In this article, I’ll show you what I consider to be the best electric head shavers you can buy in 2024.
I’ve owned most of these shavers for years and I’ll present their pros and cons from a user’s perspective.
I am confident that after reading this guide, you’ll be able to choose the head shaver that would best suit your needs and budget.
Whether it’s because your hair is getting really thin or you simply like the bald head look, you’ll need a proper tool to shave your head.
So let’s see why an electric head shaver would probably be the best option for most men.
If you want to skip ahead to my list of recommended shavers, here it is:
1. Remington Balder Pro (XR7000)
Best head shaver for most users
Read more
2. Remington Balder Boss (XR7120)
The upgrade pick
Read more
3. Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO
Top performance and specs (with some caveats)
Read more
4. Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro
Great for fast and short buzzcuts
Read more
5. Braun Series 9
Best overall for the face and head
Read more
6. Panasonic Arc 5
Best for a very close face and head shave
Read more
7. Andis ProFoil Titanium Shaver
Best for skin fades/finishing
Read more
Table of Contents
- Electric head shavers vs razor blades
- Choosing the right head shaver
- Electric shavers for the face (and head)
- Dedicated head shavers and trimmers
- Top 7 best electric head shavers for men (2024)
- 1. Remington Balder Pro (XR7000)
- 2. Remington Balder Boss (XR7120)
- 3. Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO
- 4. Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro
- 5. Braun Series 9
- 6. Panasonic Arc 5
- 7. Andis ProFoil Titanium Shaver
- How to use a head shaver effectively
- Final word on choosing the right head shaver
Electric head shavers vs razor blades
Rocking a bald head comes with a few side benefits: no more bad hair days or the need for styling products.
Also, no more barber appointments and money spent on haircuts as you can easily take care of it yourself.
Even though there are some very capable blade razors out there (like the ones from HeadBlade), I’m going to focus just on electric head shavers in this post.
Some may disagree, but I consider them to be safer, more comfortable, and more practical, even though a blade will probably get you the closest possible shave.
But with some careful planning and informed decisions, a quality electric head shaver will cut the hair very close and the results will satisfy most users.
One of the main advantages of using an electric razor vs a blade to shave your head is the ease of use.
This is particularly important for beginners who are just getting started with head shaving, but also for seasoned users.
An electric shaver is a lot more forgiving, the learning curve is less steep and most men find the process more enjoyable and less time-consuming.
And then there’s the money issue.
While an electric head shaver means a significant investment upfront, the costs of ownership are usually lower compared to using cartridge razors like the Mach 3 or 5.
The costs of cartridge refills add up very quickly over the course of one year.
Granted, an electric head shaver will eventually need new blades/heads, but only once a year (depending on the type and frequency of use).
With that said, there are a few options out there when it comes to the type of shaver for your head.
Choosing the right head shaver
When it comes to grooming tools, you should always base your decision on what you need and how a certain product can help you achieve that.
There’s no such thing as the best head shaver, but one that will suit you and comes with the fewest shortcomings.
A particular shaver might work great for someone else, but won’t necessarily be ideal for your needs.
Here’s how we can group the various types of electric head shavers into two broad categories.
Electric shavers for the face (and head)
This category includes regular electric shavers (foil and rotary) that are normally used for shaving facial hair.
However, almost any electric shaver can also work as a head shaver if the hair is reasonably short.
As a general rule, all electric shavers, foil or rotary, will work best when used on short hair.
So we are not talking about clippers, trimmers or any devices with exposed shearing blades.
The main advantage of foil and rotary (face) shavers is that they cut the hair very close to the skin.
That’s especially the case with mid to high-end models fitted with high-quality blades and powerful motors.
And since these razors can deal with coarse facial hair, they’ll have no trouble with the soft and thin hair on the head.
So if you want that shiny bald head look, they can deliver precisely that.
Again, the key here is to use them often, ideally every day (or every two to three days at most).
If the hair is too long, an electric razor will snag and yank the hairs and will miss some of them.
The shave will also take longer than it normally would.
In my opinon the hair length should be less than 1.5mm in order to get a satisfactory, quick, and enjoyable head shave.
Some electric shavers do come with special attachments that will allow you to pre-trim the hair on your head, but most of them don’t have these accessories.
