If you’re a black man, chances are you’ve had to deal with many problems when shaving. There’s ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and general irritation. 80% of men who get razor bumps are black men. So what are your options? If you want to keep on shaving, it’s best to get smart about it and find a solution that works.
Fortunately, shaving products are big business, and there are a multitude of products formulated specifically for black men. The only question is; what’s the best product for you? We like to spread the good word about electric razors and for good reason! They’re efficient, reliable, and straightforward to use. And if you read on, you can see why they also make an excellent choice if you’re a black man looking for a better shaving experience. Here’s all the information you need to find the best electric shaver for black men.
Table Of Contents
Best Electric Shaver For Black Men Comparison Table
| Model | Running time | Charging time | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braun Series 7 790cc Shaver | 50 minutes | 60 minutes | 2 year limited | Check Price |
| Braun Series 9 9290cc Shaver | 50 minutes | 60 minutes | 2 year limited | Check Price |
| Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S Razor | 45 minutes | 60 minutes | 2 year limited | Check Price |
| Braun Series 7 7865cc Razor | 50 minutes | 60 minutes | 2 year limited | Check Price |
| Wahl 5-Star Series Shaver | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 2 year limited | Check Price |
| Remington F5-5800 Shaver | 60 minutes | 120 minutes | 2 year limited | Check Price |
| Andis 17150 Pro Foil Shaver | 80 minutes | 60 minutes | 1 year limited | Check Price |
Foil Or Rotary? Which Is Best For Black Men?
When it comes to razor types, you’ll typically have two choices. Foil razors use a rotating grid of holes where the hair goes into. Inside the foils are blades underneath, which move from side to side to cut. In contrast, rotary razors use three circular cutting heads that also have a series of holes that trap the hairs. Inside these cutting heads are spinning blades that work to cut the hair.
For black men, we recommend using a foil shaver. The cutters on foil shavers are better suited to capturing hair that isn’t straight, and if you’re black, your hair is probably somewhat curly. Rotary shavers are better at cutting straight hair. In that same vein, rotary shavers function best when making several passes over an area. This isn’t good for black men as their skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation.
Our Seven Best Electric Razors For Black Men
What makes a good razor for someone with specific hair care needs? We’ll look at seven different razors to see the choices you can consider as a black man needing a shave.
Braun Series 7 790cc Electric Razor
First on our list is a shaver from the highly acclaimed Braun Series 7 line. The 790cc is extremely popular amongst those in need of a good shave, and for good reason. Some consider it the gold standard for a comfortable and close shave.
The 790cc comes with four shaving elements, three of which cut and the fourth acts as a skin guard. The three cutters can move and depress independently, allowing it to more closely move with the contours of your face. The 790cc has a large range of motion for an electric shaver, which will help get to strands of hair that you may have otherwise missed.
What sets the 790cc apart are its various features which make shaving a breeze. It comes with “Pulsonic Technology,” which supposedly captures more hair with microvibrations. Another useful feature is the ActiveLift System, which oscillates the 790cc’s middle cutter, which lifts hair that may lay flat on your face. The perforations on the razor’s foils are special as well. The design, which they call “OptiFoil”, uses hexagonal perforations instead of the typical circular cut-outs, meant to help with hair capture.
Get Braun Series 7 790cc at Amazon
The combination of these technologies leaves us with a razor that is well-suited to deal with the needs of a black man looking to deal with his facial hair. All your bases are covered. Even men with the curliest and most wiry facial hair will find it easy to shave their beards down with this device.
Expect a full charge to last you about 50 minutes. It will charge automatically when placed in the provided Clean & Renew System, but can also charge via a plug to the wall. If you opt to charge with a direct line, you can even use it while charging!
Nothing is perfect, and the 790cc comes with a few flaws. One problem common to most electric shavers is the force applied onto the shaver when its head is locked. Push down too hard with a locked head and you may break the mechanism, so be careful.
Another issue is that while the 790cc shaves close, it doesn’t shave very close. This becomes a benefit to black men! Shaving too close can irritate the skin, or lead to ingrown hairs. So the Braun’s ability to not shave down to the skin makes it an even better choice for black men.
All-in-all, the Braun 790cc stands out as a favorite for enthusiasts and makes an excellent choice for men of color hoping to deal with unruly facial hair.
