If you need a classic razor, then the current range of such devices is collected in the corresponding catalog. Its electronic analogue has also been actively promoted lately. In addition, do not forget about the wide range of shavers, specialized beard trimmers and universal clippers. We will talk in more detail about these and other devices for caring for facial hair.

Who is a regular razor suitable for?

No matter how much the manufacturers of shavers assure us otherwise, the most smooth shaving is provided by the now classic razors. They can handle even quite stiff and long stubble. Also razor is easy to use, generally independent of the electricity, is cheaper than any other modern devices for shaving, and works quietly, which is also not offered by the main competitors.

Of course, there are also disadvantages. Firstly, the razor does not exclude cuts and razor burns. Secondly, to make the process comfortable, you need to use foam/gel and/or steam the skin thoroughly. If the water is suddenly turned off, shaving will be more problematic. Thirdly, the whole process is not very fast, and haste will lead to cuts. It's also important to change the blades frequently, and Gillette cartridges cost comparable to the razor itself. And don’t forget that this device is only for a smooth shave, and not for beard trimming or any styling.

The razor with a replaceable blade has already become a classic for smooth shaving.

Who should choose a razor:

  • those who value a perfectly smooth shave;
  • owners of not very sensitive facial skin;
  • those who do not shave every day, but once or a couple times a week.

If you want to trim or groom your beard, a razor will not help you. BUT! It can complement other devices for care, so in general, it can be recommended to literally all men. For example, the razor will be able to quickly remove unruly hairs that do not lend themselves to shavers. It can also be used to shave off stubble on the cheeks/neck before or after using a trimmer.

Nuances to consider when choosing:

  • Gillette and BIC products can be considered market leaders;
  • along with models with replaceable blades, there are many so-called disposable razors: when the blade gets dull, it's time to buy a new razor.
A good razor shave is a wet shave.

Who is a shaving trimmer suitable for?

Shaving trimmers are relatively new devices. This device can be considered as an alternative to a shaver. But it’s a little more fair to consider these trimmers as advanced versions of traditional razors. Let's say the popular OneBlade models from Philips are positioned specifically as power devices. They are equipped with a motor that drives the blades and are powered by a battery.

Shaving trimmers are usually complemented by comb heads that can be used to trim the beard, leaving the stubble at a proper length. The working head is not very large, so the double-sided blade can also be used for neat trimming, including the creation of Spanish beard. For a clean shave (including daily, and both dry and wet), the device is also suitable, however, with some tension — stubble in a few tenths of a millimeter still remains. This is because the blades are not close to the skin so that there are no irritations and injuries.

Externally, a shaving trimmer is only a bit larger than a razor, but it can do more.

Who should choose a shaving trimmer:

  • those who have a beard and/or mustache;
  • those with sensitive skin — for daily shaving;
  • those who are switching from a conventional razor (the basic movements are almost the same), but do not require a perfectly smooth shave.

Nuances to consider when choosing:

  • the clear market leader is Philips and various OneBlade models, which are more expensive than conventional razors and comparable to branded shavers;
  • almost all models have moisture protection, which allows wet shaving and significantly simplifies facial care;
  • heads, as in conventional razors, are consumables: with Philips they must be changed every 4 months;
  • the battery life often exceeds 45 minutes, but not all models are equipped with additional indication.
Shaving trimmers

Who is shaver suitable for?

Electric shavers are probably the best choice for everyday shaving or frequent grooming procedures every other day or two. In general, it can be argued that the technologies of leading manufacturers of these devices have brought the smoothness result closer to conventional razors, while the negative effects on the skin are, as a rule, lower. Cuts for an experienced shaver user are definitely nonsense. With burns after the procedure, everything is more individual, but even those with the most delicate skin can choose an excellent foil shaver.

A foil shaver is gentle on the skin.

Almost all modern models are equipped with a trimmer — a device for trimming sideburns, mustaches and beards. Most of the range is suitable for wet shaving, that is, using foam or gels. And some electric shavers are even equipped with special combs or heads for cutting stubble and giving it a neat, well-groomed look. The latest models are the most versatile, but they are often expensive flagship models.

Who should choose a shaver:

  • those who shave every day;
  • users who have little time for care (daily dry shaving can take about 5 minutes);
  • teenagers (they will not injure the skin, which is why it is easier to master a shaver than a razor).

Nuances to consider when choosing:

  • Philips, Panasonic and Braun are considered market leaders, but various Chinese brands are actively imposing competition on them;
  • a foil shaver is best suited for those with the most sensitive skin, as well as for removing straight and manageable hair of different lengths;
  • a rotary shaver is great for short but coarse or wavy stubble. It's also slightly more likely to burn the skin;
  • it is recommended to choose a model with wet shaving capabilities. Firstly, it will be a battery-powered model with high mobility. Secondly, even if you rarely shave with foam, the moisture protection provided here will definitely simplify facial care — after use, the device can be rinsed under water;
  • you won’t have to frequently change the consumables of your shaver, but it’s better to find out the service life of the rotor heads or foil unit, as well as the cost of new elements at the stage of choosing a model;
  • the most functional devices can be even more expensive. Shavers with self-cleaning function require the purchase of special solutions.
Rotary models shave smoothly, but do not always eliminate burns.

