Electric razor
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- Philips Norelco Shaver 3600. Best for: Rotary shaving on face and head. See options on Amazon
- Braun Series 5 foil shaver. Best for: Foil shaving with a cleaning station. See options on Amazon
- Moisturizing shaving cream for sensitive skin. Best for: Wet shaving with an electric razor. See options on Amazon
Rotary vs foil shavers
| Detail | Philips Norelco Shaver 3600 | Braun Series 5 (5160cc) |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Rotary, 5D Pivot and Flex heads | Foil, SkinGentle foil |
| Blades | 27 self-sharpening ComfortCut blades | SmoothShave blade for up to a 3-day beard |
| Wet or dry | Wet and dry | 100% waterproof, wet and dry |
| Extras | For head and face use | Precision trimmer; 4-in-1 Clean and Charge center |
| Battery | Not stated in features | 50min Li-Ion battery |
Details are from Philips and Braun product pages. Philips says its heads flex and pivot in five directions to follow the curves of your face; Braun says its foil protects skin while achieving a close shave.
What comes in the box differs too. Braun lists the shaver, precision trimmer, protective cap, cleaning cartridge and 4-in-1 Clean and Charge center for the 5160cc. Philips lists SkinProtect Technology and an anti-corrosion shaving system for the 3600, and describes it as suited to head and face.
Electric razors and razor bumps
The AAD explains that razor bumps form when a razor cuts hairs short and coarse, curly hairs curve back into the skin, and that for men who get them, a single-blade razor or an electric razor is often recommended. If you use an electric razor, it says to replace the foils and blades as often as your razor's instructions recommend.
Philips says its self-sharpening blades stay like new for 2 years. Braun pairs its Series 5 with a Clean and Charge center it describes as effortless maintenance to keep the shaver like new. Either way, check the replacement schedule in your manual.
Shaving tips for fewer bumps
From the AAD's razor bump routine:
- Soften hair with a warm compress or shave at the end of your shower.
- Use a moisturizing shaving cream, even with an electric razor; never dry shave.
- Shave in the direction your hair grows, with short strokes and light pressure.
Braun says its SmoothShave blade can comfortably shave even a 3-day beard, and its Precision Trimmer helps you get clean lines around a beard or sideburns.
Wet or dry shaving
Both example shavers can be used wet or dry. Since the AAD advises a moisturizing shaving cream even with an electric razor, a wet and dry model gives you that option. Braun says its Series 5 is 100% waterproof, and Philips says its 3600 gives a clean shave for wet and dry use, even on sensitive skin.
The AAD's general shaving advice also says to wet your skin and hair to soften it before shaving, and that a great time to shave is right after a shower. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, it suggests a shaving cream that says sensitive skin on the label.
Keeping your razor clean
- Dry it and store it dry. The AAD says to dry your razor and store it in a dry place to prevent bacteria from growing on it, and never to leave it in the shower or on a wet sink.
- Use the cleaning features. Braun lists EasyClean and a Clean and Charge center for its Series 5; Philips lists full washability for its 3600.
- Replace worn parts. Philips says its self-sharpening blades stay like new for 2 years; follow your model's instructions for foils and heads.
When to see a dermatologist
If razor bumps keep coming back after you change your technique, the AAD says it is time to see a dermatologist, who can offer customized treatment. Avoid plucking hairs trapped in bumps.
For the rest of your routine, see our body wash guide.
What to look for when you buy
Philips Norelco Shaver 3600
Best for: Rotary shaving on face and head
Philips lists 5D Pivot and Flex heads, 27 self-sharpening blades and wet and dry use.
Watch out: Keep using a moisturizing shaving cream if you get bumps, as the AAD advises.
See options on AmazonBraun Series 5 foil shaver
Best for: Foil shaving with a cleaning station
Braun lists a SkinGentle foil, precision trimmer, 100% waterproof body, 50min battery and a Clean and Charge center.
Watch out: Replace the foil and blades as the instructions recommend.
See options on AmazonMoisturizing shaving cream for sensitive skin
Best for: Wet shaving with an electric razor
The AAD advises a moisturizing shaving cream even with an electric razor, labeled for sensitive skin if your skin is dry or sensitive.
Watch out: Rinse it all off; leftover cream can irritate skin, the AAD says.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Are electric razors better for razor bumps?
- The AAD says a single-blade razor or an electric razor is often recommended for men who get razor bumps.
- Rotary or foil shaver?
- Philips says its rotary heads flex and pivot to follow your face; Braun says its foil protects skin. Both example models work wet or dry.
- Should I use shaving cream with an electric razor?
- The AAD advises applying a moisturizing shaving cream even when using an electric razor.
- How often should I replace the foil or blades?
- As often as the instructions with your razor recommend, per the AAD.
- Which way should I shave?
- With the grain, in short strokes and with light pressure, per the AAD.
Sources
- Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Hair removal: How to shave (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Philips Norelco Shaver 3600 Wet and Dry Electric Shaver S3243/91 (usa.philips.com), Philips
- Braun Series 5 Electric Shaver, 5160cc (us.braun.com), Braun