The Ultimate Guide To Electric Rotary Shaving

how to shave with electric rotary shaver

Electric rotary shavers are ideal for people with regular to tough skin and thicker, coarser hair who don't shave every day. They are designed to follow the contours of your face, so you should use them by shaving in small circular motions, as opposed to up or down like a foil shaver. Before you start, it's important to ensure your skin is dry, and you should always use a pre-shave preparation product to protect your skin from irritation and razor rash. When using the shaver, hold it at a 90-degree angle and ensure permanent contact with the skin, adjusting as you move from the cheeks to the jawline and neck. Make sure the head is flat on the skin, and use light pressure, especially when shaving tricky areas like the neck. After shaving, rinse the blades under running water to keep them clean and well-maintained, and apply post-shave moisturiser or oil to keep your skin hydrated.

Characteristics Values
Motion Small circular motions
Pressure Light
Direction Against the grain
Skin Rotary shavers are for those with regular to tough skin
Hair Rotary shavers are better for thicker, coarser hair
Frequency Rotary shavers are for those who don't shave every day
Stubble Length Rotary shavers are better for longer stubble
Cleaning Rinse blades under running water to remove hair and dirt
Post-shave Care Moisturiser or oil to keep skin firm and hydrated
Pre-shave Care Use a pre-shave preparation product to protect the skin
Angle Hold the shaver at a 90-degree angle
Shaving Order Start with the most difficult and irritation-prone areas

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Prepare your skin

Preparing your skin is an important step in achieving a smooth and irritation-free shave with an electric rotary shaver. Here are some detailed tips to get you started:

Firstly, understand that electric shavers can dry out the skin, leading to rashes. Therefore, it is essential to use some form of skin protection, such as a pre-shave lotion, powder, foam, gel, cream, oil, or even a protective talcum or alcohol-based pre-shave product. These products help to lubricate the skin, eliminate moisture, and tone the skin, making it easier for the shaver to glide across your face.

If you have sensitive skin, opt for a pre-shave oil or a protective product that suits your skin type. You can also try a home-made pre-shave solution, such as a mixture of almond oil and rubbing alcohol, but be cautious if you have sensitive skin.

For a dry shave, ensure that your skin and shaver are as dry as possible before beginning. The best time to dry shave is in the morning, right before taking a shower. This helps to address issues such as flat-lying hairs, skin oils, and moisture, which can hinder the performance of your electric shaver.

If you are transitioning from a wet razor to an electric shaver, keep in mind that your skin may take several weeks to adjust to the new shaving technique. Be patient and gentle with your skin during this transition period.

Finally, always remember to stretch your skin taut with your free hand while shaving, ensuring that the hairs stand upright. This creates maximum skin contact, reducing shaving time and minimising snagging.

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your skin for shaving with an electric rotary shaver, resulting in a comfortable and smooth shaving experience.

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Use the right technique

Using the right technique is key to achieving a close, comfortable shave with an electric rotary shaver. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your skin and hair. Splash your face with cold water to stiffen the hair and make it easier to cut, then pat your face dry. If you have longer hairs, use a trimmer to reduce the length first. You should also use a pre-shave preparation product to protect your skin from the blade and prevent irritation, especially if you are prone to razor rash.

Next, hold the shaver at a 90-degree angle and ensure it is in permanent contact with the skin. You may need to adjust the angle as you move around the contours of your face, jawline and neck. Keep the head flat on the skin to make the skin tighter, minimising the risk of cuts. You can tilt your head back and raise your chin when shaving the neck or below the jawline.

Now, make small circular motions with the shaver head on your face, following the contours of your face. Do not press hard or go over the same spot repeatedly to avoid irritation. Shave against the grain of the hair with light pressure at first. If there are any stubborn hairs, you can make a second pass with more pressure for a closer shave.

Finally, remember to keep your shaver clean. Rinse the blades under running water to remove hair, sebum, dead skin and dirt. This will keep the blades clean and well-maintained, optimising performance and minimising skin irritation.

