In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what I consider to be the best electric head shavers you can buy right now.
I’ve owned and used most of these shavers for years, and I’ll break down their pros and cons from a user’s perspective.
I’m confident that after reading this guide, you’ll be able to choose the head shaver that best suits your needs and budget.
So let’s first see why an electric head shaver would probably be the best option for most men.
If you want to skip ahead to my list of recommended head shavers for 2026, here it is:
Electric head shavers vs razor blades
Rocking a bald head comes with a few side benefits: no more bad hair days or the need for styling products.
Also, no more barber appointments and money spent on haircuts, as you can easily take care of it yourself.
But you will need a proper tool for that.
Even though there are some very capable blade razors out there (like the ones from HeadBlade), we’re going to focus just on electric head shavers.
Some may disagree, but I consider them to be safer, more comfortable, and more practical, even though a blade will probably get you the closest possible shave.
That said, a suitable head shaver can still cut the hair very close, and the results will satisfy most users.
One of the main advantages of using an electric razor vs a blade to shave your head is the ease of use.
This is particularly important for beginners who are just getting started with head shaving, but also for seasoned users.
An electric shaver is far more forgiving, the learning curve is less steep, and most men find the process more enjoyable and time-efficient.
Then there’s the money issue.
While an electric head shaver means a bigger investment upfront, the cost of ownership is usually lower compared to using cartridge razors like the Mach 3 or 5.
The costs of cartridge refills add up very quickly over the course of one year.
Granted, an electric head shaver will eventually need new blades/heads, but only once a year (depending on the shaver and frequency of use).
There are a few options available when it comes to the type of shavers for your head, so let’s quickly check them out.
Choosing the right head shaver
When it comes to grooming tools, we should always choose based on what we need and how a certain product can help us achieve that.
There’s no such thing as the best head shaver, but one that suits you and comes with the fewest shortcomings.
A shaver that works great for someone else may not necessarily be ideal for your needs.
Here’s how we can group the various types of electric head shavers into two broad categories.
Electric shavers for the face (and head)
This category includes regular electric shavers (foil and rotary) that are normally used for shaving facial hair.
However, almost any electric shaver will also work as a head shaver if the hair is reasonably short.
As a general rule, all electric shavers, foil or rotary, will work best when used on short hair.
So we are not talking about clippers, trimmers, or any devices with exposed shearing blades.
The main advantage of foil and rotary shavers is that they cut the hair very close to the skin.
The mid to high-end models are fitted with high-quality blades and powerful motors, so the performance is excellent.
And since these razors can deal with coarse facial hair, they’ll have no trouble with the soft and thin hair on the head.
So if you want that shiny bald head look, they can deliver precisely that.
Again, the key here is to use them often, ideally every day (or every two to three days at most).
If the hair is too long, an electric razor will snag and yank the hairs and will miss some of them.
The shave will also take longer than it normally would.
In my opinion, the hair length should be less than 1.5mm in order to get a satisfactory, quick, and enjoyable head shave.
Some electric shavers come with special attachments that allow you to pre-trim the hair, but most of them won’t have these accessories.
You can of course use a regular hair clipper beforehand to reduce the hair to a more manageable length.
Another advantage is that you can also use these shavers on your face.
Philips even explicitly markets their latest flagship, the i9000 Prestige Ultra, as suitable for both face and head shaving.
So there’s no need to have two separate machines, one for the face and one for the head.
Let’s now check out the cons because there are a couple.
The main drawback stems from the very fact that these razors were not designed for shaving the head.
The surface of your head is a large, bony, spherical area; in contrast, your face has (almost) flat surfaces — like your cheeks and neck.
For that reason, you may need more passes to get that clean head shave.
A rotary razor may have an advantage here vs a less advanced foil shaver.
Most rotaries have 3 heads that flex independently or semi-independently and can adapt to the dome-like shape of the head.
Some foil shavers are also quite good at this, as you’ll see later.
The second issue with using a regular shaver is that you have to reach behind your head in a pretty awkward position.
