Speed is a must when shaving in the army. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the guidelines for military shaving, give you a short buyer’s guide and then review some of the best electric shaver for military. Let’s begin.
Military Shaving Guide
All military personnel is expected to be clean-shaven and presentable at all times. That’s why shaving is a regular morning routine, and those who skip this ritual can expect their superiors to say something about it.
The following guidelines encompass hair restrictions for men:
- Hair must be completely shaven or closely trimmed. For shaving profiles, you will be informed of the maximum length of your facial hair
- Sideburns cannot extend past the ear’s bottom opening
- Hair highlights with natural colors that blend in smoothly and subtly with your natural hair color are allowed
- Hair dyes or tints that match a natural hair color are allowed
- Wigs or hairpieces used to cover natural baldness or disfiguration
In spite of these regulations, mustaches are allowed. The length, however, depends on which branch of the armed forces we’re talking about. For most military men, the no-muss, no-fuss military shave is a far better option than accidentally breaking the rules with an unruly mustache.
The military shave is both quick and easy. Simply wash your face, and lather your facial hair with shaving soap. Shave first along the grain or the direction of your natural beard growth. To finish, shave against the grain for a smooth and clean shave.
If you have a waiver and you shave often, I recommend that you request a foil shaver than a rotary electric shaver for military. Rotary shavers are perfect for shaving long hairs along the neck, but foil shavers deliver faster and closer shaves.
Army Shaving Profile
Why are beards not allowed in the military?
One reason why beards are not allowed in the military is because of chemical warfare. Gas masks and respirators need to have a tight seal in order to work properly, and beards can prevent that seal from forming. In addition, when soldiers are exposed to chemical agents, they need to be able to wash them off quickly and thoroughly. Beards can trap chemicals against the skin, which can lead to serious skin irritation or even burns.
What are the exceptions to having a clean shave?
The Army waiver for shaving is a document that allows soldiers to be exempted from the Army’s clean-shaven policy. The waiver is typically granted for medical reasons, such as skin conditions that are aggravated by shaving.
However, it can also be granted for religious reasons. In recent years, a number of Sikh soldiers have been granted waivers so that they can wear beards in accordance with their faith. The army waiver for shaving is a way of accommodating the needs of different soldiers while still maintaining the high standards of grooming that are essential to the military.
So, how does one go about getting a shaving waiver in the army?
The simple answer is that it depends on your circumstances. For example, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from shaving, you will need to provide documentation from a physician in order to be granted a waiver. Likewise, if you are of Native American descent and want to maintain a traditional hairstyle, you will need to provide documentation from a tribal elder attesting to your status.
In general, however, the process of getting a shaving waiver in the army is not overly complicated or difficult. Simply put, if you have a legitimate reason for not being able to shave, there is a good chance that you will be able to get a waiver.
Best Razor for Military
The best non-electric razor for the military is the straight razor, as it creates the closest shave compared to other shaving tools. But some military camps don’t allow straight razors and blades as they can be considered weapons.
That’s why military razors or military-issued shavers are usually disposable or safety razors. And if you need to buy one, Gilette Mach 3 is the best disposable razor available today.
It is equipped with long-lasting and sharper blades that you can use for up to 10 shaves. It comes with a skin guard and lubrication strip to make shaving easier and quicker.
Why Use Electric Military Shaver & Razor?
Electric shavers are devices with rotating blades that are electrically powered. They are used to trim away hair and could have cords or be cordless.
They could also be battery-battery operated or rechargeable. You won’t need shaving cream, soap, or water when using one—although you don’t need to abandon wet shaving entirely. These shavers rose to popularity in the middle of the 1960s and were generally promoted as travel razors. Automation through rechargeable batteries or disposal ones is one of its unique features
The reason why electric military razor is preferred hinges on the fact that their use reduces skin irritation. If you want to decrease the chances of cutting yourself or getting ingrown hairs, then you might want to try one.
Just a caveat, using an electric shaver for military needs some time to get used to. So in the beginning, you are likely to get more irritation than you want. At the end of the day, choosing between manual and electric shavers all depends on preference. Choose what works for you.