Braun Series 9 9290cc Electric Razor
Next up is another shaver from Braun, from their most recent Series 9 line up. Taking over from the fabled Series 7 razors, the Series 9 hopes to improve on the designs of razors past and keep the excitement flowing for their top-of-the-line products.
The 9290cc is the current flagship razor for Braun. Touted as “the world’s most efficient shaver”, it combines new and old tech to make an absolute beast of a razor. Upgrading to a more powerful motor and adding two more cutting elements over the 790cc, the 9290cc appears to have the leg-up on its predecessor.
Returning as well are some innovative systems that made the Series 7 so popular. Pulsonic vibrations and OptiFoil return. ActiveLift has become HyperLift, but it still works on the same general principle. New to the party is SynchroSonic Technology, a system that changes power output depending on the beard hair density. While it is an interesting system and an impressive innovation, some would prefer the straightforward approach of going full power all the time.
Get Braun Series 9 9290cc at Amazon
The 9290cc claims its four cutters are mounted on a 10-dimensional pivoting head, based on how each of the cutters can independently depress and the head’s own upward and downward flexibility. While it may be more marketing than truth, the 9290cc’s head is incredibly flexible and contours well to fit you. On top of everything, the entire unit is waterproof, giving you a choice between wet and dry shaving.
Where this razor shines is how it deals with longer, wiry, and coarse hair. Its head is very comfortable on the skin and gets a close enough shave that you won’t need to shave every day. Not shaving every day also means less chance of irritation and razor burn and not getting a very close shave also decreases your risk of ingrown hairs. This razor is equipped to deal with many of the issues black men face when shaving.
There are a few things to consider with the 9290cc, namely its price. This thing is quite pricey. While we think it’s worth the cost, you may simply not have the cash to afford it. It’s surprising that at its price point, the 9290cc is made with plastic. It has a solid build quality, but it is still a point against it.
If you’re looking for a razor that’s the complete package, look no further than the 9290cc. It’s the real no-compromises solution for a man who wants nothing less than the absolute best.
Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor
Another name in the electric shaving market is Panasonic, and there’s no lack of products with them to choose from. Hailing from their Arc5 line is the ES-LV65-S, a solid choice at a pretty good value. But for a black man, is it worth the purchase?
As part of the Arc5 line, the ES-LV65-S is one of the few electric razors that can boast a head with five cutting elements. This results in the razor’s most noticeable feature: its extremely large head. It is massive compared to the competition. It is built with two outer foils that focus on cutting shorter stubble, and two inner foils called Lift Tech that lift and cut hair that grow parallel to the skin. In the center is a blade to catch longer hairs that will then get cut down by the outer foils.
Behind the foils are Panasonic’s renowned nano-blades which offer an aggressive 30-degree bevel that cuts hair quickly and efficiently. Backing those blades is the ES-LV65-S’s 14,000 CPM (cycles per minute) motor. That’s a lot of power to put into a razor and is part of the reason why this razor cuts the way it does. While it is equipped with a similar power sensing technology as the Braun Series 9 razors, this feature can be turned off letting you operate the razor at full power constantly.
It operates both in wet and dry conditions, and while the head doesn’t depress, it offers movement in all four directions. It comes with 45 minutes of use per charge. Compared to other razors in its class, it’s got the strongest build quality of any of them.
In terms of sheer shaving performance, the ES-LV65-S is outstanding. The large flexible head and its five cutting elements make for a shave that is sharp and close. You probably won’t find a closer and cleaner shave on this list than from the shave you can get from this razor. Comfort-wise, it’s perfectly serviceable. While it isn’t as comfortable as Braun’s 9290cc, it is still good enough that it doesn’t take away from the amazing shaving potential.
Where it falters is for people prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs. The aggressive nature of this razor makes it harder on those with sensitive skin, and that’s exactly what you’re dealing with as a black man. Black skin is more prone to irritation and all the other problems shaving comes with, and the ES-LV65-S doesn’t provide the same comfort afforded by the razors preceding it on this list.
While it wins in value and sheer shaving performance, this razor doesn’t have the Brauns beat in terms of sensitivity. If your skin isn’t that sensitive, and you’re looking for a razor that will cut through thick hair like a hot knife through butter, then don’t skip this razor.
Braun Series 7 7865cc Electric Razor
The Braun 7865cc is part of the new generation of Series 7 introduced in 2016. Carrying the Series 7 name implies a level of quality that made its ancestors popular. Does the new kid on the block have what it takes?
