A lack of hair is very much a hairstyle in itself, though its upkeep is more particular than most others. While close fades and high-and-tights might require a reset every two to four weeks, a bald head needs to stay bald all the time; even a few days’ growth can compromise the smooth cue-ball effect. Maintaining baldness is a process that requires knowing the best bald head shavers available — and yes, that’s shavers, plural, since it really depends on how quickly and frequently a guy plans to shave.
Like with facial shaving tools, there are manual razor options, as well as electric ones. Typically, manual razors provide a closer shave. However, electric shavers tend to simplify and expedite the process, but while they offer faster results, they don’t cut quite as close to the skin. Within both categories, there are more “ergonomic” options, too, which fit into the palm or around the fingers and shimmy across the head like a Roomba.
To understand these options, read on for expertise about bald head razors from two San Francisco-based barbers, as well as in-person testing insights from the SPY team.
What the Experts Say
For this story, SPY interviewed Olivia Gomez and Meelo Cervantes, both of whom are barbers at Church Barber in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood. Below are Gomez and Cervantes’ insights on the two key head-shaving options: manual and electric.
Related Stories
Manual Razors
Both barbers agree that, between the two types of manual razors — safety razors and cartridge razors — the former offers the closest shave. But that doesn’t mean it offers the easier shave; cartridge razors tend to flex and move better with the angles and contours of the head. “Cartridge razors are usually more for thin and medium-coarse hair texture,” says Gomez. “They’re not for everyone. They can cause ingrown hairs in thicker or curlier hair.”
And of the cartridge razor heads, those with two to four blades are best for most hair types, especially thin and medium, while five or six blades is often more necessary for thicker hair. Or, or better yet, swap it out for a safety razor and get comfortable navigating the head with the proper amount of pressure and angling. “Start slow, get familiar with the routine, and always use a shave lather and proper after-shave care,” says Cervantes of safety razor shaving.
Electric Razors
With the two types of electric razors — rotary and foil — there tends to be the same trade-off as with manual shavers. “Most electric head shavers tend to be rotary-style to make it easy to go any direction when shaving,” explains Cervantes, though both experts prefer the closer shave provided by a foil shaver. However, rotary shavers have real benefits. They’re more ergonomic — and, despite cutting less closely than foil shavers, they’re easier to use and better suited to coarse and curly hair since their round, paneled heads can absorb hairs from every angle.
Plus, there are many rotary head shavers designed specifically for the dome, with five panels that flex easily. Gomez cites rotary razors’ “smooth touch” as a chief benefit, too, along with the fact that many of them — especially the palm-held dedicated head shavers — also have a massaging effect as they trim.
Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO Head and Face Shaver
Skull Shaver popularized the bald head shaver and its Pitbull Gold PRO Head and Face Shaver remains the gold standard in the category. SPY has tested a number of products over the last several years and come back time and again to the Pitbull. It’s the most effective and easiest to use. Full stop.
It has a comfortable ergonomic grip and its shave heads flex as they move across the skin. SPY found that it’s very easy to hold for a close shave, and also that it lives up to its promise of a 90-minute run time per charge via USB. And there’s more. It’s waterproof, so it works in both wet and dry circumstances; SPY tested it in the shower, as well, to excellent results. Also, as it shaves, it collects hair in its interior for ultra-easy disposal and a mess-free experience.
Put simply, the Skull Shaver is best-in-class. It’s effective, easy to use, and the right value for the price.
Gilette Mach 3-Cartridge Razoer
While Gomez and Cervantes both prefer a safety razor finish in terms of the closest shave, they admit that a degree of difficulty comes with that process — hence why Gomez cited Gillette’s three-blade cartridges as the best option for the majority of at-home head shavers (especially for people who want to top-up the shave every couple days). Hey, this is perhaps the brand’s most classic razor at the moment, and for good reason.
“It is cost-efficient, you can maneuver it at any angle — including blind spots — and it gives you a baby-smooth head,” explains Gomez. Add to that the fact that sometimes less is more, including the number of blades used on the head. (Aside from safety razors, both barbers prefer cartridge heads with 2-4 blades instead of 5-6 blades.)
Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Foil Shaver
This top-tier device is 100% waterproof, it lasts an hour on a full charge (and five minutes on a quick charge), it has a precision lock to hold its otherwise flexible head steady, and it can cut hairs below 0.05 mm while maintaining a safe distance, thanks to a protective skin guard. (It can also cut a seven-day stubble.)
For anyone who wants to combine their face- and head-shaving devices, Cervantes says to look no further than this model. “This device is so easy on the skin and requires few passes to get everything smooth,” he says. He loves its self-cleaning station, too.
Testing Notes: SPY tested this product on both the head and the face and found that it imparts a “flawless” shave every time. It also lasted well over its promised 60 minutes with a full charge. Although it was a bit loud, it produced the smoothest results of any bald head shaver on the list.
HeadBlade Moto Head Shaving Razor
HeadBlade is the name to trust in all aspects of head shaving, from matte moisturizer and SPF to shave cream — and it’s all built on the shoulders of this high-quality, low-cost tool. This finger-grip, dual-axis razor moves on a rollerball with the curves of the head, and fits the brand’s own four- and six-blade cartridges.
Testing Notes: SPY noted that, while it takes a few attempts to get accustomed to the Headblade, with a little practice, it felt as easy to use as an electric shaver. (It even worked in the shower without shaving cream — a feat in itself.)
Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver
Not only is this device extremely ergo-friendly, but it also catches the majority of hair clippings and is easy to rinse out after each use. Its waterproof, five-paneled razor hugs the head as it shaves every which way, and runs for 50 minutes on a full charge. Its five panels catch hair from every direction, too, so it guarantees a clean pass from the jump — even if rotary shavers aren’t quite as close as foil razors and manual options.
Testing Notes: SPY found that this device is the fastest of the bunch on this list, effective at keeping daily stubble at bay.
Bevel Double-Edged Safety Razor
No hair is too thick or coarse for Bevel’s device, and with both barbers suggesting that a safety razor provides the closest shave of all options on this roster, well, it’s worth the learning curve if one wants the smoothest dome possible.
A no-slip brass handle and perfect 4-ounce weight gives this double-edge razor the heft it needs to mow through all types of hair. It ships with 10 blades, too, and comes in both chrome and black. (Come on, get the black!)
Testing Notes: Though using a safety razor to shave a head wouldn’t be everyone’s first choice, SPY noted that the Bevel is up to the task — no resistance and no burn in sight.
Andis Pro Foil Shaver
Both barbers love this shaver as a terrific and quick cleaner-upper. “It’s cost efficient and they last longer than most foil shavers, and give you the perfect smooth touch you need, especially on the go,” says Gomez.
With a two-hour runtime on just one hour of charging, this shaver is convenient in every sense, plus has a travel lock and weighs only 9.6 ounces for lightweight toting in any travel dopp kit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bald Head Shavers
How do you shave curly head hair?
Shaving curly head hair is a bit more complex than other hair patterns, says Gomez. “If you have really curly hair, you want to make sure you can feel the pattern of your hair as it is growing out, so you can cut it accordingly,” she says. This means switching the angle of the blade so that it cuts the hair with the grain/direction of growth, as opposed to against the grain/growth angles. “That way there are no ingrown hairs, bumps, nicks, or infections,” she says
What type of razor offers the closest shave for bald heads?
Safety razors are the best option for anyone who wants the closest possible shave, and not just on the head. “A safety razor will give little-to-no razor irritation if using proper shave lather and after care products,” says Cervantes. “If your skin is too sensitive, switch to an electric shaver.”
Why are rotary razors better for shaving heads?
Most designated electric head shavers tend to be rotary style razors, with circular panels feeding hairs into the blades, (as opposed to foil razors, with horizontal bars which feed the blades). “Rotary razors cut in a circular motion, which is better for different types of hair textures and patterns,” says Gomez. “It helps you keep from getting ingrown hairs.” Rotary shavers don’t get quite as close as foil shavers (and neither is quite as close as manual razors), but their ergonomic and multi-directional razor panels makes head shaving easier for more people
