Are Electric Razors a Good Holiday Gift for Men?
It's that time of year again. Peppered throughout the commercials for new cars, BluRay DVD players, and flavored vodkas are holiday ads touting electric razors. With shirts off and chiseled jaws smooth and gleaming, you can't help but wonder: if I used an electric razor, would I look like that?
The answer is probably not. However, electric razors have become common gifts for men during the holiday season, and whether you are looking to purchase one for your dad or interested in popping one on your own wish list, here are some hints on the investment you're about to make.
Electric Razor Pros
- In a comparison to shaving with a cartridge razor, water, and shaving cream, electric razors are predictably faster and less messy.
- They reduce the risk of nicks, bloody gouges and ingrown hairs, and often they get the job done with a little more punch (thanks to the raw power of electricity) so you won't have to go over the same thick patch over and over again.
- For guys constantly on the road, electric razors are easy to store in a travel bag and do not require additional grooming products like shaving cream, gels, and even water.
- When manipulating varying facial hair patterns like sideburns and goatees, electric razors can be more versatile and accurate.
Electric Razor Cons
- If you want that smooth-as-a-baby's bottom feel, you are just not going to get it with an electric razor. Some do a better job than others, certainly, and there are a couple electric razors that will get you pretty dang close. But it just isn't the same.
- They can get spendy. Like, up to $300 spendy. Compared to that 8 buck off-brand Quatro-blade disposable, it can be a daunting investment - even though if you stick with it, it will save you money in the long run.
- Electric means loud. And with some razors, really loud.
- Without some practice, electric razors can leave you bumpy, burned, and wait...is that a hint of acne? It can take about a month for some guys to get their faces trained to not boycott this new shaving system.
It Pays Off When You Pay Up
When it comes to electric razors, it is worth it to commit to the big bucks and come away with a quality product. There is a reason that what is considered the best electric shaver on the market (the
Braun Series 7 760cc) comes in at a hefty $240. Skimping on a $60 dollar razor, and you are at risk for a dull, loud, poorly-made piece that will leave you scruffy and unsatisfied.
The Hardware
Foil Shavers have a single, perforated surface that slides across your face, with horizontal cutters underneath that trim the hair. Foil razors will give you a slightly closer shave than competing electric razors, and are less irritating to skin. However, they are much more delicate and usually more expensive.
Rotary Shavers usually have three rotating heads with multiple interior cutting blades. Rotary shavers have a better handle on longer facial hair and are more adept at navigating the contours of the face. Generally, they are more durable than foil razors.
All-Purpose Trimmers are ideal for men who want only a trim, as opposed to full-fledged hairlessness. They usually come with multiple heads and adjustable lengths so one machine will take care of mustaches, sideburns, and beards.
You Should Get An Electric Razor If :
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You like a little bit of manly stubble, even though you just shaved.
- You travel frequently (and always have extra batteries on hand).
- You massacre your face every time you use a cartridge razor, and are tired of bleeding.
- You let your beard grow out quite a bit in-between shaves.
- You make a mess with the water and shaving gel.
- Machines make you feel more manly.
None of these sound like you? Stick with the tried and true! You can still gift some pretty awesome shaving accessories that aren't electric. Think about a personalized Mach3 razor with badger brush on a chrome plated stand. Cool and classy.
