The idea that an electric razor is a purely male device is firmly ingrained in our heads. And we at CHIP have written many times about how to choose an electric razor for men. Our rating of electric shavers is filled from top to bottom with male models. But here’s a shock to your spiritual bonds: there are also women’s ones on the market.
Surprisingly, even women themselves ignore their existence, preferring to endure the pain and use epilators that pluck hair rather than shave. Meanwhile, an electric razor is a gentle self-care practice that does not cause pain (unlike hair removal) and damage to the skin (unlike a conventional razor).
Today we will tell you what types of women's electric shavers are available and how to choose them. After all, in fact, this is a very practical device with which beauty does not require sacrifice. If you are a man and reading this, consider giving this gift to your girlfriend.
How to choose an electric razor for a woman: similarities and differences
In fact, an electric razor for women differs from a man’s only in design. It has a slightly adapted shaving system, as well as a generally narrower shaving head and body. After all, it is not intended for the face, but for more inaccessible places - such as the armpits and bikini area.
We have a guide on how to choose an electric razor for a man - short and without fiction. In it, we highlight the most important nuances that need to be taken into account in order to choose the right razor: shaving system, power supply, moisture protection and additional options - for example, various attachments.
All these parameters are important when choosing a women's razor. In addition, as in the men's device market, there are several trendsetters: Philips, Braun, Remington and Gezatone. Each of these companies offers its own options for electric shavers for women. Let's look at the most important characteristics.
Depilation by shaving: pros and cons
A razor is considered one of the easiest ways to remove hair. The simplest and most ineffective. What attracts women to shaving?
- Conditional cheapness. Conditional - because, in fact, razors become dull, and you regularly have to buy new ones, and shaving foam is not so cheap, and it lasts for 2-3 weeks.
- Simplicity. Yes, there is nothing difficult in running the machine over the skin, in the place of growing hairs and cutting them off.
- Very low efficiency. Shaving is a method of depilation, that is, cutting off hairs while their follicles remain under the skin and continue to grow. The very next day you feel itchy and the skin does not feel smooth.
- Danger of cutting. It’s rare that someone manages to shave their body without ever cutting themselves. This is unpleasant in itself, fraught with infection and noticeable wounds, especially in summer.
- Skin irritation. Even if you use a good shaving gel and moisturizing lotion, sensitive skin still gets irritated after shaving.
- Ingrown hairs. They can become inflamed and present a whole problem.
Shaving system
Men's electric shavers have two shaving systems: rotary and foil . We examined each of them in detail in the corresponding article. Women's razors have three of them: foil , rotary and trimmer .
The mesh system of a men's electric razor consists of three or four parallel arc-shaped meshes, under which the blades vibrate at high frequencies. This system is recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Women's electric shavers are used on areas of the body where the skin is very sensitive. Therefore, the grid system is the most popular. However, there is only one shaving foil in a women's razor: this is due to the fact that the device is used in the folds of the body and should be narrower.
The foil shaving system is ideally implemented by Philips in the SatinShave series of razors.
The rotary system of a men's electric razor consists of three movable shaving heads, where round knives rotate under a metal grid. This design allows you to follow the shape of your face, making shaving easier and allowing you to shave hairs cleaner.
The women's rotary electric shaver includes just one shaving head. This system is not very popular in women's razors due to the inconvenience of use in intimate areas, but it does occur.
Much more effectively, according to customer reviews, a foil razor with a floating head . It better follows the contours of the body in those places where it is needed.
The floating head is implemented by Braun in the Silk and Soft Body Shave series of women's razors.
Finally, the trimmer system is designed for those who are used to trimming rather than shaving. It’s no secret that in reality, many women do not strive for perfectly smooth skin - despite all the advertising stereotypes that exist in our heads. Essentially, such a razor is a regular hair trimmer with a dangerous blade, reminiscent of a hair clipper, but narrower.
An example is this Gezatone DP 515 trimmer.
So when it comes to the question of whether a rotary or foil razor is which one to choose, you actually don’t even have to think about it. The best option for women who shave is a foil shaver; the best option for cutting and trimming is a trimmer.
Depilation
The main types of depilation: shaving and chemical removal. The first option is possible on any part of the body (except the face); chemicals are usually applied to the legs and bikini area.
Both methods have price advantages: cream can be purchased for 100-400 rubles, and razors within 100-200 rubles. Shaving, like chemical depilation, can be done at home yourself, without resorting to the services of specialists. The procedures are painless, do not harm health, are effective and do not require much expense and time.
