What is the difference between a trimmer and an electric razor, which is better to choose for men and women?

In order for your face to have a neat and well-groomed appearance, today it is absolutely not necessary to visit expensive hairdressing salons or have a personal stylist. It’s enough just to have a handy tool for timely trimming of stubble, beard and mustache. The market is able to offer different types of devices designed for specific needs. Some devices are universal, others are created more narrowly focused. The choice is quite large, and it is quite easy to get lost in the variety. To prevent this from happening, let’s figure out what the difference is between a trimmer and an electric razor.

Features of the electric razor

An electric razor is as important for men as a cosmetic bag is for the fairer sex. Initially, this device was designed and created as a tool for shaving the head and performing simple hairstyles (boxing, half-boxing, etc.). Over time, technology has improved, and now an electric razor can perform many more functions than a basic “zero” haircut.

Today, there are two design options for razors: rotary and mesh. The first consists of disc blades mounted on heads. This design is very effective at removing hair, but can irritate the skin. The second option hides the blades under the mesh. This type of shaving is more delicate, but requires more time to complete the procedure.

Foil and rotary razors

An electric razor has a number of advantages.

The blades of electric appliances do not irritate the skin. This is especially important in cases with an increased dermatological response to everyday allergens and irritants, as well as when the skin is too dry and sensitive.
The second obvious advantage is the durability of the blades installed on the device. In terms of their reliability and durability, they give a hundred points ahead to any manual machine. The amount of hair cut by an electric razor can amount to entire football fields. Where a regular razor has already become dull, the knife blade will work for a long time.
The third important and very relevant plus is the quality of shaving. If when working with a machine there is a high probability of touching a painful area of skin (pimple, etc.) and damaging it, then in the case of an electrical appliance this probability is reduced to zero. In other words, shaving becomes truly safe. Injuries to the facial skin are significantly reduced, resulting in increased convenience and comfort from use.
There is no need to use shaving gels and foam; you can do the so-called. "dry shaving" This is not possible with a manual machine.

Of course, like all other devices, an electric razor is not without its drawbacks. An electric razor is not suitable for beard grooming. Only a smooth shave is her responsibility.

In addition, regular maintenance must be carried out. Cleaning, sharpening and balancing knives in inexpensive models, lubricating parts in cases where the blades are self-sharpening. If the user wonders why to maintain an electric razor and stops doing so, then the machine may fail, and quite quickly.

The nuances of using a trimmer

What is the difference between a trimmer and an electric razor? First, you should decide on the classification of the device and its purpose. Trimmers are primarily used for beards and mustaches, caring for them, trimming, etc. It should be remembered that the trimmer does not imply a smooth shave, and does not have the appropriate capabilities for this. All that can be done with a trimmer is to shorten facial hair to a certain length, but not shave it off to smooth, clean skin. For such purposes, you just need a razor.

As a rule, it is quite difficult to choose between two types of devices (electric razor and trimmer). It is best to have both devices on hand. A razor may be needed for everyday use. A trimmer will come in handy if the user decides to grow stubble or grow a beard.

Here is a list of the most obvious benefits of using a trimmer.

Ideal for beard level control. Most often, the nozzle pitch has a division of 1 mm (from 1 to 10 mm). In rare cases, there are models with a pitch of 0.5 mm, but they are professional, therefore they are more expensive and are rarely found in retail.
Shaves down to one-day stubble. If for some reason the owner of the trimmer is tired of wearing a beard, he can easily and quickly trim it down to even stubble. It is very convenient to create your own style without spending money on going to a barbershop.
It is relatively inexpensive. If the average razor costs around one and a half thousand rubles, then a trimmer can be found for half that cost.
A large number of attachments. Many different universal (suitable for most models) attachments on trimmers can pleasantly surprise both an inexperienced user and an experienced barber.
Easy to use. A trimmer is a very highly specialized device that is difficult to use in any way other than for its intended purpose. You just need to press a button and start trimming. This is another difference from an electric razor, which, nevertheless, is a more universal item.

Despite the impressive list of advantages that the device has, it was still not possible to completely avoid its shortcomings. The first thing that attracts attention is the lack of opportunity to shave “clean”. However, if this feature were fully implemented in the trimmer, it would immediately turn into an electric razor.

