This is our fifth year testing electric head shavers. Because we know men use many kinds of clippers and shavers to maintain their hair, we spent more than 90 hours evaluating clippers, head shavers, multi-grooming tools, and other shavers with a group of volunteers. Based on our results, we selected the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold as the Best Electric Head Shaver.
The 5 Best Electric Head Shavers
Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold
After two and a half hours on its charger, this head shaver provides 90 minutes of cordless shaving time, and it has worldwide voltage adaptation. An LED display tells you how much battery life remains, but there’s no need to worry if the battery runs out – outside the shower, of course, you can shave as the Pitbull Gold charges. You can use this shaver wet or dry and operate it in any direction.
To give you a wide range of motion, it has five flexing shaver heads with rotary cutters, and you can grip it in several ways. This helps you shave faster and smoother, without the risk of nicks, cuts, or burns. The blades self-clean as they run, and you can also rinse them in water. For the best result, rinse them frequently.
For a wet shave, you should use shaving foam, but shaving gel is not recommended. This shaver comes with an 18-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It doesn’t include a rinse stand or travel case, but you can purchase these accessories separately.
PROS
- Shaped to fit the contours of your head
- Water-resistant for use in the shower
- Easy to clean and maintain
CONS
- Accessories not included
- Replacement blades can be pricey
- No user guide available online
Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver
All three Pitbull models share the same patented design, and their blades are interchangeable. It takes an hour for the Pitbull Silver to reach a full charge, and that provides just 30 minutes of cordless shave time. Still, you can use this shaver as it charges. Unplugged, it is safe to use in the shower, but it can’t be completely submerged.
No matter if you’re focusing on your head, face or neck, you can use any shaving motion that’s comfortable – the shaver is designed to be an extension of your hand, so you can easily work around contours and feel for missed spots. It’s also easy to clean. If you buy the Pitbull Silver in a kit, it comes with a rinse stand and travel case.
However, you can also purchase the shaver separately from its accessories. Its warranty only lasts one year, but Skull Shaver has a 30-day money-back guarantee. While this isn’t the cheapest head shaver we tested, its solid performance and price make it the best value.
PROS
- Most affordable product in its series
- Designed for the head, face, and neck
- Can be used with its cord as it charges
CONS
- Battery life is only 30 minutes
- Can get clogged if you use it with shaving gel
- Is only warrantied for a year
Remington XR1410 Verso Wet & Dry Men’s Shaver & Trimmer Grooming Kit
The HyperFlex Verso provides a clean shave like a razor. It shaves wet or dry, works well with both shaving foam and gel, and is waterproof for use in the shower. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, and its side grips are textured to prevent slipping. You get 45 minutes of use on a full charge, but it takes the battery up to four hours to recharge.
With worldwide voltage adaptation, it is excellent for international travel. The shaver and its accessories fit nicely in the included convenient, durable case. The HyperFlex Verso’s blades can be rinsed in running water as you use the shaver, but it also requires weekly cleaning and oiling, along with extra lubrication every six months. Its pivoting stainless steel shaving head lasts up to 18 months before you need to replace it, and the shaver is warrantied for two years. Remington keeps its parts and accessories in stock and provides excellent customer service.
PROS
- Provides a clean, smooth shave
- Meets multiple grooming needs
- Is 100-percent waterproof
CONS
- Is not marketed as a head shaver
- Takes up to four hours to recharge
- Requires weekly oiling and biannual maintenance
Wahl Bump Free
The Bump Free’s name comes from Wahl’s claim that it glides over your scalp without bumping on your head’s contours, which gives you smoother, more comfortable results. This shaver isn’t waterproof, so you can’t use it in the shower. The Wahl Bump Free has a built-in pop-up trimmer, and it’s suitable for multiple skins and hair types.
It comes in a zippered storage pouch, along with a foil guard, beard brush, and charger. Unlike the best electric head shavers, the Bump Free doesn’t have a battery life indicator. A full charge takes six to eight hours and gives you up to 60 minutes of shaving time. Wahl warranties the Bump Free for three years. Its replacement foils are affordable and should be changed every six to 12 months.
PROS
- Replacement foils are affordable
CONS
- Can’t be used in the shower
Panasonic ARC4 Electric Shaver
This shaver has an easy-to-grip, ergonomic design. It’s also waterproof for cordless use in the shower, and it works well with both shaving foam and gel. The Arc4 gives you up to 45 minutes of use on a one-hour charge – that’s the equivalent of 14 three-minute shaves. If you have sensitive skin, it may take a few weeks for it to adjust to the Arc4. This shaver’s LCD display has a 10-stage battery status indicator and a cleaning reminder.
