The Evolution of Shaving

Shaving facial hair is something that men have been doing for thousands of years, cave drawings have shown men to be clean shaven, women started shaving their bodily hair much later. In ancient times men would scrape away their facial hair using stone, flint or shells.

In the last couple of centuries, the cut throat razor was developed and it is still used by some barbers, using the cut throat takes a lot of skill. The cut throat razor is a dangerous utensil and serious in can occur if it is not wielded properly. Shaving accidents are usually caused insufficient preparation of the skin and hair before the commencement of shaving, dull or dirty razor blades.

It is estimated that 90% of men shave daily and that most men spend 5 months of their life in front of the bathroom mirror. This daily chore and the injuries it can cause have led to the evolution of shaving products and equipment.


The Safety Razor
Before the invention of the safety razor many men would have to visit a barber or get someone else to shave them, a cut throat razor is not particularly easy to use on one’s self. The safety razor saved a lot of palavers, this life changing utensil was first patented by Fredrik and Otto Kampfein 1880 you can learn more its history on Wikipedia. Early safety razors would have had just one blade, today we have multiple blades, disposable razors and all sorts.

The problem with wet shaving is it still requires a bit of work and entails a little jeopardy, electric shavers are extremely common with men looking to avoid this work and jeopardy. It is estimated that around 25% of men use electric shavers.

The Electric Shaver
The first electric shaver came onto the market in the late 1920’s, it was invented by a man called Jacob Schick and it cost $25. The electric shaver has evolved in all kinds of ways much more than the safety razor has, there is only so much that can be done with a handle and a blade I suppose.

Flexible Shaving Heads
Among the cons electric shavers had was that wet shaves were always closer. This explains why all major companies started to bring flexible heads in the early 1990s. The main idea here was to acquire the flexibility necessary to get closer to one’s face.

Battery Life Added
Visual indicators were first seen in the 90s. These would display the battery’s charging status. The electric razors would last as the battery did. As the battery faded, the blades would progressively weaken. However, razors today can deliver full functionality, even as the battery fades until it completely dies. This ensures consistent charge throughout the battery’s life cycle.

Waterproof Razors
Upon entry into the new millennium, electric razors evolved to become waterproof. You’d be good to go if you wanted to clean your unit’s head under running water or if you wished to take it with you into the shower.

Self-Cleaning Systems
In 2001, Braun changes the game by introducing the first self-cleaning electric razor. Users would now face-down the shaver’s base, not only to charge but also clean it.

Braun Series 9
Recently, Braun released the Braun Series 9. This includes 4 specially designed cutting elements: the direct and cut trimmer (used on long, multi-directional hairs), the hyper-lift and cut trimmer (used on flat hairs) and two Opti-foil elements that finish up the close shave. It’s the most efficient and fastest electric shaver in the world.

The Evolution Continues
The shaving game has become unexpectedly competitive. The technology is advancing at a surprisingly rapid pace. We believe there are good reasons why electric shavers that were invented long ago and are still used. What’s next? That’s only for us to guess.

Featured images:

• License: Image author owned

This post was written and supplied on behalf of electricshaverz.com, a site which has a wide selection of electric shaver reviews.