The 8 Best Head Shavers for Black Men

If you're a black man who's ever battled razor bumps, ingrown hairs, or irritation after a head shave, you're not alone. Coarse, curly hair and sensitive skin can turn a simple grooming routine into a frustrating ordeal. But here's the good news: the right head shaver can make all the difference.

In this guide, we've curated top-tier head shavers designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by Black men. Whether you're seeking a bump-free finish, a close shave, or a tool that effortlessly glides over your scalp, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to post-shave discomfort and hello to a smoother, more confident you.

Best Head Shavers for Black Men at a Glance:

• Top Pick: Freebird FlexSeries Pro, $
• Runner Up: Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold, $74.99
• Best Hair Clipper: Remington ShortCut Pro, $64.99
• Best Luxury Head Shaver: Braun Series 9 Pro 9477, $379.99
• Best Manual Razor Design: HeadBlade ATX Razor, $$12.99
• Best Eco-Friendly Cartridge Razor: The Leaf Razor, $89
• Best Cartridge Razor for Sensitive Skin: Gillette Mach 3 Sensitive Razor, $19.99
• Best for Travel: MicroTouch Titanium Head Shaver, $59.98

The 8 Best Head Shavers For Black Men

#1 - Freebird FlexSeries Pro: The Best Head Shaver for Black Men

Pros:

• Adaptive motor tackles coarse and curly hair
• Gentle on sensitive scalps
• Easy to clean
• Waterproof (IPX7)
• Wet and dry shaving
• Ergonomic anti-slip grip
• $60 worth of attachments (clipper, nose and ear trimmer, guards, cleaning brush)
• Travel lock
• Large hair capture chamber
• Long battery life (90 minutes)
• Lifetime warranty (with blade subscription)
• 30-day trial

Cons:

• No LCD display
• Rectangular shape (not for everyone)

The Freebird FlexSeries Pro is our top pick for a head shaver for black dudes. With its powerful, adaptive motor and sharp ScalpSafe Technology blades, it can cut coarse and curly hair with ease. The adaptive motor adjusts power based on hair density, ensuring a smooth and comfortable shave every time.

The FlexSeries Pro is also the best electric shaver for black men with sensitive skin. The enhanced four-blade design cuts even closer than the previous five-blade FlexSeries classic, but is still gentle on our sensitive scalps.

The Pro also comes with these notable upgrades compared to the FlexSeries Classic:

• A travel lock

• Enhanced four-blade design with floating foils

• Two-part blade system for easier cleaning

• Anti-slip coating and rubber grips

• Three-level LED battery indicator

• Larger hair capture chamber

When you buy the FlexSeries Pro, you'll also get $60 worth of freebies:

• Upgraded Precision Clipper

• 3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards

• Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer

• Micro Cleaning Brush

If you want a smooth, bald look without the bumps and irritation, this one’s for you. The FlexSeries Pro is perfect for black dudes with coarse or curly hair who are tired of razors that tug and leave behind razor bumps. Whether you shave every day or just want to clean up once a week, this shaver is gentle on your scalp and super easy to use-even if you’re new to head shaving.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Rotary
• Number of Blades: 4
• Grip Type: Palm
• Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
• Motor Power: Adaptive RPM
• Battery Life: 90 minutes
• Attachments: Yes (clipper, nose and ear trimmer, guards, cleaning brush)

Buy one for only $ from the Freebird website or on Amazon.

#2 - Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO - Runner Up

Pros:

• Close and comfortable shave
• Powerful motor
• Long battery life (90 minutes)
• Hypoallergenic Japanese stainless steel blades
• Easy to clean
• Large hair chambers
• LCD display
• Quick charge feature
• Flexible shaving heads

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not an ideal face shaver

The Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO is second in our best head shaver for black men. The Gold Pro is better for black guys because it has a more powerful motor and a larger battery than the Silver PRO. You'll surely enjoy the ergonomic handle that Pitbull shavers are known for.

Its patented design features two deep finger cutouts on the shaver's body, allowing you to hold the cutting head between your index and middle finger with your palm facing your head. This grip lessens the strain on your wrist and is one of the selling points for Pitbull shavers.

