Foil vs Rotary Shaver: Which best suits your needs?

Shaving technology has come a long way since the early days, and electric razors have proven to be more convenient and faster. A quick shave is sometimes useful, whether it’s to blur a neckline, shave in the shower or get rid of unwanted hair. With an electric razor, you can expect efficiency, convenience, and very pleasing results.

If you’ve already made the decision to switch from a cartridge razor to an electric razor, the range of options available to you can be overwhelming. How to choose the right razor for your needs? What factors should you consider? The good news is that most of the time it all comes down to two options: foil shaver or rotary shaver. Here’s everything you need to know about them, including their key differences and similarities.

Table of Comparison for Foil Shaver Vs Rotary Shaver

Attribute	Foil Shaver	Rotary Shaver
Close Shave	Yes	No
Good for	Sensitive Skin	Rough Skin
Lining of Edges	Yes	No
Precision	Yes	No
Working Operation	Louder	Quieter
Works on Contour of Face	No	Yes
WINNERS:	Braun Series 9 9290cc	Philips Norelco 9700
	Check Price	Check Price

Foil Shavers – Best for Lining of Edges and Sensitive Skin

Foil razors are so named because of the thin sheets of metal with small holes (grids) that cover the blade. These razors have oscillating blades behind the foil, which are also called cutters.

As recommended by experts, the Panasonic Arc5 electric shaver is one of the best foil shavers on the market. It comes with 5 ultra-sharp blades that are precise and have a very fine arcuate leaf that conforms to the shape of your face. This model also features a 2-in-1 wet/dry electric razor and trimmer that you can use to detail your beard, mustache and sideburns. The waterproof razor, in particular, makes it very easy to shave in or out of the shower.

The Panasonic Arc5 electric shaver is equipped with high-performance motors that can perform up to 14,000 cuts per minute without losing their maximum power, regardless of battery charge. It also has built-in sensors that can detect any difference in beard density and automatically adjust the cutting power. This model has an LCD battery indicator that shows the battery status. It’s also portable and rechargeable, making it the perfect travel companion.

How Foil Shavers Work

This razor has holes in the foil that allow your hairs to enter the machine. The knives behind the foil then begin to move in an oscillating motion, cutting the hairs as they enter the shaver. The best way to define the cutting motion of a foil shaver is to compare it to that of a lawn mower or a fan blade.

Advantages of Foil Shavers – A Close and Fast Shave

Here are the main benefits of using a foil shaver:

As the sheet has multiple holes that give the impression of a mesh, your hair penetrates it without being pulled. This allows for a more delicate experience.

Most foil razors have multiple oscillating blades that cut in a straight line, resulting in a clean cut.

Foil razors are known for their close shave, mainly thanks to the foils. They allow hairs of all lengths to enter the machine, allowing them to easily cut fine hairs that are usually difficult to shave.

Foil razors are known for their close shave, mainly thanks to the foils. They allow hairs of all lengths to enter the machine, allowing them to easily cut fine hairs that are usually difficult to shave.

These types of razors can accommodate all types of hair, including coarse ones, in a single pass. The guide holes in the foil often have a hexagonal or wavy pattern that allows for different hair lengths and textures to pass through. So even the hairs that are very close to the skin are lifted, even if they are wavy or lying down.

The blades of foil razors oscillate at a very high speed and can even reach 14,000 cycles per minute. This comes in particularly handy when you have to wash up and are in a hurry.

The cleaning process is quite simple, and you only need to run it under running water to remove shaving cream and caught hair. You can then dry the razor and lubricate the foil head to improve its durability.

Disadvantages of the Foil Shaver– Loud and Pivots Less

Disadvantages of using a foil shaver:

If you like to shave your hair in circular motions, then you’ll have a hard time adjusting to the foil razor. This is a significant disadvantage because horizontal or vertical movements do not match the curved contours of the face.

The knives and the inner motors of the knives are louder than those of other types of razors. This is especially awkward if someone else is shaving and you’re trying to rest.

Rotary Shaver – A Quieter Electric Shaver

Rotary shavers often consist of three heads, each of which has a rotating blade that cuts the hairs. They also feature a metal shield that has a series of holes that catch the hairs as they enter the razor and meet the blades.

