Choosing the best electric razor for an elderly man
Electric razors for elderly man
Shaving can become more difficult, risky and uncomfortable for men as they age, so it is important to find a quality razor designed for the challenges they face. Here, we are looking closely at why electric razors are often the best choice for older men, the key features to watch out for, the top-rated razors available in the UK, how to ensure safety, hygiene and comfort during shaving, how to make shaving easier for those with specific health conditions, and how home care could help older men with their shaving needs.
At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about shaving for older adults, we can help.
Why are electric razors a good choice for older men?
Older men may find their skin changes as they age, with research suggesting that ageing adults experience ‘senile purpura’, or thinning skin, due to a loss of elasticity and a compromised barrier function. Those over the age of 65 also tend to have a higher likelihood of skin disorders, and could be more susceptible to bruising and injury since the skin tends to heal more slowly. For this reason, shaving may become more difficult and risky. However, this could still be an important part of personal care for older men, and should not be abandoned just because they may lack the mobility or dexterity to continue this independently.
Electric razors are usually the best choice for older men as they offer more safety and convenience than manually shaving with a blade, which can increase the risk of injuries on thinner skin. Electric razors can glide more smoothly over skin without friction or pressure, offering a close shave without the same risk of cuts, bruises or skin irritation.
Electric razors may also be helpful for those with dexterity issues, shaking hands, or limited mobility, as they require less precision and can therefore be used independently without the help of a caregiver. Overall, using an electric razor could make the shaving experience safer and more comfortable for older people, which may enable them to confidently maintain their personal care needs alone.
What key features should older men look for in electric razors?
Firstly, older men should choose between a rotary razor or a foil razor:
- Foil razors look more flat, and can provide a close and precise shave for fine hair. GQ Magazine suggests a foil razor is best for the average user, infrequent shavers, or those with sensitive skin.
- Rotary razors have multiple rotating sections that can better cover the contours of the face, and are known to be more effective on longer or coarser hair. GQ Magazine suggests a rotary razor is best for thick stubble, those prone to ingrown hairs, or those who want to use their razor on other areas of their body or their head.
Once you have determined which type of razor is best for you, there are certain features that could make the shaving process easier, safer and more comfortable. Look out for features such as:
- Ergonomic handles to make gripping the razor easier and more secure
- A light weight for those with frailty or arthritis to reduce strain
- Hypoallergenic blades for those with sensitive skin
- Wet/dry shave options to offer flexibility
- A long battery life and quick charging abilities
- Additional safety features to reduce the likelihood of cuts or nicks
- Cordless designs if needed
- A digital display to offer additional information such as battery life
According to GetARazor.com, older users should pay attention to ease of use, whether or not their razor adapts well to thin skin, and whether or not it works well with coarse hair. Ultimately the razor you choose will have features that uniquely cater to your specific needs and preferences.
What are the top-rated electric razors in the UK?
There are many well-known and trusted razor brands and models in the UK, however some offer features that better align with the needs of older users. Here are five of the best electric razors available in the UK that suit the needs of older men:
Braun Series 9
Type: Foil razor
The pros of the Braun Series 9 include:
- Ergonomic design and a thick-yet-lightweight handle
- A close shave
- Lock system to keep the shaving head in position
- A cleaning station
- Built-in precision surgical-steel Pro Trimmer for moustache, sideburns and nose hair
- Waterproof for wet or dry shave
- Mobile charging PowerCase
- 10,000 sonic vibrations and AutoSense technology for dense beards
- Ultra adaptive 40° shaving head
The cons of the Braun Series 9 include:
- Handle may feel bulky to some
You can purchase the Braun Series 9 here.
Philips Norelco 7200
Type: Rotary razor
The pros of the Philips Norelco 7200 include:
- Comfort Cut blades for skin safety to protect thin, sensitive skin
- NanoGlide technology to potentially improve glide on skin by up to 30%
- Fewer swipes needed to remove hair
- Soft post-shave feel thanks to SenseIQ technology
- An intelligent facial-hair sensor reads hair density 250 times per second and auto-adapts for the best shave
- Waterproof
- Weightless feel
- 45 high-performance blades that are self-sharpening
- Flexible heads turn 360° to follow facial contours
The cons of the Philips Norelco 7200 include:
- Not the fastest shave
- Not the closest shave
- Not as easy to grip as other models
You can purchase the Philips Norelco 7200 here.
Wahl Lifeproof Foil Shaver
Type: Foil razor
The pros of the Wahl Lifeproof Foil Shaver include:
- Extremely durable design to withstand drops
- Rubber casing for extra grip
- Long-lasting battery life
- Wet and dry shaving options
- Minimal skin irritation
- Flexible foils that adjust to facial contours for a close and smooth shave
- A travel lock feature that prevents accidental activation
The cons of the Wahl Lifeproof Foil Shaver include:
- Bright colour and design that is not as premium as others
- No battery life indicator
You can purchase the Wahl Lifeproof Foil Shaver here.
Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor
Type: Foil razor
The pros of the Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor include:
- Great for wet or dry shaving
- Ergonomic design and slip-free grip handle
- Durable and robust design
- Tactile power button
- Quiet motor
- Flexible head with 16 directions for a precise and consistent shave
- Automatic cleaning and charging system
The cons of the Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor include:
- Small LED battery life indicator that could be difficult to read
- No cleaning station
You can purchase the Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor here.
Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 (Body Grooming)
Type: Foil razor
The pros of the Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 include:
- Designed for body grooming, so a good all-in-one razor for those who want to shave other areas like head, neck, armpits, groin, etc.
- SkinSafe ceramic blades for a close shave
- Built-in safety guards to reduce risk of cuts
- Good for wet shave or dry shave
- Waterproof design
- Comfortable and easy to grip and manoeuvre around facial contours
- USB chargeable, simple charging stand, and does not slow down as battery reduces
- Two clip-on guards mean you can choose different hair lengths
- Built for hygiene and safety
- Lightweight
The cons of the Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 include:
- Designed more for using on the body than the face
- Shorter battery life than others
- Sleek branding aimed at younger users
You can purchase the Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0 here.
When it comes to cost, the price of the aforementioned electric razors tends to fluctuate depending on retailer and sales throughout the year. Although some may seem expensive, keep in mind that shaving with an electric razor is thought to be more affordable than shaving with traditional razors that regularly need new blades. Also, this up-front cost may be worth the money as most electric razors will last for many years (up to five years in some cases) if maintained and stored correctly.
How can caregivers make shaving comfortable and hygienic for older men?
There are a few simple things caregivers can do to make shaving safer, more comfortable, and more hygienic for older men. For example:
- Prepare skin before shaving by having them wash their face with warm water to soften the hair and open up pores, which makes the shaving process smoother
- Apply a pre-shave lotion or gel to reduce friction and protect skin that is sensitive or particularly thin
- Apply a post-shave moisturiser to prevent dry skin or irritation, and leave skin calmer and more hydrated
- Clean the razor after each use to avoid a build-up of hair and bacteria, which can ensure a consistently smooth shave, and extend the razor’s lifespan
- Replace blades and foils as often as the manufacturer recommends, or around every 18 months – if they start to look worn or if the blades dull, replace them sooner
- Store razors in a dry, clean area away from damp to prevent rust or damage
- If needed for dementia patients, store razors out of reach for safety
By preparing the skin in advance, doing regular razor maintenance, and using the appropriate products, caregivers can make the shaving experience more enjoyable for older men, and ensure their safety and comfort during personal care.
How can shaving be easier and safer for older people with health conditions?
While shaving can be a simple day-to-day activity for some older men, others may struggle to maintain this alone due to certain health conditions or mobility struggles. For example, those with tremors might find it difficult to get the precise shave they prefer, those with reduced mobility may struggle to stand at the sink for long enough to finish shaving, or those with visual impairments might not be able to clearly see what they are doing and get an accurate shave. By making a few adaptations to their routine, this daily task could become easier, safer, more comfortable, and more dignified.
One of the easiest changes to make is to use a lightweight electric razor with an ergonomic handle that is light enough to lift up to their face and easy to grip for an extended period of time. This means they can continue to get a close, accurate shave without needing precision, and without risking cuts. For those who, for example, suffer from arthritis, a razor with a large handle could be helpful if they have reduced grip strength.
It may also help to create a seated shaving station with a portable mirror and chair, so they can sit while they do this. This offers extra stability and reduces the risk of falls or accidents during their personal care routine. For those with visual impairments, having good lighting and a magnifying mirror could also make this easier, or they may benefit from caregiver assistance.
Whatever their personal health conditions or needs are, some simple adjustments to the shaving routine could make this less strenuous, and safer.
Where can older men find quality razors designed for their needs?
If shaving is becoming more difficult or unsafe, there are a number of places to turn for advice, equipment and resources. The NHS provides guidance on safe grooming and personal care for older adults, and you can speak to your local GP surgery for advice and resources if you are worried about this or have encountered any issues.
Age UK also offers advice and resources to help maintain independence and dignity during daily personal care routines, including shaving. This might mean a caregiver will visit your home to help, or support can also be provided at certain day care centres.
Pharmacies and specialist online shops offer a range of electric razors that are suited to sensitive or thin skin, or those with reduced dexterity. You can browse these options yourself, or ask a pharmacist for their advice on what might be best for your needs. Online resources likeLiving Made Easy recommend a range of products and where to buy them.
Can home care help with shaving?
Many older men will want to manage their own personal care routines, and this often involves shaving. However, others will have certain mobility or dexterity issues that make this process much more challenging or even dangerous, so it can help to have an experienced caregiver in their corner who can provide discreet support to help them maintain their dignity while managing daily grooming needs.
Home care can assist by preparing the skin, setting up a shaving ‘station’, setting up any equipment needed, or even performing the shave on their behalf if needed. The aim is always to ensure an older person feels fully comfortable, so our Care Professionals will take into account their personal preferences in terms of hair length, beard or moustache style, and more. Shaving may be a regular part of the person’s personal care routine, so whether they need a gentle reminder to shave, a caregiver to guide the razor for safety, or someone to take on the task in its entirety, we can help to make shaving easier and more comfortable.
We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.