You can of course use a regular hair clipper beforehand to reduce the hair to a more manageable length.
Another advantage is that you can also use these shavers on your face.
So there’s no need to have two separate machines, one for the face and one for the head.
Let’s now check out the cons because there are a couple.
The main drawback stems from the very fact that these razors were not designed for shaving the head.
First of all, the surface of your head is a large, spherical area; in contrast, your face has (almost) flat surfaces — like your cheeks and neck.
For that reason, you may need more passes to get that clean head shave.
A rotary razor may have an advantage here vs a less advanced foil shaver when shaving the head.
Most rotary razors have 3 heads that flex independently or semi-independently and can adapt to the dome-like shape of the head.
Some foil shavers are also quite good at this as you’ll see later.
The second disadvantage of a regular shaver is that you have to reach behind your head in a pretty awkward position.
The problem is with the conventional grip which makes holding the shaver more difficult when shaving your head, especially the back of your head.
Again, these are razors designed to be used on the face.
With practice, you can sort of get around this, but shaving your head with a regular electric shaver usually takes more getting used to and requires more work vs using a head shaver designed specifically with that in mind.
And that leads us to the next category.
Dedicated head shavers and trimmers
A proper electric head shaver will be able to cut the hair at skin level and conform to the spherical shape of the head.
At the same time, it must be designed in such a manner that holding it will allow you to easily reach behind your head.
In recent years we’ve seen quite a few of these electric head razors that make it easy for the user to shave his head.
They’re usually rotary shavers with 3 to 5 or even 6 shaving heads.
But unlike the conventional rotary shavers, the way you hold them in your hand makes them ideal to shave your head.
The ergonomics are much better with this type of head shaver.
Such a product is also able to provide close shaves when used on the head (not quite as close as a blade, but definitely close enough).
You can shave your face as well, even though they won’t be as good as let’s say a top-of-the-line electric razor from Philips (Norelco), Braun or Panasonic.
So this would be the first type of electric razor specifically designed for the head.
Another approach is to use shearing blades (instead of rotary or foil cutters), just like the ones on regular hair clippers and beard trimmers.
But unlike a standard clipper, the ergonomic body of these trimmers makes them suitable for cutting the hair on your head yourself.
The main advantage over any rotary or foil head shavers is that they can handle much longer hair thanks to the exposed blade.
So you’re not constrained to use one regularly in order to be effective.
As for downsides, they don’t shave quite as close but are still pretty good. After all, they’re clippers/trimmers, not shavers.
But depending on what you’re looking for, they can be a great alternative.
For example, if you want that uniform, very short buzz-cut look, and not necessarily a completely smooth, bald head, such a product would be ideal.
Jason Statham often rocks this look and I personally think it looks great.
This type of trimmer is also a good alternative for men who are still a bit hesitant about a completely smooth, shiny head.
With that out of the way, let’s check out some of the best shavers for a bald head.
Top 7 best electric head shavers for men (2024)
1. Remington Balder Pro (XR7000)
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Close shaves
- Integrated hair trimmer
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Large 5-blade shaving head
- Not ideal as a face shaver
- Lengthy charging time
Side note: The European version of the Remington Balder Pro is called the RX5 XR1500. UK/Europe-based users can buy it from Amazon.co.uk, Boots or shavers.co.uk.
The Balder Pro from Remington is arguably the best alternative to Skull Shaver’s line of head shavers.
The Balder Pro from Remington is arguably the safest buy for most users.
It follows the same philosophy as the Skull Shaver Pitbull: a large shaving unit that can conform to the shape of the skull plus an ergonomic handle.
Users who have had reliability issues in the past with Skull Shaver, but otherwise liked the product should definitely check it out.
The price is generally (a lot) lower as well.
Remington says it will shave as close as 0.2mm which is quite good and in line with most rotary shavers out there.
I find the closeness really good, pretty much identical to the Skull Shaver.
The Balder Pro however has one extra cutter for a total of five — a bit excessive in my opinion as it makes the shaving unit somewhat bulky.
The rotary cutters flex inward which will help keep them in contact with the scalp.
The guards are not however mounted on springs like in the case of the Pitbull.