The culprit is the conventional grip, which makes holding the shaver more difficult, especially when tackling the back of your head.
Again, these are shavers designed to be used primarily on the face.
With practice, you can sort of get around this. And some of them, like the compact Panasonic Arc 5 Palm, have better ergonomics.
But shaving your head with a regular electric razor will generally require more work vs using a head shaver designed specifically with that in mind.
And that leads us to the next category.
Dedicated head shavers and trimmers
A proper electric head shaver needs to cut the hair at skin level and conform to the spherical shape of the head.
At the same time, it must be designed in a manner that allows you to hold it comfortably while reaching behind your head.
In recent years, we’ve seen quite a few of these electric razors that make it easy to shave your entire head yourself.
These are usually rotary shavers with 3 to 5 or even 6 shaving heads.
But unlike the conventional rotaries, the way you hold them in your hand makes them ideal for shaving the head.
The ergonomics are much better with this type of shaver.
A rotary is also able to provide close shaves when used on the head (not quite as close as a blade, but definitely close enough).
You can shave your face as well, even though they won’t be as good as let’s say, a top-of-the-line electric razor from Philips (Norelco), Braun or Panasonic.
So this would be the main type of electric shaver specifically designed for the head.
The other approach is to use shearing blades (instead of rotary or foil cutters), just like the ones on regular hair clippers and beard trimmers.
But unlike a standard clipper, the body of these trimmers makes them suitable for cutting the hair on your head yourself.
The main advantage of a trimmer over any rotary or foil head shaver is that it can handle much longer hair thanks to the shearing blades.
So you’re not constrained to use it often in order to be effective.
As for downsides, these trimmers don’t shave quite as close but are still reasonably good. After all, they’re clippers/trimmers, not shavers.
But depending on what you’re looking for, they can be a great alternative.
For example, if you want that very short buzz-cut look, and not necessarily a completely smooth, bald head, such a product would be ideal.
Jason Statham often rocks this look, and I personally think it looks great.
This type of trimmer is also a good choice for men who are still a bit hesitant about a completely smooth, shiny head.
Think of it like a gateway to a completely bald head look.
What to consider
Here are the things I looked for while testing and making my picks.
Performance
Most men looking to buy an electric head shaver will mainly care about how close it shaves.
Granted, there will be exceptions, as some users might be interested for example in how fast it can get the job done.
As you’ll see, there are some really capable and interesting machines that have their specific pros.
Comfort, on the other hand, is critical, and a suitable shaver should not cause irritation even when used daily.
Ergonomics
This is a particularly important and overlooked aspect when choosing a head shaver.
It should be easy to grip and to use, allowing you to tackle the back of your head efficiently and without straining your wrist.
Durability
A good shaver should still work just fine after years of constant use.
Reliability can however only be assessed after a long period of time.
Fortunately, I had the chance of using many of these shavers for years before drawing any conclusions.
Cost of ownership
Replacement heads should be reasonably priced and easy to source.
Also, you shouldn’t need to change them too often.
This is one of the reasons I didn’t include some of the new, lesser-known brands that seem like a great deal at first.
Easy maintenance
Cleaning (and lubricating) an electric head shaver should be very straightforward.
All of my picks are waterproof and you can simply rinse them under the tap, making cleaning a breeze.
The 7 best electric head shavers for men in 2026
1. Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000
Also available at Philips.com
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Close shaves
- Powerful
- Ergonomic body, easy to use
- Good value for money
Cons
- Larger and heavier than similar shavers
- No USB-C port
The newly released Head Shaver Pro from Philips (Norelco) is now my top pick for 2026.
Considering its performance, price, and Philips’ proven reliability, I think it will be the best option for most men.
It took Philips surprisingly long to come up with a dedicated head shaver, given the demand for such a product and their expertise with rotaries.
But last year it finally happened, and I think they have a winner, even though there are also a couple of quirks, which I’ll get to as well.
