Growing a beard only requires patience, while shaving it off requires ample tools and accessories. The first and foremost thing to add to the grooming arsenal is the razor or shaver. Till now, you have been using a traditional razor that has a blade clogging issue, which is why you want to switch to an electric shaver to get relief from it.
Also, buying a set of cartridges or razor blades piles up the overall cost of the razors. Furthermore, traditional razors are vulnerable to cuts and nicks. If not this, then it may also cause razor burns, itching, razor bumps, and irritation. The chances of pulling and tugging aren’t negligible.
On the other hand, electric shavers have been becoming a trend. With a plethora of advantages and convenience in shaving, it has won millions of hearts. It not only takes care of normal skin but also looks after sensitive skin.
Now you might have a question, is it budget-friendly or costly? And is it worth it to invest in electric shavers? Which type of electric shaver is the best: Foil Shaver or Rotary electric Shaver? All the answers to your questions are in this article. It has everything about foil shaver vs rotary shaver.
So, let’s witness the battle and know the best one out of the two that you can add to your grooming kit.
Table Of Content
- Battle Between Foil vs Rotary Shaver
- How does the Foil Shaver Work?
- Benefits & Pitfalls of Foil Shaver
- What to Consider While Buying a Foil Shaver?
- Factors Affecting Performance of Foil Shavers
- How does the Rotary Shaver Work?
- Benefits & Pitfalls of Rotary Shaver
- What to Consider While Buying a Rotary Shaver?
- Factors Affecting Performance of Rotary Shavers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Battle Between Rotary vs Foil Shaver
Blade Design
Both the foil and rotary electric shaver have a unique blade design. We will see it separately by starting with foil shavers first.
Foil electric shaver has blades that are built to move in the back and forth direction. And you should stick to the same working mechanism unless you want to encounter razor burn or other issues. The foil covers the sharp blades, making sure it doesn’t cut your skin. It results in a close and smooth shave.
On the counterpart, a rotary shaver works with spinning disks and blades. The three spinning heads ensure a close and safe cut. You must move in a circular direction for efficient results.
Maneuverability
If you are looking for a tool that matches the contours of your face, then rotary shavers are worth investing in. It not only cuts long facial hair but also works well on flat surfaces.
On the other hand, foil shavers can work on flat surfaces, but it will take more time to shave off. The premium foil electric shaver is the best for precise cutting. Contrary to this, if you want quick shaving, then rotary shavers are the best maneuverable tool.
Cutting & Cleaning
How precisely does your shaving tool cut? It should be your primary concern. However, it depends on the brands and models you use or choose to use. It varies between foil and rotary razors, and here are the differences.
A rotary electric shaver is tedious when it comes to post-shaving but is accurate when cutting and cleaning. A rotary shaver is a good option for the ones who prefer to go bald.
Quality foil shavers take minimum time for shaving and are also easy to clean. Investing in such electric shavers will never go in vain.
Sensitive Skin
The sensitivity of the skin depends on how much shaving it has experienced. A foil razor is good for delicate skin and beginners, while rough and tough skin guys can opt for rotary electric shavers. On the contrary, if you bring home a cheap foil shaver, there are chances of roughness. Both foil and rotary shavers’ experience depends on the sensitivity of the skin.
Price
It is one of the crucial factors when planning to buy a rotary or foil shaver. Also, the price varies from brand to brand. And there are multiple brands in the market. To save your time, we have curated the list of top brands and compared their prices. We have mentioned the price comparison table and a list of the best rotary and foil shavers on the market.
| Product | Brand | Price | Rotary/Foil |
| Series 9 9385cc | Braun | $310 | Foil |
| Philips Norelco Shaver 9300 | Philips Norelco | $220 | Rotary |
| Philips Norelco Shaver 7000 | Philips Norelco | $170 | Rotary |
| Heritage Series Foil Shaver | Remington | $150 | Foil |
| FOILFX02 | BaBylissPRO | $120 | Foil |
| R2 Rotary Shaver | Remington | $30 | Rotary |
| R6 WETech Power Series Rotary Shaver | Remington | $70 | Rotary |
| Flex Shave | Wahl | $60 | Foil |
| Panasonic Arc 5 | Panasonic | $150 | Foil |
In our opinion, the two best Foil Shavers are:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
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The two best Rotary Shavers are:
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
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Wet and Dry Shaving
Wet shaving consists of either use of shaving cream or using under the shower. You will be able to achieve the best results if you opt for wet shaving. It requires learning the right technique.
The dry shave is mostly preferable by the sensitive skin guys who find it less irritating and fast. Also, you can dry shave anywhere with less hassle as compared to rotary shavers.
Charing Time & Portability
The battery life and portability are some of the major concerns of electric shavers (foil or rotary). All the electric shavers are portable and travel-friendly. Besides, it gives you the maximum battery power only if you charge it in the right way.
