Which is better: an electric razor or a machine?
Removing excess facial hair is one way or another one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures by men. Even now, when the beard has come into fashion, not all representatives of the strong half of humanity have become adherents of this trend. Therefore, the question of choosing a shaving device has been and remains relevant. And the eternal rivals in this fight for the championship are the razor and the electric razor.
Machine
The razor has been around for a very long time. And to this day, many men trust the smoothness of their skin only to him. In modern stores you can find many varieties of this very convenient and easy-to-use device - from simple disposable machines to newfangled ones with a sliding head and several blades. All of them are in steady demand.
The main advantages of razors:
- Quality shave. The machine is able to cut hairs at the root, which helps men's skin remain smooth and tender. In addition, during the wet shaving procedure, the pores open and the razor helps to clean them;
- Availability. These shaving tools can be bought at any supermarket for very little money;
- Ease of use. Shaving with a machine does not require special skills and abilities.
However, this razor also has disadvantages that make you think about the advisability of acquiring it:
- High degree of traumatization of the skin. Although the men in the commercials claim that "these state-of-the-art machines are absolutely safe and easy to use," the possibility of a cut cannot be completely ruled out;
- The need to purchase replacement blocks. If you use a machine with replaceable blades, you will have to buy them periodically anyway. And their price is much higher than the cost of the machine itself;
- Need for accessories: shaving cosmetics, water, which is not very convenient, for example, when traveling.
Which to choose?
There are several types of razors. In order to choose the one that suits you best, check out their characteristics:
- Disposable. It is difficult to underestimate this device: a very low price, ubiquitous availability, the presence of several pieces in a package, compactness, low weight and ease of use make them really in demand. They can be taken on the road, used even in a campground, which is especially important for those whose activities are associated with constant traveling. But in addition to such obvious positive qualities, disposable machines also have disadvantages:
- not too good quality of the blades and, as a result, their short service life;
- light weight, although good for traveling, however, forces a man to press harder on the machine for a better shave, and this can lead to irritation and trauma to the skin.
- With replaceable cartridges. The market is just full of them right now! With a "floating" head, with several blades, with a lubricating strip, vibrating ... In general, for every taste and color. Such machines have a lot of advantages: sharp blades, comfortable rubberized non-slip handle, availability in most stores, ergonomics. The disadvantages include the possibility of irritation with frequent use and the appearance of ingrown hairs.
- T-shaped. This is a classic. It is a rather heavy metal device, into which a “dangerous” blade is inserted from above. However, this machine has a lot of fans. It boasts the highest quality hair cutting (almost at the root), with certain skills, it is safe to shave it and it is affordable (the blades are cheap, but the machine will last you for many years).
The disadvantage is only a longer procedure time and the need to learn how to use it correctly.
electrical appliance
An electric razor is a fairly common device. Each home appliance store can offer the consumer a wide range of such razors to choose from. Undoubtedly, this device has firmly occupied its niche in the market, but this is not surprising - it has a number of undeniable advantages:
- Shaving does not require water and special cosmetics;
- Excluded traumatization of the skin;
- Compact dimensions and light weight allow you to take the razor with you anywhere;
- Shaving takes very little time;
- Longer blade life (from 1.5 to 3 years).
However, let's add a fly in the ointment - such a wonderful device still has a number of imperfections:
- When shaving with an electric razor, the pores of the skin are not cleaned, which means that comedones, blackheads and pimples may appear;
- Some electric razors require manual cleaning of the blades after each shave, which can take some time;
- The cost of such devices is an order of magnitude higher than the cost of machine tools;
- If a malfunction occurs in the mechanism, professional repair is necessary; it is difficult to repair such a razor on your own;
- The machine is noisy during operation. This can create certain difficulties in carrying out the procedure in the morning, when the rest of the family is still sleeping.
- An electrical outlet is required to use the device and recharge the battery.
Which one to choose?
