It‘s not so easy to identify the problem with foil shavers. Since electric razors have so many parts to them and the mechanics can be complex. Why does my foil shaver not work? It can be because of a variety of reasons.
But before we dive into the answer to that question, your razor since it has a motor can die at a drop of a hat, stop responding to button commands, or blades can stop trimming efficiently as they were before. If this was to happen to you, you must first examine the entire device.
You can take out the blades, search for dirt build–up, or if they seem damaged at all. Check if water has entered the device unless it’s a foil shaver that isn’t able to be underwater.
Sometimes the answer may be quite simple, and it could be your just panicking. For example, the foil shaver doesn’t turn on, maybe you should look to see if it is charged properly.
Problems are impossible to fix but not if you know where to look. You must know what brung it about, and the parts affected by it. Here are a few more factors that can stop your electric shaver from working properly or not working at all.
Your electric shaver has gone bad, time to hang it up
There are so many different types of electric shavers on department store shelves. Different types by different producers and are all in different price ranges. But with so many on the market, it’s possible some of them are bad quality, won’t last long, and perform poorly.
If an electric shaver has gone bad within the time eligible to return, then return it and purchase something better that can suit your beard type and skin type.
Your technique isn’t good
New to electric shaving then you probably won’t be too good at it at first. You probably tend to carry over your razor shaving techniques to an electric shaver. This isn’t bad but it’s the two are quite different. Your skin might also need to get accustomed to using the new way of shaving. It isn’t that hard to get the technique down for using an electric razor. You can nail it with in the first time using the electric shaver.
Facial hairs are too long, got to cut it
Every electric shaver from low end to high end has an Achilles heel. They all perform great when your hair is too long. Remember this isn’t a barber’s hair clipper that can cut long hair. The electric shavers that are more geared towards newbies and beginners are suited for everyday shaving when you have some stubble.
But when you grow your hair long beyond some stubble, the shaver will end up grabbing and removing your hairs and you can miss some of them.
Now it’s yanking and pulling your hairs, so you try to go over it a few more times, thinking it will eventually work, but all you’re doing is bringing on more frustration, discomfort to yourself.
Solution: use a regular trimmer before using the electric shaver. That’s obvious. Or you can shave your hair more often.
There are a few on the market that can tackle long flat-lying hairs as opposed to regular shavers. Some razors will have an extra trimmer because it’s a package deal.
The wrong shaver on your beard, every beard is different.
The shaver you just bought may still be wrong for you. It doesn’t matter the price or who made it, specifically talking about when it comes time to decide which to buy, foil or rotary. For example. Some foil shavers are better for the thicker and rougher beards. But other foil shavers work great for sensitive skin types and if you have short hair. The other types may be able to handle long stringy hairs better.
Don’t worry. No specific method or model works perfectly for everyone.
Not taking good care of it
Are you the type of person to toss around the shaver, not storing it properly, or perhaps banging it on your sink when it starts to jam up or to get the hair out? You should know that doing all this might stop it from working properly.
The proper way to handle it: when you shake the device to get the hair out, go about it in a gentle way and don’t do it on the countertop. When you store it, make sure it’s in a safe area, where no water can get to it. You should also keep it away from heat, and any sharp objects.
Bad lubrication
Getting some good lubrication is just icing on the cake when taking care of your electric shaver. You’re just giving it extra care.
Over time hair droppings and grime along with dirt, and even dead skin cells buildup on the head of the shaver and impair it. Then you clean it. But after cleaning it, it’s necessary to add lubrication. You should be using light oil. For instance engine, oil, or the type that goes in a sewing machine will do. If you could get a hold of a spray cleaner or lubricant that will work well also.
Buying a new one
You’ll most likely have to get a new one if the performance is no longer good as it used to be. Or if you feel it’s time for a new one since you use it often. If you find that the shaver you’re using is yanking on your facial hair. Then yeah, it might be time to buy another one.
Is there anything I would need to repair an electric shaver?