Secondly, the design of knife blades should be mentioned, which may differ slightly from razor blades. Although the principle of operation in many cases will be similar. The blades in the trimmer can quickly become unusable due to loss of balance. It is not always possible to correct this deficiency with your own hands.

The third thing that needs to be listed in the “disadvantages” column is the inability to work with long hair. Imagine you want to trim your beard, which has become much larger, say 17 mm. You won’t be able to do this with the help of attachments; you will have to level the trimmer blade to the maximum step (10 mm), and only then trim the beard at this level. This is a significant functional limitation.

Trimmer and clipper

Bikini trimmer

The trimmer is designed in such a way that it replaces an electric razor and an epilator and can remove hair from any part of the body, on the contrary, which cannot be said about a hair clipper.

Differences between a trimmer and a hair clipper:

Size – as a rule, the machine is almost twice as heavy and larger than a trimmer;
Care – trimmer attachments are easy to clean; just rinse them under running water. The machine is more difficult to maintain: the parts need to be periodically lubricated with a special lubricant, otherwise it will begin to pull out hair during operation;

The best way to shave

Equipment - the machine has more attachments, and it is better able to cope with different lengths of hair;
Application - the trimmer copes better with facial hair and worse with long and coarse hair. Therefore, hairdressers first use a machine, use a trimmer to trim and model the hairstyle;
Versatility - the trimmer copes with hair removal in hard-to-reach places: in the nose, ears, intimate area and armpits and is used to create complex curly patterns.

What are the best trimmers and electric shaver for?

Which device is best to use - a trimmer or a razor - depends on the user's request.

The difference in the purpose of a razor and a trimmer

Both devices are used in hair care. The purpose of an electric razor is to shave hair on the beard, cheeks, temples, and neck. Using the device, a person’s appearance is given a well-groomed appearance, and a clean and smooth shave of the face is achieved.

The purpose of the trimmer is to cut and trim hair on the head and beard. The device allows you to simulate a man's hairstyle. The device comes with attachments for cutting hair to a minimum length, simulating shaving. A trimmer is used to create fashionable men's hairstyles.

Dimensions and weight

Both devices look compact. They are convenient to use and easy to move from one workplace to another. When placed on a table or in a travel bag, they do not take up much space, so you can take a razor or trimmer with you if necessary.

However, due to its more complex mechanical design, the trimmer is not much larger than the razor. The device also comes with a set of attachments, which will require space on the shelf/bag.

A razor or trimmer are devices that are light in weight so that your hands don’t get tired while working and are convenient to use. The presence of the device in the luggage bag does not have a significant impact on the weight of the luggage.

Functional Features

Compared to a razor, the functionality of a trimmer due to the presence of a set of attachments is wider. Some models of trimmers allow you to trim hair on your head, mustache and beard, trim sideburns and eyebrows, and trim hairs growing in your nose and ears.

You can use a trimmer to trim your eyebrows

Depending on the price segment, manufacturers provide both devices with the following additional options:

self-cleaning function;
possibility of shaving in the shower and in the bath;
monitoring the device charge level;
adjusting the length of the power cable;
backlight

Ease of use

On the shelves there are devices of different configurations, sizes and weights. You can choose the device that is optimal in shape and size to suit the wishes of any user. However, the ergonomics of the device depends not only on the size and weight characteristics. Ease of use is affected by noise, vibration and maintenance requirements. The comparative characteristics of opponents according to the above criteria are as follows.

As a rule, trimmers operate less noisily. Manufacturers of both devices make efforts to level out noise effects during operation.
The presence of an electric motor in the housing causes vibrations. Both devices include technology to reduce their level.
It is recommended to regularly clean the razor to remove any remaining hair and dirt. The trimmer requires not only similar cleaning, but also lubrication of the cutting mechanism with special oil. Otherwise, the device will not cut the hair, but will pull it.

Lubricating the device

Trimmer and its characteristics

A trimmer is a device that can be used to trim without completely shaving the hair in the desired areas.

