Different guys have different reasons for shaving their head. Quite a number of us do it to look more dominant. Some of us have a head shape that looks better with a buzz cut. Others do it to embrace their baldness. And a select few choose to go bald to support friends or relatives with cancer.
While we may differ when it comes to our reasons, maintaining a bald crown requires a consistent shaving routine. And without the best head shaver, that’s going to be a headache (literally). Low-quality shavers tug on the hair, causing nicks and bumps. Others are gentle on your skin but don’t give you a soft, smooth and clean finish. And the worst kind—there are flimsy shavers that break down after two weeks of use.
Since I like keeping my hair short, I’ve tried a lot of shavers over the years. A lot of them were good, some were great, and others went straight to the 2rubbish bin. In this guide, I’ve listed some of my favorites, from inexpensive razors to high-end blades. I also threw in some info you’ll find useful if you’re shaving your head for the first time.
So, are you ready for a cleaner, sexier look? Pick up one of these razors and watch it all come off.
Table Of Contents
Best Electric Head Shavers For Men – Comparison
Model | Corded or Cordless | Wet or Dry | Run Time | Price |
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Remington HC4250 | Both | Dry | 40 minutes | Check Price |
Pitbull Silver Plus | Cordless | Both | 30 minutes | Check Price |
Wahl Professional 5-Star | Both | Both | 60 minutes | Check Price |
HeadBlade ATX Razor | Manual | Wet | N/A | Check Price |
Wahl 5-Star Balding Clipper | Corded | Both | 50 minutes | Check Price |
Philips Norelco QC5580 | Cordless | Both | 60 minutes | Check Price |
Pitbull Platinum Shaver | Cordless | Both | 90 minutes | Check Price |
Top 7 Head Shavers Review
A quick search on the Internet will show you that your options for head shavers are endless. To narrow down your choices, I’ve ranked my favorites, based on price, quality, range of features, cutting power and ease of use.
Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit
Clipping hair is a breeze with a handy trimmer like the Remington HC4250. With a non-slip grip and a curved shape, it fits comfortably in my hand, and can precisely cut around hard-to-reach areas like behind the ears.
The trimmer comes with nine combs, with the shortest length being 1.5mm and the longest being 15mm. That said, I’m still left with a bit of stubble after using this. If I wanted to go completely bald, I could leave off the comb and cut very close to the scalp. It doesn’t cut to 0 (about 0.55mm), but you’ll hardly notice the difference unless you want a super shiny, clear scalp.
Using the combs in varying lengths, I can give myself a professional-looking fade haircut, although it isn’t quite as clean as a barber. Additionally, remember to keep the user guide that comes with the product, since that’s the only way you can make full use of its features and replaceable combs.
If you like clippers that cut both directions, this might not be for you. It only goes one direction, which might make your morning shaving routine a little more time-consuming.
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The lithium battery lasts about 40 minutes per four-hour charge, which is enough if you want a quick, clean shave. Those who’d like to use it longer should use it plugged in. It’s also a bit quieter than your usual shaver, so there’s no need to wake up everyone else in the house when you’re going for your morning shave.
Cleanup is easy—just rinse the clipper in hot water and run it under a faucet. Blades can also be removed and rinsed separately. Use the cleaning brush that comes with this product to ensure that the unit is thoroughly clean after every use.
Overall, it’s an easy-to-use trimmer that’s designed for giving you a basic, fuss-free haircut. In a few months, it’ll save you money by letting you skip that bi-weekly trip to the barber.
Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver Plus Electric Razor
Experience superior performance and maximum comfort when you use the Skull Shaver Pitbull Razor. This shaver comes with five rotary cutters that allow smooth and multi-directional shaving. Whether you prefer shaving forward, backward or in a circular motion is up to you.
The Skull Shaver also comes with a three-head attachment, which I use to lessen the number of blades and get a more precise cut. Its size and shape also allows me to grip it from the sides, making it easy for me to shave from the nape to the back of my head.
Keep in mind that the product only offers one shave length. So, if you want to keep a few short bits of stubble after a shave, this isn’t for you. It gives a very close shave while steering clear of the skin, so you don’t have to worry about cuts or burns. Keep in mind that the Skull Shaver only cuts hair that’s less than 2mm, so use a clipper if yours is a bit longer.
Compared to its predecessors, this third-generation model is waterproof. If you’re the type of man who only does a wet shave, you’d be pleased to know that this shaver now gives you the ability to do just that. But those who prefer a dry shave can also keep this product handy.
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One issue I found with this model is that it’s hard to clean. The heads don’t fully detach, so rinsing it in water won’t completely clear the shaver of stray hair. You’ll also need to buy a separate cleaning brush, as it doesn’t come with the package.
