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 bald man holding a beard trimmer

Can You Shave Your Head with a Beard Trimmer?

Planning to shave your head but don't have a dedicated clipper or electric head shaver?

Don't worry. You might already have a tool you never thought about using: your beard trimmer! But can you really shave your head with a beard trimmer?

We'll answer the question, discuss the pros and cons, and recommend the ideal trimmer or shaver to shave your head.

Can I Use a Beard Trimmer to Shave My Head?

bald guy buzzing his head with trimmer

Let's define "shave my head" first. If you are aiming for a buzz cut, then the answer is yes, you can use a beard trimmer to shave your head.

If you are going for a closer bald shave, you need a rotary or foil shaver to do the job.

I've used hair clippers for a decade (buzz cut) and recently switched to a dedicated rotary shaver (bald head). Hence, I have experience in shaving with both clippers and rotary shavers.

The only difference between hair clippers and beard trimmers is the blade width. Beard trimmers have shorter blade widths since they're designed for precise and detailed shaving, but you can use them for the head without any problem.

As long as you have a quality beard trimmer with a powerful motor and sharp blades, you can shave your head and achieve the same results as a hair clipper. It may take a little longer, though, since you have to make more passes because of the smaller coverage area of beard trimmers.

Pros of Using a Beard Trimmer for Shaving Your Head

  • Convenience: A beard trimmer can be your 3-in-1 shaver (beard, body, and head).

  • Cost Effective: No need to buy a new hair clipper or go to the barber.

  • Versatility: Use adjustable guards to control the length of your hair.

  • Ease of Use: Smaller and lighter than hair clippers, making it easier to shave hard-to-reach areas around the ears and back of the neck.

  • Less Prep: A dry shave is the most convenient shave method you can do with a beard trimmer. No need to warm water or apply shaving cream or gel (less expenses again).

Cons of Using a Beard Trimmer for Shaving Your Head

  • Uneven Cut: Not designed for large areas like our heads, which may lead to a patchy and uneven shave.

  • Time-Consuming: With smaller blades than clippers, shaving will take a little longer with more passes.

  • Less Close Shave: Shaves as close as a hair clipper but not as close as a dedicated rotary hair shaver.

  • Messier: You'll get the same mess as a hair clipper (hair clippings) compared to a rotary shaver

How to Shave Your Head Using a Beard Trimmer

  1. Make sure your beard trimmer is fully charged. You don't want a half-shaved head due to running out of juice.

  2. I dry-shaved with my hair clipper for years and have never experienced any irritation. It's the same procedure with a beard trimmer; no need to prep by applying warm water and shaving cream.

  3. Choose a guard based on your preferred hair length. I always had the closest buzz cut using zero guard.

  4. Start shaving in sections at the sides and back of your head.

  5. Feel your scalp or use a mirror to look for missed spots.

  6. Rinse your head and clean your trimmer, and you're done.

     

Who Should Consider a Beard Trimmer for Head Shaving?

  • Budget Conscious Shaver: If you want to save on trips to the barber or avoid buying a separate hair clipper, a beard trimmer can be your 3 in 1 shaver (head, body, and beard)

  • The Frequent Traveler: A beard trimmer fits the bill for those who want to travel light. It can be your travel shaver, no need to bring your hair clipper or body shaver.

Freebird's BeardSeries Trimmer Kit - The Best Beard Trimmer for Shaving Your Head

Freebird Beard Series Trimmer Kit

If you're going for the buzz cut and want a device that can double as a beard and body trimmer, the BeardSeries from Freebird is your best option.

It has a powerful motor and sharp blades that can easily cut through coarse hair.

Get one now for only $59.95.

You can buy the Trimmer Kit at $49.95 with a subscription for an even better deal.

Subscribers' benefits include:

  • 25% on every new blade

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Discounts on other products

Freebird FlexSeries - Best Rotary Shaver for Shaving Your Head

Freebird FlexSeries Shaving Kit

 

If you prefer bald over buzzed, a beard trimmer or hair clipper can't accomplish this for you. You need a dedicated rotary shaver like the FlexSeries for a smooth and shiny bald head.

It has a powerful motor and sharp blades that can shave even sensitive scalps.

Get one now for only $39.95

Can You Shave Your Entire Head with a Small Beard Trimmer?

Yes, but it will take longer. I own the FlexSeries and have been switching from a buzz cut and bald cut from time to time (I get bored with the same look).

I've used the FlexSeries' hair trimmer attachment without the guard and got the same results as my trusted Wahl hair clipper. I've ditched the Wahl clipper since because it was heavy and difficult to use in hard-to-reach areas.

The FlexSeries' hair trimmer may be way smaller in width, but the ease of use (handheld and lightweight) outweighs the need for more passes to finish a shave.

Can You Use a Beard Trimmer for Taper Fade Haircuts?

Yes, but achieving barber-like precision and accuracy is hard when you do DIY.

Can I Use the Same Hair Trimmer to Shave My Beard and Other Body Hair?

Hygiene is the main issue here. It's possible to transfer germs and bacteria from shaving one body part (especially the crotch and armpit) to another, causing irritation.

I've read a post where a shaver used dog clippers to shave his head, which worked fine (the shaving part). Do we recommend it? Nope.

Using the same hair trimmer for the beard and other body hair is possible if you need to do it, except for the pubic area. I'd rather have a dedicated trimmer for that particularly delicate body area.

Just remember to clean and disinfect your blades before shaving another body part.

Conclusion

You can use beard trimmers to shave your head if you prefer a buzz cut and not a bald cut, and don't mind shaving a little longer due to the smaller coverage area of beard trimmers compared to hair clippers.

You can't go wrong with the BeardSeries Trimmer Kit from Freebird if you want a 3-in-1 beard, body, and hair trimmer.

If a bald cut is your goal, a dedicated rotary shaver like the FlexSeries is the better investment.

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