How to choose a trimmer
Main characteristics of this device:

By type of power, which includes the use of the mains, batteries, accumulators and mixed type of power.
According to the material of the blades, they can be made of stainless steel, there are also titanium, ceramic and diamond-coated ones.
Based on the width of the blades, there are functional trimmers with a width of 47mm.
By illumination for better shaving of hairs.

Trimmers are divided into types:

Rotary, one of the most powerful types. Reciprocating movements of the blades occur in it.
Vibrating. This type is medium power, with the type of blades and their movement like rotary ones.
Pendulum. The rarest and most outdated type with blades arranged in the form of scissors.

Features of application:

According to its intended purpose, it can be used for performing various haircuts.
To prepare to use the trimmer, it is necessary to lubricate the head of the device, and also wash the part that will be exposed to the trimmer.
By movement, the trimmer must be moved in any direction, before deciding on the purpose of shaving.
When using zones. When trimming a beard, you need to perform actions from the cheek areas towards the temples. To trim your beard, you can use a special attachment. When caring for your mustache, you need to smile and move the device along your upper lip. It is often used to correct eyebrows and with desired success, and is also used to care for the intimate area.

In terms of care, using a trimmer is similar to using a razor. It is also better to use moisturizers after use. Cost-effective when purchasing a trimmer. The presence of attachments will allow you to care not only for the scalp and face, but also for the ears, nose and bikini area. The device is easy to use if you read the instructions.

Hair trimming is possible at any length; it is possible to shorten the beard to stubble.

The disadvantages include incomplete shaving, since this cannot be achieved when using a trimmer.
In this device, you need to change the blades more often, as they become unusable faster than in razors.
The noise produced by trimmers is greater than the noise produced by razors.

Razor selection

The razors presented on store shelves differ in the way they are fed and other criteria. You can choose a model that operates from a household electrical outlet or from batteries (batteries or accumulators).

On a note! In some models, manufacturers provide the ability to shave in the shower.

For purely home use, a corded electric shaver is quite suitable. If your work requires you to travel on business, then it is better to take a closer look at battery options, with high-capacity elements and the ability to recharge not only from a household network, but from the cigarette lighter in the car. People with sensitive skin should choose moisture-resistant models for wet shaving.

Electric shaver with moisture protection

The quality of shaving is influenced by the speed of rotation of the blades: you should pay attention to the power of the electric motor . It is also recommended to trust devices from brands that have earned a reputation in the market. Well-known companies provide a guarantee and warranty service for all their devices.

Criterias of choice

Bikini trimmer

Since maintaining a neat beard is a daily procedure, you need to take care to choose a convenient and high-quality device.

Basic

If the trimmer has a very low price, the shaving quality, as well as the longevity of the service, will be at the same level. Models with too high a price are intended more for professional use. Cars from the middle price range are the product of choice.

You should pay attention to the number of attachments in the kit and their quality, as well as the ability to regulate the length of the cut hairs (step) - without the proper set, modeling a beard and mustache will be very problematic. The more different attachments there are, the easier it is to choose the desired mode and better care for your beard.

The operating time of the trimmer without recharging is also very important, especially for those who like to travel. In addition to those powered by the mains, models with batteries or batteries are available. Conventional average devices can operate without additional charging for a little less than an hour.

The main working tool in the trimmer is its blades, which are made of stainless steel coated with titanium or a ceramic-titanium mixture. If the knives are made of plain steel, they run the risk of quickly becoming dull. It is better to opt for self-sharpening blades.

Self-sharpening blades on the trimmer

Additional

It is important that the machine fits comfortably in your hand and is comfortable and convenient to use, i.e. The ergonomics of the device is also a necessary criterion for selection. Anti-slip coating on the handle is desirable so that the trimmer does not cut the skin on the face.

Additional criteria may also include features that make the beard care process as enjoyable and convenient as possible:

wet cutting (the trimmer can be safely rinsed in water);
the ability to work from a network with different voltage levels is important for travelers;
setting different shaving intensity - allows you to vary beard styles;
Vacuum cleaning of cut hair – eliminates the need for cleaning after the procedure.

Trimmer selection

A trimmer is a larger device, so when choosing a model, it is important to check how comfortably the device is held in the hand. Using an inconvenient device will not allow you to perform a high-quality haircut of your head and beard.