It's #2 because it's significantly more expensive than the FlexSeries Pro, has no adaptive motor, only IPX5 water resistance vs IPX7 waterproofing, and has no additional attachments included.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Rotary
• Number of Blades: 4
• Blade Material: Hypo-allergenic Japanese stainless steel
• Battery Life: 90 minutes
• Grip Type: Palm/Two finger insert
• Water Resistant: Yes (IPX5)
• Quick Charging: Yes

The Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold costs $74.99 with a blade subscription and $83.32 for the shaver only.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#3 - Remington Shortcut Pro - Best Hair Clipper for Black Men

Pros:

• Extra-wide curved blade trims faster
  
• Removable blades (easier cleaning)
  
• Easy to hold and use
  
• Solid build quality
  
• Comfortable grip
  
• Good for body grooming
  
• Good design and ergonomics
  

Cons:

• For buzz cuts only
  
• Not for edging or tapering
  
• Long charging time (4 hours)
  
• No blade adjustment
  

If you're looking for a cordless electric clipper that works well with black men's hair, the Remington Shortcut Pro is one of the best electric shavers for black men who want a buzz cut versus a smooth bald dome.

It's lightweight, quiet, and waterproof. Plus, you'll love the ergonomic design with its wider curved blades covering more areas than other shavers. The Shortcut Pro also features self-sharpening blades, so you don't have to worry about regular blade replacements.

If you like to keep your hair short but not completely bald, the Shortcut Pro is a solid pick. It’s made for black guys who want a fast, even buzz cut at home. The wide blade covers a lot of ground, so you can finish up in minutes. Perfect if you want to save money on barbershop visits and keep things simple.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Hair Clipper
  
• Battery Life: 40 minutes
  
• Blade Type: Stainless Steel
  
• Number of Detachable Combs: 9
  
• Corded and Cordless Use: Yes
  

The Remington ShortCut Pro costs $64.99.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#4 - Braun Series 9 Pro 9477 Electric Razor - Best Luxury Head Shaver for Black Men

Pros:

• AutoSense technology (adjusts power vs beard density)
  
• Great build quality
  
• Powerful motor
  
• 100-day money-back guarantee
  
• Comfortable and irritation-free shave
  
• Wet and dry shaving
  
• Cleaning station for easy maintenance
  
• Portable travel case
  

Cons:

• Pricey

For black dudes who want a high-end shaver that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson uses, the Braun Series 9 Pro 9477 is an excellent place to start.

Off the bat, the Series 9 looks expensive. Its excellent design and chrome finish exude luxury, but the question is, does it perform?

Yes, it does. The Pro 9477's sharp blades can easily cut through a black dude's coarse and curly hair. It also features a pivoting head that gives you the smoothest head and facial shave you can experience from an electric foil shaver.

If you want that luxury shave and don’t mind paying for it, the Braun Series 9 Pro is where it’s at. It’s a top choice for black guys who want a super-close shave and have sensitive skin. The foil head is smooth on your scalp and face, so you can use it for both. If you want the best of the best, this is it.

The Braun Series 9 Pro 9477 costs $379.99.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Foil
  
• Number of Blades: 4
  
• Inclusions: Power case/Cleaning station
  
• Waterproof: Yes
  

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#5 - HeadBlade ATX Razor - Best Manual Razor Design

Pros:

• Ergonomic design
• Affordable
• Flexible head
• Easy to shave tight spots 
  

Cons:

• Hard to change blades
• Has a learning curve
• Not for longer hair

The HeadBlade ATX Razor may look like a kid's toy, but it's an excellent tool for shaving your black bald head.

The ATX cartridge has four blades, a lube strip, a rubber guide, and two front wheels that help glide your razor while shaving. Blades flex back and forth, which allows for shaving curly and coarse hair.

If you’re all about that manual shave and want something that feels different from a regular razor, the HeadBlade ATX is for you. It’s made for black men who want total control and don’t mind taking a little extra time for a super-smooth finish. If you like the ritual of shaving and want to try something unique, give this a shot.

Pro Tip: The ATX works best if you prep your scalp with warm water and a moisturizing shave gel to help the blades glide and prevent nicks

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Cartridge
• Number of Blades: 4
• Grip Type: Finger insert

The HeadBlade ATX Moto costs $12.99.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#6 - The Leaf Razor - Best Eco-Friendly Cartridge Razor

Pros:

• Plastic-free razor
  
• Excellent build quality and durability
  
• Customizable number of blades (single, dual, or triple)
  
• Fully recyclable blades
  
• Skin guard for each blade
  
• Magnetized blade loading and pivoting head
  
• Close and comfortable shave
  
• 60-day trial
  

Cons:

• Pricey
  
• Large head (hard to shave tight spots)
  
• Heavier than plastic razors
  
• Slippery metal handle
  
• Not easy to use

Are you looking for an eco-friendly manual razor for shaving your head? The Leaf Razor is 100% plastic-free and can give you a smooth head shave.