By the way, shaving will not make your hair grow faster and its thickness will not change, but stubble will appear.
Nutrition
A men's electric razor can be powered from the mains or from a battery, and there are more and more battery-powered razors. Many models are equipped with a special charging dock.
Women's electric shavers, due to the fact that they need to be more mobile (after all, they are used on many areas of the body), are powered by either a rechargeable battery or several AA batteries. Of course, the battery option is a good choice in terms of consumables. Although, you can purchase several AA batteries and recharge them from time to time.
A women's electric razor with a charging dock was sold by Remington in the form of the WDF4840 model.
Pros and cons of shaving
Regarding shaving, the positive aspects include:
- Painless.
- Cheapness of the method.
- Speed of manipulation.
- Convenient to take with you on the road.
- Ease of use.
- There are no allergies.
The cons are much more impressive than the pros. This:
- the appearance of ingrown hairs and irritations;
- there is a risk of injury;
- if hygiene standards are not observed, the skin may become infected;
- the effect is short-lived, stubble appears the very next day;
- The hair becomes thicker and thicker with each shave;
- it is difficult to depilate long hair;
- inflammation and ulcers may occur;
- During the procedure, you need to additionally use shaving products.
What is the best option, depilatory cream or razor? Let's look at it in detail.
By convenience
The cream implies the presence of a large amount of water, since cream residues on the skin are unacceptable. It is not always possible to perform such depilation, for example, during a business trip.
When shaving, it is advisable to use shaving foam. After the procedure, there is practically no residue left, so a minimal amount of water will be needed. If you need to do depilation urgently, then this method is perfect.
Depending on skin reaction
Sensitive skin is prone to irritation and inflammation after using the machine. In this case, the best option is a depilatory cream. After it, redness and ingrown hairs rarely occur.
If there is an allergic reaction to the components of the cream, then it is better to give preference to shaving.
By cost
For shaving, you will spend about 50-100 rubles on a machine (if it is from a well-known brand and with attachments, then much more) and plus 100-200 rubles on shaving foam, but it will last for a long time.
If depilation occurs with the help of a cream, its cost ranges from 200-500 rubles, also depending on the company and volume.
It’s difficult to say which is more profitable. The cost will be approximately the same, considering that the depilatory cream is enough for 10 or more procedures.
By effect duration
The results from the cream will last longer, especially if you use only it. At first, the hair will grow in two days, gradually this time period will increase.
After shaving, they will appear the next day.
Additional options
In the case of a women's razor, these are various attachments that allow you to use the razor to cut hair to different lengths, as well as change the shape of the shaving unit for ease of use on different parts of the body. Thus, an electric razor can replace both a razor and a trimmer at once - depending on how a woman wants to see her body.
The SatinShave series from Philips has a razor with attachments that change the shape of the head.
But, unfortunately, women’s models, unlike men’s, are not equipped with charge indicators and LED displays. Apparently, manufacturers believe that women are doing well as it is - it’s too difficult for them. But do you believe that this is actually true?
What to buy: a razor or an epilator?
You are faced with a choice: epilator or razor? To give preference to one of the two devices, you should first understand their main advantages and disadvantages. Without knowing about them, it is extremely difficult to choose. Let's take a closer look at their pros and cons.
Pros of razors:
- Remove hair easily, quickly and painlessly;
- They have a low cost;
- The mobility of the razor allows you to take it with you everywhere and use it anywhere, regardless of the presence of an electrical outlet.
- Fast hair growth. The shaving procedure will have to be repeated every day or two;
- The razor removes the top layer of the epithelium, which is a common cause of unpleasant symptoms: itching, irritation and acne.
- Does not guarantee perfectly smooth skin.
Advantages of an epilator
Based on reviews of shaving with an epilator, the following advantages can be identified:
- The device pulls out hairs along with the roots, so the skin remains smooth for up to 4 weeks;
- Does not damage the top layer of the epithelium, and the red spots disappear without a trace the very next day;
- An epilator, unlike a machine, does not require frequent replacement of additional parts.
- High price;
- You won't be able to shave if the electricity goes out. The device operates only from the network;
- After using an epilator, ingrown hairs into the skin often appear;
- Painful and time-consuming procedure;
- There are some medical contraindications to using the device.
Which device to choose is a personal matter for everyone. Keep in mind the main advantages and disadvantages of these shaving attributes and make a purchase based on your basic preferences.