An unusual feature for this type of head shaver is the integrated pop-up trimmer.
It can be useful for some light grooming and detail work (edging/shaping sideburns or your beard line).
It’s not the best though and the spring that keeps it upright is very weak, so you will need to compensate for that by holding it at an awkward angle.
The Balder Pro is a wet/dry head shaver, so you can use it dry or with shaving cream.
Once you’ve finished shaving, you can simply rinse it with tap water.
It’s a cordless-only shaver and the rechargeable battery can provide up to 50 minutes of use.
The Balder Pro shaves close and as long as you don’t use excessive pressure, it’s comfortable and enjoyable as well.
It’s very similar performance-wise to the Pitbull Gold PRO, with the latter being maybe a bit easier to use thanks to the smaller head and the spring-loaded heads.
The replacement shaving head for the Balder Pro has the part number SPR-XR7000 (aka RP00656) and you can buy it from Remington’s website or Amazon.
In conclusion, the Balder Pro is a reliable, effective and fairly priced head shaver that will be a safe pick for most users.
For more details, you can also check out my review of the Balder Pro.
2. Remington Balder Boss (XR7120)
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Close shaves
- Integrated hair trimmer
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful motor
- Good battery life
Cons
- Large 5-blade shaving head
- Not ideal as a face shaver
- More expensive than the Balder Pro
Side note: The European model is the Remington RX7 (XR1600).
The new Remington Balder Boss is a more refined and more powerful version of the Remington Balder Pro at number 1.
Initially only available in the UK/Europe under the RX7 model name, it was finally released in the USA as well.
However, most users should probably get the Balder Pro without worrying that they’re missing out.
As you’ll see, the Balder Boss is extremely similar to the Balder Pro for the things that actually matter.
I own the European RX7 variation, but except for the color, it’s the same as the Balder Boss sold in North America performance-wise.
The design is slightly refined, it looks and feels a bit more expensive (and it is), but it’s essentially the same 5-blade head shaver.
Compared to the Balder Pro, the battery life of the Balder Boss/RX7 is slightly better at 60 minutes.
It’s also cordless only (doesn’t work while charging) and suitable for wet/dry operation.
According to Remington, the shaving heads can flex up to 30% more compared to the Balder Pro and I can confirm that they do have a greater range of motion.
However, it didn’t seem to improve the shave in a noticeable way.
In fact, I’d say the Balder Pro was slightly more comfortable and forgiving when shaving the back of the head.
But the real upgrade in the case of the Remington Balder Boss/RX7 is the Turbo mode.
Pressing the Turbo button will increase the motor’s speed and this will help you get a slightly faster shave.
I did not however find the shave to be closer compared to the Balder Pro when using the Turbo mode on my RX7. It feels absolutely identical.
So in conclusion, the Balder Boss does feel like a small upgrade, but I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily worth the extra money.
If you can get it for only slightly more, then sure, buy the Balder Boss/RX7.
Otherwise, the Balder Pro is still the better pick that offers the best value for money.
3. Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO
Also available at Skull Shaver, Walmart.
Pros
- Comfortable and powerful
- Close shaves
- Excellent battery life
- Easy to use and clean
- Cordless and corded operation
Cons
- Pricey
- Not ideal as a face shaver
- Questionable customer support from Skull Shaver
Skull Shaver is arguably the most popular brand of electric razors specifically designed for shaving your head.
However, the opinions regarding their products have always been polarizing, to say the least.
The customer support also doesn’t seem to be the best.
Their older products like the Bald Eagle Pro, while excellent performers, had some reliability issues.
These ranged from battery problems to the shavers refusing to turn on after a few months of use.
It’s the sole reason why I hesitated to include Skull Shaver in this roundup.
However, the fifth generation of their electric head shavers introduced a few years ago seems to have been improved.
The top-of-the-line models are still sold under the Pitbull name and are available in four variations: Silver PRO, Gold PRO, Platinum PRO and Diamond PRO.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
Model | Motor | Battery | Kit |
---|---|---|---|
Silver PRO | Less powerful | 60 min | Travel pouch, brush, usb cable, charger |
Gold PRO | Powerful | 90 min | Travel pouch, brush, usb cable, charger |
Platinum PRO | Powerful | 90 min | Rinse stand, hard travel case, brush, usb cable, charger |
Diamond PRO | Powerful (brushless) | 100 min | 3-blade head, travel case, rinse stand, beard trimmer, usb cable, charger |
The Silver Pro is fitted with a less powerful motor, so the performance won’t be quite as good as in the case of the others.