Best Military Electric Razor Buyer’s Guide
There is a plethora of brands and models of electric shavers to choose from. How do pick the best? Here are some of the factors to think about:
- Rotary or Foil
- Price
- Interface
- Corded or Cordless
- Maintenance
- Accessories
- Battery
Electric Razor Types:
Electric shavers have 2 main categories: rotary or foil. Although they fundamentally operate in the same manner, they’re slightly different. Rotary electric shavers are equipped with circular blades. These blades are quite adaptable and they usually go in 3 round heads with rotating cutters that are circular in shape. Their motors usually operate silently.
People prefer rotary electric shavers because their design conforms well with the shape of the face. If you have longer or thicker hair; or maybe you don’t intend to shave every day, then this might be the one for you.
Meanwhile, foil electric shavers have blades that are covered by a thin curved metallic foil. This foil has holes that the blades go through by moving side to side. The way this type of electric shaver works is that the foil lifts the hair and then guides it towards the blades.
Foil electric shavers used best by shaving with straight, long, back and forth movement over the face, neck, and other areas you intend to use it on. While it really all boils down to preference, you might want to use foil electric shavers if you have short and thinner or finer hair. It’s better for everyday use. If you intend to use it to maintain sideburns or perhaps you need a close shave, using a foil electric shaver for military is the way to go.
The Best Electric Shaver for Military
I hope by now, you understand the advantages of using electric razor for military shaving. Now let’s take a look at some of the best electric razors and shavers that will give you the closest shave!
Best US Army Moustache Trimmer
#1 Bevel Electric Shaver and Beard Trimmer
Bevel Trimmer Review
Beard Trimmer by Bevel is a high-power rechargeable cordless electric shaver. On standby, the batteries could last up to 6 months and when used actively, up to 4 hours. What makes this perfect for the military is that it’s cordless and battery-operated. It can be used anytime and anywhere while out on the field.
It has tool-less quick adjustments. This means you get one solid electric shaver with no need for screws and bolts. The Bevel Electric Razor is a great gift that maximizes comfort and control. As a matter of fact, reviews indicate that the Beard Trimmer by Bevel boasts comfort and control. So this might be one of those you want to check out!
Unfortunately, some of the cons are the following:
- Lacks the ability to add a guard and cut different lengths of hair
- Trimmers might be too sharp
- The battery isn’t very long-lasting
Best Braun Razor for Military
#2 Braun Shaver 6 Piece Set
Braun Electric Razor Review
Features:
- Comes with Precision Beard Trimmer and Body Groomer
- Rechargeable
- Good for Wet & Dry Shaving
- Equipped with EasyClean Feature
This electric shaver for military is a keeper. The Braun Electric Razor comes from Germany and is designed to last at least 7 years. It’s a sturdy waterproof electric razor built with smart and responsive intelligence to suit your needs. It boasts five personalized shaving modes that are meant for different types of hair and skin.
The Braun Electric Razor is not a simple electric razor. It’s a piece of technology created so that you can shave even the difficult areas with ease and convenience. So if you’re looking for a smart electric shaver, this electric shaver for military is worth your while.
Unfortunately, here are some of the cons you might want to consider:
- Blades are not remarkable
- Takes a long time or more passes before you get the desired shave
- High-maintenance
#3 Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor
Special Features:
- Active shave sensor to measure density and adjust motor speed
- Powerful linear motor provides up to 14,000 cuts per minute
- Ultra-thin foil combined with five precision blades gives close shaves
Pros: Easy to use, lots of convenient features for easy shaving and preventing cuts
Cons: Pricey, don’t expect your base exchange to carry more expensive models of shavers.
This premiere razor from Panasonic is one of the best razors for military shaves. Its extremely sharp blades give it unrivaled cutting power, and its ultra-thin foil ensures that the razor will catch even the smallest and most stubborn of hairs.
An active shave sensor scans for beard density, and instructs the motor to either increase or decrease its power depending on how thick your beard is. This ensures efficient shaves regardless of whether your beard tends to get thick and tangled or if you’re just doing a quick touch-up.
