Why an Electric Head Shaver is Better Than a Razor
November 13, 2024 • 7 min read
Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional
Ever stared at your razor in the mirror and wondered why your scalp ends up looking like a battlefield? Picture this: one wrong stroke, and you're dealing with nicks that sting for days.
I've shaved my head for 14 years, tried every gadget out there, and chatted with guys in the same boat. Stick with me, and you'll see why electric shavers crush manual razors for that bald look. You'll walk away knowing the top 13 reasons to switch, along with expert tips to nail a perfect shave without the drama.
Electric Shaver vs. Razor: 13 Reasons Why an Electric Shaver is Better for Head Shaving
Shaving your head is either a rite of passage, a style choice, or part of your routine. Whatever your reason, you want it fast, smooth, comfortable, and painless. Here's the inside scoop on why electric shavers beat manual razors hands down.
1. Easier to Use
Electric shavers are easy to use. Rotary or foil blades flex and adapt to the shape of your head. You don't have to adjust angles or worry about pressure when shaving. Just glide the shaver across your scalp and let it do the work.
Manual razors? Miss a spot, and you've got a weird patch; press too hard, and you're bleeding. Ouch!
2. Cheaper in the Long Run
Yes, a good electric shaver typically costs between $40 and $150 upfront. But the blades last 6 to 12 months before needing replacement, and replacement heads cost $20 to $40.
Manual razor cartridges? You're burning through a new blade every 3 to 5 shaves. That's $15 to $25 per month on cartridges alone. Add shaving cream, and you're spending $200 to $400 per year just to keep shaving.
Do the math. The electric shaver pays for itself in 6 to 12 months.
3. Time-Saving
Who has the time to lather, shave, rinse, repeat, and clean up in today's hustle and bustle?
Manual razors take 15 to 25 minutes. Why? Softening the hair, applying cream, shaving in sections, rinsing constantly, and wiping down your sink afterward.
An electric shaver offers less than 5 minutes to finish the job. No more worrying about getting the right angle or applying the right pressure. No fuss, no mess!
4. Better for Sensitive Skin
Razor burn on your scalp is miserable. That red, inflamed skin that stings for days? Manual razors cause that because they scrape across your skin with every pass.
Electric shavers are gentler. They cut hair just above the skin surface without dragging or scraping. Less irritation, less redness, and no painful razor bumps.
5. Allows for Wet and Dry Shaving
Quality electric shavers are waterproof and work wet or dry. Want to shave in the shower with cream? Do it. Prefer a quick dry shave before work? Also works.
Manual razors require water and shaving cream. You can't just do a quick touch-up dry shave when you're in a rush.
6. Easier to Shave Hard-to-Reach Areas
Try shaving the back of your head with a manual razor. You're contorting your arm, guessing where the blade is, hoping you don't miss a spot or cut yourself.
Electric shavers have ergonomic designs that make reaching behind your head easy. Rotary shavers move in any direction, so you're not locked into specific stroke patterns.
7. Environmentally Friendlier
Disposable razors are a major source of plastic waste, with billions ending up in landfills each year. On the other hand, electric shavers are reusable and can last several years. This means shaving electric is a great way to reduce environmental impact.
8. Safer on Your Scalp
Electric shavers are much safer to use than manual razors. This is because electric shavers have guards that protect the skin from the blades. Manual razors, on the other hand, have exposed blades that can easily cause nicks and cuts, especially if you're not careful.
Remember that gash or razor burn from the last time you used a manual razor?
Yep, electric shavers help avoid those battle scars.
9. Travel-Friendly
Packing a manual razor for travel means bringing the razor, extra blades, shaving cream, and hoping TSA doesn't toss your stuff. Then you're shaving in a cramped hotel bathroom with bad lighting.
Electric shavers are compact, cordless, and often come with travel cases. Charge it once, and you've got weeks of battery life. Shave in your hotel room, car, or wherever without needing water or a sink.
10. Tech Upgrades
Modern electric shavers come with a variety of cool features, such as:
-
Self-cleaning systems: These systems automatically clean and disinfect your razor, making it easy to keep it in top condition.
-
Vacuum technology. Today's electric shavers are built with vacuum tech, which pulls hairs inwards toward the blades. This means no more hair on your clothes and shaving area. You can shave wherever you are, while stuck in traffic or at the office during break time.
- Adaptive motors: These motors adjust speed based on hair thickness.
11. Money Back Guarantee
The top electric shaver manufacturers, like Freebird, often offer money-back guarantees when you buy their shavers. You also get a warranty for better customer protection.