In general, choosing the best electric shaver is very individual. There are many factors involved — the density, stiffness and direction of stubble growth, the shape of the face, and subjective experience. Of course, a conventional floating head should follow the contours of the skin more precisely than a fixed one, and three foils work better than two, but in practice there are exceptions to the rules. Accordingly, at least the first shaver should be regarded as experimental: it is reasonable to take a model from a trusted brand, but you don't have to aim for the flagship right away.

Shavers

Who is a beard trimmer suitable for?

Beard trimmers are devices that allow you to trim facial hair and give it the desired shape and contours. The characteristic features of the models include a rather narrow blade with small teeth. It is exactly what makes the mustache, beard or sideburns ready for spot-on modeling and styling.

Trimmers are similar in appearance to both hair clippers and shaving trimmers. They most often have a rechargeable battery (although there are also combined or corded models) and are equipped with a set of heads, including universal or fixed combs. Also, trimmers are often equipped with a profile accessory for a goatee — a small blade for shaping the contours of this Spanish beard. And sometimes even a foil shaver is included in the kit, but it usually serves primarily for spot work rather than a full shave.

The trimmer cuts, but does not shave the beard, making it well-groomed.

Who should choose a beard trimmer:

  • those who have a beard;
  • those who like to experiment with facial hair;
  • owners of very sensitive skin, for whom shaving invariably leads to burns.

Nuances to consider when choosing:

  • among the popular brands are those who dominate the segment of electric shavers — Philips, Panasonic and Braun, but also deserve attention the highly specialized brands — Wahl, Remington, Moser and BaByliss, and in addition to them Rowenta;
  • the range of cut length adjustments can be quite different. Here you need to build on your personal preferences (needs). If you need short stubble, then when choosing you need to look at the minimum available value and the available ranges, and if you have a very long beard, then pay attention to the maximum length;
  • as with other electric care devices, support for wet cleaning, a good battery life and a not too long charging process are welcome.

Who is a multifunctional hair clipper suitable for?

A multifunctional hair clipper is a device with a large number of attachments.

For those with a beard and those who like to experiment with facial hair, we can recommend not only a profile trimmer, but also more versatile devices. These include multifunctional clippers and hair cutting sets. If the former provide an expanded set of attachments or easily removable working tools, then the latter provide several devices for different tasks at once. Let's talk about the latter first.

The set most often includes as a basic element a clipper or a beard trimmer, and in addition there is another device. It can be a razor, an electric shaver or even a Philips OneBlade. If you choose models that exactly focused on the care of facial hair, they will provide the maximum versatility, namely daily shaving, haircutting and modeling of the beard. But such a set can be quite expensive, it will be two devices, which means transportation and storage is a little more difficult. In addition, the buyer can have a problem with the choice: the set may contain a trimmer that fits the needs, but not a suitable razor or vice versa.

The multifunctional clipper is a versatile soldier with plenty of working attachments. Almost always there is a handy set of accessories for cutting and modeling a beard; it may also include a foil shaver. Additionally, other accessories often appear here, for example, a trimmer for body, eyebrows or ears. Well, don’t forget about the opportunity to cut your hair — make it bald or short — at 3, 6, 9 mm, etc.

Who should choose universal models:

  • those who want to not only take care of their beard at home, but also get a haircut;
  • for lovers of "all-in-one" models who do not want to buy a lot of narrow-profile devices like beard trimmer, body trimmer, nose trimmer, etc.;
  • lovers of experiments with facial hair (from a smooth shave to various fashionable beards).

Nuances to consider when choosing:

  • Philips products are again in demand among manufacturers, but Wahl, Remington and BaByliss are also in good standing;
  • the versatility of multifunctional clippers depends directly on the equipment, i.e. the set of attachments and combs;
  • when marketing a blade unit as ultra-versatile, compromises are inevitable. For instance, narrower blades are suitable for precision work on a beard but may extend the overall cutting time.
  • it would be a good idea to pay attention to blade materials and other aspects. More recommendations on this matter are collected in the profile material “How to choose a hair clipper?”
Hair clippers

What to choose for shaving and trimming the beard: brief conclusions

In the previous section, we came to the conclusion that more versatility is provided either by devices with an abundance of attachments, or by sets of several devices. Accordingly, even manufacturers understand that one device with a single attachment is unlikely to satisfy all user needs. True, in most cases this is not required.

A set of trimmer and razor covers almost all beard care needs.

Many men experiment with facial hair, but as a result they come to one optimal option. The one that requires less effort, does not leave irritations (or minimizes them) or that likes the soulmate. We can distinguish three typical scenarios:

  • frequent or daily shaving. For him, the optimal choice is a shaver that is suitable for the type of skin sensitivity;
  • light unshavenness with stubble removal once a week. Then consider a regular razor or its advanced version — a shaving trimmer;
  • wearing a beard. In this case, there are more options, but the optimal choice would be a profile trimmer or a shaving trimmer, and only practical experience will most likely tell you the exact answer. In addition, if you add to this scenario a request for a haircut at home or removal of unwanted hair on other parts of the body, then it is also reasonable to consider multifunctional clippers.

In conclusion, it should be noted that many men combine the use of several devices at once. For example, the author of this article uses a couple of specialized attachments of the Philips Series 3000 clipper as well as the Gillette Fusion razor to care for his beard. Similarly, you can quite successfully combine a shaver with a profile trimmer or the razor. At the same time, men usually come to their optimal device or combination of devices by trial and error. We hope that our material will provide you with the opportunity to learn from other people's mistakes and find the best choice for yourself.