Manual Shaving -- Schick, Gillette, Merkur and more

What makes Gillette Fusion® ProGlide Power® better than Gillette® Fusion® Power?
What makes Fusion ProGlide Power better than Fusion Power is technological innovation. The razor has been reengineered and redesigned to create Gillette's Most Comfortable Shave.

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power shares the same core technology as Gillette Fusion ProGlide: thinner, finer blades, a low resistance coating and the redesigned Precision Trimmer Blade. In addition to this:

• The improved blade stabilizer helps maintain precise blade spacing for optimal comfort.
• The redesigned handle now has larger, more ergonomic grips for better control.
• The enhanced Lubrastrip is now larger, with more lubricants and a touch of mineral oil.
• The redesigned precision trimmer now features an improved blade and anti-clogging rinse slots.
• The streamlined comfort guard offers channels to help clear away excess shave prep.
• The MicroComb, found exclusively on the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power, actually helps guide stubble to the blades.

Together, these technologies combine to create Gillette's Most Comfortable Shave.

How does the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® handle compare with the Gillette® Fusion® Power handle?
The Fusion ProGlide Power now has ergonomic side grips for better handling.

What is the microchip and how does it work?
A battery-powered razor delivers an optimal shave when the voltage and frequency remain consistent shave after shave. Over the lifetime of the battery, the voltage can weaken, reducing frequency and therefore performance. The microchip maintains constant voltage and frequency over the lifetime of the battery, delivering consistent product performance every time you shave.

How does the Low-Battery Indicator Light work?
When a battery reaches a certain level, the oscillation frequency declines and the system is no longer capable of delivering the optimal shave. The microchip inside Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® senses when the battery is approaching this level. When this happens, the Low-Battery Indicator Light begins to flash, signaling that it's time to change the AAA battery.

What is the Automatic Shut-Off feature?
The Automatic Shut-Off feature turns the razor off after roughly 8 minutes of continuous operation. This feature protects the battery if the razor is accidentally activated, especially when traveling.

How does movement of the razor give men a better shave?
With battery-powered razors, Gillette opened a new chapter in wet shaving. The addition of oscillation to Gillette wet shaving systems delivers soothing micropulses with comfort so incredible; you'll barely feel the blades. Fusion ProGlide Power®is Gillette's most comfortable shave.

For best results, should the power be turned on or off when using the Precision Trimmer Blade?
The Precision Trimmer Blade can be used with the power turned on or off. Preference varies from person to person. Using the Precision Trimmer Blade with or without power is an individual choice.

What type of battery does Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® use? How long does it last?
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power utilizes a AAA battery. With the Low-Battery Indicator Light, Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power will let you know when it's time to change the battery. Assuming average shaving, the battery should last approximately 3–6 months.

Is it safe to shave with Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® in the shower?
Yes. Gillette Fusion Power is watertight and totally safe to use in wet environments.

Can I get electrocuted if Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® is submerged in water?
No. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power is safe to use in water.

How long will the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® cartridge last?
How long a razor cartridge lasts varies from person to person, as it is dependent on many variables such as beard toughness and thickness, beard preparation, shaving habits, and skin sensitivity. The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power's reformulated INDICATOR® lubricating strip will provide you with a visual cue — it fades to white — when optimal shave conditions have been reduced. When this happens, you may want to change your cartridge for a more comfortable shave.

What are thinner, finer blades and how will they improve my shave?
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® razor has 5 blades spaced closer together, forming an advanced shaving surface. The razor blades are thinner than those of Fusion–a design that allows the blades to be even more flexible.

How was the Precision Trimmer redesigned?
The blade was improved and anti-clogging rinse slots were added.

What is the Streamlined Comfort Guard with channels? What are the benefits of the Streamlined Comfort Guard?
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® features a Streamlined Comfort Guard. The soft, flexible material surrounds the microfins, creating an outer edge that wraps around the sides of the cartridge and channels that clear away excess shave prep. This Streamlined Comfort Guard follows the contours of your face to help the shaving surface of the razor comfortably shave close.

Have there been any enhancements to the lubrication strip?
Yes. It now contains more lubricants and a touch of mineral oil.

Will the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power® cartridge fit any other razors on the market?
The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power cartridge features a razor blade that fits on any Gillette Fusion, Fusion ProGlide or Fusion ProGlide Power handle.

Is it better to use hot, cold, or warm water to shave?
Warm water is best for hydrating beard hair. Soaking in warm water softens hair and causes it to expand, making it 70% easier to cut.

What is the best way to avoid razor burn?
If the skin is not properly prepared before shaving or if the blade on your razor is dull, you are more likely to end up with razor burn. Make sure to hydrate hair in warm water for up to three minutes and apply plenty of shave gel. Also, be sure to change the blade on your razor at the first sign of dullness or discomfort.

Is it okay to let my girlfriend or wife borrow my men’s razor?
For both hygiene and performance, it's not a good idea to share your razor with your partner. Women have a much larger area to shave and you may find that after only a few shaves, your blade has dulled considerably; increasing the likelihood of nicks and cuts. Tell her to try a razor specifically designed for the way a woman shaves, such as Gillette® Venus® Embrace®.

Does shaving make your hair grow back thicker?
Scientists at Gillette have conducted extensive testing on the effects shaving has on both male and female hair growth, texture and color. This testing has proven that shaving does not affect hair growth, color or texture. Shaving does, however, alter the tip shape of the regrown hair, which may initially change the way hair feels as it grows back. But if hair is left to re-grow completely, it will return to its former state.

In what direction should I shave to achieve the best shave?
Men's facial hair tends to grow in different directions. Start by shaving with light, gentle strokes with the grain. Then, if necessary, go against the grain for an even closer shave.

What is the difference between disposable and refillable razors?
The entire razor is discarded when you are through with a disposable razor. With a refillable razor, only the blade cartridge is replaced. Refillable razors like Gillette® Fusion® ProGlide® and Gillette Fusion incorporate more advanced blade technology and ergonomics vs. most disposables for great control and a close comfortable shave.

What is the difference between a single, double, triple and 5-blade razor? Which is best?
Gillette's research has demonstrated that single blade technology, which has been applied since 1901, is demonstrably inferior to twin blade shaving systems such as SensorExcel®, and even more so to 5-blade systems such as Gillette® Fusion® ProGlide®. But the number of blades alone does not ensure a superior shave. The 5-blade shaving surface of Fusion ProGlide Power® features progressive blade alignment, patented blade coating process and a flexible comfort guard which collectively provide Gillette's best shave.

How do I avoid nicks and cuts, particularly above my upper lip?
The area above the upper lip is tricky for many men. To help avoid nicks and cuts, always leave it for last. Apply plenty of shave gel and allow this area to soak up as much lather as possible. When shaving, don't apply too much pressure. Gillette® Fusion® ProGlide's® Precision Trimmer is really useful when shaving under the nose.