Foil Shaver

The foil shaver is perhaps the most recognisable design of any electric shaver. The simple design, comprises a metal holed mesh foil, with a series of blades underneath it which oscillate from side to side.

Hair is drawn into the holes of the foil mess, lifted, and then cut by the blades. The motion of the blades could be likened to that of a saw. The job of the foil mesh is to the protect the face from the oscillating blades.

The foil does play a crucial role in the closeness of the shave. A foil which is thinner, should result in the blades being able to cut closer. However, a thinner foil may result in a higher chance of stubble burn.

Manufacturer's usually advise people to hover a foil shaver across the skin, rather than to press down with it. A pressure, akin to light floating, is believed to cut just as closely, but significantly lowers the chance of irritation.

The general belief is that, on average, a foil shaver produces a closer shave than a rotary shaver. However, a foil shaver may not cut as well with longer hair. There has been reports that foil shaver blades need replacing quicker as well.

Bruan tend to offer the largest range of foil shavers. If you are planning to switch from using a razor or a rotary shaver, to a foil shaver. Then it is useful to bare in mind, that it can take up to thirty days before your face will adjust to using the new cutting technique.