It features a multi-blade pivoting head, which means fewer passes. Its super sharp blades can cut thick and curly hair without irritation.

The Leaf Razor may be pricey at $89, but it's worth every penny if you're into manual shaving.

If you care about the environment but still want a close, comfortable shave, the Leaf Razor is a great choice. It’s perfect for black dudes who want to avoid plastic and get a customizable shave that works for curly or coarse hair. If you want a razor that’s eco-friendly and easy on your skin, this is the one.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Manual Cartridge Razor
  
• Number of Blades: Multiple (One, Two, or Three)
  
• Magnetic Loading Assist: Yes
  
• Material: Metal (100% plastic free)
  
• Pivoting Razor Head: Yes
  

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#7 - Gillette Mach 3 Sensitive Razor - Best Cartridge Razor for Sensitive Skin

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Close and comfortable shave
• Ergonomic design (curved handle)
• Rubberized handle
• Flexible head
• Longer-lasting blades (15 uses per Gillette)
• Gel strip for lubrication

Cons:

• May be too lightweight for some
• Expensive cartridges

Gillette's Mach 3 Sensitive Razor always comes up in forums as a shaver black men use for head shaving. It's no surprise since the guys at Gillette have been in the shaving game for over a century.

The Mach 3 blades are more robust than steel and feature a head that can flex 60 degrees. That means it can shave along the various contours of your head.

If you stick with what you know and want a razor that’s gentle on your scalp, the Mach 3 Sensitive is a classic. It’s great for black men with sensitive skin who want a quick, no-nonsense shave. If you want something you can find anywhere and trust to get the job done, this is your everyday pick.

The Gillette Mach 3 Sensitive Razor costs $19.99.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Cartridge
• Number of Blades: 3
• Material: Plastic/Rubber
• Flexible Head: Yes

Buy from Amazon.

#8 MicroTouch Titanium Head Shaver - Best Head Shaver for Travel

Pros :

• Travel lock
• Solid build quality
• Blades flex
• USB C charging
• Comfortable shave
• Easy to clean
• wet ad dry shaving
• Rubberized side
• 30 day trial 

Cons:

• No trimmer for touch ups
• No warranty
• No LCD display

If you’re always on the move and want a no-fuss, budget-friendly head shaver, the MicroTouch Titanium is a smart pick. It’s great for Black men with coarse or curly hair who want a quick, comfortable shave and don’t want to worry about their shaver turning on in their bag. If you like to keep your head smooth with regular touch-ups and want something simple to use and easy to clean, this one’s got you covered.

Specifications:

• Shaver Type: Rotary
• Battery Life: 60 minutes
• Number of Blades: 5
• Blade Material: Titanium coated stainless steel
• Cordless and Corded Use: Yes

The MicroTouch Titanium Head Shaver costs $59.98.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

What are the Challenges Black Men Face When Shaving?

Sensitive Skin

If you're a black man with sensitive skin, you'll have to test what works best for you. Not everyone has the same experience; it's not a one-size-fits-all thing with head shaving. Some black men may experience a smooth shave with electric shavers, while others may break out and get irritated. A cartridge razor and wet shaving may be a better option.

If it's your first time trying electric head shavers, go with the entry-level or mid-range priced shavers first. You wouldn't want to spend close to $400 on a Braun Series 9 and discover it doesn't work for you.

The Freebird FlexSeries Pro is one of the best options in this situation. It's priced competitively and is a high-performer. Black men have used the FlexSeries Pro and experienced a smooth, irritation-free shave.

Coarse and Curly hair

It's common for black men to have coarse and curly hair, which makes it harder to pick the best electric shaver for you. Having curly hair raises the chances of hair growing back into the skin, which means that ingrown hair or razor bumps are a usual consequence of head shaving.

Some black men have had bad experiences with foil shavers. Curly hair usually gets caught in foil screens or doesn't go through because they're thicker. The bad news is that it gets pulled and not cut. Ouch.

Is it time to give up on electric shavers?

Not yet. There's still hope.

While foil shavers may not work for the majority of black dudes, electric rotary shavers, on the other hand, have performed well for them.

What to Look for in an Electric Shaver Suitable for Black Men?

A powerful motor

Cutting through a black man's thicker, coarser, and curlier hair can be challenging. You'll need a powerful motor to cut it effortlessly. An electric shaver at 8500 RPM is a good baseline - don't get anything under that. When choosing between brands, go for electric shavers with higher RPMs. 