When choosing an electric shaving device, the following parameters must be considered:
- Type of shaving system. There are 2 of them: grid and rotary. The principle of operation of the mesh is similar to the operation of a hair clipper: the blades vibrate, pick up the hairs and cut them off. The blades are covered with a special mesh, so they are not able to injure the skin. This mesh has holes so that you can pick up hairs of various lengths. Foil shavers are great for removing long hairs and treating sensitive skin. The rotary mechanism consists of several round knives rotating inside the head. Suitable for both long and short hair.
- Number and rotation of heads. The more heads in an electric shaver and the faster they rotate, the better the shave becomes. Grid devices can have 1-4 heads, rotary - 2-3.
- The presence or absence of the function of "wet" shaving. If you like to shave while taking a shower, then there are special waterproof electric shavers that work on battery power for you.To recharge such an electric machine, you just need to insert it into a special stand. Blades are cleaned by rinsing under running water. If such a function is superfluous for you, buy a classic device for a “dry” shave.
- Battery or electrical outlet. Undoubtedly, if you often leave somewhere and it is important for you that the razor is always at hand and in working condition, then your choice is an electric shaver with a battery. Of course, it needs to be recharged periodically, but this can be done in the car, and in the end you will be able to shave several times, regardless of whether you have a power outlet nearby or not. Batteries are different. The cheapest variety is nickel-cadmium. They take a long time to charge, but the charge lasts a maximum of 40 minutes. Nickel-metal hydride ones work a little longer - about 70 minutes. Lithium - the most expensive, but also more "long-playing" - their operating time reaches 2 hours.
- Availability of additional features. Some modern electric shavers come with additional options that most men will find useful. One of them is a trimmer. It is necessary for those who have a beard and mustache. Also, with its help, you can slightly correct the haircut, removing excess hair on the neck and trimming the temples.
- cleaning function. A dry electric shaver can be cleaned with the brush that comes with the kit, a wet one can be washed under running water. Self-cleaning devices are now on the market.
- Skin moisturizing function. Found only among devices for wet shaving. A cosmetic product is poured into a special compartment, which is served in small doses and moisturizes the skin during shaving.
- Display indicator. If you want to be aware of what your device needs at any given time - recharging, cleaning or replacing knives - get a razor with an LCD screen. If all this knowledge is useless to you, there are devices with a conventional battery charge indicator.
What is your advice to a teenager?
The first shave is an important step. And it must be remembered that the razor should in no case harm the delicate skin of a teenager. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to either disposable machines or machines with removable cartridges equipped with a lubricating strip and 3-5 blades. Such devices will not damage the skin and will cope well with unwanted hairs.
As for electric shavers, this is a moot point. Of course, an electric razor has many advantages, for example, it eliminates skin trauma, shaves quickly, cleanly and without the use of additional cosmetics; however, it may not be suitable for a teenager for the simple reason that you need to be able to use it correctly, and the appearance of blackheads and pimples due to insufficient cleaning of the pores during shaving is not excluded.
When choosing a device for hair removal, a teenager needs to take into account all the features of the skin and the intensity of facial hair growth, and then select options. Try a few and settle on the one that suits you best.
Reviews
Men are divided into two camps: some believe that a razor shaves cleaner and is more accessible and mobile, while others vote for an electric razor as a less traumatic and convenient shaving tool. Well, how many people, so many opinions.
Razors are favored by their low cost, ubiquitous availability and clean shave.The undeniable advantage of an electric shaver is the inability to cut yourself and the absence of the need to use additional products (dry shaving).
The occurrence of irritation on the skin due to frequent shaving, cuts - these are the negative sides of the machines. An electric shaver can not be used everywhere, especially if it is without a battery; for a clean shave, you need to be able to use it correctly - an electric razor has such “cons”.
What to choose for you is a purely individual question. In order to answer it, try different options. Your skin will tell you if you made the right choice or not.
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