There are three options to choose from in the Head Shaver Pro family:
- the 5000 Series (entry-level)
- the 7000 Series (mid-range)
- the 9000 Series (top model)
Here are the main differences between them:
| Model | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
Series 5000 (HS5980/40) | 60 min battery, basic LED indicator, soft pouch, cleaning brush | Amazon |
Series 7000 (HS7980/40) | 90 min battery, basic LED indicator, rinse tub, travel case (hard), cleaning brush | Amazon |
Series 9000 (HS9980/40) | 90 min battery, 3-level LED indicator, rinse tub, premium travel case (hard), extra set of replacement heads, mirror, cleaning brush | Amazon |
It’s important to note that the shaving performance (closeness, speed, and comfort) is identical for all three.
The motor, shaving head, and ergonomics are exactly the same.
That said, I think most users should opt for (at least) the 7000 Series.
It comes with a significant battery upgrade (90 vs 60 minutes), a somewhat practical rinse tub, and a much better storage/travel case than the 5000 Series.
And all that for only a minor price increase.
As a side note, if you have the budget for it, the 9000 Series is the most compelling package as it includes an extra set of replacement heads and it’s fitted with a more useful 3-level battery indicator.
The nicer travel case and a handheld mirror are just nice extras.
I went for the 9000 Series as, in my opinion, the extra cost is worth it.
The replacement heads alone pretty much cover the price difference from a 7000, and you will eventually need to buy them anyway.
Let’s take a closer look at the Philips Head Shaver Pro and see why it’s arguably the safest buy for most users.
It has 4 rotary cutters mounted on semi-independent holders, and each cutter is suspended on tiny springs, which, in my experience, makes a big difference in the real world.
The shave is smoother and gentler, and it helps keep the heads in contact with the scalp.
All Head Shaver Pro models are fitted with strong motors and the noise is noticeably louder than other Philips 3-blade rotaries.
The motor has plenty of torque and it’s able to sustain it even when cutting thicker, dense hair.
So how does it shave?
In short, excellent.
It’s a super smooth, forgiving head shaver that cuts the hair very close and without causing irritation.
I can get away with pressing harder without any significant discomfort, even when shaving the back of my neck.
The shape of the body allows you to hold it in a comfortable manner, but at 215g, it is one of the heavier rotary head shavers out there.
Also, unlike the Skull Shaver Pitbull, it doesn’t have those cutouts in the body, so if you have thicker fingers, they will be somewhat cramped if you’re using this palm grip:
But other than that, it was one of the best experiences I had with a head shaver of this type.
The closeness and smoothness of the shave were impressive, I’d say even slightly better than the Skull Shaver Pitbull.
The latter is however ahead in terms of ergonomics and ease of use.
But as an overall package, Philips is in my opinion the head shaver to beat, especially if we factor in reliability as well.
Users who have had reliability issues in the past with Skull Shaver, but otherwise liked the product, should definitely check it out.
The Head Shaver Pro hasn’t been on the market long enough to draw a definitive conclusion, but my experience with Philips shavers has been rock solid.
The Head Shaver Pro uses the Philips HS740 replacement heads.
These are essentially SH30 heads that come in a four-pack since the Head Shaver Pro uses four.
As such, we already know that these are comfortable, durable heads that also last a long time.
Philips mentions replacing them every 6 months, which is very odd since their rotary blades last around 2 years.
My guess is that it has to do with a different testing methodology in the case of the head shavers because the blades are essentially the same.
I have to give Philips props for using removable guard & cutter pairs instead of a single-piece unit (like Remington and Skull Shaver).
This makes the heads easier to clean and the price should be lower as well since you’re only buying the heads without the plastic unit that holds them.
Speaking of cleaning, the shaver is waterproof, so you can easily rinse it clean after each use.
With the 7000 or 9000 Series, you can take advantage of the rinse container as well.
If you remove the heads for a more thorough cleaning, make sure you don’t intermix them, as they are matching pairs, and the cutting performance can take a hit.
For more info, including a detailed model comparison, you can check out my full review of the Philips head shaver.