Another important difference is related to the battery size.
The Silver PRO model has a runtime of 60 minutes, while the other two come with a solid 90 or 100 minutes worth of cordless operation.
The latest Diamond PRO has a metal body (the others are plastic) and comes with a quieter motor, more accessories and a 5-year warranty.
The Platinum PRO gets 2 years of warranty, while the Gold and Silver PRO only 1.
Considering the price, performance and features, I think the Pitbull Gold PRO is by far the pick of the range.
So what makes the Pitbull Gold PRO a good choice for shaving your head?
First of all, the head holders can flex and remain constantly in contact with the scalp.
The metal guards are also suspended on tiny springs (like some Philips Norelco rotaries), further improving the effectiveness.
The two Remington shavers don’t have this additional flexing capability, which makes the Pitbull feel smoother.
The head unit has 4 rotary cutters, which is arguably the sweet spot for effectiveness and good ergonomics.
With the blades rotating behind a metal comb, the Pitbull is comfortable and can cut the hairs close to the skin.
Again, it won’t be quite as close as a razor blade, but it is remarkably good and able to provide an impressively smooth shave.
But the highlight is the special handle that allows you to hold it between your fingers with the palm facing your head.
This is ideal and will make shaving your head a lot easier.
Using overlapping circular motions, it should give you a close, comfortable and fast shave.
This new Pitbull line comes with redesigned blades made of Japanese steel that are supposed to last longer and cut the hair a lot more efficiently.
You should also experience less irritation and razor burn, even if you have a sensitive scalp.
I can vouch for that as I get a lot of irritation and redness on the back of my neck. Fortunately, there was no discomfort when using the Pitbull.
You can use it daily or every two to three days depending on how fast your hair grows.
The Pitbull Gold PRO is also waterproof (IPX5), so you can pop the head unit open and quickly rinse it with tap water.
You can shave your head dry or with shaving cream for added comfort and closeness.
Skull Shaver states that the Pitbull comes with USB charging, a feature I would like to see with more electric razors.
However, it doesn’t have an actual USB type C port but comes with a USB-A cable that plugs into the Pitbull’s two-prong charging port.
The rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides up to 90 minutes of cordless use, something that most other electric head shavers can’t match.
On top of that, it will work with the cord plugged in as well.
You can use the Pitbull Gold PRO to shave your face, but as mentioned previously, it won’t shave quite as close as a quality foil shaver like the Panasonic Arc 5.
Also, it won’t be as practical as a smaller 3-blade rotary, but it’ll get the job done.
While it was very smooth and comfortable when used as a head shaver, it did cause me some irritation on my neck and below the nose.
This latest Pitbull line is among the most capable out there and one of the best picks for an electric head shaver in 2024, at least with regard to performance and ease of use.
According to some user reports, the reliability is still not the best. Also, the price of the Skull Shaver products is higher than the options at number 1 and 2.
Because of these reasons, it’s only my third option of recommended head shavers, even though the specs and performance are among the best.
If you had any experience with either a Skull Shaver product or their customer support, please share it in the comments below.
For more info on the performance and some of the reliability issues, you can check out my in-depth review of the Pitbull Gold PRO.
4. Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Pros
- Fast and quiet
- Comfortable
- Compact and easy to use
- Works great on any hair length
- Reasonably priced
- Multiple guards included
- Cordless and corded operation
Cons
- Not as close as a rotary head shaver
Buying tip: If you live in Europe you can get the newer Remington HC4300 Quickcut Pro. It comes with a slightly larger battery and a Turbo mode like the Balder Boss above.
Remington went for a rather unique approach with its HC4250 Shortcut Pro clippers.
They call it a Self-Haircut Kit and that’s pretty much what it is.
What sets it apart from a regular hair clipper is the rounded profile of the blade that makes it suitable for shaving the head with no guard and, of course, the compact design.
This allows you to hold it in the palm of your hand and easily reach behind your head.
