Though the people in the know have heralded the decline of men’s infatuations with all things beardy, just a quick look around shows that this isn’t necessarily the case. Men are still sporting beards of all shapes and sizes. If this trend really is starting to die off, it is taking its sweet time.
But this hasn’t stopped the grooming world for making sure that no matter your preference, the tools you need are readily available.
Take here’s the latest in men’s shaving from Braun, Wahl and Gillette.
In the beard lovers corner: Braun’s cruZer Precision and Wahl’s Haircut and Beard Trimmer
Braun cruZer Precision beard styler
*BREAKING NEWS KLAXON* Turns out I’ve been saying Braun wrong for like, ever! I’ve always read it as ‘brawn’, but as it’s a German brand it should be pronounced ‘brown’. Go figure!
They say: The perfect look is a matter of precision. This mini beard trimmer defines sharp lines and helps to shape your beard, including those hard-to-reach areas under your nose and chin. Also comes with 5mm and 8mm guards.
I say: The first thing you notice about the Braun cruZer Precision styler is how light it is, but also how cheap it feels. The plastic casing isn’t the nicest around and it makes the styler feel toy-like. But feel aside, it does the job and it does it pretty well. It really helps get those little remaining hairs that are often left behind - without leaving the super-soft feeling that clean shaving leaves behind. For it’s price (a reasonable £18, £10 currently on Amazon!), the Braun cruZer Precision is a cheap and cheerful bit of kit that can easily be stashed in your gym bag for quick touch ups.
Wahl Haircut and Beard Trimmer
They say: A perfect all-rounder, the Wahl Haircut and Beard Trimmer has the power to cut hair as well as the precision to trim facial hair, giving you the ultimate flexibility at home and on the go. With a built in rechargeable battery, the clipper comes with 12 guide combes and detachable blades for easy cleaning.
I say: Probably the best value choice out of the list, the Wahl Haircut and Beard Trimmer is sleek looking shaver. With a superb, ergonomic grip, the mid-weight clipper is a joy to hold. The 12 guide combs is rather excessive, in my opinion, but each to their own. Some great extras include selection of fine beard combs that are super helpful for tidying longer beards. There’s also a great pair of scissors - helping you serve some try hair stylist realness - that can help get at those awkward hairs that your clipper can’t catch. All of this is also enclosed in a handy zip-up bag. Thought it’s not the sort of shaver you’d be taking away from home - it’s its definitely designed to longer beards, it’s great value costs around £30, but can be found at Argos for £19! Highly recommended.
In the clean-shaven corner: Gillette Fusion ProShield Flexball razor and the new Braun Series 3
Gillette Fusion ProShield Flexball razor
They say: The Gillette Fusion ProShield Men’s Razor shields while you shave. ProShield Lubrication before and after the blades lays down a protective layer to shield from irritation. Plus, FlexBall Technology makes maximum contact* over contours and gets virtually every hair (*among Fusion razors). Gillette Fusion ProShield is Gillette’s most advanced razor. Just look for the yellow blade and handle.
I say: It’s going to be interesting to watch the naming conventions of Gillette razors over the next few years; each time they come up with a new breakthrough feature, it adds another descriptor to the product, and if it gets much longer I;m not sure what we’ll do. But, as amusing as the name length may be, this razor is no joke. Offering a smooth shave with next to no drag, Gillette’s latest incarnation of the ultimate razor is going to be hard to beat. From an additional lubrication strip for after the hair is cut to reduce friction, to the new Flexball technology, this razor really does work like a dream, gliding over your skin with each and allowing for minimal use of shaving gel. An essential for everyman’s grooming kit, you can pick up yours up over at Amazon from £7.64.
Braun Series 3
They say: The Braun Series 3 shaver introduces Braun’s new MicroComb technology, featuring two rows of fine, evenly spaced grooves that surround an independently moving middle trimmer. This catches and feeds more hair with every stroke, which gives you a faster shave. The difference to other shavers is noticeable, especially in the torture test of 3?day beards. There’s also the new Triple-Action Cutting System. In perfect collaboration twin foils and integrated independently floating middle trimmer with MicroComb technology shave progressively closer. Proven even on difficult 3-day beards, the three cutting systems effectively cut both long and short hairs with every stroke.
I say: Now, like many, I may not have a real understanding of the differences between Braun shavers - Find out more about the old 3 here and 9 here - but this is, as expected from Braun, a powerhouse shaver. Cutting superbly close to the skin to point where you feel like you have clean shaved, the Braun Series 3 is a comfortable and easy shave. The new angled lock allows you to really get into the difficult areas like under the nose and the Triple-Action Cutting System means more hairs are caught from first stroke. Like its predecessors, the Series 3 has a rear trimmer, but this time it doesn’t feel as smooth. It didn’t just slide up like on the Series 9 and I had to keep readjusting my grip to push it up. The Series 3 is lighter than the 9, which is great if that’s what you are after, but I prefer the extra weight. The Braun Series 3 is the most expensive product in the list, coming in at around £80. you can get it on Amazon here.
So there you have it!
What shaver do you use? Will you be trying one of these, or have you already?
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