2. Remington Balder Pro (XR7000)
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Close shaves
- Integrated hair trimmer
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Large 5-blade shaving head
- Not ideal as a face shaver
- Lengthy charging time
- Battery life is just ok
Side note: The European version of the Remington Balder Pro is called the RX5 XR1501/XR1500 and it’s available on Amazon.co.uk, Boots or shavers.co.uk.
The Remington Balder Pro used to be my default recommendation, and that only changed with the release of the Philips Head Shaver Pro.
It follows the same philosophy, with a large shaving unit and an ergonomic body, and the overall experience and performance are similar.
However, the Philips is objectively better: more comfortable, better build quality, and much better battery life.
That said, the Balder Pro still remains a compelling alternative because of its price.
It generally costs quite a bit less than the 5000 Series, the entry-level model in Philips’ lineup.
The Balder Pro has an even larger 5-blade shaving unit that can conform to the shape of the skull.
Remington says it will shave as close as 0.2mm, which is respectable and in line with most rotary shavers out there.
I find the closeness really good, very similar to the Philips and the Pitbull Gold Pro.
The Balder Pro however has one extra cutter for a total of five — a bit excessive in my opinion, as it makes the shaving unit somewhat bulky.
The rotary cutters flex inward, which will help keep them flat against the scalp.
The metal guards are not however mounted on springs like in the case of the Philips head shaver and Skull Shaver Pitbull.
An unusual feature for this type of head shaver is the integrated pop-up trimmer.
It can be useful for some light grooming and detail work (edging/shaping sideburns or your beard line).
It’s not the best, though, and the spring that keeps it upright is very weak, so you will need to compensate for that by holding it at an awkward angle.
The Balder Pro is a wet/dry head shaver, so you can use it dry or with shaving cream.
It’s pretty lightweight, and the rubberized sides provide plenty of grip.
Unfortunately, you can’t use a palm grip like you can with the Philips Head Shaver Pro and the Pitbull.
There’s just not enough space between the shaving unit and the main body:
Once you’ve finished shaving, you can simply rinse the razor head with tap water.
Unlike the Philips Head Shaver Pro, you cannot remove the individual cutters for a more thorough cleaning.
But if you clean your Balder Pro (with water) after every use, dirt buildups shouldn’t occur.
It’s a cordless-only shaver, and the rechargeable battery can provide up to 50 minutes of use.
In real-world use, it’s more like a 40-minute cordless shaver, which is a lot less compared to the competition.
Moreover, it takes around 4 hours to charge it completely.
The Balder Pro shaves close and if you don’t use excessive pressure, it’s comfortable and enjoyable as well.
The Philips head shaver does feel slightly more powerful and it is more forgiving and I’d say more pleasant.
The same can be said about the Pitbull Gold Pro as well, but again, the differences are rather subtle than obvious.
The replacement shaving head for the Balder Pro has the part number SPR-XR7000 (aka RP00656) and you can buy it from Remington’s website or Amazon.
In conclusion, the Balder Pro is a reliable, effective and fairly priced head shaver that will be a safe buy for most users.
If your budget is limited, this is the one to buy.
For more details, you can also check out my review of the Balder Pro.
3. Remington Balder Boss (XR7120)
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Close shaves
- Integrated hair trimmer
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful motor
- Good battery life
Cons
- Large 5-blade shaving head
- Not ideal as a face shaver
- More expensive than the Balder Pro
Side note: The European model is the Remington RX7 (XR1600).
The Remington Balder Boss is a more refined and more powerful version of the Remington Balder Pro above.
Initially only available in Europe under the RX7 model name, it was eventually released in the USA as well.
However, most users should probably still get the Balder Pro without worrying that they’re missing out.
As you’ll see, the Balder Boss is extremely similar to the Balder Pro for the things that actually matter, so I would mainly consider it when it’s on sale.
I own the European RX7 variation, but except for the color, it’s the same as the Balder Boss sold in North America.