Note that the battery only lasts 30 minutes for every 2.5-hour charge. While this might be a short time for some, the five rotary heads work fast, enabling you to finish your morning shave in no time. If you have an outlet near your sink, you can use this while plugged in, as well. Otherwise, you can use a USB port charger, like the ones you use for your smartphone.
One of this shaver’s best features is that it’s quiet, compared to most electric shavers. You don’t have to bother anyone when you’re going for your daily shave.
All in all, the Skull Shaver Pitbull Shaver does the job in a short time, while allowing you to get a close shave without getting cuts or burns. I’d say it’s the best electric razor for shaving the head in terms of ergonomics and design.
Wahl Professional 5-Star Series #8061-100
Wahl’s commercial-grade shaver offers all the basics and more. It cuts as close as a razor, which means you’ll end up with a clean shave that leaves your skin smooth and clear. But unlike a disposable blade, this comes with a hypoallergenic gold foil that’ll protect your skin from razor bumps and skin irritation.
The 5-Star Series Shaver also has a robust rotary motor that can run at full speed for an hour. Take your time while using it—no need to rush worrying about the battery running out on you. You can even use it as a shaper to even out a mustache or to get rid of stray hairs and give you a clean hairline. Clean the blade after a few strokes for optimum performance.
If you have long, thick stubble, use clippers to cut them to about 1/32” before you use this product. You’ll also need to use it every day to maintain a clean, shiny, bald head without resorting to clippers. As a rule of thumb, use the 5-star series as a “finishing tool” to keep your head and face clear, while using other products to trim longer hair.
One thing you have to remember about the Wahl 5-Star Series Shaver is that it’s not waterproof. You’ll have to use it for a dry shave, which is fine—that makes the process a lot less messy, anyway. To clean the product, you’ll have to remove the foil attachment and submerge it in water. Use a disinfectant spray for the blade, and clear any hair particles using the cleaning brush that comes with the package.
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Since it’s intended for professionals, it’s best to have a bit more practice shaving before you jump to using this product. You need to run it through your head and face in light, smooth, sweeping motions. Doing this will prevent hair from mashing against one another, which causes bumps. This will also ensure that the foil protector stays intact.
Like most professional-grade razors, this product tends to buzz and vibrate a bit. Use it in an enclosed space where the noise won’t likely bother anyone.
In summary, if you’re looking for an electric razor that cuts close to the skin, this product is right for you. It’ll give you the ability to clear your stubble while preventing nasty cuts. Just be sure to be quite careful when using it, and ensure you use light, slow motions.
HeadBlade ATX Razor
If you were to ask me which is the coolest shaver available on the market, I’d point you to the HeadBlade ATX Razor. Designed like an all-terrain vehicle, the device can be used on the face, head and body. If you’re a man who loves his wheels, this deserves your attention.
One of its key features is the multi-blade attachment, which will give you a fast, easy and efficient shave. It’s also compatible with other HeadBlade razors, so if you already have a type of blade that you prefer, you can attach it to the HeadBlade ATX.
Like disposable blades, the HeadBlade razors come with a moisturizing strip, making it easy for you to do light, swift strokes. Enjoy a clean, close shave without having to worry about cuts or bumps.
While it’s not electric, the wheels make it easy (and fun!) to do your morning shave. The body is also contoured for a more comfortable grip. Still, if you have big hands and stubby fingers like me, you might find it hard to hold. The razor is only as big as a matchbox, after all.
Another point to remember about the HeadBlade ATX: the blade is attached to the back of the body rather than the front, like in the HeadBlade Sport model. That might make it hard for you to maneuver the shaver and get a precise cut, especially if you want to get rid of stubble behind the ears. But because it’s such a fun and quirky design, you won’t mind going back on a few spots.
For best results, use this with HeadSlick Shaving Cream to prep your scalp for a thorough, effortless shave. Since you can use it the same way you’d use a typical razor, there’s no need for experience or practice. After reading the instructions, I was good to go. Electric shavers required me to learn how to differentiate from various modes and power levels and test them out one by one.
An additional tip: use clippers before running the HeadBlade ATX across your head. That will prevent the blade from clogging and make shaving time much quicker.
The most important bit? Keep it out of reach of children—it’s not a toy. Overall, if you want to make your everyday shaving routine enjoyable, this is the product for you. It’s quite similar to using a disposable razor, minus the risks of getting nicks and bumps.