According to most reviews, the Philips Norelco S9721/89 shaver is one of the best rotary shaver models. It was designed to deliver close shaves even on beards as young as 3 days. This shaver has 3 rotating heads that move independently in 8 different directions, allowing it to follow the curves and contours of your body. The shaving system provides a 30% closer shave, while the contours remove up to 20% more hair.

This shaver allows you to choose the speed setting that suits you best, depending on your hair and skin type. For example, if you are looking for a very powerful shave, you can opt for a fast speed; the medium speed works well for a deep shave, while a skin-friendly shave can be achieved with a slow speed setting. The Philips Norelco S9721/89 9700 shaver is also rechargeable, cordless, and has a digital interface that lets you track battery charge.

How Rotary Shavers Work

Rotary razors give the blades a higher level of movement, and in some cases manufacturers design the razors to rotate in different directions to provide high coverage. These razors cut your hair in a circular motion and are able to adapt to the contours and curves of the area to be shaved. This allows you to easily reach areas that are otherwise difficult to shave, such as the neck.

Advantages of Rotary Shaver – Best for Long and Dense Hair

Here are the main benefits of using a rotary shaver:

Rotary shavers have an effective way of dealing with long hairs. They are a great option if your hair grows back quickly and you don’t prefer to shave daily. They are also great for people with tough skin from years of shaving.

As the heads of these razors rotate in different directions, they allow for a 360 degree shave. They are able to bend to the contours of your skin and reach hard to reach places like behind the ears and under the nose. Rotary razors are also handy if you have a sharp jawline, wider cheekbones, or a prominent Adam’s apple. The slow circular motions make this razor ideal for shaving sensitive areas like the armpits and neck.

Don’t hate wild hair growing? With a rotary razor, you can easily cut those hairs even if they have grown in different directions.

Rotary shavers are relatively quiet and allow you to enjoy a smooth shave without irritating your eardrums.

If you like to spend your weekend without shaving, you will appreciate the effectiveness of rotary shavers on long hairs. However, you should limit hair growth to a maximum of 3 days.

Disadvantages of a Rotary Shaver

Disadvantages of using a rotary shaver:

To clean your rotary shaver, you have to disassemble it into several parts. Any deviation from the manufacturer’s instructions could reduce its durability. It’s very inconvenient, especially when you have to leave the house in a hurry.

Rotary shavers often leave hairs behind and do not provide a close shave compared to other types of razors.

As rotary shavers move in a circular motion, it is significantly more difficult to achieve the precision required for areas such as beard edges and sideburns.

Differences between Electric Shavers – Foil Vs Rotary Battle

According to CNN electric razors are more efficient than other types of razors and adapt to your beard for a closer shave. If you’ve narrowed your options down to foil and rotary shavers, here’s a rundown of their key differences.

Foil razors are a great option when it comes to precision shaving or areas that require specific lines, such as sideburns. They also work great for small areas. Rotary razors, on the other hand, are a great option for shaving large areas such as the legs, scalp, and face, as they can cover a large area in a short amount of time. They are also used on sensitive areas like the armpits.

The working mechanisms of a foil shaver and a rotary shaver vary widely. Foil razors cut in straight strokes or in vertical and horizontal lines. The aluminum foil is pierced with several holes which give it the appearance of a mesh and work by drawing the hairs into the oscillating blades. Rotary shavers, on the other hand, have 3 rotating heads that move in multiple directions and cut your hair in a circular motion.

Most users think that rotary shavers have more speed because they have 3 heads moving at the same time. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Foil shavers, in fact, offer more speed because they have a larger charge. This then causes more vibration and speed in the knives and can reach loads of up to 14,000 cycles per minute.

The mobility of a foil shaver’s system is the main reason you don’t have to go over the same spot twice compared to rotary shavers.

The sensitivity of your skin is highly dependent on how long you shave and has a big impact on your shaving experience. In general, sensitive skin requires a smooth shave to avoid cuts, and foil razors are a bit easy. You can easily set the device to a slow speed. Rotary shavers, on the other hand, allow you to shave more types of hair, including wavy and coarse hair.

Rotary shavers are generally more versatile than foil shavers. They work well on the contours of your body, allowing for a smoother shave, even if you have long hair. They can also be used on flat surfaces, including cheeks.

Foil razors are very effective on flat surfaces or areas that need to be shaved in a straight line. On the other hand, if you opt for a thick razor, you will be able to obtain an exact cut.

