Techniques for shaving with electric shavers - Q and A

by Skip Cline
(Plano, Texas)

Hi Tyler,

I've recently started using an electric shaver for the first time in my 50 years. I bought a new Panasonic wet/dry shaver (the new 5 bladed ES-LV81-K8. I'll be adding some comments under my original question about head shaving this weekend) I wanted to ask for your help with a little clarification and a bit more detail about how best to use an electric shaver.

*as a side note, I've recently watched some "electric shaving" videos I found on Youtube, including several from Panasonic itself. They led to a few of these questions*

1) One thing I don't see mentioned on ANY website about electric shaving is the ideal speed to shave. What "speed" do you recommend moving an electric across your skin at? Does the speed you move it have much effect on the process, or the shave results? (the manuals from Braun and Panasonic don't even mention speed at all) I noticed on the Panasonic videos that the men were moving the shaver VERY slowly across their skin...

2) You say in your "how to" video that the shaver should be moved both against, and with, the grain. (that makes a lot of sense to me, I know hairs don't all grow in exactly the same direction) Does the "with the grain" stroke really do much for the shave? I've noticed that some instruction manuals like Braun say "shave against the direction of beard growth". Wouldn't that be "upward" only? I'm asking this one because I've noticed in a number of the Panasonic videos the men were shaving in long strokes upward "against the grain" then pulling the shaver away from their skin, with no "down" shaving motion.

3) When it comes to "wet" shaving, that means with shaving cream or gel, right? I happened to see a Panasonic commercial on TV yesterday and the guy in the commercial was using the Panasonic shaver in the shower under the running water, but didn't have anything on his face. Would water by itself provide any benefit to electric shaving?

4) For a dry shave, what are the best "conditions" for your skin to be in when you shave? Some guides (like Braun) say to always shave before you wash your skin. Does it really make much difference? And does using a "pre-shave" lotion help when dry shaving?


Thanks for everything you do with this website Tyler. Your insights, reviews and information are incredibly helpful.

And I'm sorry if these questions are silly or strange. I'm new to this and I really just want to get it right...

Thanks!


Answers:

1. In regards to speed, this seems like a bit of a tricky question to answer. It's something I can't really give a clear or "one speed fits all" type of answer.

It really comes down to trying and using the shaver until you find a speed and technique which is right for you. You will want to go slower than too fast, but it really comes down to finding the right amount of pressure along with speed. You want the shaver to do the work, but you will need to judge for yourself how fast and how hard you need to press in. I think with a few shaves you should find a good balance.

2. Against the grain is definitely more important and effective, but I find that the up and down stroke feels more natural. The stroke with the grain doesn't produce a smooth finish but it does trim some longer hairs. But you're right, against the grain is what produces the smooth shave.

Also as you mentioned hair grows in many directions, especially around the neck area so I often find myself shaving in every which way around my neck. If I let my facial hair grow in for several days I tend to shave up, down and side to side on my neck to cut all the hairs.


3. You know what, I've never used a shaver in the shower to be honest. I can't imagine getting a good shave without having a mirror in there with you. So that's something I can't comment on based on personal experience, however I've used a Panasonic shaver wet with no shaving cream and find it doesn't work as well. So if you use it wet, I would recommend also using shaving cream or gel. I think shaving in the shower is more of a marketing tool to show that some men can save time in the morning, but again I haven't actually tried it.... (maybe this question is the motivation I need to give it a try, thanks :)


4. I would say it DOES make a difference to have a nice dry face and NOT wash it before you shave. As I mentioned above shaving with just water didn't work too well for me and I prefer a nice dry face. Even if my skin is a bit warm and maybe slightly sweaty I notice the shave isn't as good. So I would say try and keep a nice dry face, and ideally for most this is first thing in the morning, before washing.

Pre lotion is not necessary, but it can help reduce irritation. If you aren't having any irritation problems after a few weeks then this shouldn't be a concern, but I am reviewing some products in the future if you are considering trying some pre lotion out.

Great questions Skip! If I missed anything please continue to ask.

All the best,

Tyler