For daily cleaning, you just wipe it down with a damp cloth or rinse it under running water. For deep cleaning, it has a sonic vibration mode. The shaver comes with a charging cord, blade guard, and zippered storage case. It has worldwide voltage adaptation for international travel.
PROS
- Has a sonic self-cleaning mode
CONS
- It May take several weeks for your skin to adjust to it
Why Trust Us
Now in our fifth year of testing head shavers and clippers, we’ve reviewed dozens of products and welcomed many volunteers who maintain bald hairstyles into our lab. In that time, we’ve also spoken with manufacturers and become well-educated on their product recommendations. In addition, we’ve reached conclusions of our own, with the understanding that many consumers use face and neck shavers “off label” to shave their heads.
“Shavers designed for the face and neck are not recommended for the head because you have more risk of nicking your skin and compromising your product,” said Ann Stormer, a Remington customer service specialist. “Regular shavers aren’t meant for the head because there’s not a lot of padding between the skin and the bone. This is nice to know so you can make a better-educated decision.”
Through our experience and research, we’ve learned that most consumers making this decision are men, and most of them, in the words of a product tester, “just Bic it” to get a clean shave. Others use hair clippers without blade guard combs if they just want an ultra-close cut.
With these considerations in mind, we evaluated hair clippers, shavers intended for use on the head, and traditional face and neck shaves. All the products in our review are electric, but we were intrigued with one non-electric blade – the HeadBlade MOTO Head Shaver is a popular, affordable head shaver that gets excellent consumer reviews.
How We Tested
First, we conducted extensive research online in search of the best products. As we compiled our list, we spoke with manufacturers of the face and neck shavers, head shavers, hair clippers, and multi-grooming tools to learn about the differences between them. Based on manufacturers’ recommendations, we decided to be purists, testing only devices intended and marketed specifically for use on the head.
Next, we acquired 10 highly recommended products – five head shavers and five hair clippers – and started our lab-testing process. As we invited volunteers to test the clippers, we quickly realized they were not meeting the needs of the men who wanted smooth heads.
“I’ve been shaving my head with a Mach 3 and shaving cream for 15 years,” said one tester. “I like it clean, and the clippers aren’t cutting it.”
With multiple testers expressing this sentiment, we asked for professional advice.
“A shaver is a finishing tool,” a Wahl representative told us. “Some gentlemen may need to use a clipper first to maintain a bald look. If the hair is too long when you start with a shaver, it won’t feed through the blades.”
After we did some more research, we replaced three of the clippers we’d been testing with a white label head shaver, a multi-grooming tool, and a face and neck shaver. Abandoning our purist perspective to accommodate the products men really use, we asked our original volunteers to try the new products we acquired. We also invited new testers to join our panel. With eight shavers and two clippers in tow over two weeks of testing, they shaved their heads for more than five hours.
Based on our testers’ feedback, product specifications, consumer reviews, and customer service interactions, we ranked these products based on price, performance, design, features and accessories, warranty, and support.
How to Choose an Electric Head Shaver
You want to choose a shaving device that works well with your hair and skin type. If you’re considering a face or neck shaver instead of a head shaver, look for a device with personal settings because the head is more sensitive than the face. When you choose a head shaver, such as a model from the Skull Shaver line, sensitivity shouldn’t be such an issue.
Avoiding Irritation
If you want a foil shaver like the Wahl Bump Free Shaver, one way to address sensitivity is to choose wider cutters or foils that have a protective coating. If you prefer rotary shavers like the Hyperflex Verso 3, you can optimize performance by changing the shaving heads regularly and buying upgraded replacements. This is because blades wear more quickly and dull more quickly when you use them on hair versus whiskers.
Evaluating Performance
The best head shavers have an ergonomic design and are comfortable to hold. They allow you to maneuver easily around the contours of your head, and they are easy to clean and maintain. Pivoting shaving heads are often most desirable, as are flexible blades. You also want to consider battery life and recharging time. If you like to shave in the shower, make sure you choose a product that’s waterproof.
Setting a Budget
We tested electric head shavers with MSRPs ranging from about $40 to nearly $250. You can find shavers with price tags topping $300, but most people spend less than $100. More expensive shavers generally have enhanced features such as digital displays, upgraded blades, and cleaning stations.
While head shavers require an upfront investment, that’s not your only expense. “When you’re considering a shaver, it’s important to think about its overall life and cost,” said Ann Stormer with Remington. “It’s important to get the right product to get the best wear.”
When you consider that disposable manual razors can cost just a dollar apiece, paying for an electric shaver like the Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum might seem outrageous. Keep in mind, however, that the comfort and convenience of electric head shavers can add value that outweighs their higher prices.
Summary
Choosing the right head shaver can help you feel more confident in your bald hairstyle. Getting a fast, smooth shave without the risk of bumps, nicks, and cuts can give you a boost when you look in the mirror.