Like the highly acclaimed 790cc, this razor comes with three cutting elements. The rounded outer foils tackle shorter stubble, while the central oscillating blade cuts through longer hairs. It’s a similar set-up to that of the 790cc, which is understandable considering its success. It comes with the same interesting microvibration system that allegedly helps capture more hairs and leads them into the waiting foils. New to this blade are the five speed settings, going from sensitive to turbo. Older models featured three different settings at most.
Build quality is decent, as you would expect from a Braun product. Like most modern razors, the 7865cc operates both in wet and dry. A nice additional feature of this razor is the rubberized grip of the body. This prevents the razor from slipping even in the wettest conditions. We don’t see this slipping out of your hands even in the shower.
The 7865cc performs much like its predecessor. They’re practically identical. Much of what made the earlier models special can be found here. The systems for catching curly and wiry hair are still here. The shave is comfortable and non-irritating, and the shave isn’t so close that it may cause ingrown hairs. It’s pretty straightforward and there isn’t too much to complain about. It’s a good razor.
What it adds the ability to shave in the wet. This is a definite upgrade over the 790cc. Having the choice to use the razor with creams, gels, or in the shower make for a more versatile and varied product. You may not be a wet shaver, but trust us when we say it’s good to at least have the choice.
However, certain weaknesses also carry over. If you apply too much pressure on the head while locked, you risk breaking the locking mechanism. Like the rest of its family, it’s also on the pricey side. If you’re looking for a razor that won’t break the bank, you may want to keep looking.
The 7865cc is a good choice for black men looking to get a good shave. If you can afford the extra cost, it’s a great choice!
Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Rechargeable Shaver/Shaper #8061-100
Wahl is one of the old names in haircutting, and so it makes sense that their 8061-100 looks like something straight out of a 1950s barbershop. But don’t be fooled by its retro styling; this razor hangs right up there with the newest, most modern shavers.
This razor is designed for professional use by barbers. Wahl has always appealed more to the professional market, but this product will do just fine in your hands if you know how to use it. It has two foil blades along with a strong motor that you wouldn’t expect from its size. This thing is 4.6” long and weighs 5.8 ounces. Compared to some other razors on this list, it’s practically weightless.
It’s also at a very attractive price point, retailing for about $USD 65. Putting that into perspective, that’s about one-fifth the price of the 9290cc. Its replacement foils are also inexpensive. And while we’d usually say that cheapness is often an indicator of cheap quality, we can’t say the same about this razor.
The 8061-100 is surprisingly a great choice for African-American men. While it doesn’t have much of the advanced features of its competitors, it provides a comfortable and soft shave, perfect for men who struggle with razor bumps. Its foils are coated with hypoallergenic gold to make the experience even better for those with sensitive skin. It does the job with grace, making sure not to cut or pull the hairs it’s working on either.
As far as downsides go, don’t expect many of the nice features you’ll find on more costly razors. It can’t operate in the wet. It doesn’t come with an automatic cleaning station. It doesn’t use microvibrations or oscillating blades. The Wahl 8061-100 is a purist’s choice. It’s one of those tools that gets better with experience.
If you’re looking for a tool that gets the job done with sensitivity, then it may be best to consider picking up the 8061-100.
Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
While not as big a name as Braun, Remington gets its share of respect for its shaving products. At less than $USD 50, the F5-5800 is the cheapest on our list, but it’s no slouch. Remington crammed in a decent razor with the budget they had.
It’s not as compact as the Wahl at 9.1” long and 1.1 pounds heavy, but you wouldn’t call it bulky either. It has two foil heads and a central “interceptor” head for longer hair. It’s a similar system to the ActiveLift blades on the more expensive Braun razors which helps the foils with their job of catching shorter stubble. The razor also promotes its Pivot and Flex technology, where the foils can adjust to the contours of the face to get a closer shave.
The F5-5800 wins in terms of charging. A fully charged unit will last you an entire hour. While it takes about the same time to recharge the razor, you can operate it while charging, which is pretty convenient. It makes for a great travel razor, considering it’s less fussy than other brands.
Despite the cost, the razor does a good job of getting a very close shave. That being said, the razor has issues dealing with sensitive skin. It’s pretty aggressive, and that means razor bumps and irritation, two things that often plague black men looking for a good shaving experience.
