- Ideal conditions
- Choosing between 3 options
- Preparing the hair
- 2 times
- Electric shaver
- After shave

Ideal Conditions

Try to avoid shaving staightly when waking up: you hair is rough and you muscles lack tonicity. And you’re even not totally awoken and may hurt yourself. However, the morning remains the best moment of the day to shave as the skin is rested. Ideally, shave on the morning after a shower. Warm water will soften and extend the hair, which will make it easier to shave (this will even make your blades last longer). Other optimal condition: shave on an empty stomach, because mastication allows blood flowing in the face which encourages facial flushing.

3 options

A choice between 3 options, from the oldest to the most recent:

- Folding razors
- Safety razors
- Electric razors

Folding razors

Symbolizes the traditional way to shave. Most of us discovered this item through movies (famous Western movies). Choosing this method is a above all a choice for tradition and aestheticism. You relation to this item is more personal compared to any other razor. The “cut-throat” shaves closer but be aware that it requires specific skills! For a long time, shaving advices with folding razors were given from father to son. Today if you want to use it, the best is to go at a barber’s first.

Thiers-Issard is one of the lastest French razor manufacturer, here is the Evide model

Safety razors

The first “safety” razor dates back to the 18th century, it has known a continual evolution since then, even more the last years with the invention of the double, triple then quadruple blades! They are called Bic, Gilette or Wilkinson and differs only from their design. Choosing one or the other is only a matter of habit. Note that apart from the razors you find in supermarkets, higher-end razors exists made of horn or chrome.

The razor we all know.
Here is a model from Edwin Jagger

Electric shavers

I think I may have owned my first electric shaver around 18. Quite a basic model which I soon dropped actually. If you really want to use an electric razor, my advice is to target the top of the range on the first time! This is the only guarantee for quick and good results (see our electric shavers tests). In spite of this, even if your shaver offers great performances, you may need the good old safety razor for the finishing touches. Most of all, electric shavers can allow shaving very quickly.

The rough-haired geeks razor : the Braun Pulsonic 5

Preparing the hair

It appears essential to hydrate the hair to easy its cut for any razor you will choose. One of the most traditional way to do it (and most effective) is to use a shaving soap applied thanks to a brush so the hair gets softer and deeply hydrated.

Foams or gels are more widely used today. Colored, perfumed or not is only a matter of taste. If you don’t have any particular skin problem, consumer goods will suit you well (Gilette, Williams…). But sensitive skins, more subject to irritations, may better use specific skincares like over-the-counter drugs and personal hygiene products, or cosmetics sold in perfumeries.

To prepare for electric shave, you can apply on your beard a damp alum rock which will tighten the skin pores and ruffle the hair. Dry with a towel and use some talc to dry more and easy the razor glide. From here, conditions will be optimal for a good shaving session!

Other option: using a shaving oil. Espcially for those whose hair is rough! It must be used in addition to a foam or gel, starting by the oil in first.

2 times

For a close shave, it is essential to glide in two directions: the first according to the hair growth, then a second from the opposite direction after reapplying the foam of gel. Picture-perfect, small slaps on the cheeks and let’s go!

The electric shaver

If you let your beard grow few days, use the electric shaver before any hand razor, the task will become easier then. The electric shave/clipper can also help keeping a “3-days beard” look.

After-shave

Shaving automatically irritates the skin. Here we’re talking about soothing the razor burn and rehydrating the skin. After shaving, some of you may have different levels of irritation. Red blotches on the skin, even spots: my advice is to use a good-old Eau Précieuse to sooth it all very quickly. For less irritated skins, you can use a thermal water like Avène or Uriage. Sprayed into a fine mist, thermal water will bring a sensation of cool freshness and its soothing and skin-softening properties will restore the skin balance.

In case of a cut. Don’t panic! Before calling an ambulance, try to use a cauterizing stick and you will be agreably surprised. It is simple and really effective! The alum rock, multi-purpose item, is as well.

In any case, use an after-shave to rehydrate, keep your skin healty and young. I’ll leave the choice of it up to your taste and your skin type. The best remains to test many of them to find which suits you the most. Your after shave balm should procures you comfort, freshness and pleasure.