Wahl Professional 5-Star Balding Clipper #8110
Skip your regular trip to the barber by buying yourself a commercial-grade clipper, like the 5-Star Balding Clipper from Wahl. This has an electromagnetic motor that cuts twice as fast as pivot motors, making it possible for you to get a quick and effortless fade. The design is practical and simple—just a long, ergonomic handle attached to a self-sharpening cutting blade at the front.
As with other professional clippers, using this product will need a bit of practice and care. The blade is quite sharp, so take your time and avoid putting pressure and scratching your head using the clipper. But there are pros to this scenario: if you have especially coarse hair, it’ll cut through strands without leaving you with bumps. You also won’t have to do multiple strokes to trim a certain spot.
This product comes with two combs that are 1/16 in and 3/16 in. If you want a ⅛ in comb, you’ll need to purchase it separately. That said, the product didn’t keep my head as smooth as a bowling ball, but it did trim everything down to a reasonably short length. You can use this in combination with the 5-Star Series Shaver above if you want a truly smooth finish. But even without that, it’ll cut low enough that you’d hardly notice the stubble.
Unlike some head shavers that will require you to cut daily, you can use this once every three to four days without shaving. It can cut through longer hair without clogging but be sure to use the cleaning brush to remove all the shaved hair from the unit. You won’t be able to run it through a faucet to clean it, so buy a disinfectant and some oil.
Making sure the blades are always cleaned and wiped after every use also helps ensure they stay sharp. A Wahl clipper should be treated as an investment that should last you a while, so do the proper maintenance procedures as recommended by the manufacturer.
One thing I noticed is that the motor vibrates and creates a loud noise that some people in the house may find distracting. It also doesn’t run on batteries, which means you’ll need to keep this plugged in and use it near an outlet. Still, these are minor issues that shouldn’t detract you from the fact that it’ll save you money by letting you maintain a clean, bald head at home instead of visiting a barbershop twice a month.
Philips Norelco QC5580/40 Balder
Keeping a clean, bald head is harder than it looks—but not with the Philips Norelco. If you’re looking for a go-to clipper that will last you years, this is the one. This is one of my go-to clippers from my collection, which I regularly use whenever I’m simply too lazy to think too hard about how to keep my buzz cut.
It has a head that rotates 180 degrees, helping you get precise shave trim behind your ears or at the back of your head. This is a big plus for me since I hate having to contort my arms into weird angles so that I won’t miss a spot when shaving near my nape.
The self-sharpening stainless steel blades also cut close and fast so that you can finish your morning shave without a hitch. Always remember to keep your strokes light and delicate, as it will cut you if you put some pressure. You might give yourself a bad haircut or two your first few tries, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
The unit comes with 14 different settings, from 0 inch to 19/32 inch. So, if you’d like a clean buzz cut or fade, it does the job. The varying lengths and makes it easy for me to continue using it whether I want to grow my hair longer at the top and shorter on the sides, or if I want to clear everything in the summer.
One of this product’s strengths is its battery life: it stays on for about an hour and only needs to be charged for the same amount of time. Additionally, while other electric shavers tend to heat up after 30 minutes; this absolutely doesn’t! You can take your time clipping your hair, even though this product generally works fast. Since you can use this cordless, you can trim wherever you like.
The unit is water-resistant, but not waterproof. Disassemble it for cleaning, but don’t use it with running water. I use it dry, without gel or shaving cream. Even like this, it doesn’t cut my skin but cuts my hair evenly.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a quiet and reliable electric shaver that will give you a precise buzz cut, this is the one for you! It’s actually one of my personal favorites.
Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum Electric Razor
The Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum has everything I like about the brand and this specific product line: it cuts in all directions, can be used dry or wet and has a light, well-designed body that fits nicely in your hand. Like the Skull Shaver Silver, I can switch to a three-head attachment to shape my hairline and get the job done fast.
Compared to the Pitbull Silver and Gold, the Platinum has a premium platinum chrome body. It also comes with an upgraded Forte Blade, unlike the Carver Blade that comes with the Silver. You’ll notice the difference when it comes to how fast they can cut: the Forte Blades area a little larger, so they cover more space in a shorter time.
One thing I noticed about the Pitbull Platinum is that the body is a bit more flexible—it’s easier for me to twist it to the right angle when shaving behind my ears or at the back of my neck.
Battery life is where this unit shines, as compared to low-end models from the same brand. This stays on for about 90 minutes, which is a lot of time for a trim. Since most people only take five to 15 minutes tops to get the job done, with this product, you can give yourself a trim, then turn it off and use it the next day. It’s especially convenient if you prefer to shave once a week, which means you can get a lot out of every charge.
Other benefits of getting an upgraded Platinum model is getting a travel case and a travel lock, which prevent the device from turning on when you’re in transit. It also has a rinse stand that makes it easy for you to get rid of cut hair from the blades.