12. No Mess
Manual razors create chaos wherever you're shaving. Hair clippings stuck to shaving cream all over your sink, mirror, and somehow on the floor. You spend more time cleaning than shaving.
Modern electric shavers have built-in vacuum technology that catches hair as you shave. Pop the head off, tap it over the trash, rinse under water, and you're done. Total cleanup time: 30 seconds.
13. Last for Years
A good electric shaver will last 5 to 7 years with proper care. You replace the blades once a year, but the device itself keeps going.
Manual razors are disposable. You're constantly buying new handles, cartridges, and creams. It never ends.
My Experience Switching to Electric
Shaving my head wasn't my favorite activity. It took a while to finish, and I always ended up cleaning my mess, which was such a chore. But switching to an electric shaver? Life-changing! Not only is it quicker, but clean-up is a breeze.
Now, I can choose between a wet shave, or a dry shave (oftentimes dry).
Thanks to my Freebird FlexSeries, I'm never returning to disposable razor shaving again!
Expert Tips for Using an Electric Shaver
-
Prep Your Scalp: Even with an electric shaver, cleaning and softening your scalp is necessary, especially if you have sensitive skin. A warm shower can do wonders. Using a pre-shave lotion to reduce friction is a good idea if dry shaves irritate you. If you have long hair, you may need to trim it first or use a hair clipper before you shave.
-
Start Shaving and Follow the Grain: Begin by shaving the back and sides of your head. Move on to the top and front without pressing too hard. For the closest shave, move the electric shaver against your hair growth. Check your progress by looking at the mirror or feeling your scalp.
-
Finish up. After shaving, you can apply our Freebird hydrating post-shave lotion to combat dryness and completely nourish your freshly shaved skin.
-
Clean After Each Use: Most electric razors come with a brush. Ensure you clean out the facial hair for better performance. Read your manual for cleaning instructions to get the best results.
When Manual Razors Still Make Sense
There are a few situations where manual razors are still the better choice:
- You only shave your head once a month or less. Electric shavers are most effective on short hair. If you're shaving longer growth, you'll need to trim first anyway, so a manual razor might be simpler.
- You want the absolute closest shave for a special event. Manual razors can get you completely smooth if that's what you need.
- You're on an extremely tight budget. Cheap disposable razors cost $5 for a pack. But remember, you'll spend way more over time on replacements and shaving cream.
A Downside of Electric Shavers
Electric shavers don't give you that perfectly smooth, just-shaved-with-a-blade feeling. They get close, but there's a tiny bit of stubble left.
For some guys, that's a dealbreaker. They want their head as smooth as possible, and only a manual razor delivers that.
But most guys don't care about super smooth. They care about speed, safety, and comfort. That's where electric shavers excel.
The Bottom Line
Electric shavers beat manual razors for head shaving in almost every category: speed, safety, convenience, and long-term cost.
Yes, manual razors give you a slightly closer shave. But for regular head shaving, that difference doesn't matter. What matters is finishing in 5 minutes instead of 25, avoiding nicks, and not dealing with irritation.
If you're still using a manual razor to shave your head, try an electric shaver for 30 days. Most companies offer money-back guarantees. You'll wonder why you didn't switch sooner.
FAQs
How Often Should I Replace the Blades on My Electric Razor?
Typically, every 2-6 months. But check your manufacturer's guidelines. Dull blades pull hair, cause irritation, and uneven results.
Can I Use an Electric Razor on Other Parts of My Body?
Yes, but ensure it's cleaned thoroughly, and use appropriate attachments if provided. Freebird's FlexSeries Pro works on arms, legs, groin, and all other body parts.
Is it Necessary to Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor?
No, but a shaving gel can provide added comfort if you have sensitive skin.
"I used to get razor burn all the time. But since I started using shaving gel with my Freebird FlexSeries Shaver, my skin has been so much happier. I can now shave daily without any irritation." - Michael S.
How Do I Clean My Electric Razor?
Most come with cleaning brushes, but some advanced models offer self-cleaning systems. If not cleaned regularly, blades can get clogged or jammed by the hair. If you own waterproof electric razors, you can clean them by running water through your blades to remove all hair.
Can I Use an Electric Razor Daily?
Absolutely, it's designed for daily use. Electric shavers work best for those who are always on the go and need to shave quickly.
Is it Worth Investing in a High-End Electric Razor?
If you value features like longer battery life, AI tech, or self-cleaning, then yes! Just be wary of overpriced shavers that will only burn a hole in your wallet.
