Electric shaver

An electric shaver (also known as the dry razor, electric razor, or simply shaver) is a razor with an electrically powered rotating or oscillating blade. The electric shaver usually does not require the use of shaving cream, soap, or water, known as dry shaving, although many users still prefer a skin lubricant for comfort.

The razor may be powered by a small DC motor, which is either powered by batteries or mains electricity. Many modern ones are powered using rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, an electro-mechanical oscillator driven by an AC-energized solenoid may be used. Some very early mechanical shavers had no electric motor and had to be powered by hand, for example by pulling a cord to drive a flywheel.

Electric shavers fall into two main categories: foil shavers or rotary shavers. Users tend to prefer one or the other. Foil shavers can shave closer to the skin and are preferred by professional barbers, while rotary shavers use rotating blades on the shaving head to shave.

Many modern at-home shavers are cordless; they are charged with a plug charger or they are placed within a cleaning and charging dock.