How to Shave part One: Electric

I want to contribute some more useful things to my blog this time around. I think that will make it more worthwhile and I will probably learn a lot about the skills and tactics that Transmen use and apply them for myself. Hopefully readers of this blog will learn a lot as well.

This series will kick off today with Electric Shaving (Resist booing and hissing, it is not polite).
I thought this would be handy to start with because it is one of the cheapest ways to shave. Cheap start-up (usually), maintenance and shorter real shaving time compared to the other methods I will write on.
Choosing how you would like to shave is entirely a personal preference, in the end the way you shave should be the way that works the best for you and your face.

What are the Pros and the Cons of shaving with this method?

Positives:

• Electric razors are very convenient, they are very mobile and you can even shave while driving (Note: Shaving and driving are not a recommended combination)
• Easier to use for many people
• Faster shave time
• Lower risk for nicks and cuts (Note: Lower, you should still exercise caution with metallic blades and your skin)
• You are not always replacing blades, like you would with disposable razors, so long as you keep up regular maintenance
• Rechargeable batteries are very handy inventions

Negatives:

• Not as close of a shave
• Sensitive skin can be easily irritated
• Proper maintenance can be time-consuming if you do not want to often replace the razor
• Replacement parts can be expensive
• You will have no respect from any of your friends that prefer safety or straight razor shaving, they may mock you mercilessly

What are the supplies needed for electric razor shaving?

• A stubbly to bearded face
• Face wash or scrub (optional)
• Pre-shave lotion (specifically designed for electric shaving)
• Electric razor (foil or rotary head)
• Electric razor brush
• Aftershave

What are the steps to electric razor shaving?

1. Determine whether you have a dry, oily or somewhere in-between skin-type on your face. Dry faces can get a closer shave, but it may be a painful one. This will decide some of your early preparation steps.
2. Prepare your face. Wash it with a shaving wash or scrub and dry thoroughly. Then use a good pre-electric shave lotion or gel. Let it sink into the skin and it will help make the skin dry.  You will need to calculate (or trial and error) how much of everything you will need depending on the pre-existing dryness level of your facial skin. Higher dryness will need less washing, but perhaps more pre-shave lotion).
3. While your face is letting that lotion or gel sink in for a few minutes, prep your electric razor heads. Quick maintenance is always good. Use the brush that comes with your shaver and brush out all the stubble inside. Brush each head separately and the protective shields as well. Do NOT tap your razor against hard surfaces to knock out the hair…this may irreparably damage your electric razor. Not only will you get a better shave but you will preserve your razors longer.
4. This may seem counter intuitive, but with an electric razor you want to start shaving against the grain. That will help pull the whiskers out so the razor will be able to cut it lower and result in a closer shave.
5. Slow it right on down. While shaving with an electric razor is a faster shaving method, you need to give it some time to be effective, especially under your chin and on your neck or anywhere with coarser hair. Like vacuuming, if you go too fast you will not pick up anything. Slow it down and give yourself a nice even shave.
6. Rinse your face and apply some aftershave balm or lotion. Do not use an eau de toilet or cologne as these are merely fragrances and will not give the care your skin needs after shaving, in fact they add to your pain.

How are electric razors maintained?

Maintenance for your electric razor is very important.

Essentially, electric shavers are fairly simple machines consisting of a single or set of blades, a motor or drive unit, a circuit board or some form of electronics, a battery for rechargeable shavers and a way to deliver power to the battery and electronics. The operation is as simple as the motor turning rapidly to move the cutter (or blade) back and forth beneath the foil (also called a screen). As the foil is moved across the face or other part of the body, the hairs poke through the holes in the foil where they are then sheared off by the cutter. Hence, you are shaved.

Battery Maintenance:

• Recharge the razor according to the manufacturers instructions (Yes, I am actually suggesting that you READ the instructions).
• Use the razor unplugged on a daily basis until the charge has been exhausted or is very nearly exhausted.
• Recharge the razor while it is off and not being used. Unplug when the charge is completed.
• If you did not notice that the power is nearly exhausted and the razor loses its power halfway through your shave, plug the razor in just long enough to shave. Then shut the razor down and recharge it. This is considered emergency charging and doing this every once in a while will not do long-term damage to the battery. Following this procedure will dramatically extend the rechargeable life of your razor.

Cleaning:

• Clean your razor. The cleaner it is, the sharper it will stay and I cannot emphasize this enough.
• At least once per week, you must at least brush the hair out of the head frame and the cutters of your razor.
• At least once per month you will want to do a thorough cleaning involving the removal of the foil and cutter and soaking them in some shaver cleaning solution or some straight rubbing alcohol. Just a minute or two is all that is necessary.
• Why? Moisture. No matter what you do or do not use on your face in terms of lotions, gels and such, the hairs themselves build up in the head of your razor. Moisture collects along your hair as well as oils and other particles that are removed from your face when you shave. Also, you probably shave while you are in the bathroom, a breeding ground for warm moisture and all that can live within such an environment. Therefore, you want to prevent bacteria from building up inside your razor.

How much does it cost for an electric razor?

There are many different types of razors that you could buy, but I would check out reviews and ratings on these products just like you would any other serious purchase. I found that sites like this are good places to start your hunt.

• Electric razors: $15 – $270
• Pre-shave lotion: $2 – $25
• Aftershave lotion: $2 – $30
• Cleaning kits: around $30

I hope that covers about all that you might need to know about using and maintaining an electric razor. If you have further questions, feel free to ask, I will definitely research the answers for you.