- Make complete use of the current battery before charging it.
- Do not overcharge your batteries.
- Always prefer Ni-MH batteries against Li-ion as it holds more charging.
Technology
Foil razors come with sonic technology that measures the density of the whiskers. Once it reads the face, it will adjust the power needed for cleaning. An innovative technology that you won’t find in other shavers.
On the other hand, rotary electric shavers have their own wet/dry shaving system. It is also known as Aquatec technology that allows shavers to use it in running water or with shaving cream.
How does the Foil Shaver Work?
The mechanism of it is straightforward. A thin sheet of steel foil with tiny holes covers the blade that oscillates at a faster rate. It uplifts the facial hair and brings it closer to the blades to shave it off. It needs to move up and down or left or right on the cheeks, jawline, and neckline.
Foil shaver does not offer a close shave as compared to the traditional razor (safety, straight, and cartridge razor), but it will not disappoint you as well. It is best for the ones who prefer everyday shaving and are having straight hair. It is also good for sideburn precision.
Benefits & Pitfalls of Foil Shaver
Firstly, we will start with the benefits of Foil Shavers:
Takes Care of Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you can invest in a foil razor. Its working technology is better than other shavers. It neither pulls facial hair nor pokes the skin. We find this shaver to be gentle and kind to the skin.
The foil is the reason why you will get a perfect and close shave. The blades do not come into contact with the skin, yet foil pulls the facial hair without tugging. That’s the reason why the foil shavers work well on sensitive skin.
Offers A Close Shave
Looking for a close shave, but confused about which tools to choose? In my opinion, you should give preference to foil electric shavers. Why? Because it comes with thin foils that make sure every hair enters into tiny holes. Also, if you are a fine hair guy, then the foil razor is worth an investment.
It can trim the coarse facial hair as well, and all the credit goes to the thin micro-foils. Rotary shavers with thick metal combs may fall short when it comes to offering the best possible close shave. The reason is the thick layer between the blade and the skin. A thin layer is superior to a thick layer. Of course, it doesn’t mean rotary shavers are good for nothing. It does deliver the results to some men, and it is suggestible to use the product that matches your expectation.
Easier to Clean
Most brands offer a cleaning station with a shaver or trimmer that cleans, lubricates, and sanitizes the grooming tool. However, the results of the cleaning station may vary or not match the expectations. And at the same time, it also increases the overall cost of the product. If we compare the cleaning convenience of rotary shaver and foil shaver, then the latter is easier to maintain and clean.
You can even clean it under running water with some liquid soap. However, there are foil shavers that consume more time than others. For instance, the Panasonic and Remington shavers are easier to clean by separating the foils and inner blades.
On the contrary, brands like Braun use cassettes that merge blades and the foils into a single piece that is difficult to clean manually. Hence, it requires a cleaning station to remove all the shaving cream and hair.
Touch Ups & Precision Work
What if I tell you that the foil razor is ideal for both newbies and the ones who are looking for a precise shaving tool. The working mechanism makes it ideal for sideburns, goatees, and necklines.
Unlike rotary shavers, the foil shavers have a rectangular-shaped blade that moves in the up and down or left to the right direction.
It can make a perfectly straight line in these hard-to-reach areas. And, it gives more control when shaving as compared to rotary shavers.
Shaves Any Type of Hair
The foil is responsible for shaving when it comes to the foil shaver. And, this foil comes in a variety of patterns that makes it ideal for every hair type. It has a short slit, a long and wide slit, and a rounder hole.
These holes come in a hexagonal or wavy pattern that ensures every type of hair passes through them. As soon as the hair passes through the foil, it lifts and cuts, irrespective of hair length.
Quick Shave
Foil shavers will be impressed with its quick shaving time, and the reason is the blade speed. It rotates and vibrates at the speed of 14 000 cycles per minute. It makes the shaver move quickly from one side to another without taking much time. You don’t need to pass the electric shaver several times over the same area.
Everyday Shaving
Foil razor does a commendable job when it comes to everyday shaving. If you are worried about the short stubble then, you should ponder upon this shaving tool. It will try to get as close as possible to the skin for a better and close shave. Many men prefer a clean shave and do not want to experiment with different styles. For those men, this tool is a great deal.
It would be unfair if you know only the benefits and not the pitfalls. After all, you are going to invest your hard-earned money, which should not go in vain.
Limited Pivoting
The pivoting of the foil shaver is restricted to back and forth or left to right movement. It is generally difficult for the ones who prefer a circular movement. You don’t get the freedom to move the shaver on your skin like a rotary one. Due to this, it falls short in following the contours of your face. Ultimately, it negatively impacts the overall experience and performance as well.
Straight Lines
Circular motions aren’t possible with the straight-edge electric shaver. And not every man prefers straight line shaving. So, this might not be an ideal option for high-end rotary shaver users.
