Philips shaver cutting me!

[Rmac86]

Hi guys,

I have an old Philips HQ6990 that I purchased brand new years ago and only recently started using it. After testing the battery out it seems I can get at least 38 minutes of use out of it which is quite surprising given its age.

The shaving performance isn’t quite what I would expect, the blades cut my skin to the point of bleeding. I am usually left with about 2/3 minor cuts after each use which is very weird to me because I have never cut myself with any electric shaver in 20 years!

Could it be that I’m just not used to the blades yet? I’m usually using the norelco series 2000 which to my knowledge uses non lift and cut blades, whereas the 6990 uses HQ5 heads which do.

I can’t see any signs that the foils are broken or would be the cause of cuts, the blades themselves have just recently been cleaned and lubricated so I’m lost as to what is the issue?

 

[Jim Elliott]

Hi guys,

I have an old Philips HQ6990 that I purchased brand new years ago and only recently started using it. After testing the battery out it seems I can get at least 38 minutes of use out of it which is quite surprising given its age.

The shaving performance isn’t quite what I would expect, the blades cut my skin to the point of bleeding. I am usually left with about 2/3 minor cuts after each use which is very weird to me because I have never cut myself with any electric shaver in 20 years!

Could it be that I’m just not used to the blades yet? I’m usually using the norelco series 2000 which to my knowledge uses non lift and cut blades, whereas the 6990 uses HQ5 heads which do.

I can’t see any signs that the foils are broken or would be the cause of cuts, the blades themselves have just recently been cleaned and lubricated so I’m lost as to what is the issue?

It’s great to hear your Philips HQ6990 still has such impressive battery life after all these years. However, the issue with cuts is definitely unusual, especially since you’ve never experienced this with any other electric shaver.

Here are some thoughts on what could be happening:

1. Lift-and-Cut Heads: The HQ5 heads used in the HQ6990 feature a lift-and-cut system that’s designed to shave closer by lifting hairs before cutting them. This design can occasionally lead to irritation or small nicks, especially if your skin isn’t used to it. Try shaving with a very light touch and avoid pressing the razor into your skin.
2. Skin Adaptation: If you’ve only recently started using this razor, your skin might need time to adjust to the lift-and-cut system. Give it a week or two to see if the irritation subsides as your skin adapts.
3. Technique: With the HQ5’s closer shave, the technique matters. Shaving too quickly or against the grain could cause irritation. Slow down your movements and experiment with shaving in different directions to minimize skin stress.
4. Head Design: While the foils and blades may appear fine and functional, the HQ6990’s design may simply not be as forgiving as the non-lift-and-cut models like your Norelco Series 2000. Some people’s skin is more sensitive to lift-and-cut technology, which could explain why the cuts are happening.

Unfortunately, HQ5 replacement heads are no longer available, so if the cuts persist despite these adjustments, send me a PM with your information and I'll send you a new HQ5 set.

Let us know how things go.

 

[Jim Elliott]

In doing some further looking, this razor actually uses HQ55 heads.

 

[Rmac86]

It’s great to hear your Philips HQ6990 still has such impressive battery life after all these years. However, the issue with cuts is definitely unusual, especially since you’ve never experienced this with any other electric shaver.

Here are some thoughts on what could be happening:

1. Lift-and-Cut Heads: The HQ5 heads used in the HQ6990 feature a lift-and-cut system that’s designed to shave closer by lifting hairs before cutting them. This design can occasionally lead to irritation or small nicks, especially if your skin isn’t used to it. Try shaving with a very light touch and avoid pressing the razor into your skin.
2. Skin Adaptation: If you’ve only recently started using this razor, your skin might need time to adjust to the lift-and-cut system. Give it a week or two to see if the irritation subsides as your skin adapts.
3. Technique: With the HQ5’s closer shave, the technique matters. Shaving too quickly or against the grain could cause irritation. Slow down your movements and experiment with shaving in different directions to minimize skin stress.
4. Head Design: While the foils and blades may appear fine and functional, the HQ6990’s design may simply not be as forgiving as the non-lift-and-cut models like your Norelco Series 2000. Some people’s skin is more sensitive to lift-and-cut technology, which could explain why the cuts are happening.

Unfortunately, HQ5 replacement heads are no longer available, so if the cuts persist despite these adjustments, send me a PM with your information and I'll send you a new HQ5 set.

Let us know how things go.

I think I may have found the culprit, a slight mark on one of the heads. Could be oxidation or more likely some impact damage from when I traveled with the shaver (didn’t have the dedicated case previously). I don’t have a magnifying glass so can’t examine it properly.

I initially thought this was just dirt or residual dust on the head but given that I have been getting cut every time I use the shaver I think this is the most likely cause.

Do you guys see anything here? Now that I am looking for damage I can see it on at least one other slots of the same head.