How to Use an Electric Razor: A Complete Guide

You've just bought an electric shaver to eliminate nicks and speed up your morning routine. Great choice. But after trying it once, you get razor burn or ingrown hairs, leaving you wondering if you've wasted your money.

I've been shaving for more than a decade, and I've seen every mistake in the book (some I've made myself). The good news? I'm here to give you the exact playbook on how to use an electric shaver. No theories, just methods developed from countless hours of shaving.

Read until the end to learn how to prepare your skin, hold your shaver correctly, avoid irritation, and achieve the smooth finish every shaver desires.

What are the Two Types of Electric Shavers?

Before you fire up that shaver, you need to know what you're holding. There are two main types of electric shavers, and they work differently.

• Foil Shavers: Foils have straight, oscillating blades protected by a thin layer of metal foil. The catch? You move them in a straight line - up and down or side to side. Think of painting a fence, not waxing a car. Foils work best on shorter stubble and give a closer finish than most rotaries. Brands like Braun, Panasonic, and Andis are reliable foil shavers.

• Rotary Shavers: Rotaries have three or more circular cutting heads that pivot. They work best in a circular motion and are ideal for shaving areas with lots of curves, such as your head, neck, and chin. They're also awesome if you shave every few days and have longer, multi-directional hair growth. Brands like Freebird, Skull Shaver, and Remington are some of the best rotaries you can buy.

Which one should you get? If you're starting, a rotary shaver is usually more forgiving. They're easier to use, work on longer stubble, and cause less irritation. But if you want the closest possible shave and don't mind shaving more often, a foil might be your jam.

The 21 Day Adjustment Period (Yeah, It's Real)

Let's be real: your first few shaves with an electric razor might feel rough. It takes about 2-3 weeks for your skin to adjust (Philips recommends at least 21 days to adapt fully). During this "break-in period", you might experience skin irritation or a shave that isn't as close as you'd like.

Why? Your skin is used to a blade, and the new electric cutting action is different. Don't worry, that's normal. I switched cold turkey and ended up with my neck feeling like I wrestled a cactus.

By week three, your skin toughens up, your technique improves, and your shaves get smoother. Commit to the electric method for the first few weeks and refrain from using your old manual razor. You need to stick with it to see how good electric shaving really is.

How to Hold an Electric Razor the Right Way

While it may seem basic, holding your electric razor correctly is a crucial step that can greatly improve your shaving results. Understanding the right way to hold your shaver will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a smoother, more comfortable shave.

Most electric razors are designed to be held at a 90-degree angle to your skin, like holding a glass of water upright. You want the shaving heads or foils to make complete contact with your skin.

For a palm-grip shaver like Freebird's FlexSeries Pro, grip it like you're holding a computer mouse and use your fingertips to guide the movement.

For a foil shaver, hold the handle like a TV remote, with a vertical grip and fingers wrapped around it, keeping the foil flat against your face, not tilted.

Don't add too much pressure; it won't improve your results and will only cause razor burn or irritation.

How to Shave with an Electric Razor

1. Pre-Shave Prep

Make sure your shaver is fully charged. You wouldn't want to stop mid-shave because your battery died. It's embarrassing to go out with a patchy or uneven shave. Now you need to prep your skin.

Dry Shave

For dry shaving, keep your skin as dry as possible. Avoid washing the shaving area right before shaving; instead, do it several hours earlier or the night before. Washing removes the natural oils that let your blades glide smoothly.

Trim longer hairs first; you'd want to avoid pulling and tugging when you start shaving.

Wet Shave

If you prefer a wet shave, make sure your shaver is waterproof first. Prepare by washing your face with warm water to soften your hair and open your pores. Apply your favorite shaving cream or gel.

2. Shaving Technique

Stretch your skin taut when shaving. You'll catch more hairs and avoid those nasty cuts. I once cut my upper lip with a trimmer; it won't happen again.

How to Use a Foil Shaver: Move in straight lines only, up and down or side to side. You can go against the grain for a closer shave.

How to Use a Rotary Shaver: Move the shaver in small, circular motions, allowing the rotating heads to do their job. For a closer cut, make sure you cover hair growing in different directions.

3. Check for Missed Spots

Once you're done, run the back of your hand over the shaved area. Feel any stubble? Make a final pass until they're smooth. Your neck and chin area usually have missed patches.

4. Rinse and Moisturize

Splash your shaved area with cold water to close pores and remove excess shaving products and loose hairs. Pat dry, and don't rub when you're done.

