Hair removal is neither a glamorous topic nor a task many of us relish – even being a fan of the results, the process (and, occasionally, side-effects) can be tedious. Although I’m using the Silk’n Flash and Go Freedom to minimize growth elsewhere, I have yet to start using it on my legs. I haven’t forsaken conventional razors for this purpose, but using them too often wreaks utter havoc on my skin. Needing something that didn’t make my skin hate me, I picked up the Remington WDF4840 Smooth and Silky Foil Shaver a little over a year ago to replace a basic Panasonic model that much to be desired.
Remington WDF4840 Smooth and Silky Foil Shaver
Two years ago, I didn’t know much about these. I didn’t know any ladies who used them! So here’s the run down: Electric foil shavers work by drawing hairs into small holes in the foil as you guide it over the surface from which hair is to be removed. Those hairs, momentarily secured by the foil, are then sliced by a blade that shimmies back and forth. To achieve a close shave with such a device each area usually requires multiple passes; with the Remington WDF4840, I find 2-4 passes sufficient to shave my legs, with the final pass being the firmest pressure I apply.
If you’re new to devices like this, there may be a bit of a learning curve for you. In addition to the foil, the Remington WDF4840 features (in the housing as the foil) a metal trimmer to trim hairs that are too long to be caught in the foil; you should use the trimmer before the foil if it’s been more than a few days since your previous shave. In all, it’s easy enough to use.
Since the blade of the Remington WDF4840 never touches your skin, those of us with irritable skin can shave more frequently (if desired) without discomfort, even dry. For me, the skin on my shins is particularly stubborn; if I were to shave with a conventional razor more often than every 4 days or so, it would become inflamed, red, a weird unpleasant texture, and usually painful. Not pleasant. With this, I could shave my legs every day if I chose (though it isn’t necessary with my rate of growth). Every 3 days, on dry skin prior to a shower, is sufficient for my needs. The device is waterproof and can be used in the shower, but how you use it is a matter of preference. Be sure you use it on either wet or dry, not damp; these devices tend to skip on damp skin in general, and this one is not immune to that.
Compared to conventional razors, it’s certainly a more cost-effective solution at around $30. In the fifteen months I have owned it, I have not yet had to replace the foil assembly, but your mileage will vary based on how often you use it, clean it, the coarseness of the hair being removed, and so forth. So far, for me, that is about $2/mo – and it doesn’t appear to need to be changed any time soon. Regardless, not needing a(n expensive) new blade every few uses, not needing something like a shave gel, cream, or what-have-you makes it it an option worth considering even if you aren’t budget-minded.
Those benefits stated, it isn’t a perfect solution. Here are the cons:
- It does require power; the Remington WDF4840 Smooth and Silky Foil Shaver is a rechargeable unit that charges on a dock, but it does not have a cord to use it while it is plugged in. Charges last a decent while, I charge every other week.
- Cleaning it is a chore – after each use, you should remove the foil assembly, and use the attached brush to remove hair and debris from the blade and foil, then rinse it. I take it a step further and use compressed air (from a can or from this tool I use to clean my computer) before rinsing.
- Your shave is not going to be quite as close as a conventional bladed razor. For many people, this isn’t an issue, but if you have fair skin and dark hair that even the most minimal growth is obvious, this won’t be your best solution if you’re concerned about that.
- These aren’t ideal for smaller areas like underarms or the bikini area. For those areas, it’s a bit unwieldy (at least for my taste). I still use a conventional razor for those matters, combined with my Silk’n treatments.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, yes, I recommend this as a reliable solution for hair removal. Until we have magic wands that can magic unwanted hair away we won’t have a perfect solution, but this is a cost effective, easy-to-use option for large areas such as legs.