The best head shavers for men navigate the contours of the head to provide a smooth, polished finish—without nicking the skin. There are manual and electric models that feature attachments like a precise trimmer or cleansing brush. Other considerations include the number of shaving heads, battery life, portability and ergonomic design. Our favorite head shaver is the Pitbull Silver Electric Head Shaver, which is compact, waterproof and features four heads for a close shave. If you prefer a manual device, the HeadBlade Moto Shaving Razor has a comfortable and unique design that allows for precise control while shaving.
It can be a game of patience as you test different head shavers, but it doesn’t have to be a game of trial and error. Below, find the best head shavers for men based on extensive research and advice from grooming stylist Jovan Figueroa.
This small but mighty device is efficient thanks to its compact size and contour-hugging rotary plates that zoom around your head with aplomb. You can use it wet or dry with a runtime of 60 minutes, and know that it’s easy to remember to charge it up, since it has a low-battery indicator. If you want a shaver that makes bald head management easy to maintain, this is a top choice.
This is one of Figueroa’s favorites. HeadBlade as a brand is dedicated to head and face shaving with products that are all designed to work well with contours. The brand routinely wins design awards for its razors, and this particular one fits snug on a finger, then swivels, leans and pivots with each stroke. It is a razor blade, after all, so take things slowly but rest assured that this is an extremely popular product for its unique design.
Shaving heads: One | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 60 minutes | Additional features: Waterproof, LED battery display, charging stand
Figueroa loves the Braun Series 9 Pro as a versatile head shaving device. This tool earned the spot of our top pick for the best electric razor for men, so if you want a model that can efficiently shave both your head and face, this is a strong choice. “Braun’s Series 9 shavers are known for their performance and versatility,” Figueroa. “They have heads that can flex and move in 10 different directions, adapting to the contours of your face and head to catch every hair for a thorough shave.” Based on our testing, this delivers a close shave for your face that actually rivals that of a manual razor. It comes with a leather travel case, too.
If hygiene is a priority for you, then note the UV-powered lid on this shaver. It disinfects up to 99.9% of bacteria from its foil heads between shaves. While it’s tough on germs, this shaver is loved by Figueroa since it also has bi-level shavers that can be extremely gentle on the skin. If you’re into aesthetics, you’ll also appreciate that this comes in three different color options.
Not everyone wants a foil shaver—especially if you have thick, coarse and ingrown-prone hair. That is precisely why Philips Norelco has cornered the market on rotary devices. If you want a rotary shaver that works well for the face and head alike, this product wins our top prize as the best rotary shaver for its three heads. The shaver gives the closest possible shave amongst rotary picks, and has the muscle, endurance and sensitivity to make it worthy of its price tag.
“Merkur offers a range of safety razors that can be suitable for head shaving, but it’s this short-handled one that is easiest to maneuver around the top and back of your head without awkwardly having to adjust your grip,” says Figueroa. The weight helps to provide just the right amount of resistance, while the knurled grip further adds to its manageability. Merkur’s blades are used industry wide, as they are known to provide a close, seamless shave in a single pass while also minimizing ingrown hairs and razor drag.
This versatile tool functions as a detailer, trimmer and shaver. As a shaver, it offers the flexibility and sensitivity necessary to navigate any blindspots. It’s those coated blade “teeth” that are most noteworthy because they protect the skin from nicks, even when you shave quickly. This is an easy tool for mid-shower touch-ups, and it can give you a bald dome in just a few minutes.
The Fusion5 cartridges are among Figueroa’s favorite for head shaving. It has a blade that pivots and flexes with ease, allowing the cartridge to adjust with contours easily. If you choose to use it on your face, it will adjust to the contours of your cheeks and jaw, too. This razor can make head shaving more of an intuitive process, assuming you’ve been using Gillette products since you first started shaving.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Contributors to Forbes Vetted are among the most respected in their fields, and so are the experts we source for insight on these articles. Author of this piece Adam Hurly has been writing about grooming for over a decade at sites like GQ, Men’s Journal, Gear Patrol, SPY and more. Hurly also gathered key insight and guidance from STMNT grooming stylist, Jovan Figueroa. This story was overseen by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has produced grooming stories across the site including the rigorously tested best beard trimmers and hair clippers packages.
How We Chose The Best Head Shavers For Men
To determine the best head shavers for men, we read hundreds of product reviews and evaluated options from numerous brands. We ultimately chose the best ones by determining which devices were consistently top-rated by customers and received high marks for quality, durability and care. We also considered whether each pick has an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and use. Figueroa then chimed in with recommendations based upon his own firsthand experiences.
What To Consider In A Head Shaver For Men
The best head shaver for you depends on how thick your hair is. Head shavers can be divided into two main categories: electric and manual. If you prefer a manual shaver, you can choose between cartridge or safety razors. On the other hand, if you prefer electric shavers, you’ll choose between a foil or rotary shaver. Here’s what to look for when shopping for the best head shaver for men.
Electric Shavers
Electric head razors can come with rotary or foil shavers. Rotary shavers have flexible, round plates that allow it to navigate the contours of the head and face with ease. “They are good for people with thick or coarse hair, since their spinning heads can reach hair from different angles,” says Figueroa. They’re also gentle on uneven surfaces and can be comfortable for sensitive skin. Rotary shavers are great for longer hair, too, as one can give you a smooth shave with fewer passes.
Foil shavers are often the preferred choice for facial shavers en masse, unless you have thick, curly hair. “The blades move in a straight line, which gives a precise and clean cut,” says Figueroa. “Foil shavers are perfect for achieving a smooth finish and for those who shave every day.” Here are the benefits of using an electric head shaver, according to Figueroa.
Saves Time: “Electric razors let you shave quickly and efficiently since you don’t need shaving creams, gels or multiple passes.”
Low Maintenance: “Electric razors are easy to clean and don’t need much looking after. Most models have self-cleaning or quick-rinse options to make it hassle-free.”
Versatility: “Electric razors can handle different hair lengths and can be used for both wet and dry shaving, so you can choose what works best for you.”
Gentle On Skin: “Electric razors are usually gentler on the skin, so you’re less likely to get cuts, nicks or razor burn. They’re good for people with sensitive skin or who often get irritated.”
Manual Razors
Manual head shavers come with either cartridge or safety razors. Cartridge razors are good for beginners because they typically navigate the contours of the head better, making it easier to work around blind spots. Safety razors are known for providing a close shave with just a single blade, minimizing razor drag and ingrown hairs. Those who love safety razors tend to be purists about the shaving process, and so they dedicate a little extra time to the entire shave regimen. Safety razors require precision, proper angling and force. Regardless of your choice, Figueroa says that manual razors offer the below key benefits.
Precision And Control: “Manual razors let you be really precise and navigate the curves of your head easily to get the angles you want.”
Closer Shave: “Manual razors can give you a really close shave.”
Cost Effective: “Manual razors usually cost less upfront, and the replacement blades are often cheaper than replacing heads on electric razors.”
Easy to Find: “Manual razors are everywhere, and you don’t need to charge them or replace batteries, so they’re handy for travel or shaving on the go.”
Sign up for the Forbes Shopping newsletter
for the best fashion, home, wellness and tech product advice.
I’ve been reporting on grooming since 2013, and have written for nearly every men’s publication on the topic. My second beat is travel, as I spend nearly half the year in transit. Because of that, however, I am always relieved when I can unwind at home in Berlin, where I’ve been living since early 2018. I’m a South Dakota native, but I cut my teeth in New York and San Francisco.