• Lower Price

  • 2 year warranty

  • Less Waste

0

Shopping cart

There are currently no items in your shopping cart.

    Foil vs rotary shaver: What's the difference?

    Reading time: 5 mins

    A young man in a grey t-shirt shaving his face with a rotary shaving.

    Electric shavers offer a wide range of benefits. They’re convenient, simple to use and typically reduce shaving irritation compared to manual shaving. But if you’ve decided to make the switch, there’s more to consider yet. Now it’s time to decide which is better, a foil or rotary shaver? We’re here to explore the rotary vs foil debate and help you determine whether a rotary or foil shaver is right for you.

    What is a foil shaver?

    First, we need to differentiate between the two types. So, what is a foil shaver? Electric foil shavers typically feature straight heads that use oscillating blades that swing back and forth beneath a ‘foil’ guard. The foil is made of a thin layer of metal with small circular holes punched through; as the head glides across the skin, the holes catch thin follicles of hair, giving you a close and smooth shave.

    What is a rotary shaver?

    What is a rotary shaver, and how does it differ from a foil shaver? The distinction lies in the name itself. Rotary shavers are characterised by multiple circular heads specifically designed to follow the contours of your face. Each of the circular heads feature revolving blades that move independently of one another, cutting hair at different growth angles. 

    Rotary shaver vs foil shaver

    While foil and rotary shavers may appear to be relatively similar, they both offer distinct advantages that set them apart from one another. It’s worth considering your skin type, hair thickness, and how regularly you shave when deciding between a rotary or foil shaver. After all, an electric shaver is an investment – understandably, you want to ensure you make the best choice.

     

    Debating a foil vs a rotary shaver? Here’s why you might choose a foil shaver:

     

    • You have relatively thin facial hair.
    • You want to achieve a smooth, precise shave as close to the skin as possible.
    • You tend to shave regularly or daily.
    • You prefer to shave in straight lines.
    • You have sensitive skin.

     

    Still weighing up rotary shavers vs foil shavers? A rotary shaver might be for you if:

     

    • You have relatively thick/coarse facial hair, or your hair grows in different directions.
    • You want to tackle harder-to-reach areas such as your chin or neck.
    • You tend not to shave every day.
    • Your skin is tougher.
    • Your hair is longer – but, depending on how long your hair is, we recommend going in with a trimmer first.
    • You want a quieter shaver.

    See more below ↓

    Recommended products

    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.

    Face first

    Explore our full range of tools to shave, groom and style

    You are about to visit a Philips global content page

    Continue

    Our site can best be viewed with the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.