The razor also lacks several features that you would get on a more expensive model. It can’t operate while wet, so put away your creams and gels. It doesn’t come with any cleaning stand, so you’ll have to do that manually.
As far as razors go, it’s got strong value for the money. It is a reputable product from a brand with a strong history. That being said, you shouldn’t pursue it as your first choice if you’ve had trouble dealing with irritation, razor bumps, and the like. There are several other razors on this list if you’re looking for a comfortable shave. If all you care about is getting yourself a dirt cheap razor, you probably won’t do better than this.
Andis 17150 Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver
Andis has been operating for close to a century now, so they’ve got a lot of experience as far as razors go. Their 17150 Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver is an interesting product also sitting in the budget price range. Much like the other razors on this list, it has its own unique benefits to offer.
This razor is pretty lightweight and compact. It weighs less than 5 ounces, making it lighter than even Wahl’s tiny shaver. This is thanks in large part to the Lithium-Ion battery, which gives it good recharging capabilities and long use life. It has a staggering runtime of 80 minutes on one charge, and also operates whether cordless or while charging, making it just as versatile as the Remington.
Where it stands out as a choice for black men is how it handles sensitive skin. This razor is very easy on the skin and even comes with the same hypoallergenic gold foil design that makes the Wahl such a good choice. It also handles curly hair very well, but some reviews say the product has trouble with longer hairs. They recommend that you trim your hair short before going over it with the 17150.
But skin irritation is still possible with razors designed to prevent it. They recommend you don’t use heavy pressure when using the razor, and to clean it well after every use. In other words, how well the 17150 prevents skin irritation is based on how much you take care of both the razor and yourself.
What Andis made here is a razor that’s compact and easy to travel with, and does a decently good job of shaving without being too hard on your skin. It’s got a long battery life, which is all well and good considering that with its weight, you’ll be able to hold it for quite a while. As far as budget options go for electric razors for black men, this one is a solid choice and definitely should be on your radar.
Common Shaving Issues Black Men Face
What makes a razor good for a black man is how it handles the considerations that come with wiry hair. Here are three things that you’ll have to watch out for when you’re shaving.
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Curly and Ingrown Hair
If you’re black, you’re more likely to have curly hair. While that’s not much of an issue on top of your head, if you shave consistently, curly hair can often be a detriment and limits your choices when it comes to shaving equipment. Not all razors can handle curly hair, and may get entangled or even break while trying to manage it.
Shaving too close may result in ingrown hairs as well, which are more common in black men. The hair may have trouble regrowing and not break through the skin, causing infection.
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Razor Bumps or PFB
Pseudofolliculitis barbae (or razor bumps as they’re commonly known) result from a predisposition to curly hair and sensitive skin. As the hair grows back, it can curl back and penetrate the skin, causing inflammation. Also, the hair follicles themselves can get infected.
Not only are these bumps painful and irritating, but they can physically disfigure your face.
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Skin Dryness
If you’re working somewhere air-conditioned or if you’re out in the sun often, you may dry out your skin, leading to an ashy, grayish skin tone. In winter, the air gets drier as well, leading to the same problem.
Dry skin makes the job of shaving more difficult, as it leaves you more prone to damage when using a razor. Dry skin also affects your hair’s quality and luster.
Why Should Black Men Get An Electric Razor?
As far as shaving goes, good skincare may not be enough to deal with the issues that come with shaving. Here are seven reasons black men should consider going electric.
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Closeness
Shaving the hair too close may result in ingrown hairs or infection. Shaving with a razor cuts the hair down to the skin, which makes both of these scenarios more likely. A good electric razor for a black man will shave the hair down, but not so close that it results in making ingrown hairs and razor bumps worse. It’s good practice to leave a little bit of shadow to prevent these issues.
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Cutting Angle
A normal razor will cut hair at an angle as you drag it along the skin. This causes the hair to end up with a pointy tip, leaving it prone to penetrate back into the skin. An electric razor cuts the hair straight and flat, preventing this problem. While it doesn’t eliminate the chance that a hair will be ingrown, it does make it far less likely.
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Hair Capture
Black men’s predisposition towards curly hair makes it difficult to get everything at once. A razor may end up cutting through most but not all the hair on the face, leaving you with unevenness. A good electric razor is designed to pick up and gather errant strands and pull them taut before cutting. This makes it more likely that you’ll get all the hairs on your face instead of gambling on missing a few.