Bottomline: While it’s unlikely to be available at your base exchange, the Panasonic Arc5 is one of the best electric razors on the market. If by some chance you’re allowed to bring your own electric shaver, this is one of the best choices.
#4 Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
Special Features:
- Pivot and flex foil technology adheres to facial surfaces
- Pop-up detail trimmer
- Intercept shaving technology for pre-trimming longer hairs
Pros: Affordable, pivot and flex foil technology ensures close shaves, easy to clean and use
Cons: Intercept shaving technology can’t be relied on entirely for long hairs; some pre-trimming still required
The Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver is an affordable piece of gear that simply does what it says. Pivot and flex foil technology causes the shaving head to stick as close to your skin as possible for a smooth and hairless finish. Remington’s intercept shaving technology is in full force with this razor – it will trim longer hairs before shaving them to ensure you don’t get any nasty razor burns or other injuries.
While the pop-up detail trimmer is nice, styling facial hair is forbidden in the military. It will, however, come in handy for putting the finishing touches to your shave or for getting rid of particularly stubborn hairs.
Bottomline: The Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver’s blend of practicality and efficiency provides great value for money. As one of the simpler electric shavers available, this model may very well be available at your base exchange.
#5 Philips Norelco Shaver 7100
Special Features:
- ComfortGlide rings reduce friction and allow blades to glide on the skin
- Pop-up trimmer
- Hair Adapt sensor
- Powerful lithium-ion battery with LED power display
- 360-degree contour heads
Pros: Wet or dry shaves, ComfortGlide coating minimizes the risk of razor burn or injury
Cons: Rotary shavers aren’t good at giving thorough shaves, and they are hard to shave below the nose
Philips Norelco Shaver 7100 Review:
Many men swear by Philips’ Norelco line of products, and the 7100 proves to be just as good, if not better, than its predecessors.
The Philips Norelco Shaver 7100 uses 360-degree contour heads to provide thorough shaves no matter the situation. A Hair Adapt sensor measures beard density 125 times per second and provides feedback to the razor’s motor to give it more or less cutting power. A pop-up trimmer helps get rid of stubborn facial hair or any hair that the rotary heads can’t reach.
Bottomline: Norelco doesn’t disappoint; however, you’ll want a foil shaver over a rotary one every time if you’re serving in the military. Rotary shavers are nice but just can’t match the close shaves that foil razors offer.
Are Electric Shavers Allowed in Military Camps?
All recruits in any military camp are subjected to standardization. That means you and your companions will have the same haircuts, be issued the same color of eyeglasses, and be expected to use the same razors. This may differ from base to base since if one person uses an electric shaver; everyone will be expected to use one. As a rule of thumb, check with veterans or staff working in the boot camp before your transfer.
However, exceptions do exist. Those with particularly sensitive skin that’s easily injured when using a non-electric shaver can avail of a special waiver. This waiver also applies to people who get bad razor burns or other skin conditions from using military-issued razors.
Recruits with waivers will often be handed an electric razor to help keep their facial hair in check. Electric shavers are fast, efficient, and easy to control. However, having an electric razor will make you stand out if you’re the only one who’s allowed to use one. Drill sergeants and training instructors also take cleanliness very seriously, and you will be expected to keep your electric shaver perfectly clean.
Guide to Get The Closest Shave
Foil electric shavers are ideal for a very close shave, which is something that you will need to maintain while serving in the army. But even with their shaving power, here are some tips on how to get the closest shave:
- Use shaving cream, soap, or another lubricant to cut closer to the skin
- Go against the grain with slow, controlled strokes while keeping the shaver flat on your skin
- Routinely charge, clean, and lubricate your razor
- Replace blades on a regular basis or whenever needed
Best Electric Razor for Military: Verdict
Electric shavers are convenient and useful. Some of the products listed above are great electric shavers for disabled people as well. Although it all boils down to preference, electric shavers have their advantages over manual ones. Which one of these electric shavers for the military do you think suits you best?