Compared to the Balder Pro, the design is more refined, it looks and feels more expensive (and it is), but it’s essentially the same 5-blade head shaver.
The battery life of the Balder Boss/RX7 is slightly better at 60 minutes vs 50 for the Pro and charges in half the time (~2 hours).
It’s also cordless only (doesn’t work while charging) and suitable for wet/dry shaving.
According to Remington, the shaving heads can flex up to 30% more compared to the Balder Pro and I can confirm that they do have a greater range of motion.
However, it didn’t seem to improve the shave in a noticeable way.
In fact, I’d say the Balder Pro was slightly more comfortable and forgiving when shaving the back of my neck.
But the real upgrade in the case of the Remington Balder Boss vs the Balder Pro is the Turbo mode.
Pressing the Turbo button will increase the motor’s speed and this will help you get a slightly faster shave.
In Turbo mode, the motor feels more in line with the units fitted to the Philips Head Shaver Pro.
I did not however find the shave to be closer compared to the Balder Pro when using the Turbo mode on my Balder Boss. It was absolutely identical.
You still can’t use a palm grip, so you would only hold it like this:
So in conclusion, the Balder Boss does feel like a small upgrade, but I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily worth the extra money over the Pro.
If you can get it for only slightly more, then sure, buy the Balder Boss/RX7.
Otherwise, the Balder Pro is still the better value pick and I would rather buy the Philips Head Shaver Pro over the Balder Boss.
4. Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO GX5
Also available at Skull Shaver, Walmart.
Pros
- Very comfortable and powerful
- Close shaves
- Excellent battery life
- Easy to use and clean
- Cordless and corded operation
Cons
- Pricey
- Not ideal as a face shaver
- Questionable customer support from Skull Shaver
Skull Shaver is arguably the most popular brand of electric razors specifically designed for shaving the head.
However, the opinions regarding their products have always been polarizing, to say the least.
The customer support also doesn’t seem to be the best.
Their older products, like the Bald Eagle Pro, while excellent performers, had some reliability issues.
These ranged from battery problems to the shavers refusing to turn on after a few months of use.
It’s the sole reason why I hesitated to include Skull Shaver in this roundup.
However, the fifth generation of their electric head shavers introduced a few years ago seems to have been improved.
The top-of-the-line models are still sold under the Pitbull name and are available in four variations: Silver PRO, Gold PRO, Platinum PRO and Diamond PRO.
Last year, three of them received a minor revision in the form of a slightly more powerful motor + a hard travel case.
You can tell them apart from the previous ones as they use the *X5 suffix appended to the model name: Silver PRO SX5, Gold PRO GX5, and Platinum PRO PX5.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Model | Motor | Battery | Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver PRO SX5 | Less powerful | 70 min | Travel case, brush, USB cable, charger |
| Gold PRO GX5 | Powerful | 90 min | Travel case, brush, USB cable, charger |
| Platinum PRO PX5 | Powerful | 90 min | Rinse stand, deluxe hard travel case, brush, USB cable, charger |
| Diamond PRO | Powerful (brushless) | 100 min | 3-blade head, hard travel case, rinse stand, beard trimmer, USB cable, charger |
| Diamond Jet | Powerful (Turbo mode) | 120 min | 3-blade head, baby Beast Trimmer with 2 blades, rinse stand, USB cable, charger, oil, brush, comb, platinum hard travel case |
The Silver Pro is fitted with a less powerful motor, so the performance won’t be quite as good as in the case of the others.
Another important difference is related to the battery size.
The Silver PRO model has a runtime of 70 minutes, while the other come with a solid 90 to 120 minutes of cordless operation.
The latest Diamond PRO and Diamond Jet have a metal body (the others are plastic) and come with a quieter motor and more accessories.
There’s a generous 5-year warranty, but (oddly) only for the former.
The Platinum PRO and Diamond Jet get 2 years of warranty, while the Gold and Silver PRO only 1.
Considering the price, performance and features, I think the Pitbull Gold PRO GX5 is by far the pick of the range.
