The principle behind vibrating razors is rooted in sound scientific principles. One of the main problems faced by shavers is the elusive nature of individual hair follicles. An ordinary razor can only shave the hairs which rise above skin level and remain there. Other hairs may lay flat against the skin and escape the wrath of the blade.
Vibrating razors are believed to stimulate the muscles around hair follicles which cause hairs to stand on end. Once these hairs have been raised, they are quickly shaved off by the blades. The result is often a perceived closer shave, although it may be more accurate to say it is a more
thorough shave.
Vibrating razors are also said to aid shavers by reducing the sensation of drag often created by other manual razors. The vibrations appear to create a gliding sensation as the blade is drawn across the skin. The motor assembly and battery contained in the handles of vibrating razors also change the balance, which many shavers find to be an advantage over lightweight razors. By improving the grip and balance, vibrating razors encourage shavers to use more definite strokes.