

The FlexSeries is a hybrid shaver. It's compact enough to work as a travel shaver but powerful enough to be your daily driver. With 90 minutes of battery life, it can last a full week without needing a charge.

If you're looking for the best travel shavers, we've listed the best for you here. 

What to Bring While You Travel?

Travel Case (Non-Negotiable)

This is the difference between organized efficiency and digging through your luggage looking for your trimmer attachment.

Inside your case, everything is in order. You have your travel shaver, shaving cream, and aftershave in one lightweight, portable case. No more tossing everything in your suitcase and losing or breaking some of your stuff. Not fun.

Electric Shaver

Whether it's your main shaver or travel shaver, make sure it's reliable. 

You can't go wrong with the FlexSeries or the FlexSeries Pro.

Both have a travel case (bought separately) that can house your shaver, attachments, and other shaving essentials. 

Pro tip: Turn on your travel lock (the FlexSeries Pro has one) to prevent your shaver from accidentally powering on during the flight and draining the battery.

Charger or Charging Cable

While the latest electric travel shavers have batteries that can last a short trip (60 to 90 minutes of shaving time), what if your trip gets extended?

It's always better to have a backup plan if your shaver runs out of juice. Bringing your charger or charging cable is always a good idea.

Always bring a universal travel adapter if you're traveling internationally. 

Nothing's worse than arriving at your hotel and realizing your US plug won't fit the European outlet.

Beard Trimmer

Do you sport a beard that requires extra care? Pack your beard trimmer. Some travel shavers have trimmer attachments that can do minor clean-ups if you're on a short trip.

But if your travel plans extend, your beard will look scruffy soon.

Finding a barber in a foreign country can be expensive and time-consuming. 

The good news? You can also shave your head with your beard trimmer. Freebird's BeardSeries trimmer is a perfect travel companion. It has a travel lock, adjustable settings, and a powerful motor.

Moisturizer

Hot and cold weather dries out your skin. Airplane cabins? Moisture vampires! Humidity drops 5 to 12%. 

Which is why a good moisturizer is a must-have during travels.  

Having dry skin is a no-no when shaving. Apply moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes before shaving and after you're done.

Shaving Gel

If you prefer a wet shave while traveling, shaving cream or gel is a must.  Water quality varies wildly when you travel. Some places have hard water that feels like shaving with sandpaper.

Shaving gel creates a protective barrier between your skin and the blade, preventing irritation and making the razor glide smoothly.

Sunscreen

Now that you have a smooth dome, you need extra protection from harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours. We can't escape the sun, no matter where we go.

UV rays are 20 to 60% stronger at higher altitudes and 25% higher when they reflect off water or sand at the beach.

Nobody wants a sunburnt scalp while on vacation.

A Backup Razor

What happens when your electric shaver dies because you forgot to charge it? Or it breaks because you didn't pack it properly?

Here's where a backup razor comes in handy. Disposable razors take up a little space and weigh nothing. Toss one in your bag and forget about it until you need it.

If you forget your backup, you can always ask your hotel for disposable razors.

A Hat

A hat is your best friend. Baldies should have both winter and summer hats in a hat rack. While sunscreen offers excellent sun protection, it wears off in a few hours. Unlike sunscreen, a hat gives constant sun protection and makes you look stylish. 

I never travel without my favorite baseball cap. It blocks the sun, hides bad shave days, and keeps me from getting sunburned whenever I forget to apply sunscreen.

A Small Mirror

Hotels without mirrors? Budget-friendly accommodations often have tiny mirrors (or none at all). 

Compact mirrors are cheap, lightweight, and pack flat. Throw one in your toiletry bag.

Pro-tips: 

• Use your phone's front camera as a mirror. Prop it up against something and use it to check your work.
• Shave by feel. Your hands can detect stubble that your eyes might miss. Run your palm over your scalp or face in multiple directions to check for missed spots.
  

The TSA 3-1-1 rule

Flying with shaving gear? You must learn the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule. 

Each traveler can carry:

• 3.4oz (100ml) bottles of liquids, gels, and aerosols
• 1 quart-sized clear resealable bag for all liquids
• 1 bag per passenger
  

This applies to liquids such as shaving gel, moisturizer, sunscreen, aftershave, and any other liquids in your carry-on.

Larger containers go in checked luggage. No exceptions.

The Bottom Line

Travel shaving doesn't have to be difficult.

Pack the right gear, know the TSA rules, and adapt to whatever bathroom situation you're dealing with.

The key? Be prepared. Bring your essentials. Stay flexible.

Can't shave? Embrace the stubble for a few days. You can clean it up when you get home. Not the end of the world.

FAQs

Can You Bring Electric Razors on a Plane?

The TSA website says yes, you can bring electric shavers in your checked and carry-on bags. Electric shavers have no exposed blades compared to safety razors and cartridge razors, that's why they are allowed in carry-ons.

What's the Best Travel Shaver?

The Freebird FlexSeries or the FlexSeries Pro are two of the best hybrid shavers that work as your primary and travel shaver. For ladies, there's the FlexSeries for Women shaving kit. 

Check out our "Weekend Warrior" Travel Grooming Pack for the ultimate travel grooming kit.

How to Protect Your Electric Razor When Traveling?

Keep them in your travel case or a dedicated space in your luggage. If your electric shaver has a travel lock, turn it on. It's an excellent feature that keeps your electric shaver from turning on accidentally. 

What If My Hotel Has No Hot Water?

Use a warm, wet washcloth to soften your hair before shaving. Soak it in the warmest water available, wring it out, and hold it against your skin for 60 seconds. This mimics the effect of a hot shower and softens hair 
enough for a comfortable shave.

What's the Best Way to Shave Without a Mirror?

Shave by feel. Run your hand over your scalp or face to detect stubble your eyes can't see. Your fingers are more sensitive than you think. You can also use your phone's front camera as a makeshift mirror.