Overall, there aren’t huge leaps in features when it comes to the Skull Shaver Platinum, as opposed to the Skull Shaver Gold or Silver. But if you’re already a fan of the brand and the product, buying this for yourself and making an upgrade is a reasonably good option.
How To Choose The Best Electric Shaver For The Head
It’s important to note that there’s no single perfect shaver for everyone. Different products will be appropriate for different people depending on needs, budget, and lifestyle factors. Here are some variances you should watch out for:
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Mechanism Type
There are two types to choose from: foil and rotary shavers. The main difference is how close the blade comes in contact with the skin, the foil shaver has a sheet of metal that protects you from the sharp edges. Choose this if you already have short hair (about 3 mm).
Men with longer or coarser hair can go for the rotary shaver, which has a few round, rotating blades. Since it doesn’t have a foil, there’s less chance that your hair will get tangled. Its shape also lets you glide along the curves of your head.
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Check The Blade
You’d never cut your hair with dull shears. The same goes for shaving your head. When looking for a good head shaver, go for those that have self-cleaning blades, which require minimal maintenance to stay sharp. Dull tools will just tug and break stubble. Another factor to consider is the blade’s shape: those with curved edges slide smoothly along the curve of your head.
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Eyes On The “Price”
It’s tempting to buy whichever product is ideal for your budget. But that’s not really how you can find the best electric head shaver for you. I recommend starting with a mid-range product, then upgrading to a high-end model if you like products from a specific brand. High-end models are built better and have can usually be fitted with more types of blades or combs.
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The Ergonomics Of The Shaver
No matter how steady you think your hands are, you can still end up dropping your tool in the middle of shaving if you can’t hold it comfortably. There are quite a few bulky, heavy electric shavers out there that are hard to grip if you’re shaving the back of your head. Go for electric shavers with a non-slip grip plus an ergonomic handle. Look for those that are lightweight, too.
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Wet Or Dry
A waterproof shaver lets you shave with cream and rinse after a couple of strokes. A dry shaver should be used with a well-oiled blade. Choosing between these two comes down to your preference, and where you like to shave. Think about this before buying any specific model.
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Battery Life
Imagine this scenario: you turn on your shaver, start running it across your head, then bam—it runs out of battery. It will take about four hours for the next charge, but you have to leave your house in 30 minutes. You’re left with no choice but to walk out with a half-shaved buzz cut.
To avoid this scenario, look for electric shavers that run on battery or when plugged in You should also check if the device has an indicator that shows you if you’re running low on battery.
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Check The Combs
You don’t need to look like Mr. Clean all the time. Electric shavers come with several guide combs that let you clip your hair up to precise lengths. That will leave you with a bit of stubble, and not a completely smooth finish. These combs also help you do a fade haircut without help from a barber.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Shaving The Head
Shaving your head isn’t as simple as just lathering on the cream and getting busy. If you want to avoid nicks, cuts, and an uneven shave, then you’ll need to prepare properly. Here’s my step-by-step guide for a perfect shave:
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaving Gear And Accessories
Have all the materials you need on hand—a clipper, shaver, cream, moisturizer, shaving balm and a towel. If you’re doing a dry shave, prepare shaving lubricant. It’s also cool to have a hand mirror that allows you to see the back of your head. Remember to keep tissues ready in case you accidentally cut yourself, too.
Step 2: Keep Hair Away From Your Body
If you’re doing a dry shave, wrap a towel or light fabric across your body. Doing this will prevent hair from getting stuck on your clothes or skin.
Step 3: Trim Longer Hair
Most shavers don’t work well if your hair is about an inch long, or longer. Use a clipper to cut your hair as short as possible. Longer hair tends to jam and clog shaver blades.
Step 4: Soften Stubble
Take a warm shower to open your pores and soften stubble. If there’s no place for you to shower, soak a hand towel in hot water and wrap it around your head. Softer hair requires less pressure to get shaved, lessening your chances of getting cut. You should also use an exfoliant to remove dirt and dead skin.
Step 5: Decide If You Want A Wet Or Dry Shave
Go for a wet shave if your hair is longer than 1/8 of an inch. Start by applying shaving cream or oil on your head. Oil is the best option, as its transparency allows you to see exactly where you’re cutting. Olive oil, jojoba oil or sunflower oil will do if you don’t want to buy shaving oil.
If you’re doing a dry shave, you can sprinkle body powder all over your scalp. This will reduce irritations and make the blade glide smoother. Remember to oil your blades before starting.
