Braun Series 9 9517s PRO+ Review: The Ultimate Shaving Experience, Redefined

The Age-Old Quest for a Smooth Face

For centuries, humans have been on a quest to remove unwanted facial hair. From sharpened flint blades used in prehistoric times to the sophisticated electric razors of today, the pursuit of a smooth shave has driven innovation and ingenuity. The earliest razors, dating back as far as 30,000 BC, were made from readily available materials like obsidian and shells. These rudimentary tools, while effective to some degree, were undoubtedly a far cry from the comfort and efficiency we expect today. The ancient Egyptians, known for their meticulous grooming habits, used copper and later bronze razors. The Romans, too, valued a clean-shaven appearance, often employing barbers who used iron razors (and, ouch, tweezers!).

The Whisker’s Challenge: Understanding Beard Growth

Why is shaving such a persistent challenge? The answer lies in the complex nature of facial hair itself. Beard hair doesn’t grow uniformly straight out of the skin. Instead, it emerges at various angles, creating a complex landscape for any shaving device. Furthermore, hair density varies significantly across different areas of the face. Some regions, like the chin and upper lip, tend to have a higher concentration of hair follicles, resulting in thicker, denser growth. Finally, the thickness of individual hairs can also differ, with some being fine and others coarse and wiry. This combination of angles, densities, and thicknesses presents a formidable obstacle to achieving a consistently close and comfortable shave. The keratin that composes the hair, is a tough, fibrous structural protein, about as hard as a copper wire of the same thickness.

A Cut Above the Rest: Different Shaving Methods

The two primary methods for shaving today are manual razors and electric razors. Manual razors, typically using disposable cartridges with multiple blades, offer a close shave at a relatively low initial cost. However, the recurring expense of replacement blades and the risk of nicks, cuts, and razor burn are significant drawbacks.

Electric razors, on the other hand, offer a different approach. They fall into two main categories: rotary and foil. Rotary shavers feature spinning circular blades that rotate beneath a slotted head. While they can be effective on longer, coarser hair that grows in multiple directions, they may not provide as close a shave as foil shavers, and can sometimes cause more irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Foil shavers, the focus of our exploration, employ a different mechanism. They utilize oscillating blades that move back and forth rapidly beneath a thin, perforated metal foil. This foil acts as a barrier between the blades and the skin, providing protection and helping to lift the hairs for a closer cut. The linear motion of the blades, combined with the protective foil, generally makes foil shavers a better choice for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to ingrown hairs.

The Heart of the Matter: Inside a Modern Foil Shaver

Let’s delve into the intricate workings of a modern foil shaver, breaking down its key components and the science behind their function.

• The Oscillating Blades: At the core of a foil shaver are the blades themselves. These blades don’t rotate; instead, they move rapidly back and forth in a linear motion. This oscillation, often driven by a powerful internal motor, is crucial for cutting the hair cleanly and efficiently.

• Materials Science: The blades are typically crafted from high-quality stainless steel, chosen for its strength, sharpness, and resistance to corrosion. Many advanced shavers, employ specialized coatings, such as titanium, to further enhance the blades’ durability and reduce friction. Titanium is particularly valued for its biocompatibility (meaning it’s less likely to cause skin reactions) and its exceptional hardness, which helps the blades retain their sharpness for longer periods. The process of applying these coatings often involves techniques like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), where the coating material is vaporized and then deposited onto the blades in a thin, uniform layer.

• Foils: Capturing the Hairs: The thin, perforated metal sheet that covers the blades is the foil, and it plays a critical role in the shaving process. The perforations, often arranged in intricate patterns, are designed to capture hairs of varying lengths and angles. Braun’s OptiFoil™, for example, features differently sized and shaped holes to maximize hair capture, regardless of growth direction. The foil also acts as a protective barrier, minimizing direct contact between the sharp blades and the skin, thus reducing the risk of irritation.
  

Vibrations for a Better Shave: Sonic Technology Explained

Many advanced foil shavers incorporate what is often called “sonic technology.” But what does this actually mean, and how does it improve the shaving experience?

• What is Sonic Technology?: Sonic technology, in the context of shaving, refers to the use of high-frequency vibrations to enhance the cutting action of the blades. These vibrations are typically generated by a small, powerful motor within the shaver.

• The Physics of Micro-Vibrations: The vibrations, often in the range of thousands of cycles per minute (for example, 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute), are transmitted to the shaver head and, crucially, to the foil. These micro-vibrations create several beneficial effects.

• How it Helps Achieve a Closer, More Comfortable Shave: First, the vibrations help to lift and expose more of the hair shaft to the cutting blades. Imagine gently shaking a carpet to loosen embedded dirt – a similar principle applies here. The vibrations cause the hairs to stand up straighter, making them easier to capture and cut by the oscillating blades. Second, the vibrations reduce the friction between the foil and the skin. This reduced friction translates to a smoother, more comfortable glide across the face, minimizing the sensation of pulling or tugging.

• Addressing the feeling: Some users might feel this vibration initially, but it is a part of the technology that helps to improve the shave, and many find the result a smoother, more efficient shave.
  

Adapting to the Terrain: Auto-Sensing Technology

Facial hair isn’t uniform. Some areas, like the chin and upper lip, have denser growth than others, like the cheeks. Traditional shavers, whether manual or electric, apply the same level of power regardless of the beard’s density. This can lead to inefficiencies – either too little power in dense areas, resulting in multiple passes, or too much power in sparser areas, increasing the risk of irritation.

