Identification and buying checks

A little help with your shaver.

Finding a replacement, cleaning the head, or figuring out a new rattle? Start with the question on your mind.

Rear of a Panasonic ES-LT2A showing its model and electrical markings — The ES-LT2A model code is printed near the bottom of this Panasonic handle, above the electrical information.Dinkun Chen · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Identification · 2 min

Where to find your shaver’s model number

Turn it over before you start searching. The small print on the handle is usually more useful than the name on the front.

Read guide

Braun 8995 foil shaver on a black background — A Braun 8995. Genuine and aftermarket replacement listings still need to name the right part for the handle.William Warby · CC BY 2.0
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Buying guide · 2 min

Genuine or aftermarket shaver heads: which should you buy?

A cheaper head is only a useful saving if it fits and includes the parts you need.

Preview guide

Detached electric-shaver foil, cutter and head housing — A removed foil, cutter and housing laid out separately. “Head” can refer to different combinations of these parts.StockyPics · CC0 1.0
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Compatibility basics · 2 min

Foil, cutters or a whole head: what do you need?

Before comparing prices, make sure you’re comparing the same pieces.

Preview guide

Braun S3 foil shaver with its head attached — A Braun S3. The series name on the front is a starting point; check the full handle markings before ordering.Mk2010 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Identification · 2 min

Finding the right replacement head for your Braun

The series name gets you started. The full model and cassette code get you to the right replacement.

Preview guide

Philishave S3552 rotary shaver viewed from the front — A Philishave S3552. Its three-head layout alone won’t tell you which replacement pack to order.Steelbeard1 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Identification · 2 min

Which Philips replacement heads fit your shaver?

Three round heads can look alike. Here’s how to get past the photos and find the right pack.

Preview guide

Panasonic ES-LT2A with its foil removed to reveal the inner blades — Inner blades exposed on a Panasonic ES-LT2A after removing the outer foil.Dinkun Chen · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Compatibility basics · 2 min

Panasonic foil and blade sets: which number should you order?

The foil, inner blades and combined set can each have their own reference.

Preview guide

Close-up of the outer foil on a Panasonic ES-LT2A — The outer foil on a Panasonic ES-LT2A. Handle the removable assembly by its frame rather than pressing on this surface.Dinkun Chen · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Care and cleaning · 2 min

Cleaning a foil shaver without wrecking the foil

Clear out the hair, go gently around the foil, and give everything time to dry.

Preview guide

Separated cutters and guards from Philishave 662 and HP 1208 heads — Separated cutters and guards from two older Philishave models. Keep each pair together during cleaning.Mk2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Care and cleaning · 2 min

Cleaning a rotary shaver: keep the cutters paired

The little parts look interchangeable. Keep each cutter with the guard it came out of.

Preview guide

Close-up of the foil surface on a Braun 8995 — A close view of a Braun 8995 foil. Check the cutting surface as well as the date of the last replacement.William Warby from London, England · CC BY 2.0
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Replacement planning · 2 min

How often should you replace your shaver head?

The calendar helps, but a damaged foil shouldn’t wait for a reminder light.

Preview guide

Philips HQ 8150 with its three rotary heads visible — A Philips HQ 8150. If pulling starts after a clean or head change, check the assembly before ordering more parts.Jacek Halicki · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Troubleshooting · 2 min

Shaver pulling at your beard?

Before ordering a new head, check what changed and whether a proper clean helps.

Preview guide

Braun CoolTec CT2cc foil shaver on a wooden surface — A Braun CoolTec CT2cc. A new rattle after fitting a head calls for an assembly check.Kārlis Dambrāns · CC BY 2.0
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Troubleshooting · 2 min

Why is your new shaver head rattling?

A noise that starts after a head change is worth checking before another shave.

Preview guide

Close-up of the three circular heads on a Philips S7370/12 — A Philips S7370/12 rotary head. Check the water-use instructions for your own handle before rinsing it.© User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Care and cleaning · 2 min

Can you rinse your electric shaver?

“Washable” and “wet and dry” need a closer look before you turn on the tap.

Preview guide

Braun 590cc with cleaning cartridge, station, brush, oil, case and power adapter — Braun 590cc accessories, including the cleaning cartridge and station. Check the base’s details when buying refills.Nils E. · Public domain (author dedication)
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Buying guide · 2 min

Buying a refill for your shaver’s cleaning station

Check the base as well as the shaver. The refill belongs to the cleaning system.

Preview guide

Two views of a Braun Series 7 799c-7 foil shaver — Two views of a Braun Series 7 799c-7. Check the listing’s part reference and contents rather than relying on a familiar shape.Florian Fuchs · CC BY 3.0
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Buying guide · 2 min

Before you order a replacement shaver head

Five checks that are easier to do before the parcel arrives.

Preview guide

Braun 590cc inside its open protective travel case — A Braun 590cc in its open travel case, with the foil protected from other items in a bag.Nils E. · Public domain (author dedication)
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Care and cleaning · 2 min

Packing your shaver for a trip

Dry it, protect the head, and check you’ve packed the right charger.

Preview guide