Compared to the Balder Pro or any other dedicated head shaver, the Remington HC4250 will work just fine on longer hair and it will also take you less time to shave your head.
The curved and extra-wide blade makes it easier to keep it flat on the scalp and it can get remarkably close.
The blades are almost zero-gapped, so the closeness will be surprisingly good.
If you want to go for a buzz-cut look, the Shortcut Pro also comes with 9 different comb attachments (guards).
You can easily fit them over the blade and get the desired hair length.
These guards feel solid and snap very securely over the blade. You can also use the larger ones to debulk if the hair is too long.
The Shortcut Pro is ideal for cutting the hair on your head yourself, it’s easy to use, comfortable and very practical.
At 180 grams, it weighs 100 grams less than my Wahl Magic Clipper and as you can see in the image below, the blade is almost twice as wide.
It’s also quiet during use and extremely comfortable to hold and maneuver, even when trimming the back of your head.
If you don’t shave your head often, you should consider the Remington ShortCut Pro as it can handle longer hair as well.
For most men this will likely be the best option if getting that really close, shiny bald head shave is not a must.
The closeness is again surprisingly good, but something like the Balder Pro or the Pitbull will shave much closer.
The HC4250 is waterproof and fully washable, so cleaning it is a breeze.
This is a big deal as hair clippers are a pain to clean if you can’t rinse them with water.
Remington also includes a bottle of oil to lubricate the blades.
The clipper is fitted with a Li-ion battery for up to 40 minutes of cordless operation.
However, it will also work with the cord plugged in which is a major bonus (the included cord is also very long).
I even used this Remington as a body trimmer with the 4.5mm guard — and it works incredibly well, especially on the legs as you can take advantage of the curved blade.
The price is pretty reasonable and overall it’s a very compelling, easy-to-use, and versatile product.
These would be my picks for a dedicated head shaver/trimmer.
Let’s now check out a few regular electric razors that would also be great for a bald head.
5. Braun Series 9
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Very close shaves
- Great for the head & face
- Powerful
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Pricey
- Not as practical as a dedicated head shaver
The common electric razors can be a good option as well for shaving your head.
And in certain cases, they may actually be better than a dedicated head shaver.
If you already use a quality shaver for your face, why not shave your head with it too?
If you manage to deal with shaving the back of your head, probably the trickiest area, or you have someone to help you out, then you may already have a winner.
Side note: a 360° self-cut mirror can be a game-changer when you shave your head.
Again, the only caveat is that you have to use a shaver more often to get the best results: a close, fast, comfortable shave.
Shaving daily (or every two days at most) will be ideal.
The Braun Series 9, Series 9 Pro, and Series 9 PRO+ are some of the best shavers out there that you can use on your head as well.
The differences between all these Series 9 variations are minor, so I recommend getting the one with the lowest price — whichever that might be.
The Series 9 is a highly capable foil razor that can deal with difficult facial hair (coarse, wiry, flat-lying) thanks to a very effective 4-blade head.
These cutting elements have a greater range of motion than pretty much any other foil shaver, ensuring excellent contact with the skin even when shaving a spherical shape like the head.
The Series 9 is a powerful shaver and one of the most comfortable and forgiving you can currently get.
The closeness when shaving the scalp is excellent.
The 9330s is a very popular Series 9 model, widely available and usually you can get it for a reasonable price.
But any Series 9 model will perform the same and it’s one of the best foil shavers for the head and face.
You can use it dry or with your favorite shaving cream.
The 9330s doesn’t come with a cleaning station, but you can actually purchase it later on and it will work just fine (the part number for the station is 5430CS S-9).
Or you can simply buy a Series 9 cc model like the 9370cc or the Pro 9465cc that includes the station.
Finally, any electric shaver can work as a head shaver, but the Series 9 does have a slight advantage for the reasons outlined above.
6. Panasonic Arc 5
Also available atWalmart,Panasonic.com.
Pros
- Very close shaves
- Comfortable
- Great for the head & face
- Powerful
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not as gentle as the Series 9
- Not as practical as a dedicated head shaver
The Panasonic Arc 5 would be a worthy alternative to the Braun Series 9 and has some specific pros (and cons) compared to it.