I’d like to finish with a quto from Alain, a famous Maitre Babier from Paris (btw I’m thanking him for helping to write this article): “Shaving is like love, it has to be done slowly to get good results.”

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Design and Ergonomics

The trimmer looks a bit like a racing car with a metallic body and aerodynamic grip tapes. The led for battery level perfectly fits the Styleshaver design thanks to a central split. The length adjustment button also has a fine design and the trimming-head can pivot from 32mm to 15mm.

Technical features

The trimmer has a sharpen blade and the use of different combs can set different cutting heights. I personally don’t use them to style my 3-days beard. But it an be useful to “tame” some wilder sproutings. Anyway, the adjustment wheel is very accurate, holding tightly your desired height. From the other side of the handle is a foil shaver you can also use to trim. Most of all, it is perfect for a clean shave. Battery life is around 50 minutes. 100% waterproof, with a practical cleaning and use.

Package

The Stylershave comes with a protective cover, a cleaning brush, a foldable charging stand and two combs (one for trimming and one for the beard).

Test & opinion

I rarely shave myself. I rather prefer style my beard every three days. So I naturally tested this function in first, with satisfactory results. I usually use an electric shaver for trimmings (neck and cheeks). This machine here is quite practical as it suits for both: ok, the shaving fuction is a bit noisy but still does the job! At least for how I needed to shave. And because I always complete the task with a brief clip on my head to even all up, I followed and it happened that the blade was wide and powerful enough to suit that function as well. Finally, this ones is perfect for my use. Tested and approved mention!

Note that I have tested the 6160 model, but another cheaper version (the 6140) exists with the same features. This latter just comes without any comb or charhing stang. Well, for few savings better worth knowing about it ;)

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RAZOR

Heir to the Fusion ProGlide, the Styler is a thick traditional razor (2 cm diameter). It features a larger number of blades than its predecessor (5 versus 4), and thinner. They kept a generic connector for it, so classic Fusion ProGlide blades can be adapted.

Trimmer

Indeed, the Fusion ProGlide Styler features two functions. For this product Gillette invited Braun, a trimmer specialist, to bring its technology and expertise in such a field. Working with a AA battery, the trimmer function offers 3 different length combs, allowing to trim your stubble at will.

Precision

Fusion ProGlide blades are equipped with a hidden blade on their back Gillette calls “precision edging blade”. It can be used to trim, define more precisely the areas you usually can’t reach with a normal blade (too thick) : nose, sideburns, mustache or the neck.

Opinion

I confess not being a big fan of the three-days beard, I rather prefer to “cultivate it” during three weeks without any trimming. I had to commit myself trying it for this occasion. The trimmer offers enough power to trim a three-days beard. I used it around ten times this last month and the battery has not gone flat yet.

Regarding the razor function, it is different. Handling is quite hard. Such a thick handle could give a comfort impression first, but it is actually not easy to manipulate. Incorporating a trimmer fuction in a razor inevitably implies a heavier and thicker item. Then, when using it, I feel too much distance between the handle and the blade at the expense of precision. Finally, making the “head” move to fit the face lines easily, Gillette usually does that, may be practical for many but I don’t really like it (precision and habit maybe).

To finish, the precision blade is a very useful tool the brand added. One could think this blade is much too thick for the nose finishing touches but actually no use trying to put the whole razor into it. As for the sideburns, it’s always cool to look like you’re coming back from the haidresser everyday.

Then we have:
Trimmer : yes
Razor : no
Precision blade : yes

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Technical features

The trimmer comes with two combs allowing to adjust the cutting length. The first option is made for the beard, going from 1 to 11 millimeters and the second for hair from 10 to 20 mm. A clipping system locks those combs at the needed level. The Cruzer also features retractable precision clippers which is very useful for finishing touches. It is wireless with a 40 minute battery life for an hour of recharging. It can also be washed with water and carried in the provided travel pouch.

Oppinion

I really like the Cruzer’s design mixing nicely blue and grey tones. The trimmer has a modern style with a sturdy construction. Ergonomics was well-thought with a comfortable handling. I only wished it was more powerful but I guess it will suit my personal use (styling my beard and hair every three days). However you’ll be facing more difficulties trying to style thicker hair, it’s just a trimmer. Tested and approved mention!