Step 6: Start Shaving From Top To Bottom
Glide the razor across your head in smooth, sweeping motions, remembering not to apply pressure. Starting from the front to give the coarse hair at the back of your head more time to soften. As you move towards the sides, fold your ears down, so you don’t accidentally cut yourself.
Shave with the grain, which is the direction of your hair growth. This prevents ingrown hairs, which can be a huge issue if you have coarse or wavy hair. You can go back to the same spot against the grain to clear it completely. Run your finger over your head to check if you missed anything. Check everything using a handheld mirror.
Step 7: Rinse Your Razor
Razors can clog if you shave continuously without rinsing the blade. Rinse after every three to five strokes. Take your time and ensure the hair doesn’t block the blade. This will also remove built-up shaving cream and dead skin.
Step 8: Check For Patchy Areas
If you need to go back and shave a specific area, reapply shaving cream or oil. Do not shave raw, dry skin to prevent razor burn and irritation.
Step 9: Don’t Skip After-Care
Once you’re finished, rinse the shaving cream, gel or oil. Apply aftershave balm that’s free of alcohol to soothe your skin.
Step 10: Use Moisturizer
Pat your head dry with a warm towel, then apply facial moisturizer all over your dome. This will soothe the skin and prevent burns. Doing this daily will also prevent the scalp from getting dry. To hit two birds with one stone, get a product with high SPF (at least 30).
Keeping Your Head Shaver In Good Condition
So, you’ve done your research, bought yourself an electric head shaver and started a regular shaving routine. But to make the most out of your investment, you need to take care of your electric razor and keep it running like new. With proper care, the shaver should last a few years.
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Clean Thoroughly
It isn’t enough to just rinse your blades after every use. Remove and disassemble the parts, then use a cleaning brush and a cleaning spray to wash every component. Hair clippings, dead skin and dirt can clog your razor and put more stress on the motor. They also create the right conditions for bacteria to grow.
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Oil Your Blades
Applying light oil on your shaver’s blades before cutting will reduce friction. This prevents premature wear and ensures that the blades last as long as they should.
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Take Care Of The Batteries
Most shavers run on lithium-ion batteries. To minimize stress on these batteries, maintain a battery level from 30% to 80%. Still, you should completely charge the battery once a month to recalibrate the level indicator.
Also, avoid shaving when the battery is almost out. This will compromise the motor’s performance and result in a poor shaving experience.
Can You Shave Your Head With A Regular Razor?
Using a disposable razor to shave your head is okay, especially if it’s your first time and you’re just curious to see how a clean dome will look on you. But when using a disposable razor, you have to be extra careful to avoid nicks, cuts and ingrown hairs. With an electric razor, a foil or a guide comb protects your skin, but that’s not the case with a disposable razor.
Still, a traditional razor gives you a closer shave, which is ideal if you want an extra-smooth finish. While electric shavers can be used dry, you need to use a shower and use a shaving gel for a disposable razor. You also need to make sure that the blade and moisturizing strip is in good shape—if they’re faded or dull, reach for a new one immediately.
Can You Shave With An Electric Head Shaver If You Have Sensitive Skin?
Yes, you can, but you’ll likely have to take extra precautions!
Sensitive skin is a “dermatological condition, defined by abnormal sensory symptoms.” It’s associated with “reactivity to climatic and environmental factors and cosmetics.”
If you have sensitive skin, you have to take extra care to ensure that you don’t get razor burns or cuts. Aside from shaving with light, gentle strokes and shaving with the grain, choose shaving cream or gel without unnecessary additives or fragrances.
You also need to take more time than usual when shaving. Rinse your blade as frequently as possible to prevent clogging. This will enable you to glide the razor across your head comfortably, preventing razor burn.
Finally, rinse your head with cold water after shaving to help close pores and reduce inflammation. Choose a post-shave balm specifically made for sensitive skin.
If needed, use benzoyl peroxide cleanser in case you break out after shaving. This reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on one’s skin.
Get Your Bald On
Buying a top-quality head shaver is going to make your regular shaving routine quick and painless. You can begin with a disposable razor if you’re just starting, or upgrade to a high-quality electric shaver once you’ve decided to keep your buzz cut. As long as it’s easy to use and gives the finish you want, you’re good to go.
Maintaining a shaved head also offers plenty of benefits. You’ll save money because you no longer have to pay for pomades or waxes. You’ll also look bolder and more masculine with your newly shaved dome. If you’re not one for small talk, skipping awkward conversations with your barber every two weeks is also a huge plus.
So, ready to take to the streets with your newly shaved crown? Just grab one of the razors on my list and follow the steps. You’ll look a lot cooler and more confident once you’re finished.
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