• Beard Density Variations: As mentioned earlier, beard density can vary significantly across the face. This variation is due to differences in the number of hair follicles per unit area.

• Sensors and Microchips: Some of the most advanced foil shavers are taking efficiency one step further, with built-in sensors and microchips. These intelligent systems can actually sense the density of the beard as you shave. Tiny sensors within the shaver head detect the resistance encountered by the blades.

• How Sensors and Microchips Adjust Power: When the shaver encounters a denser patch of hair, the sensors register the increased resistance and signal the motor to increase power. Conversely, when shaving a sparser area, the power is automatically reduced. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the optimal level of power is applied at all times, maximizing both efficiency and comfort. This is akin to a car’s automatic transmission, shifting gears based on the driving conditions.

Power and Longevity: The Battery Revolution

The cordless convenience of electric razors relies entirely on their batteries. Early electric razors often used nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, which suffered from the “memory effect” – a gradual loss of capacity if repeatedly recharged before being fully depleted.

• Brief Overview of Battery Types (NiMH vs. Li-ion): Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries offered an improvement over NiCd, with a higher energy density and less susceptibility to the memory effect. However, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become the gold standard in modern electric razors (and many other portable electronic devices).

• The Benefits of Lithium-Ion Batteries: Li-ion batteries boast several advantages:

  • Higher Energy Density: They can store more energy in a smaller, lighter package.
  • No Memory Effect: They can be recharged at any point without losing capacity.
  • Longer Lifespan: They can withstand more charge cycles.
  • Faster Charging: They typically recharge much faster than NiMH batteries.

Waterproof Wonders: Design and Engineering

The ability to use an electric shaver in the shower or rinse it under running water is a significant convenience. But achieving this level of water resistance presents a considerable engineering challenge.

• The Challenges of Creating Waterproof Electronics: Water and electronics are a notoriously bad combination. Water can cause short circuits, corrosion, and irreversible damage to electronic components.

• Materials and Seals: Waterproof shavers rely on a combination of carefully selected materials and precisely engineered seals. The housing is typically made from durable, water-resistant plastics. Critical areas, such as the joints between different parts of the housing and the openings for buttons and switches, are sealed with rubber gaskets or O-rings. These seals create a watertight barrier, preventing water from penetrating the shaver’s internal components. The charging port may also feature a waterproof cover or a specialized design to prevent water ingress.

Beyond the Shave: Taking Care of Your Skin

While a good electric shaver can significantly improve the shaving experience, proper skin care is equally important for achieving optimal results and minimizing irritation.

• Pre-Shave Preparation: Before shaving, it’s beneficial to wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. This helps to soften the hairs and remove any dirt or oil that could clog the shaver. Applying a pre-shave oil or lotion can also provide additional lubrication and protection.

• Post-Shave Care: After shaving, rinse your face with cool water to soothe the skin and close the pores. Applying a moisturizing aftershave balm or lotion helps to replenish moisture and reduce inflammation.

• Dealing with Common Issues (Razor Burn, Ingrown Hairs):

  • Razor Burn: This is a common skin irritation characterized by redness, burning, and sometimes small bumps. It’s often caused by dry shaving, using a dull blade, or applying too much pressure. To prevent razor burn, always use a sharp blade, shave with the grain (in the direction of hair growth), and avoid pressing too hard.
  • Ingrown Hairs: These occur when hairs curl back or grow sideways into the skin, causing inflammation and sometimes infection. To prevent ingrown hairs, exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, shave with the grain, and avoid stretching the skin while shaving.
    

The Future of Shaving

The evolution of shaving technology is far from over. We can expect to see continued advancements in several areas:

• Smarter Shavers: Artificial intelligence (AI) could play a larger role, with shavers that learn your shaving habits and preferences, adjusting their performance accordingly.
• Personalized Shaving: Shavers could be customized to individual skin types and beard characteristics, optimizing the shaving experience for each user.
• More Sustainable Materials: Manufacturers are likely to explore more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental impact of shaving products.
• Longer-Lasting Blades: Advances in materials science could lead to blades that stay sharper for even longer periods, further reducing the need for replacements.
• Self-Cleaning and Sterilizing Systems: More sophisticated cleaning and sterilizing systems could become standard, using advanced technologies like UV light or ultrasonic cleaning to ensure optimal hygiene.
• Integrated Skincare: Shavers might incorporate features that dispense skincare products, such as moisturizers or anti-irritants, directly onto the skin during or after shaving.
• Haptic Feedback: Enhanced haptic feedback could provide users with more precise control and awareness of the shaver’s performance, guiding them to achieve a more even and comfortable shave.
• Connectivity: Smart shavers could connect to smartphones or other devices, providing data on shaving performance, skin health, and even personalized recommendations.

The journey from sharpened stones to sophisticated electric razors has been a long and fascinating one. As technology continues to advance, the quest for the perfect shave will undoubtedly continue, driven by the desire for greater comfort, efficiency, and personalization. While the Braun Series 9 9517s represents a significant step forward in shaving technology, it’s also a testament to the ongoing evolution of this essential grooming ritual. The principles of physics, materials science, and engineering, combined with a deeper understanding of skin and hair biology, are all converging to create shaving experiences that are not only more effective but also more enjoyable. The future of shaving is likely to be one where technology and personal care seamlessly blend, providing a truly customized and satisfying experience for every individual.