Noisy
Undoubtedly, the foil shavers are noisy, and the reason is the motor and the cutter. It can be annoying not only to the one who uses it but also to the surroundings. It is not an ideal tool if you are sharing space. And bringing it closer to the ears while detailing the sideburns will often distract you, which may ruin the detailing.
Along with the pros and cons, you must look at the factors affecting performance to get a better and clear picture.
What to Consider While Buying a Foil Shaver?
These factors will help you in researching on your own whenever you want to buy a foil shaver.
Wet and Dry Shaving
You should always go with the shaver that offers both wet/dry convenience. Why is it important? Because wet shaving gives you the freedom to use shaving cream for your sensitive skin. It will make sure that you get the best possible close shave without irritation and skin issues.
Speed
Blade speed plays a crucial role in achieving a better shave. The foil electric shaver blade oscillates at cycles per minute, and this is important to check when buying such shavers. The faster a blade oscillates, the quicker it shaves.
Battery Life
Battery life is the first thing to consider at the time of buying an electric shaver. It’s because a low battery life shaver can leave you in a half-shaven position.
Nowadays, some electric shavers come with a quick charging feature that ensures a single morning shave. The average electric shaver offers 45-50 minutes of runtime with a single full charge.
What else you should look for is the travel-lock feature. With this, you will be free from the risk of accidentally turning on and letting the batteries away, leaving you disappointed at the time of shaving.
You have seen everything about a foil electric shaver. Let’s look at the rotary shaver so that it can help you in making a purchase decision.
Factors Affecting Performance of Foil Shavers
Keeping it Wet
Rusting starts developing on the tool if you do not dry it after washing. It results in dull foil blades and poor performance. You must rinse the shaver under running water and then clean it with a towel and let it dry. Also, you can store it in the storage case where you feel it will remain dry. Do not leave it on the bathroom counter or in a damp place. Also, you should not forget to lubricate it at times.
Overpressuring Against the Skin
It is a myth that applying additional pressure will give a more precise and close shave. Instead, it will degrade the performance. Also, it can cause skin issues, such as itching and irritation. Care and delicacy are key components to achieving a successful shave with enhanced performance.
Tapping Foil Head to Hard While Cleaning
Do you want to waste your hard-earned money? If not, then stop tapping the foil head against a hard surface with a motive to clean it. You are not cleaning it, but you are making it fragile. Often tapping could lead to a decrease in performance and lifespan of the foil shaver. Also, it may lead to an increase in the cost of buying a new foil head.
Ignoring Protective Cap
Many high-quality foil shavers from top brands offer protective caps to reduce the deterioration rate and upkeep the blades. Here, many users neglect the protective cap and throw it away. Well, you must understand that whatever the company offers, there must be a purpose behind it. If you throw away the protective cap, you are decreasing the blade lifespan. If you love your shaving companion, then you must cover it.
Ignoring Manufacturers Instructions
The manual guide you see with every electric gadget comes with a reason. In the foil shaver’s case, you must go through the guide before using it. You will get to know how to use it and the way to clean and maintain it. If you don’t follow the manual, you might miss a useful and vital piece of information.
Cleaning Only with Brush
The brush is not the only thing you should use for cleaning your shaver. At regular intervals, disassemble it and access all the parts to remove any stray hairs stuck in it. You must also wash the blade under lukewarm water and let it dry out. Using only a brush for cleaning will decrease the lifespan of your foil shaver.
Using it Against Long Hairs
If you are not trimming an excessive length before using the foil shaver, there are chances that the long hairs will get tangled up in the foils. It results in poor performance of the blade and ultimately replacement.
Ignoring Overheating
Heating issues are common in corded or cordless electric shavers, be it low-quality or premium shavers. Normal heating is not a problem, but excessive use, it may cause overheating. Firstly, you can apply lubricant to the metal and check if it is overheating or not. If the issue persists, you can replace the foil heads. Also, do not buy cheap products; go for the original ones.
With this, we hope you know the nitty-gritty about a foil shaver and could have made up a mind to buy. But wait, you must know the following things before you buy one for yourself.
How does the Rotary Shaver Work?
A rotary shaver has three-round, spinning, and independent shaving heads. It has circular blades that offer the optimum results if moved in a circular motion. Unlike foil shavers, it matches the contours of your face.
The lines in the rotary razor are responsible for cutting the hair. As soon as the hair comes closer to the opening, it will cut as close as possible. The rotary shaver makes sure that it reaches all the areas of the face.
Benefits & Pitfalls of Rotary Shaver
Cuts Thick Hair
The rotary shaver works well on the fastest growing hairs, i.e., thick and coarse hair. What I like about it is the way it shaves the 4th or 5th-day stubble. It not only can shave off the very next day’s stubble but also works well on a week-long facial hair. So, it becomes an ideal shaving tool for the thick hair guys.
