Want to know what is a foil shaver and how to use a foil shaver? You surely are at the right place. With all the options for rotary and foil electric shaver and cartridge razors as well, it can become a bit confusing as to what type of shaver to choose. The benefits of foil electric shavers are that they offer a close shave, are easier to maintain, and typically require minimal maintenance, reducing the amount of time you need to spend on your grooming routine.
How To Use A Foil Shaver
While shaving with foil shavers, different movements must be made than with rotary electric shavers. The following are four steps for shaving with a foil shaver and the technique to perform them. These will be the best guide about how to use a foil shaver.
What is a foil shaver?
A foil electric shaver cuts hair with oscillating blades beneath a foil surrounded by oscillating blades, or cutters. It occurs when a metal layer is drilled to produce a particular mesh pattern over the cutters, which cover these holes. Due to the foil’s holes, it eliminates hair near the skin and allows for a close shave.
The closest shave is that delivered by foil shavers because of the micro-foil that aligns the skin without irritating it like that offered by rotary shavers. In combination with pre-shave oil or powder, it helps eliminate any discomfort or skin irritation post-shave. The information presented is more than enough to describe what is a foil shaver and how to use a foil shaver?
Not sure if foil is right for you? A foil shaver versus an electric rotary shaver has been compared.
How to shave with a foil electric shaver
Step one – preparation
Make sure your skin is prepped for shaving, by applying a product like King of Shaves Sensitive Advanced or Blocmen Shave Powder. In addition to safeguarding your skin from razor burn, shaving oil allows the head to glide over your face with ease and protects you from blade irritation. Although this step is not necessary for using an electric shaver, it can improve the quality and comfort of the shave, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Step two – shaving
Make quick, slow strokes with the shaver. Straight lines – left to right or up and down – should be followed. You can shave against the direction of the hair growth, unlike a blade shave, which helps the shaver produce the best results. The most sensitive areas should be shaved first, such as the neck, with the electric shaver held at a right angle to the skin, maximising skin contact with the foil surface.
Only rotary shavers can shave in circular patterns across the face with foil shavers. The shaver head glides more easily over a skin surface that has been slightly pulled tight. It allows the shaver to cut shorter or low lying hair easier by helping them stand upright.
Step three – post shave aftercare
This isn’t strictly necessary, but it will greatly improve the quality of your shave and the condition of your skin. To tighten the pores and hair follicles on your face, you should rinse with cold water after shaving. Rehydrate the skin after shaving with a moisturiser to keep it looking fresh and healthy. Aftershaves based on alcohol will dry out your skin, causing it to flake and irritate.
Step four – cleaning
If you have an electric shaver, you can place it in the self-cleaning mode. Always clean your shaver after every use in order to maintain optimal performance, keep bacteria from building up, and extend the life of your foil heads. Make sure to fully dry your shaver following a clean before storing it in a zipper pouch or sealed container of some kind if it can be washed under running water. It also prevents the shaver from developing a musty smell, allowing any features of the internal casing ventilation to function properly.
When you should replace your shaver foils
Because most men shave every day, their blades and foils will eventually dull. Dull foils won’t achieve the same closeness as they once did and you might find that during shaving, you’re going over the same areas or not achieving the same closeness as before.
Most brands recommend that foils be changed every 12-18 months to maintain optimal performance. If you have coarse or thick hair, you may find that you need to change your blades more often.
Want to replace your foil head? Check our replacement part finder for your electric shaver model.
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