First of all, the Arc 5 costs significantly less, especially older models like the ES-LV65-S or ES-LV67-K which are still fantastic performers.
Secondly, the closeness provided by an Arc 5 is even better, so if your main focus is getting a really close shave for a shiny bald head look, this is one of the best options.
As for the cons, I’d say the Arc 5 is a bit more aggressive than the Series 9, especially on the back of the neck.
On the rest of the head, I think it’s remarkably gentle considering the closeness.
The large 5-blade head, along with the limited range of motion of the blades means it won’t be quite as effective as the Series 9 and may require more passes.
For example, I have a very bony occipital ridge and the surface isn’t perfectly flat.
With the Arc 5, I have to put in more work for a smooth result as it doesn’t conform as easily as the Series 9.
But that’s pretty much it, the Arc 5 is a great multi-purpose shaver, especially if you shave your head often.
7. Andis ProFoil Titanium Shaver
Also available at Walmart.
Pros
- Extremely close shaves
- Powerful
- Cordless and corded operation
- Reasonably priced
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Works well only on very short hair
- Not ideal for sensitive skin/scalp
- Cleaning can be fiddly
Finally, we have one of the most popular models among barbers and professionals, the ProFoil from Andis.
Marketed as a foil shaver for finishing fades and cleaning occasional stubble, this Andis is also a very interesting option for a head shaver.
Its main selling point is the closeness. In my opinion it is better in that regard than all the other shavers on this list.
By using extremely thin foils, this shaver manages to cut the hair very close to the skin.
While in my experience it is far from ideal when used for shaving facial hair (it’s not very comfortable and can’t shave the flat hairs on the neck), it can work really well on the head.
It is extremely lightweight and the staggered foils make it easy to hold at a comfortable angle.
Even though this shaver can be too aggressive on the face, it is adequately comfortable and smooth when used on the head provided you don’t press too hard.
And you really don’t need to as it’s very grabby and powerful and will cut the hairs really close nevertheless.
It’s one of the foil shavers favored by many barbers precisely for that. Other similar double-foil shavers are the BaBylissPRO FOILFX02 and Wahl Finale.
I personally prefer the BaByliss because it’s gentler and still shaves really close.
However, that one is really expensive and the Wahl foils tend to be very brittle, which makes the Andis ProFoil the best compromise.
The Li-ion battery inside provides more than 60 minutes of cordless operation, but you can use it with the cord plugged in as well.
As for downsides, they are the same as in the case of other regular electric razors that are being used as head shavers.
Precisely, the Andis ProFoil will only work well on short hair and may require some extra effort to get a clean shave behind your head.
But because it is so lightweight and easy to grip, this will be a minor inconvenience.
Compared to the Series 9 with its advanced flexing foil cutters, the Andis takes more time to complete your head shave. But it does get remarkably close.
Also, since it’s not waterproof, you cannot rinse it clean under the tap.
You’ll have to use a brush or a can of compressed air to clean the blades from the very fine hair dust.
Personally, I think the Braun Series 9 or the Panasonic Arc 5 have fewer shortcomings and are better options for most users.
A double-foil shaver like this Andis is more suitable for finishing (like skin fades), not for shaving the entire head regularly.
How to use a head shaver effectively
Now that you’ve hopefully settled for suitable a head shaving machine, let’s see how you can put it to good use.
And while this won’t be an extensive how-to guide on shaving your head with an electric razor, I think you’ll still find it useful.
Here are a few easy-to-implement, but effective tips for shaving your head.
1. Make sure the skin is dry.
If you’re using your head shaver dry (so no shaving cream/gel), any moisture on the scalp will hurt the quality of the shave and will make the whole experience less enjoyable.
Regardless of the type of shaver you’re using (rotary, foil, clipper-style), it will likely take you longer to complete your shave and the result won’t be as smooth as it can be.
The shaver can stick to the skin, missing hairs and causing you to go over an area multiple times which can irritate the skin, especially the back of your head and neck.
Clipped hairs and fine hair dust will also stick to the skin and get in your way.
Especially during hot summer days or if the humidity is high in your area, sweat will be the main culprit here.
But it can be something else too.
For example, if you cleaned your shaver with water and didn’t allow it enough time to dry, that can have a similar effect.