Cuts Wild Hair
If you are worried about the neck hair that grows in different directions, then a rotary shaver is the solution. It can cut the hair growing in different ways and ensures that it reaches all the areas.
Ideal for Long Hair
Your schedule may be so tight that you hardly get time to shave off your facial hair. In such a situation, stubble grows into long hair, which either needs shaving or grooming. And when you decide to shave it off, you will require a tool that does the job for you. A rotary shaver is the best option as compared to other razors. A normal shaver shaves 2-3 days long hair, but this rotary shaver has the potential of shaving long hair as well.
Works Even on Rough Skin
The rotary shaver works well even on tough and rough skin. It means if you are shaving for a long time, and planning to switch to the rotary shaver, then you don’t need to worry about it. However, you cannot use this shaver on sensitive skin. Hence, a newbie in the grooming world should prefer a foil shaver against a rotary shaver.
Peaceful Shaving
Unlike foil shavers, it makes sure that it neither distracts you nor disturbs others with its noise. Even if your bedroom is close to your bathroom, it won’t disturb the one who is sleeping or trying to sleep.
Easily Maneuvers
The rotary heads offer a 360-degree shave that follows all the contours of the face. It can go on the places like behind the ears and under the nose. Also, if you have Adam’s apple or high cheekbones, you must opt for a rotary shaver. This shaving tool makes sure that every corner is clean-shaven.
Just like the benefits, there are pitfalls that you must know to make the correct decision. Unlike others, we don’t want our readers to have half a piece of information.
No Close Shave
If you are switching from a foil shaver to achieve a much closer shave than your current tool, drop your idea. They aren’t like foils shavers that go close to the skin and shave it off. Also, you cannot expect precision and detail on sideburns. And the reason is independent rotating discs.
Difficult to Clean
The cleaning task of the rotary shaver is quite tedious and daunting. You need to disassemble all the parts and wash them every time you use them. For proper cleaning, you must also read the user guide that comes with rotary shavers. It would not be an ideal option for the one who prefers quick and easy cleaning.
Can Cause Irritation
Rotary shavers come with a steeper learning curve that is essential to learn proper shaving. Many men suffer from irritation while using a rotary shaver as it does not smooth the skin, like the foil shaver.
After looking at the pros and cons, you must look at the factors that affect the performance.
Factors Affecting Performance of Rotary Shavers
No Cleaning
If self-cleaning is not the option, you must opt for manual cleaning. If you clean your rotary shaver parts properly, you make sure that it stays intact and working. Any compromise in cleaning will lead to poor performance, blunt blades, and a decrease in lifespan.
Wet and Dry Shaving
Wet shaving makes sure that you can use it under the water or with the shaving cream. It maximizes performance and efficiency. And in the case of thick and curly hair, a wet shave is the only solution to shave it off. It makes the coarse and curly hair soft and easy to cut. However, it is not suitable for fine and straight beard hair.
Applying pressure than Required
Do not apply pressure for achieving a close shave when using a rotary shaver. Doing so may deter its capacity of delivering optimum performance.
The factors to consider will even help you in researching on your own and do not miss it.
What to Consider While Buying a Rotary Shaver?
Power Source
The corded electric shaver is outdated, yet it offers the convenience of not charging it. It doesn’t mean you always prefer the corded ones; you can even buy a cordless electric shaver that is battery-operated.
Mobility
The most important thing is the feel and portability of the electric shaver. You must buy a shaver that works on the go and is quite portable.
Blade Options
Rotary shavers come with three oscillating blades. You must replace all the blades once a year for consistent shaving.
Now, you know everything about both types of electric razors (rotary shaver versus foil shaver), so let’s dive deep into the key differences with which you would be able to make up a buying decision.
FAQs:
1. Which is better: foil or rotary shaver?
The foil electric shaver is good for daily use, while the rotary shaver can cut 3-5 days stubble. It entirely depends on your convenience.
2. What is a foil shaver used for?
The foil razor aims to go close to the skin without using razor blades. It gives a lot of flexibility to the users as you can use it without shaving creams or gels.
3. Which shaver is good for black men?
Black men grow thick or coarse hair, which only rotary shavers efficiently cut with the help of a razor. With the rotary shaver, it won’t irritate your skin or face.
Conclusion
So, this is the rotary shaver versus foil shaver battle wherein you have seen how electric razors like foil move back and forth and can be used to shave every day. On the other hand, a rotary shaver that moves into a circular motion can even be used for head shaving as it works in different directions.
The ultimate battle between foil versus rotary shaver ends here, and we hope this article finds you well. You can even subscribe to our website for more such good reads. Also, you can share your feedback and suggestions. We would be more than happy to listen to our customers.