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Simplicity
Getting a good shave with a straight razor requires a few products and a careful hand. Aside from the razor itself, a good quality shaving cream and aftershave are necessary to take care of the skin, and that might not even be enough for a black man. With an electric razor, you don’t need much else apart from the razor. You don’t even need creams or gels if you can shave in the shower.
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Adjustable Power
Having the option to adjust the blades’ power level depending on hair thickness is a privilege enjoyed by electric razor owners. Different parts of your face may have different sensitivities, so managing which parts to go harder on versus which parts to manage with more sensitivity is vital. And if you’re the type who would rather go full power all the way, you’re welcome to do so. What matters is that the choice is there.
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Blade Sharpness
As the manufacturers of electric razors want their products to be of the highest quality, the blades that come with the razor plus any replacements are extremely sharp, dealing with even the thinnest of hairs with ease. Dull blades are dangerous, as they can slip and cause nicks and scratches. The sharper the blade is, the more likely that you’ll have fewer issues with cuts and irritation down the line.
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Maintenance
While some electric razors need to be opened up, most modern electric razors come with cleaning stations that effectively do the job for you. They’re extremely simple stands that do the entire cleaning and maintenance process for you. Smaller razors without dedicated cleaners are also easy to maintain, as their simpler designs make opening them up and cleaning them a piece of cake.
Important Shaving Tips For Black Men
Now that you’ve got an electric razor, there are a few key things you should keep in mind while you shave. Follow these tips to make sure you’re giving your skin all the love it deserves.
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Shave Less Often
Shaving frequently increases the likelihood that you’ll develop ingrown hairs and irritation. If you have problems dealing with irritation, it’s best if you shave every other day at most to limit the possibility that you’ll cause skin problems. While it does mean you’ll have stubble growing now and then, most would be fine with that when the alternative is razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
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Moisturize Everyday
If your skin is hydrated, then you have a lower risk of developing irritation and redness. Be sure to use moisturizer as often as you can, and integrate it into your everyday routine. It’s best to start using moisturizer twice a day, at first in the morning after you’re done washing your face, and at night before you go to bed.
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Face Scrub Before Shaving
Get in there and exfoliate your face before you shave. A good long scrub cleans away dead skin cells and draws your hair away from the surface of your face, making it easier to shave and decreases the likelihood you’ll have to deal with ingrown hairs. As a bonus, cleaning your face regularly decreases the chances of acne and irritation.
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Shave With the Grain
Going against the grain is the typical method to attain a close shave. But shaving extremely close is a bad idea for black men whose curly hair leaves them prone to ingrown hair. Limit your risk by going with the grain instead. The shave you get isn’t as close, but then again that’s the point. By going with the grain, the hair grows in its natural direction away from the skin.
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Replace Your Blades
No blade lasts forever, and older dull blades will do more harm than good. Dull blades will cut less efficiently, which will end up pulling at your hairs instead of cutting, which may lead to infection. Plus, dull blades can nick and cut your skin, which is bad considering old blades will be built up with old skin, dirt, oil, and bacteria.
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Give Women’s Products a Chance
Put your pride aside, boys. There are plenty of women’s skincare products that will work just as well for you, so it’s best to give them a look as well. You’ll probably find better exfoliants and moisturizers in the women’s section that you will in the men’s department. Ask your sister or girlfriend for some help, I’m sure they’ll be glad to give you a hand.
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Always Aftershave
It’s important to remember aftershave because it can help prevent razor bumps. We recommend not to use a harsh alcohol-based aftershave as it may irritate your skin. It’s best to stick to something that won’t be too powerful if you have sensitive skin. Go for something with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera or Coconut which have soothing properties.
Conclusion
While there’s a lot to consider when it comes to shaving as a black man, recognizing what makes your hair different will help get you the results you want to achieve. You have a wide variety of options from the expensive feature-filled razors from Braun and Panasonic to the budget-friendly options provided by Wahl and Andis. Most of the products on this list will give you exactly the kind of shave you’ve been needing.
It may seem like a lot to have to deal with, but using these razors and following the tips we’ve provided will ensure that you shave clean and smart. There comes a time when you have to decide to make a better start for your skin, and getting a good electric razor may be your first step.
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