Manufacturers implement the function of adjusting the cutting height in different ways: using special attachments or using a switch. The second option is preferable.

Models of devices are available that are powered from a household electrical network, battery-powered, and with a mixed type of power supply: from the network and batteries. The latter are more convenient to use.

Blades can be made of stainless steel and ceramic. Metal cutting elements require especially careful care. For some models, it is possible to replace the blades, and you should find out how and where you can purchase suitable replacement components.

Ceramic blades

Trimmers are produced for different purposes: home use, semi-professional and professional use. For small volumes of haircuts at home, there is no point in choosing an expensive, powerful model.

It is recommended to pay attention to the number of additional attachments so as not to overpay for unnecessary functions. After all, models with functions for cutting hair to different heights and attachments for removing hair from the ears and nose are significantly more expensive than a simple trimmer.

Which is better to choose?

It is recommended for a man to give preference to universal “2 in 1” devices. Similar devices are also intended for hairdressers who create professional haircuts.

The universal “2 in 1” device helps to quickly remove hair from certain areas of the body. The device does not damage the surface of the skin. The likelihood of irritation after using such a product is minimized.

The “2 in 1” device is multifunctional. Using such a device, hair removal, correction and modeling are performed.

The “2 in 1” device has compact dimensions. Unlike classic hair clippers, such a device does not take up much space in your bag.

The device has several convenient attachments and blades. They are designed to remove hair from various areas of the body.

What did you choose in the end, a trimmer or a machine?

TrimmerMachine

Electric razor with built-in trimmer

A razor with trimmer is a kind of compromise between these two devices. It is designed primarily for those who value practicality and versatility in a device. Of course, having two types of blades in one device, such a device has much more capabilities than each one separately.

The scope of application of such a device is very wide, from a hairdressing salon to home haircuts and shaving. The peculiarity of this type of device is its expanded functionality. In addition, by combining these two devices into one, the resulting unit is deprived of the disadvantages inherent in them separately.

Here is a list of benefits from using such a device.

Versatility and true multifunctionality. Whereas previously two separate devices were required for shaving and trimming a beard, now only one is sufficient. Of course, this is much more convenient.
Less time spent. Yes, that’s right, the user spends less time because he does not need to prepare and clean two different devices, now everything he needs is already in his hands.
Availability and prevalence. The price of such devices is usually quite affordable, although the quality may not always meet the stated requirements. It is important to make sure when purchasing that the blade is made of stainless steel, and that the machine itself is rotary.
Easy to maintain. Such universal devices, as a rule, are designed with a long service life built into them. In other words, service is not only provided for in them, but also desirable. It is easy to carry out, because it includes cleaning and lubricating the knives, as well as balancing them (in rare cases).

There are also several disadvantages.

If easy maintenance of the device was noted among the advantages, then its regularity will be a clear disadvantage. Yes, a universal electric razor will have to be serviced somewhat more often than a regular one. This can be explained quite easily: more details, more potential breakdowns.
The second obvious drawback is inherent in all electrical appliances. We are talking about the power source. Everything is simple here: if you forgot to recharge your device or simply replace the batteries, then there is a high probability that it may fail you at the most inopportune moment. Imagine the situation: you are in a hurry, late for an important meeting and you urgently need to trim your beard, which has become sloppy. Half the job was done, but the machine turned off and stopped showing signs of life. Time is running out, and the beard still looks unkempt. It’s good if you have an extra set of batteries in stock, or the model allows you to use it immediately as soon as it is plugged into the outlet. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not provide for using the razor until it is fully charged.
They break more often. Unfortunately, this is also a fact. The more complex the device, the more likely it is to fail. Two blades, plus a set of universal attachments, can break much faster than one.
Dimensions. Such a universal device will have larger dimensions than, say, a trimmer and an electric razor separately. Larger dimensions mean less room for maneuver, therefore, the user will no longer be able to afford some of the things he does using less bulky items.
Blade quality. Another important aspect to pay attention to. If the blade is made of a low-quality alloy, the razor will soon lose balance and begin to bite large hairs, which can lead to skin irritation.