How to Use Your Electric Shaver: The Ultimate Guide to Shaving, Cleaning, and Maintenance

An electric shaver can be a fantastic tool for convenient, painless hair removal. However, the small instruction booklet included in the box rarely tells you what you really need to know. How do you get a truly close shave? How do you actually clean it? And what do you do when it starts pulling hair or won’t turn on?

This is the missing manual. We’ll explore the technical aspects of a modern electric shaver, using the common 3-in-1 system (found on models like the Akunbem women electric shaver) as our primary example. This guide isn’t about selling you a product; it’s about teaching you how to get the most out of the one you already own.

Part 1: Deconstructing the 3-in-1 Shaver Head (And How to Use It)

Most modern women’s shavers don’t use a single blade. They use a component-based system, typically featuring three distinct parts. Understanding what each part does is the first step to a better shave.

• The Straight Blade: This is a long, straight-edged trimmer, often with teeth. Its job is to tackle long hairs on flat surfaces. This is your primary tool for a first pass on legs or arms if the hair has grown out.
• The Curved Blade: This trimmer is shaped to match the contours of your body. Its specific purpose is to handle curved areas like underarms, knees, and the bikini line.
• The Floating Foil: This is the smooth, metallic mesh screen. Its job is to capture short hair and stubble. The foil lifts hairs and guides them to an internal cutting blade, providing the closest possible shave after the longer hairs have been trimmed.

Practical Shaving Technique:

You cannot use this tool like a cartridge razor. Do not press hard or expect a one-pass finish.

1. For Legs & Arms (Flat Areas): Start with the straight blade, holding the shaver at about a 75-degree angle against your skin. Move in long, steady strokes against the direction of hair growth. Follow this with a pass from the floating foil (holding the shaver flat) to catch any remaining stubble.
2. For Underarms & Knees (Curved Areas): Use the curved blade. Pull the skin taut with your free hand to create a flatter surface. Move the shaver gently over the area, often in multiple directions, as underarm hair grows in different patterns.
3. For the Closest Shave: The secret is a two-pass system. First, use the straight or curved trimmers to “debulk” the hair. Second, go back over the area with the floating foil, moving in small, circular motions or back-and-forth strokes to get everything perfectly smooth.

Part 2: A Technical Guide to Shaving Sensitive Areas (Bikini & Pubic Hair)

Many users search for "can I use Akunbem for pubic hair?" or similar questions. The answer is yes, if you use the correct technique. This is where most people experience pulling and irritation.

Do not take the shaver, press it to the area, and move it. You will cause painful pulling.

The Correct Protocol:

1. Trim First (The Critical Step): If the hair is longer than a few millimeters, you must trim it first. On a 3-in-1 shaver, use the straight blade (which acts as a pop-up trimmer). Hold it perpendicular to the skin and carefully trim all hair down to a short stubble.
2. Prep the Area: This is best done wet. Warm water softens the hair and skin. Use a clear, non-foaming shave gel so you can see what you’re doing.
3. Shave Second: Once trimmed, you can use the curved blade or the floating foil. Pull the skin taut and make gentle passes, moving with the grain of hair growth first to minimize irritation, then against it for closeness if your skin can tolerate it.
4. Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse the area with cool water and apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aftershave balm.

This methodical, two-step process (trim, then shave) is the only way to get a smooth, painless result from an electric shaver in this sensitive area.

Part 3: The Missing Manual: Cleaning, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

This is the most common area of failure for shaver owners. Poor maintenance leads to a dead battery, dull blades, and skin irritation.

Understanding Your “Waterproof” Rating (IPX7)

Many shavers, including the Akunbem electric razor, are listed as IPX7 waterproof. This term comes from an official standard (IEC 60529).

• What IPX7 means: The device can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• What it does NOT mean: It is not rated for high-pressure water jets.

Practical takeaway: You can absolutely use it in the shower and rinse it under a tap. You should not clean it with a high-pressure showerhead jet, as this could force water past the seals.

Routine vs. Deep Cleaning

• Routine Cleaning (After Every Use):

  1. Turn the shaver on.
  2. Rinse the shaver head under warm, running water for 15-20 seconds. This flushes out most of the hair.
  3. Turn it off, gently tap the excess water out.
  4. Allow it to air dry completely (ideally with the head detached) before putting the protective cap back on.

• Deep Cleaning (Weekly or Monthly):
  This is how you solve the "how to open Akunbem shaver" query.

  1. Press the detachable head release button (on the Akunbem, it’s typically on the side or back).
  2. Gently pull the entire blade-head assembly off the shaver body.
  3. Rinse the head unit thoroughly from all angles.
  4. Use the small cleaning brush (that came in the box) to sweep out any dry hair clippings from the body of the shaver, specifically around the small motor drive pin.
  5. Let both parts dry completely before snapping the head back on.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Based on user data and reviews, here are the most common failures and how to fix them.

• Problem: The shaver is pulling hair, not cutting.

  • Cause: The head is clogged with hair and skin-oil residue.
  • Solution: Perform a deep clean. If rinsing isn’t enough, detach the head and soak only the head unit (not the body) in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, then rinse again.

• Problem: The shaver “stopped working” or won’t turn on.

  • Cause 1 (Battery): The battery is completely dead.
  • Solution: Charge it. Most models use a USB cable. Ensure it’s plugged in for at least 1.5 hours for a full charge.
  • Cause 2 (Travel Lock): Many shavers have a “travel lock” to prevent them from turning on in luggage. This is often activated by pressing and holding the power button for 3-5 seconds.
  • Solution: Press and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds to see if it unlocks.

• Problem: The battery display is on, but the blades aren’t moving.

  • Cause: The head is clogged so badly that the motor cannot move the blades.
  • Solution: Perform a deep clean. Remove the head and see if the drive pin on the body moves when you press the power button. If it does, the clog is in the head.

• Problem: You dropped the shaver head, and now a spring is missing or it won’t cut.

  • Cause: This is a common query (akunbem women electric shaver how to replace spring). The delicate springs and foils are precisely aligned.
  • Solution: Unfortunately, these individual components are not user-serviceable. You cannot buy a replacement spring. You will need to purchase a replacement shaver head for your specific model.

Part 4: A Practical Guide to “Smart” Features

Modern shavers come with features that seem like gimmicks but are actually functional.

• The Built-in LED Light: This is not for decoration. It’s an illumination light, designed to cast direct light on your skin. This is extremely useful in poorly-lit bathrooms or for spotting fine, light-colored hairs on your legs that you would otherwise miss.
• The LED Visible Power Display: This digital screen is your most important maintenance tool.
  • Battery Life: It gives you a precise percentage. Don’t let your shaver die to 0% repeatedly. Lithium-ion batteries last longer if you charge them when they hit 15-20%.
  • Charging Indicator: It shows you when it’s actively charging.
  • Cleaning Reminder: Some models will show a “tap” icon to remind you to rinse the head.
• USB Quick Recharging: Most models, like the Akunbem, charge via a standard USB cable (though they often don’t include the wall adapter). This is excellent for travel, as you can charge it with a laptop or a power bank. A 1.5-hour charge typically provides around 90 minutes of runtime, which can last for weeks.