Foil vs rotary shaver: What's the difference?

Which is better, foil or rotary shavers?

At this stage, you may be wondering, ‘Are foil shavers better than rotary shavers for my skin?’ Typically, foil shavers have been touted to reduce irritation, acne, and razor burn. The foil head on a foil shaver leaves a thin gap between the blade and the surface of the skin, protecting you from any cuts or nicks. This may be even more ideal if you are someone who shaves daily, as the added layer of protection reduces skin irritation.

Fortunately, for those who are concerned about the sensitivity of their skin but still want to enjoy the benefits of a rotary shaver, there is a wide range of high-quality rotary shavers available. Take the award-winning Shaver Series 9000 which, thanks to the intelligent Adapt Sensor, auto-adapts cutting power for a gentle shave that’s kind to your skin. 

Regardless of your preference for wet or dry shaving, the Shaver Series 9000 precisely cuts facial hair at skin-level closeness while still protecting the skin. So even if you have sensitive skin, there is a rotary shaver out there that will match your needs. For best results, apply light pressure and shave in small circular motions. 

When comparing the rotary shaver vs the foil shaver, a rotary shaver like the Shaver S9000 Prestige may be ideal for those whose facial hair tends to grow fast, long, and thick; with its nanotech dual precision blades, it can transform even a fully-grown beard into a remarkably clean cut. 

If you are more interested in using a foil shaver, you’ll want to tackle the most sensitive areas of your face first, while the shaver is cool. You should always shave against the grain. As foil shavers have a straight head, try and avoid shaving in anything other than a vertical direction. So, when we ask ‘Are foil shavers better than rotary shavers?’, keep this in mind, especially if your facial hair tends to grow in odd patterns and directions. In that case, a rotary shaver may be better suited to your needs.

Aftercare and electric shavers: Rotary vs foil

There isn’t too big of a difference between a foil shaver and rotary shaver in terms of aftercare. When you’re done shaving and you’re satisfied with the results, rinse your face with cold water. Cold water is great for soothing the skin and can help tighten your pores and hair follicles. After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Finally, apply an alcohol-free aftershave or post-shave balm to moisturise and revitalise your skin.

Foil shavers tend to be easy to manage as the foil head can easily be popped off to be rinsed or replaced. But you may find some modern rotary shavers - like the Shaver Series 7000 - that come equipped with powerful self-cleaning systems, allowing your blades to stay clean and sharp. 

Regardless of which shaver you’re leaning towards in the rotary vs foil discussion, getting into the habit of cleaning your electric shaver after each shave will help reduce any bacteria, irritation, and keep your skin looking silky smooth.

Choosing your electric shaver: Rotary vs foil

The main takeaway from the foil vs rotary shaver debate is that deciding which one works for you ultimately comes down to personal preference. There is no definitive answer as to which is better than the other as our skin and needs are all different. This means that one type of electric shaver may be more suitable for us than another. But it is worth noting that it may take your skin time to adjust after switching to an electric shaver, so those perfect results may not happen overnight.

If you were unsure about the difference between a foil shaver and a rotary shaver before, you should now have all the information you need to determine which electric shaver is right for you.