How to Oil a Foil Shaver

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A foil shaver is a lifesaver when you need a quick, close shave. These shavers have straight heads with oscillating blades underneath that give you a really smooth shave every time. However, these cutters can get hot or wear out faster if they're not lubricated after every use. Always clean your shaver before you apply the oil—you'll be rewarded with a shaver that lasts for years!

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Cleaning

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    Most foil shavers have a small button on 1 of the narrow sides. Press it down while you pull the upper part off of the shaver. This is the head section that has the metallic foils. [1]
    • While the foils themselves aren't sharp, the blades underneath them are, so use caution when you take the foil piece off.
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    You'll probably see lots of tiny hairs stuck in the miniature holes of the foils. Hold it under hot, running water to rinse the hairs out. Turn the piece over and rinse from the other side, too. Then, use a cloth or paper towel to completely dry the piece. [2]
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    Your shaver may have come with a small bristle brush or you can use a toothbrush that you've designated for cleaning the shaver. If you see hairs stuck in hard to reach spots, reach for a can of compressed air and spray around the blades. [3]
    • It's best to avoid rinsing the blades with water, since you may end up getting the electrical components of the shaver wet.
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    Set the foil head piece on a paper towel and lightly spray the foils. Then, spray the cutter blades, too. The disinfecting spray kills germs and adds a light layer of lubricant. [4]
    • Disinfecting spray is also sold as 5-in-1 clipper spray. You could also use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your shaver. Just dip a cotton ball in the alcohol and carefully rub it over the blades of the cutting bar and the head piece.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Lubricating

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    Hold the shaver at a 45-degree angle and carefully squeeze a single drop of oil onto the blades. These cutting bar blades are exposed when you take the foil head piece off of the shaver. It's important that you don't hold the cutting bar blades straight up at a 90-degree angle because you don't want the oil to drip down into the shaver itself. [5]
    • Only use clipper oil on your foil shaver. You should avoid using olive oil since it's too thick and can gum up the blades. [6]
    • Most shavers come with a small tube of clipper oil. Just cut the tip from the end so you can easily squeeze a drop onto the blades.
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    This gives the clipper oil a chance to spread along the entire length of the cutting bar blades. Then, switch off the shaver. [7]
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    If your manufacturer recommends oiling the foils, turn off the shaver and squeeze 1 drop on each of the outer foils. Then, turn on the shaver for 5 seconds so the oil works across all of the foils on the head piece. [8]
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    Gently wipe the sides of the shaver to soak up oil that may have dripped. Then, push the foil head piece back onto the shaver until you hear them click in place. [9]
    • Always keep your shaver completely dry to prevent it from rusting and lubricate it after every use.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What other things can you use to shave?
    Timmy Yanchun
    Professional Barber
    Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.
    Timmy Yanchun
    Professional Barber
    Expert Answer
    If no shaving cream is available then a hair conditioner and moisturizer can be used. You can prep your skin the same way you do with shaving cream or shaving gel by using a hair conditioner, hot water, and a sharp razor blade for the freshest and cleanest possible. After shaving apply moisturizer.
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      Tips

      • Plan on replacing the blades every 18 months if you use your foil shaver every day. The blades will wear down with frequent use and you can't sharpen them. Simply buy replacement blades and keep them well-oiled.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wahl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ZB887-Finale-Shaver-Instructions-8164-831-Rev.0-03-19.pdf
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/QvxmhsPaDQ8?t=88
      3. ↑ https://www.babylisspro.co.uk/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SiteGenesisSharedLibrary/en_GB/v1598763673750/information-booklets/BABFS2U_IB.pdf
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ch6LFScrlpU?t=35
      5. ↑ https://www.babylisspro.co.uk/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SiteGenesisSharedLibrary/en_GB/v1598763673750/information-booklets/BABFS2U_IB.pdf
      6. ↑ https://beardstyle.net/how-to-lubricate-electric-razor/
      7. ↑ https://www.babylisspro.co.uk/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SiteGenesisSharedLibrary/en_GB/v1598763673750/information-booklets/BABFS2U_IB.pdf
      8. ↑ https://help.panasonic.ca/PCS/OperatingInstructions/SD1803E01AE_6Q_EU.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.babylisspro.co.uk/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-SiteGenesisSharedLibrary/en_GB/v1598763673750/information-booklets/BABFS2U_IB.pdf

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