So make sure your razor is completely dry before shaving.
I usually crank up the AC before using any shaver on my head as I do tend to sweat a lot, especially with some bright light shining on my face.
I do not shave my entire head, but I’ve been cutting my hair myself for years and I use a shaver on the back and sides of my head for a bald high skin fade.
In my opinion, those are the most difficult areas to shave because the hair is thicker and denser and you also have to reach behind the head.
Most of the time I’m using a Braun Series 9 or the Andis ProFoil as those cut really close to the skin (especially the Andis, but the S9 is faster and gentler).
2. Have a proper mirror setup.
Using (at least) two mirrors is game-changing and will make your head shaving sessions a lot more enjoyable.
It can be as simple as having a second large mirror on your countertop, angled toward your main bathroom mirror.
This will allow you to see the back of your head in the main one.
However, this may not always be a feasible option depending on how much space you have around your bathroom sink.
In my opinion the best solution is to get a so-called 360° mirror.
It’s comprised of three foldable mirrors that allow you to see the back of your head.
I find it extremely practical with its integrated LED lights and sturdy metal hooks, allowing you to hang it from any door.
When not in use, it folds into a compact piece that you can store anywhere.
There are similar mirrors from other brands available as well if you can’t get this one.
In my opinion there are four things that matter when choosing such a mirror:
- LED lights (really useful)
- real glass mirrors (not plastic)
- thin metal telescopic hooks that can slide under any door frame
- reasonable price
I honestly think a selfcut mirror is well worth the investment and it’s a small thing that will make a big difference to your head shaving routine.
3. Trim the hair if it’s too long.
I know I’ve mentioned it several times already, but an electric (head) shaver will only work well on short hair.
Unless you’re using something that has shearing blades or a special attachment that can handle long hair, you will need to trim your hair down to a manageable length before shaving it.
You can use the cheapest hair clipper for that as it will work just fine.
From the products I recommended above, the Remington ShortCut Pro can deal with any hair length.
4. Don’t apply excessive pressure.
This is particularly important with foil and rotary shavers as those can cause some razor burn and irritation.
Usually the most sensitive part is the back of the neck, so let the shaver do the work.
Besides, the hair on your head is soft and thin, so there’s really no need to press the shaver hard.
Some shavers like the Braun Series 9 are quite gentle and I can get away with being sloppy.
But others like the Andis ProFoil or the Remington Balder Pro are not and you will get razor burn or even folliculitis.
5. Always shave against the grain.
This is particularly important if you’re using a foil or rotary head shaver to get that really close, bald head shave.
While you’d be using circular motions with a rotary razor and straight strokes with a foil shaver, make sure it’s always against the direction of hair growth and adjust accordingly.
You can use your free hand to feel any remaining rough patches and also assess the direction of hair growth.
6. Lubricate your shaver regularly.
Apart from cleaning it after every use, it’s important to also lubricate the blades of your shaver.
This will not only prolong its lifespan and reduce blade wear, but it will make the shaver more comfortable as it won’t get hot anymore.
You can use either clipper oil or a spray lubricant like the Andis CoolCare Plus.
They’re inexpensive, widely available and work great.
Lubricating your shaver once or twice a week should suffice.
Final word on choosing the right head shaver
Using an electric razor is a safe and practical way to shave your head.
When choosing one, I think the most important thing is to first settle on the type of shaver that makes the most sense in your case.
For example, you should ask yourself if:
- you’ll be using it daily or less often
- a close shave is very important
- you’ll be using it on your face as well
Answering these questions should help you settle for the right type of razor.
Once you’ve done that, consider the main pros and cons of the shaver in relation to your needs.
For example, a head shaver like the Skull Shaver Pitbull is practical and will give you that smooth, bald look, but it will only work if the hair is short.
If you only shave your head once a week but still want that very close shave, then using two separate products (like a hair clipper + a rotary or foil head shaver) is another good approach.
This guide should be viewed as a starting point and a way to narrow down the options.
Some of them can be a bit expensive, but in the long run, the higher price of a more capable and comfortable razor is well worth it.
Just think about all the money you’ll be saving from not getting haircuts anymore.
If you have any other questions or you’d like to share your experience, please leave a comment below.