Just the basics, which are…
- Shaver lubricant
- Small brush
- Screwdrivers
What steps should I take in fixing it?
Make sure those batteries are good and your electrical outlet is good
This is obvious. There are plenty of times you’ll forget about switching out batteries. You should keep a spare pack close to the electric shaver for when you need it. Also, if you’re using a shaver with a cord, the outlet you use should be in great condition. Just another reason for the shaver not to work. Avoid having the cords and shaver so close to the water that the two can cross paths and might break it.
Tip: overcharging can also be a problem. I bet you leave the shaver on the charger overnight as to not let it drain its power come morning. But it can overcharge which overheats the battery, thus causing the battery to die.
Read More:
-
Find out who wins the battle when foil shavers go up against rotary shavers.
-
When dealing with electric blades you must know when and how often to change your blades
Switching between razors and electric shavers
It’s best to stick to one device when shaving. The reason why is because the probability of cutting oneself is high when it comes to shaving but then you might make the switch over to electric shavers and irritate your skin. Also, if you’re not careful you can take off a layer of skin when using a razor. Then the electric shaver won’t isn’t able to work at its full capacity.
Cleaning out a foil head electric shaver
You must remove the head part of the foil shaver. You do this by unplugging the device, removing screws, clips, or a pressure button. Now take apart the blade assembly. It will most likely be near or attached to the oscillator. Look at the blade and spray with your favorite cleaner.
If the foil head electric shaver needs to be lubricated, then your manufactures manual should provide you with enough information to go about that.
Tip: a good way to clean out hair or dirt from this is to get a computer duster. These use compressed air. Spray it around and clean it out. You won’t have to use any special cleaners if you don’t.
Take off the screen from the head. Wipe it down. If the screen is damaged or corroded, replace it.
Some electric shavers can be used in the shower. So, the inner parts will be different from its regular nonwaterproof foil head shavers. So, to fix those, you’ll need professional service.
Replacing the foil shaver head
You probably won’t have to buy an entirely new shaver. Just switch out the old with the new. The more it’s being used, the more it begins to wear out. It will develop holes that will pinch and pierce your skin. Switching the blades would depend on how often you’re shaving.
Keep it dry
The water is good. Good for cleaning. Good for hydration and a few other things. But too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Water can corrode then dull the blades. Dulling them in the process. Even though these fancy shavers will have features on them that can drain out any moisture. It’s still a good habit to keep the razor in a standing position so the water leaks out by itself. Keep it in an upright position near a fan or window with flowing air. It can dry out quickly.
Your blades, you should brush them
A tiny paintbrush or toothbrush is all that is required. The key here is to get something with soft bristles. When you’re done shaving, take whichever brush and pass through the blades a few times. 5 at most. The soft bristles can reach more of the crevices in your shaver head. The removal of dirt is easier.
How to go about this safely.
I’ve done this plenty of times, and I never really hurt myself in the process. But I think the safety aspect is more of not damaging your electric shaver. So, something that is very important to know that you probably already do. Electricity and water are not a match. They don’t go together.
Be careful when you have a shaver that is plugged in close by the sink. Never use a shaver that has a cord in or around the shower or the tub. Especially not while taking a bath.
The most common reasons for your foil shaver not to work, are above as listed. So, when you find it not working, you should now be able to identify the problem and fix them.
Remember to handle your shavers with maximum care. The reason why, because they can be used too much, abused, and broken if you don’t.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them?
You got a lot of hair building up, along with dirt and dead skin. Gently shake the shaver, doing this can help the dead skin, and dirt falls onto the skin. Clean out blades run them under warm soapy water.
Lubricating a shaver is just like changing the oil in your car. Lubricating the blades makes sure the blades run smoothly thus giving you a good shave. FYI, when you don’t lubricate the blades, they can have a lot of friction and deteriorate in time. It should be done after every use. This is what I do. Yes, it’s time-consuming but will save me money long term.
Not using shaving cream. It helps to use the cream since it can help the blade find the hair you want to cut off. They can also help perform better.