Rotary shavers are generally more versatile than foil shavers. They work well on the contours of your body, allowing for a smoother shave, even if you have long hair. They can also be used on flat surfaces, including cheeks.

Foil razors are very effective on flat surfaces or areas that need to be shaved in a straight line. On the other hand, if you opt for a thick razor, you will be able to obtain an exact cut.

Electric shavers are like an investment, which is why price is a critical factor when making a purchase decision. In general, the price of the device varies depending on the brand and model you prefer. However, from the examples we have highlighted above, the foil shaver is more expensive.

The other differences are:

• Noise: Foil shavers are noisy due to the vibration of the blades and the movement of the cutters. If you like a quiet shave, you should opt for a rotary shaver.
• Style and design: Both razors have distinct designs; for example, the foil shaver has about 3-4 foils which have curtains behind them. Rotary shavers, on the other hand, have 3 circular heads that move in 10 different directions.

Similarities Between a Rotary and Foil Shaver

Now that the two types of electric razors have been identified and before you start looking for your model in the right brand, it is good to know the few options and accessories they can offer. This allows in particular to be able to make a choice.

Here is a list of some of the features that foil and rotary shavers share:

Most shavers charge in an average of 1 hour. But many of us forget to charge it in advance so as not to be caught off guard. Fortunately, manufacturers have been able to overcome this by equipping their products with a quick charge which only takes 5 minutes and which allows you to shave immediately afterwards.

This option can be useful when you run out of battery. You can then use it by plugging it in directly. Very handy in an emergency!

This attachment can be handy for reaching hard-to-reach areas and for trimming sideburns, mustache and beard.

Usually found only on higher end models. Consider it only for frequent use in the gym or on trips.

Electric shavers are designed for dry use. However, some can be used with a shaving cream (wet shave) for close-fitting and comfortable results.

High-quality foil and rotary shavers may have a cleaning system, which is sold separately or included with the device. The cleaning system is based on an alcohol-based solution.

Consider this option if you prefer to shave in the shower or like to wash the device regularly.

Foil vs Rotary Shaver- The shaving technique

You don’t have to be an expert in shaving, much less to know that there are two types of razors depending on the type and arrangement of the blades. We are talking about rotary shavers and foil shavers.

Foil razors are those with one or more long, straight heads, which take up the entire end of the shaver. While rotary shavers are those where 3 circular heads in a triangular arrangement are normally observed at the end of the machine.

How to shave with an electric foil shaver- Step by step

Foil shavers are made up of sharp blades that move sideways extremely quickly behind a thin perforated metal plate. The hairs enter through the perforations in the plate and are then cut by the blades.
Aside from perforated plates, almost all modern shavers include at least one trimmer designed to cut long hairs down to a more manageable size.

And speaking of which, the Achilles heel of almost all electric shavers is long hair. Therefore, a prerequisite for a good shave with an electric shaver is a reasonably short beard, especially if you are using a blade shaver. And that’s because blade electric shavers tend to handle long hairs worse than rotary electric shavers.
If for whatever reason you shave every three days or more, it’s a good idea to trim your beard with a trimmer before you shave.

This is probably the most important aspect of shaving with an electric razor. Use your free hand to determine the direction your stubble is growing so you can always shave against that direction.
Not shaving against the direction of beard growth will result in a poor shave in terms of a close shave and will probably leave some hair behind. After a while you will have a mental map with the direction in which your beard grows and you will no longer have to feel it with your hand.

Your electric shaver works best when it is held at a 90-degree angle and in constant contact with your skin.

This will keep the hairs straight and thus will be reached by the razor and will also make the skin stretched, thus minimizing the risk of irritation.
You can tilt your head back while lifting your chin when shaving your neck or just below your jawline. You can also use your tongue to press against the inside of his lips or cheeks. It’s a very effective way to stretch the skin above your upper lip, for example. These stretch tips apply to rotary shavers as well.

Depending on the direction of the hair and the area you’re shaving, short, vigorous strokes may work best.
For example, if you’re shaving a large, relatively flat area like your cheeks you can get good results with long strokes, especially if the direction of the hair doesn’t vary too much. When shaving an area with many hair growth patterns it is best to treat in short strokes, constantly adjusting the direction or even the pressure. Which brings us to the next point.