Multiple sharp blades

Electric shavers with multiple blades are a good idea. Choosing 4 or 5 blades will be better than those with 2 or 3 blades. More blades mean you can finish quicker and need fewer strokes, which is ideal for black men with sensitive skin. For black bald heads, the fewer strokes, the better to avoid irritation.

The key to avoiding skin irritation is to shave the right way, which means doing a pre-shave and post-shave routine, which we will discuss later. 

Long and powerful battery 

The best bald head shaver for African Americans features a powerful and long-lasting battery. You wouldn't want your electric shaver to die while shaving, so look for a battery with at least 600 mAh.

Waterproof

If you prefer shaving in the shower or wet shaving with your electric shaver, you need to buy a waterproof one. Wet shaving is better than dry shaving if you have sensitive skin. Look for a shaver with at least IPX5 waterproofing.

Built-in trimmer

An electric shaver with a built-in trimmer can come in handy when traveling and you need a quick shave.

Easy to maintain

Today's electric shavers are easy to clean and maintain. Some feature an auto cleaning station, self-sharpening blades, or blades that last for 50 shaves before replacement. For rotary shavers, cleaning the blades is a breeze. All you need to do is place them under running water (ensure they're waterproof), and you're done.

For foil shavers, you must remove the foils and brush them clean with your cleaning brush. If you own a waterproof foil shaver, you can place the blades and foil under running water to clean them.

Pre-and Post-Shave Routine for Black Men (Wet Shaving)

We've chosen the wet shaving routine because we're dealing with black men's hair, which has different characteristics.

Pre-Shave

We begin by washing our face and head with warm water to open pores and soften facial and head hair. If you're shaving your head, be sure to trim it close with a hair trimmer for best results.

Next, we put shaving cream or gel on our beard, mustache, or head. Cover the entire area you're shaving and gently massage into a lather.

Shave

Now it's time for the shave!

Make sure your blades are clean and sharp, and if you're using disposable cartridge razors, grab a new one.

You can shave with or against the grain (or a combination of both). If you have a sensitive skin type and don't mind not having a little bit of stubble, shaving with the grain will be perfectly fine for you and more comfortable. If you want your shave to last longer and have a very close shave, you'll want to shave with the grain first and then shave against the grain to ensure all those hairs are gone.

Post-Shave

Once you are done shaving, it's time for our post-shave routine.

After rinsing your face with cold water, apply aftershave and then use a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent irritation.

And you're done!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what makes black men's hair unique and the type of shaver you need, it's time to pick one from our list for that perfect head-shaving experience.

Switching to an electric shaver is a good option if you want a faster and safer shave without the nicks and cuts. However, traditional razors are your best choice if you want a closer shave. 

No matter what tool you pick, your technique and routine matter just as much as the shaver itself. Prep well, shave with the grain, and take care of your scalp after every shave for the best results.

FAQs

Do black men need specific head shavers?

Yes. Since black men's hair is thicker, coarser, and curlier than others, you must choose head shavers with sharp blades and powerful motors(for electric shavers). If you have sensitive skin, you must also pick a shaver that works well with sensitive skin.

How often should the blades on the head shavers be replaced?

It depends on how often you shave and whether you use traditional or electric shaver blades.

If you shave daily using a traditional safety razor, the blades should be replaced every week or when they become dull. Cartridge razor blades last 5 to 10 shaves before replacement.

Electric shaver blades last longer. The FlexSeries Pro, for example, lasts 50 shaves before needing to be replaced. Typically, electric shaver blades last 12 to 18 months before replacement.

Are there any special shaving techniques that black men should follow?

You can shave with the grain, against the grain, or apply the three-shave pass method. You'll know which method works for you when you try them. It's always better to shave with the grain to avoid skin irritation.

What is the difference between foil and rotary shavers, and which is better for black men?

The main difference between foil and rotary shavers is their shaving direction. Foil shavers can only shave one way, either horizontally or vertically, while rotary shavers can shave in circular motions.

Foil shavers are better for finer hairs, while rotary shavers are better for black men's hair since they can easily cut through thicker and curlier hair.

Is wet or dry shaving better for black men?

Black men's skin is usually more sensitive, so it's better to have a wet shave. If you have tough skin, you can do a dry shave as long as you don't experience irritation.

Can electric shavers be used for both head and facial hair?

Yes, electric shavers can be used for both head and facial hair. If you're shaving your head, it's better to choose electric shavers explicitly designed for that purpose.

How can black men deal with ingrown hair?

One of the easiest ways for black men to deal with ingrown hair is to exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation can lower the chances of ingrown hair by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Using a sharp razor and shaving with the grain reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.