£39.99 from Amazon.co.uk

$43.99 from Amazon.com

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Design / Handling

The razor has a metallic fascia. The back has a rubbery cover. It’s simple, with no flourishes. Nothing flashy, just a large handle and sleek lines. The first impression is of quality, which is confirmed when you hold it. It’s really solid. It’s a bit like holding a tennis raquet. Advantage!

Technology

Surprise, surprise, you turn it on by pressing ‘on’, and a blue LED lights up. The main feature of this razor is that it vibrates (the Pulsonic system). Apparently, it produces 10,000 vibrations per minute! That is, of course, difficult to check, but you can feel it vibrate, and hear it make a noise. A buzz that quietens down to a purr when you touch it to the skin.

The head is made up of 3 flexible parts: the shaving foils and the cutting blades. The Pulsonic uses cross-cutting technology. Of course, you can’t really tell, but the shaving foils and the cutting blades move in opposite directions.

At the base of the handle, there’s an LCD display that allows you to see when it needs charging and when it needs cleaning. You can rinse the razor under the tap, or use its dock that offers automatic cleaning.

Results

I have now been using this razor for a month. I have been really surprised by its effectiveness. On the face it gets rid of all hair in a few seconds. On the neck, which is always the most sensitive area, it is also really effective: there are really only a few areas you have to go over by hand. Efficient and pleasurable! The vibrations may be not good for the hairs, but they feel good on the skin!

Normally, I only shave very rarely. Just a trim every 3 or 4 days so my beard doesn’t get too long. This razor must be good because it makes me want to shave again!

One final point, not a negligable one either, is the price: €329 (How much???). Which is twice as expensive as most electric razors (and have you seen the price of disposables nowadays? :). It is in no way just a razor, but it is rather a lot of money to spend!

So of course, you need to make the most of it. If you have to shave every day, and if you’ve tried everything else and are still not convinced, the Pulsonic is perfect for you. If not: -I’m sure you’ll find something else to decorate your bathroom with ;)

Pulsonic range, $219.99 on sale from Amazon

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Summary:

• The flexibility is good. The 3 heads adapt well to the shape of the face and allow a close shave. The neck is always a delicate area but overall it doesn’t leave much for a manual razor to cover.
• The cream dispenser is a real bonus. It allows a smooth glide and reduces irritation. Of course, you still have to buy refills, but 1. I think that the 28ml bottle provided will probably last for a few months 2. the bottle only costs €8.99.
• The Philishave seems to offer good value for money. I know models that are more expensive that I used for less time (I’m basing my opinion on the previous model as I’ve only been using this one for 2 months)

The price : £90 from Amazon.co.uk

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It’s a trimmer and shaver specially designed for the body. You can use it to trim hair on your chest, belly, armpits, shoulders, back and legs, but also more delicate areas such as the groin, pubic hair and goolies. And as the Bodygroom is waterproof you can use it dry or in the shower. I tried to test it as often as possible over the last 2 weeks to give you a thorough report. So here are the advantages and disadvantages I found for this gadget.

Advantages:

• Simplicity and practicality. It’s designed for the growing number of men who like to look after themselves and keep trimmed. The Bodygroom is really simple and practical. Its ease of use and the ability to trim in both directions mean that you really can use it everywhere.
• The different cutting lengths. The 3 combs allow different lengths of cutting according to your mood and the body part concerned.
• Cordless operation. 50 minutes use between charges is ideal, all the more so given that when you first use the Bodygroom you find that you can easy spend half an hour trying it out.
• Its multiple uses. Even if you already have clippers for your hair, the Bodygroom won’t replace them (it’s not powerful enough), but it does work rather well on beard hair. The combination of trimmer and razor is particularly practical if you have a few days’ beard growth! It also hurts a lot less if you use the trimmer before you use the razor!
• The price. At under £30 the Bodygroom is affordable.

Drawbacks:

• The packaging. When I opened the box and found the Bodygroom in a plastic mould, I thought it looked rather cheap, and was worried that my first impressions would be right!
• No carry case is supplied as you would normally expect with a razor or clippers. Especially given that the Bodygroom is supplied with 3 combs and a charger and cable.

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