This goes against the first point, but your pressure tolerance tends to depend on the sensitivity of your skin and the razor you’re using. Some are more forgiving than others (for example, the  Braun Series 7 or 9  is gentler on the skin than the  Panasonic 4-blade  or 5-blade) and you can try increasing the pressure in very small increments in order to get a close shave. more rushed.
Try to experiment to see what works best for you, but I can’t stress enough that you should only do it little by little and if you don’t experience any discomfort. Small cuts and scrapes can occur if you press too hard, the skin actually enters through the perforations in the plates and a very thin layer of skin cells is scraped off, causing irritation.

You should also start with the areas that are prone to irritation and the most difficult, such as the neck area. These areas require more attention and effort, so it’s a good idea to start with these areas first. Again, this applies to electric shaving in general, regardless of your preference for either blade razors or rotary shavers.

How to shave with a rotary electric shaver- Step by step

Rotary shavers were made popular by Philips as they use circular blades that rotate behind metal shields. These guards feature holes and slots to capture short hairs and long hairs which are then cut close to the skin by the internal rotating blades.
The vast majority of modern rotary shavers come in a configuration with three individual shaving heads.

The way we should alter the shaving techniques presented above is a direct result of the design and operation of rotary shavers.

The reason behind this is simply to catch more hairs efficiently. While circular motions make up the majority of your shave, you’re not limited to just using them. In fact, you should probably use (and I highly recommend) that you go up and down with little side swipes as this ensures that you are hitting all the hairs that are growing in different directions.

Use what is best for you. Although I have touched on this topic, I think it is important to say it again. All the articles I have found say unequivocally that you should only use circular patterns with rotary shavers.
However, following this strictly can be detrimental and may limit how much you can improve your shave. Switch things up and experiment with different strokes to get the best results.

This is particularly important with rotary shavers as they seem to be less forgiving than blade shavers when more pressure is applied.

While with blade shavers pressing a little harder can help you get a closer shave, it doesn’t seem to work as well with rotary shavers and most of the time will just cause discomfort. Therefore, a gentle and constant pressure is the best option.

Excess foam and hair debris will clog the shaver and negatively affect shave quality. The same goes for using a cream or gel shaver.

Care after shaving with an electric razor

You have finished shaving and you are relieved to see that the skin on your face is as smooth as a baby’s. But you’re not done yet.

However, you are not done yet. Aftershave is just as crucial as prepping and shaving with an electric razor. But why ? Let’s see some examples:

• Although it may not seem like it, because shaving with an electric razor is gentler on the skin than shaving with a manual razor, small cuts are common and need to be repaired. It is also necessary to avoid irritation.
• After shaving, your skin will have lost nutrients and moisture, so you will need to replenish it.
• If not dealt with quickly, the heat created by the blades during their operation can lead to unpleasant and undetectable burns.

This aftershave technique with an electric razor is both simple and effective. In reality, it has only three steps. Let’s take a look at it and don’t forget to put it into practice when the time comes:

• Wash your face with cold water. Especially if it’s frozen. You can even do this by putting a few ice cubes in the sink. The use of water at a very low temperature makes it possible to obtain a relaxing effect. Unlike hot water, it also tightens pores, hardens the skin on your face, and calms the discomfort produced by natural skin irritations.
• Using a soft, clean cloth, pat your face dry. Avoid rubbing the skin. It is much more pleasant and effective to tap with the towel. Moreover, the results are the same.
• The skin must be hydrated and nourished. Now is the time to apply the aftershave. This lotion will relieve inflammation, moisturize and nourish your skin, restoring it to its pre-shave state. We recommend using a product that is natural, alcohol-free, and free of potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates and parabens.

Once you’ve applied the moisturizing balm to your skin, you’re done with your electric shaving routine. You can make it in less than 20 minutes. At least, once you get some practice.

Tips to avoid irritation when shaving with an electric machine

Every man has shaved at least once in his life with a razor, and has suffered the occasional cut or irritation in the process.

But is it possible to achieve good results without ending up with cuts or irritated skin? The truth is that yes, and this is the way in which you can achieve it:

start by preparing your beard well before shaving. To do this, make sure it is clean, without dirt, and apply shaving foam or a lotion as appropriate (the first for wet shaving, the second for dry shaving).

