How to Use an Electric Razor? | Technique That Prevents Razor Burn

Most razor burn and irritation from electric shavers isn’t the razor’s fault—it’s technique. The most common mistake is pressing too hard and expecting the blades to do less work. The right way to use an electric razor involves skipping the water, choosing a motion, and letting light pressure over stretched skin handle the work. Getting the steps right makes the difference between a five-minute smooth shave and a painful, red aftermath.

Prep Your Face the Right Way

Your face needs to be completely dry and clean before most electric shavers touch it. Philips states to shave with a clean, dry face, and the same guidance appears in manuals for Braun and other cordless models. Shaving right after a shower is fine—just towel off completely. If you’ve got long hair, the manuals recommend using a trimmer first. Many models, including the Philips AquaTouch S5050/06, include a built-in trimmer for this exact step. Hair that’s too long just clogs the foil and pulls.

Skip the shaving cream, gel, and water unless you know your razor is wet/dry capable. Several official manuals say the skin doesn’t need to be moistened or use shaving cream at all.

The Proper Angle and Stroke Technique

Braun’s guide for the Series 7 razor explicitly says to hold the shaver at 90 degrees. Let the razor’s weight do the work—press lightly, and avoid pressing too hard, which can pinch and irritate the skin. Use your free hand to stretch the skin in tighter areas like the jawline and neck, as Philips recommends.

Philips allows both straight and circular movements, but Braun explicitly says to use up-and-down strokes rather than circular motions. Check your model’s manual to see which motion it supports.

Wet Shaving With an Electric Razor

Wet shaving is only possible if your razor is specifically marked wet/dry or waterproof. Wet shaving uses more power, so Philips recommends ensuring the razor is fully charged before you start. If your razor is dry-use only, skip this entirely—adding water can damage the motor or foil.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Razor

Rinse the shaving head under running water after each use if your model supports wet cleaning, or use the included brush to remove hair and debris. One manual instructs users to keep the protective cover on when not in use to avoid damage to the foil and blades. Turn the razor off before charging, and check whether your device uses a specific charging cord or USB. Some models have a travel lock activated by holding the power button for 3 seconds—useful if the razor turns on in your bag.

If you’re shopping for a razor for a woman in your life, our tested women’s electric razor roundup covers the top options for legs, underarms, and sensitive skin.