Apply a moisturizer or aftershave balm; this is non-negotiable.

Pro tip: Electric shavers generate heat, which can cause razor burn on sensitive areas. Shave heat-sensitive regions first, like our neck or Adam's apple.

Common Mistakes First Timers Make

Pressing Too Hard

For newbies, stop pressing too hard! It's the #1 beginner mistake. The best way to use an electric shaver is to let the device do the work, no added pressure needed.

Not Cleaning Your Shaver

A clogged shaver is useless, even with the best brands. Hair, dead skin, and product buildup can mess up your shave. Clean your shaver after every use; it makes a world of difference. Waterproof shavers can be rinsed under running water, while non-waterproof models usually have a cleaning brush to remove hair clippings.

Shaving Too Fast

Electric shavers cut down shaving time, so why are you in a hurry? Racing through your shave will only result in missed spots and uneven patches.

Using the Wrong Products

Some shaving creams or oils are too thick and will clog your shaver. If you're wet shaving, use products designed for electric shavers for the best results.

Letting Stubble Get Too Long

Electric shavers work best on short stubble (1 to 3 days of hair growth). If you've gone a week without shaving, your shaver will struggle. What to use before electric shaving? Trim with clippers first, then use your electric razor to finish the job.

Not Replacing Blades

Even the best electric shaver blades wear out. I follow the two-pass rule: one pass with the grain and one pass against. If there's stubble left, it's time to replace my rotary blades. Going over the same area more than two times can irritate your skin.

Dull blades pull hairs, which only leads to irritation and a lousy shave. Replace when you notice a dip in performance or refer to your manual for your replacement schedule.

Maintaining Your Electric Shaver

Taking care of your shaver helps it work like new and extends its lifespan.

• Clean after every shave. For waterproof shavers, pop open the head and rinse under warm running water. For dry-only models, use your cleaning brush to remove hair and debris.

• Deep clean weekly. Once a week, disassemble your shaver (following the user manual) and give it a thorough cleaning. Some shavers come with cleaning solutions—use them. If not, a drop of dish soap and warm water works fine.

• Lubricate the blades. Refer to your manual to determine if your blades require lubrication. Many rotary shavers benefit from a drop of clipper oil on the blades every few weeks.

• Store properly. Keep your shaver in a dry place. If it came with a case or cap, use it to protect the heads from damage and dust.

• Replace parts on schedule. Don't wait until your shaver is pulling hair to replace the blades. Follow the manufacturer's replacement schedule, which is usually every 12-18 months for blades and every 6-12 months for foils. Mark your calendar; you'll forget otherwise. Trust me.

The Bottom Line

Electric shaving isn't rocket science. You just need to know the playbook. Master your pre-shave prep, use light pressure, and keep your shaver clean.

You'll move from getting irritated patches to a reliably smooth, fast shave every morning. Once you nail how to shave with an electric razor, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with a manual blade.

FAQs

Is it Better to Shave Wet or Dry with an Electric Razor?

Dry shaving is faster and more convenient for most people. Wet shaving can provide a more comfortable shave for those with sensitive skin, but it requires additional prep and cleanup. Try both methods and see which one your skin prefers.

What Do I Put on My Face Before Using an Electric Razor?

For dry shaving facial hair, you don't need to put anything on your face. Just make sure your face is clean and completely dry. Some guys like using a pre-shave powder or lotion to absorb moisture and help their facial hair stand up. For wet shaving, use a thin layer of shaving gel or cream designed for electric shavers.

Am I Supposed to Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor?

Not for dry shaving. For wet shaving with a waterproof electric razor, use a thin layer of shaving cream or gel. Too much lather can clog the cutting heads and slow you down.

Do I Go With or Against the Grain with an Electric Razor?

Always start by shaving with the grain and see how your skin handles it. Once you've adjusted, you can experiment with shaving against the grain for a closer finish.

Should I Shave Every Day with an Electric Shaver?

You can, but you don't have to. Unlike traditional razors, electric shavers are less irritating and work well for daily shaving, allowing you to stay clean-shaven.

What Should I Apply to My Skin Before Using an Electric Shaver?

For dry shaving, nothing - just make sure your skin is clean and dry. For wet shaving, apply a thin layer of shaving gel or cream. Some people also use pre-shave oil to add extra glide and protection, but it's not necessary for everyone.

How Close of a Shave Do You Get with an Electric Razor?

Most electric shavers can get you 90-95% as close as a cartridge razor, and most people can't tell the difference. The trade-off? Way less irritation, faster shaves, and virtually no risk of cuts.