If you’re new to shaving, you may have already found the miriad of shaving options that you have at your disposal and wonder which one makes the most sense for you.
Here are two options to consider if you are a guy who is new to shaving and the benefits of each option.
Double Edge Razor (DE Razor)
A double edge or DE razor is the original safety razor for men that was patented in 1901 and came to prominence several years later in 1904. So it has quite a bit of history behind it and given the age of the product, patents have long since run out and thus replacement blades for the product are relatively cheap with many manufacturers to choose from. The design itself is quite basic when compared to newer razors but if it works, why change it, right?
DE Razor facts
- A single razor blade that is sharp on both sides hence the name double edge.
- Both sides of the blade can be used to shave, but only one at a time.
- Given the single blade design, tends to minimize ingrown hairs while giving a close shave.
- Utilizes a shaving handle that unscrews at the bottom to open up. The actual razor blade is placed into the holder and the handle is then screwed shut to hold the blade in place.
- Commonly known brand names include Wilkinson, Merkur, Astra, Gillette and Personna among others.
With all the 2-7 blade disposable razors that exist these days, you might wonder why a single blade makes sense. With one blade on your skin, you have less friction and skin irritation. This is important if you suffer from sensitive skin.
Also, do you really need that many blades cutting your hair? Men somehow survived with single blade razors for decades and double bladed razors have only existed 1971. Much of it is marketing and an attempt by razor blade manufacturers to concentrate on selling more blades which = more money.
I have used DE razors, single blade, double blade and triple blade razors to shave. They all do the job.
Electric Shaver
An electric shaver is a good choice for a first time shaver for a number of reasons. They are widely available with many models and styles to choose from. Electric shavers tend to minimize and often eliminate the chance that you cut yourself while shaving.
Electric shavers typically come in two main styles and these days are additionally available in wet/dry options which may be used in the shower and either with shaving cream (wet) or without (dry). The two main designs are:
Rotary head shaver
A rotary head shaver normally has 2 or 3 round shaving heads that turn quickly in a circle to shave your whiskers. A rotary head shaver is used by moving it in small circles on your skin to raise and cut the hairs. Philips Norelco and Remington are two well-known rotary head shaver manufacturers. I’ve used both and can’t say I have a preference between brands.
I personally prefer rotary shavers to foil but have used both successfully.
Foil head shaver
A foil head shaver has 1 or 2 straight metal foils that reciprocate (moves back and forth) quickly to cut the hairs. Traditionally, single foil shavers were the norm but newer products may come with a double foil design. BRAUN and Panasonic are two well-known foil head shaver manufacturers. In fact, BRAUN only makes foil head shavers and does not produce rotary head ones.
Which Is Better? Rotary Or Foil?
Each offers benefits and in general terms here is why you might choose one over the other:
Rotary head: Works well for hair that grows in various directions. Pivoting shaving heads offer flexibility and is a good feature for jawlines and hard to reach spaces ie. below the ear. Rotary shavers tend to be better for those with coarse hair.
Foil head: Since it is used only with an up and down motion, it tends to be good on flat open spaces like your cheeks. Foil head shavers are generally considered better for men with sensitive skin.
Conclusion
- A double edge (DE) razor is a good first choice razor given that it only has one blade and is the oldest and original safety razor used by men for over 116 years.
- A DE razor is a good option for men who like the idea of shaving with shaving cream and wish to use a blade product but aren’t sure how many blades to go for.
- DE blades tend to be good for men who suffer from ingrown hairs and have already tried multi-blade razors with difficulty.
- An electric shaver is also a good option for new male shavers. Many brands are available and many choices are easily found.
- Electric shavers come in wet/dry varieties and two main options exist: rotary head and foil head, described above.
- Electric shavers tend to minimize if not eliminate cuts which is a benefit over any blade razor product.
What other tips and suggestions can you think of for first time shavers? Let us know in the comments below.