MALE CALL

Another spin on beard care: What about electric shaver?

Q. I read with interest your Male Call column, "Shaving tools are important as longtime beard is shorn." While I thought your column was very informative, I felt you missed a wonderful opportunity to also discuss electric shavers.

I have been an electric shaver user for 50 years. During college, I tried a regular razor with shaving cream, which gave me an acceptable shave. But I preferred the electric shaver. With the electric shaver, a good pre-shave lotion or gel helps to straighten the whiskers for a close shave, and there is no chance of cutting yourself. Of course, some electric shavers work better than others. (I prefer the triple-head shavers, as the blades curve to the contour of the face and neck.)

A. If there ever was an area where personal preference is an important part of the equation and opinions are strong, shaving with either a wet razor or an electric shaver is clearly one of them. Men are usually strong proponents of one or the other. Most men feel they cannot get a really close shave with an electric razor and, therefore, would not think of using one. Others find the electric shaver perfect for them and their beards, and see no reason to use anything else.

In this year of politics, I know better than to take a side. I'll just approach this as an important subject where I covered one side earlier and will address the other side here. Those who use electric shavers may prefer one specific shaver over another, but each model's ease of use and shaving comfort could have considerable impact on one's decision. So, too, does his complexion and how often he needs to shave. A man with a fine, blond beard may find the smallest electric shaver leaves him baby-faced; another with a dense 5 o'clock shadow (or even a 3 p.m. eclipse) may find them all useless ... or preferable to lathering up for quick touch-ups. Perhaps the biggest problem is that, like buying underwear, it is difficult to find a place that will allow you to try one out and return it.

So here is what the novice should know:

• Features -- There are two types of electric shavers: rotary and foil. Each has its advantages for different types of beards, and each can have additional features designed to improve a man's shaving experience. Most machines are cordless, but sometimes having a cord can be a benefit. Some electric shavers have rapid charge functions so you can get a quick shave even when the battery is low. Some have built-in trimmers, some can be used in the shower, and some actually clean themselves.

• Price -- Generally, electric shavers cost more than razors. And some deluxe models cost a great deal more, in the hundreds of dollars. A question might be: Will the budget model give an acceptable shave, or is an investment in a top-of-the-line shaver worth the difference? In other words, do you get an appreciably better shave with an appreciably more expensive electric shaver? I would venture to say that a lot of men feel that such an intimate and personal aspect of their grooming is worth any amount, as long as the experience is pleasant and the result is a close, comfortable shave.

• The process -- The various preliminary and follow-up steps are usually simpler when using an electric shaver than when preparing your beard for a close wet shave. Not only is electric shaving faster, but it involves using fewer grooming products than shaving with a razor.

• Brands -- Among the better-known and highly considered electric shavers are such brand names as Braun, Philips Norelco, Remington and Panasonic. In the upper price range, many men think that the Braun Series 7 gives as close a shave as a traditional blade. The Philips Norelco series has a wide range of prices, with dozens of packages and options available. One entry-level rotary model, the Philips Norelco 6948XL/41 Shaver 2100, has three independent heads (perhaps the one you use). A classic design that hasn't changed much in decades, it's a lot like the kind of electric razor your father might have used. It's cordless -- the overwhelming majority are today -- and will run for more than 35 minutes on a full, eight-hour charge. It can be used with the cord plugged in, so you can still shave even if the battery is flat, a feature not always found in the more expensive razors. A study of electric shavers can be overwhelming because of the many individual, personalized options available.

I should mention that there is indeed one more possible type of shaver, known as a "clipper." My super well-dressed and well-groomed nephew uses it to maintain his short GQ-type stubble look. Clippers come in a range of heads for different beard lengths, from 000 up to at least 3. He uses one made by Oster, the Classic 76 Universal motor clipper, 0. It was recommended by his barber and does a professional job of trimming and maintaining a stylish, short stubble-type beard.

Send fashion queries to:

Lois.Fenton@prodigy.net

High Profile on 05/29/2016

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