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Clean your shaver

Cleaning your electric shaver is important for prolonging its life and ensuring optimal performance. It is also crucial for maintaining hygiene and getting a close, quality shave. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your electric rotary shaver:

Cleaning the Shaving Head:

Firstly, make sure your shaver is turned off and unplugged from any power source. If it runs on batteries, remove them before cleaning. Then, remove the shaving head by either opening it or detaching it completely, depending on the model. Some rotary shavers have a front part that can be opened by pressing a button, while others have a top part that needs to be pulled off. Once the shaving head is open or removed, gently tap the plastic frame on a sink or countertop to remove most of the hair. Alternatively, use a small brush to clean the inside of the head, being careful not to brush directly on the foils as they can be easily damaged.

Rinsing and Washing:

If your shaver is waterproof, you can rinse the shaving unit under warm running water. You can also use a bowl of warm water with a drop or two of dish detergent for a deeper clean. Make sure to rinse or wash both the outside and inside of the shaving unit. If your shaver has a cassette, like some Braun models, remove and rigorously wash the intricate inner parts to prevent dirt from building up. After rinsing or washing, allow the shaver to air dry completely before your next shave.

Deep Cleaning:

For a more thorough clean, you can detach the shaver head and disassemble it into its individual components. Use a paper towel or cloth corner dabbed with rubbing alcohol to wipe the cutting surface of the shaver's foils. Then, let the shaver air dry. You can also add a drop of clipper oil after deep cleaning to keep the blades running smoothly.

Dry Cleaning:

If your shaver is not waterproof, you must resort to dry cleaning methods. Use a can of compressed air to blow away hair strands from the shaving unit. Alternatively, a rubber blower or a soft, clean brush can be used to remove loose hairs and debris.

Frequency of Cleaning:

It is recommended to clean your electric shaver after each use to minimize the buildup of hair and debris. A more thorough deep cleaning can be done at least once a month or whenever the shaving performance decreases. Additionally, most manufacturers recommend changing the shaving head every 18 months.

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Avoid common mistakes

Electric rotary shavers are designed to follow the contours of your face, so it's important to use them in circular motions, rather than up and down. This can take some getting used to, so take your time and don't rush. Rushing often leads to mistakes.

  • Make sure your skin is protected. Whether you're wet or dry shaving, use a protective product such as foam, gel, cream, powder block or oil. This will help the blades glide through your hair, reducing skin irritation.
  • Don't press the shaver hard against your skin or go over the same spot multiple times, as this can cause irritation.
  • Keep your shaver clean. Rinse the blades under running water to remove hair, sebum, dead skin and dirt. This will keep your blades in good condition and prevent skin irritation.
  • Replace your blades periodically. Rotary blades need to be replaced once a year. Skin irritation can be a sign that your blades need changing.
  • If you have sensitive skin, it's best to shave with the grain to avoid irritation, razor burn and ingrown hairs.
  • If you're using a rotary shaver for the first time, do a patch test first to check for skin irritation.

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Aftercare

After shaving, it is not necessary to apply an aftershave product. However, you should apply post-shave care, such as a moisturiser or oil, to keep your skin firm and hydrated. If you have dry or irritated skin, aftershave can often worsen the condition.

If you have used a rotary shaver, rinse the blades under running water to remove hair, sebum, dead skin, and dirt. This will keep your blades clean and well-maintained, and prevent skin irritation.

If you have used a foil shaver, clean it by lifting the head frame and gently brushing out the whiskers from the underside with the cleaning brush supplied by the manufacturer. Do not touch the screen, as it is fragile.

To prevent irritation, it is important to keep your skin hydrated and well-maintained. Exfoliate your skin regularly, and be sure to clean your shaver thoroughly at least once a month.

Frequently asked questions

Electric rotary shavers are designed to follow the contours of your face, so you should use them by shaving in small circular motions, holding the shaver at a 90-degree angle and in permanent contact with the skin.

Before shaving, splash your face with cold water and pat it dry. Cold water stiffens the hair and makes it easier to cut. You can also apply a pre-shave preparation product to protect your skin from the blade and prevent irritation.

Avoid pressing hard or going over the same spot repeatedly. Do not shave when your skin is wet or moisturised, as this can affect the smooth movement of the shaver. Always clean your shaver regularly to avoid a build-up of debris.

Rinse the blades under running water to remove hair, sebum, dead skin and dirt. Avoid banging your shaver or using tools that are not specific to cleaning shavers.

Electric foil shavers have a central headpiece with small holes, under which the blades move from side to side. Rotary shavers have several circular cutting heads that adapt to the contours of your face and allow you to cover large areas quickly.

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