Not sure which electric shaver is best? We’ve got you. Here, we take a deep dive into the two main types of electric shavers for men: foil and rotary shavers.
There’s a lot to think about when choosing an electric shaver for your face – hair thickness, skin type, shaving results and more. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of rotary and foil shavers to help you find the best type for your needs.
What is a foil shaver?
Let’s start with the basics. A foil shaver is a type of electric razor that uses oscillating blades under a thin layer of metal, called the foil, to cut hair. The foil has holes to capture hairs and hold them for the blades to cut. The blades move back and forth rapidly, giving you a close and clean shave.
Pros of foil shavers
Foil electric shavers deliver a smooth and precise shave. This makes them ideal for face shaving, as you can style sideburns and other facial hair accurately. As for cleaning, it’s easy – the foil can be removed to wash away the trimmed hair after shaving. Foil razors are also known for being less irritating to the skin than other types of electric razors, so they’re a great choice if you have sensitive skin.
Cons of foil shavers
Foil clippers are louder than rotary shavers, which is something to consider if you need to shave quietly. Some foil models are less effective on coarse hair, but Braun’s electric foil shavers are designed for every hair type.
What is a rotary shaver?
Less common than foil shavers, rotary shavers cut hair with circular blades enclosed by a perforated metal shield. The blades spin rapidly in a circular motion, trimming the hair that enters the holes in the shield.
Pros of rotary shavers
Rotary electric shavers are often preferred by men with thicker hair or those who shave less frequently. They are also known for their ability to adapt to the contours of the face and can be used to shave in multiple directions.
Is a foil shaver or rotary shaver best for you?
Foil shavers
If you’re looking for a clean shave, a foil shaver is the one for you. They deliver a close, precise shave – ideal if you want a stubble-free finish. The Braun Series 9 Pro+ electric shaver even has a built-in Pro Trimmer technology for extra precision when shaving.
Foil is also the more comfortable electric shaver, which makes them suitable for use on sensitive and acne-prone skin. You can use foil clippers for wet or dry shaving (as long as your shaver is waterproof). If you take care of your shaver, it will last for years to come – so foil models are a good investment for durability.
Typically, foil shavers are more suited to finer hair that grows in one direction. However, advanced models are capable of trimming even the coarsest and unruliest of hair, like Braun shavers which use AutoSense technology and sonic vibrations to shave every hair.
If you want to use your shaver for more than just your face, foil might be the better choice. Some men’s foil shavers, like Braun’s series 7 shavers, have a flexible head to adapt to different areas, including those tricky areas like under the chin.
Rotary shavers
Rotary shavers are traditionally better for those with very thick, coarse hair, or hair that grows in different directions. They are also a good option if you prefer some stubble rather than a clean shave, as they cut hair further from the skin surface than foil models. For this reason, ingrown hair and cuts are less likely with rotary razors. They are more aggravating, however, so skin irritation is more common with rotary models.
If you prefer to have freedom of movement with your shaver, rotary models might be more suited to you. Due to the circular blade design, you can shave in multiple directions. They’re also quieter than foil shavers, so if you need to shave early in the morning without waking anyone, they might be a better option.
Want to shave your head, too? Rotary shavers are suited to shaving large areas, such as your head.
Foil vs rotary shavers: Which is better?
So, in the battle of foil shaver vs rotary shaver, which comes out on top? For most men, foil shavers are the better option. They deliver smooth, precise results with minimal irritation. Foil models are also easier to use and clean than rotary shavers, so they’re suitable for even beginner shavers. While rotary razors have typically been better for thick hair, advanced technology has made men’s foil shavers, like Braun’s, just as effective for coarser-haired men.
If you’re looking for a rough-and-ready finish, rotary shavers leave more stubbly results. Rotary also tends to be better for head shaving.
The best electric shaver for you depends on the results you want, your hair type and the skin comfort you like when shaving.
Shop foil shavers by Braun to find the best model for you.
