How Often Should You Replace an Electric Razor? (Easy Guide)
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Electric razors have many benefits over even the best men’s disposable razors, mainly because you can shave on the go, with or without water and shaving soap, and without nicking or cutting your skin. And while the initial cost is high, you save money in the long run since you don’t have to purchase new classic razor blades and wet shave cream each month.
Electric razors are made from stainless steel. As such, they are sturdy and last long. However, they don’t last forever hence the looming question: how often should you replace an electric razor?
How Often Should You Replace an Electric Razor?
You should replace your electric razor twice a year. Unlike disposable razors, which are made from fragile and thin material and can only provide a couple of shaves, blades on electric razors are hardier and last for several months.
But as you’d expect, the specific amount of time it lasts depends on how often you use the razor and the texture of your beard. For example, if you use it every day and have a thick and coarse beard, you might have to get a replacement after four months. However, if you use it once every week, then the blades can last you twice as long, if not longer.
Why Is It Necessary to Replace Foils and Blades?
Do you remember how the razor felt the first time you used it? How does it cut through your coarse beard like butter? Unfortunately, the foils and blades wear out with time, making the shaving less efficient and the experience even less enjoyable.
Last update on 2022-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The wear and tear are caused by friction and heat, which cause the metal to deform with time. Now, unlike the best straight razors and safety razors, the solution to dull electric razors is a replacement. Unfortunately, the blades aren’t designed like knives, so sharpening isn’t an option.
While you might try to get one more shave from the shaver, we advise against it. Dull blades are inefficient in cutting hair and often result in irritations and ingrown hairs. Moreover, you’ll spend more time shaving and consume more power.
Why Replace an Electric Razor’s Screen?
Even if the electric razor’s blades are still in good shape, the screen might need replacing after 6 or 8 months of use. This is because the screen traps hair and gunk during shaving sessions. In addition, rust, dust, and small imperfections tend to build up over time, rendering the screen non-functional. So when you notice a lot of build-up on the screen, it’s a sign you need to replace it.
Last update on 2022-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, some electric razors don’t have screens. In their case, you’ll simply replace the cutting head or the blade.
Tricks for Extending the Lifespan of Your Blades
Replacing your electric razor after 6-8 months isn’t an ideal situation for many men. They would rather get cheaper disposable razors. Luckily, you can follow some easy tips/steps to keep the blades from getting dull and the razor from malfunctioning.
As we mentioned, friction and heat are the leading cause of blade deterioration. This means if you lubricate the shaver adequately with spray or light oil, there’ll be less wear and tear, and the blades will last longer. Consequently, you’ll save money in the long run.
In addition to lubrication, ensure you clean the razor after every shaving session to prevent the build-up of hair, dust, and dead skin on the screen. For this, use hot water, liquid soap, and a boar brush. You can clean all the tight angles and small edges without damaging the blades with a boar brush.
Aside from this, mechanical shocks can also lead to foil damage. So it goes without saying you should never drop the electric razor. It hit it too hard with an object or your hand when trying to clean it.
You shouldn’t store the device in a spot that’s too cold or too hot. And finally, use a protective cap on the electric razor when traveling. If you don’t have a case, you can purchase one or make it from elastic bands and bubble wraps. The bubble wrap will offer more protection in the event your luggage is handled roughly during your travels.
How Long Do Electric Razors Last?
How long an electric razor lasts depends on a couple of factors, including the quality of materials it’s made from. Usually, popular brands make their razors from hardy materials like stainless steel. As such, you are assured they’ll last longer.
A high-quality electric razor can last for seven years, while the average electric razor will only last for five years. Low-quality electric razors will only last for three years or less. By investing more money to purchase a quality electric razor, you’ll save a lot in the long run and benefit from cool features like quality blades, waterproof, wet shaving, and a lot more.
But getting a high-quality shaver doesn’t mean you don’t take good care of it. On the contrary, even the best shavers from popular brands can get damaged in a short time if you don’t lubricate or clean them after use.
What Next?
Now that you understand what causes damage to an electric razor, how much life the blades have, and how long you should expect to replace them, you can do a good job of maintenance. With that said, remember, you’ll have a better shaving experience if you start with the right product. So choose the right brand and, above all, purpose to handle and treat your razor with respect. You should oil and clean it regularly to change blades after every 6 – 8 months of use.
FAQ
How do you oil an electric shaver?
The shaver should be bone dry when applying the lubricating spray. Next, generously spray the foils and blades while holding the oil can 3 inches away from it. Afterward, replace the shaving head and let the razor run for a few seconds to distribute the lubricant evenly.
Can I use pre-shave oil with my electric razor?
Some pre-shave oils are designed for electric razor use as well. So regardless of how you keep your facial hair and face in check, you can throw in some pre-shave oil into the mix as well.
What happens when you fail to replace your electric razor?
Well, grime builds up in the razor. The longer you hold off replacement, the more dead skin cells, shaving cream, hairs, and bacteria build up on the screen. The build-up is even faster if you don’t rinse the razor properly between shaves. With the build-up comes ineffective shaving and, in some cases, skin irritations and, in worse scenarios, infections.
How long should an electric razor last?
Well, it’s a great idea to replace an electric shaver’s cutter and head once every year. However, if you shave every day and have thick and coarse hair, you should think about changing it every six or four months.
How long do electric razors remain sharp?
Electric razors remain sharp for about two months. However, if you don’t use the razor every day, they can retain sharpness for four months.
Is it safe to rinse an electric razor?
The easiest way to rinse an electric shaver is with some warm water and liquid soap. However, this applies to waterproof shavers only.
Last update on 2022-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ruiru Kibet is passionate about beard care and male grooming. He believes it’s an art form and is happy to share his insight with men across the globe. He’s into wet shaving and evidence-based grooming, a passion that helps him analyze men’s grooming brands, products, and wet shaving practices presenting you with the best recommendations and advice. Kevin's profile on Linkedin.