Especially during first use, make sure the machine is always at a 90 degree angle to your skin. This will allow you to avoid the occasional cut and the blades of the machine getting caught in the hair, causing discomfort.

Shavers tend to get hot, which can cause discomfort. Pay attention to the temperature of the shaver and avoid continuing to apply pressure when it starts to heat up. It is better to stop for a moment and thus avoid skin damage.

To get a good shave, keeping the shavers in good condition is essential. Pay attention to its cleanliness and change its blades when necessary.

During shaving, rushing is not good company. If you want to get the best results without damaging your skin, take your time and don’t make impulsive movements. With patience everything goes better.

Foil Shavers & Rotary Shavers: Cleaning & Maintenance

Foil & rotary shaver with cleaning station: When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, there are also differences from model to model. Cleaning stations are available for some foil and rotary shavers or are already included in the set (e.g. all current Braun Series 5, 6, 7 shavers , all Braun Series 9 Pro models , Panasonic ES-LV97 , Philips S9711/31 or at least Philips with a cordless cleaning container S9987/59).

Manual cleaning: In all modern models, the razor head can be removed and cleaned under running water or with soap. Most sets also contain a small cleaning brush for rough dry cleaning (note: not intended for foil razor foils!). Whether the razor head can be disassembled into its components depends on the individual model. With many foil shavers this is not possible, with many rotary shavers it is. There are models where each of the three shaving elements has to be removed separately (e.g. Philips 9000 series and Prestige ) and models where all three elements can be removed in one step (e.g. Philips 3233 from series 3000). 

Foil & rotary razor spare parts: The well-known brand manufacturers Braun, Philips and Panasonic not only offer replacement shaving heads for the top devices, but also for cheaper models. The battery can be changed by service workshops without the water resistance of the shaver being lost.

Skin compatibility and facial hair density

Your skin is unique to you. Therefore, it is best to rely on your judgment to determine which shaving system makes sense. In general, you should keep the following in mind:

If you experience regular acne breakouts, it is recommended that you clean your electric shaver frequently. Many modern brands make razors that are fully waterproof and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

Some shavers, especially those from Braun, have a complementary, alcohol-based cleaning system that will remove bacteria from the blades after each use.

If you have sensitive skin, consider an electric shaver with a more powerful motor that provides greater cutting power or shaving efficiency. Regardless of the system, you want to achieve your shave in as few strokes as possible.

Using the electric shaver with shaving cream can also provide more comfortable results.

Men with tight, curly facial hair are more likely to develop razor bumps (ingrown hairs). A foil shaver should cut the hair much cleaner so it can safely exit the skin while it grows back.

However, the best way to avoid razor bumps is to use a razor or beard trimmer . These cut only a fraction above the surface, so hair never has a chance to grow in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which razor is the most effective for everyday use?

If you prefer to shave daily, you should opt for a foil razor. Rotary shavers are more suitable for people who skip a few days before their next shave and can cut hair growth for up to 3 days without pulling them out.

Can I use electric razors on my pubic hair?

Non.

Most men are often curious about the scope of electric shavers, especially on pubic hair. We don’t recommend this, however, because foil shavers and rotary shavers have fast-moving blades, which could be risky for you. This is especially true since pubic hair grows in different directions and foil razors may not get the job done. On the other hand, it is very dangerous to make circular movements with a rotary razor. We advise you to simply buy a trimmer for your pubic hair.

Do electric shavers cause ingrown hairs?

If you are sensitive to ingrown hairs or shaving bumps, you should opt for a foil razor. The circular motions of the rotary shaver can cause your hairs to curl inward slightly while shaving.

Are there any similarities between the foil shaver and the rotary shaver?

The two razors have different cutting methods, skin compatibility, versatility, and system mobility. The only similarity they share is that they are both powered by electric currents.

Conclusion

According to the BBC Although the beard is often very beautiful in men, it is a hotbed of bacterial proliferation, especially when it is neglected. There’s no set rule for how often you should trim your beard, but experts recommend doing it at least once a week. If you’ve opted for electric shavers, chances are you’ve chosen between foil shavers and rotary shavers.

While both types of razors are very effective, their shaving technologies are different. For example, foil shavers cut hair in a straight line, while rotary shavers do so in a circular motion. To make your decision, you should base your decision on your skin sensitivity, the thickness of your hair and your preferences.