So what makes the Pitbull Gold PRO a good choice for shaving your head?
First of all, the head holders can flex and remain constantly in contact with the scalp.
The metal guards are also suspended on tiny springs (like the Philips Head Shaver Pro), further improving the effectiveness:
The two Remington shavers above don’t have this additional flexing capability, which makes the Pitbull feel smoother.
The head unit has 4 rotary cutters, which is arguably the sweet spot for effectiveness and good ergonomics.
With the blades rotating behind a metal comb, the Pitbull is comfortable and can still cut the hair close to the skin.
Again, it won’t be quite as close as a razor blade, but it is remarkably good and able to provide a smooth shave.
But the highlight is the unique handle that allows you to hold it between your fingers with the palm facing your head.
This is ideal and will make shaving your head a lot easier.
Using overlapping circular motions, it will give you a close, comfortable and fast shave.
In this regard, the Pitbull has better ergonomics compared to the Remington and Philips head shavers, which don’t feature these cutouts to accommodate your fingers.
The Pitbull line comes with redesigned blades made of Japanese steel that are supposed to last longer and cut the hair more efficiently.
You should also experience less irritation and razor burn, even if you have a sensitive scalp.
I can vouch for that as I tend to get a lot of irritation and redness on the back of my neck. Fortunately, there was no discomfort when using the Pitbull.
In my experience, the Pitbull Gold Pro delivered nearly identical closeness, comfort, and efficiency to the Philips Head Shaver Pro.
I do slightly prefer the ergonomics of the Pitbull, though.
It is lighter, more compact, and there’s more room for my fingers between the head unit and the shaver’s body.
You can shave daily or every two to three days, depending on how fast your hair grows back.
The Pitbull Gold PRO is also waterproof (IPX5); you simply remove the head unit and rinse it with tap water.
You can shave your head dry or with shaving cream for added comfort and even better closeness.
Skull Shaver states that the Pitbull comes with USB charging, a feature I would like to see with more electric razors.
However, it doesn’t have an actual USB port but comes with a USB-A cable that plugs into the Pitbull’s two-prong charging port.
The rechargeable Li-Ion battery provides up to 90 minutes of cordless use, just like the Philips 7000 and 9000 head shavers.
On top of that, the Gold Pro will work with the cord plugged in as well.
You can use it to shave your face, but as mentioned previously, it won’t shave quite as close as a quality foil shaver like the Panasonic Arc 5.
Also, it won’t be as practical as a smaller 3-blade Philips rotary, but it’ll get the job done.
And while it was very smooth and comfortable when used as a head shaver, it did cause some irritation on my neck and below the nose.
This latest Pitbull line is among the most capable out there and one of the best picks for an electric head shaver in 2026, at least with regard to performance and ease of use.
According to some user reports, the reliability is still not the best. Also, the price of Skull Shaver products is higher than the rotaries at numbers 1 through 3.
Because of these reasons, it’s only my fourth option, even though the specs and performance are among the best.
If you have any experience with a Skull Shaver product or their customer support, please share it in the comments below.
For more info on the performance and some of the reliability issues, you can check out my in-depth review of the Pitbull Gold PRO.
5. Panasonic Palm ES-PV3A/ES-PV6A
Also available at Panasonic.com.
Pros
- Very close shaves
- Comfortable
- Great for the head & face
- Powerful
- Easy to clean
- Versatile: head, travel and main shaver
- USB-C charging
Cons
- Pricey
- No hair trimmer
- Noisy
The Panasonic Arc 5 Palm 5-blade razor is the newest and most interesting entry on this list.
Marketed by Panasonic as a travel (face) shaver, the Palm is essentially a compact Arc 5 fitted with the same motor and 5-blade head.
As a result, the shaving performance (and in particular the closeness) is outstanding.
However, because of its shape, size and overall great ergonomics, it can also work great as a head shaver.
In fact, I think Panasonic should absolutely market it explicitly as a head shaver as well.
Compact shavers usually come with some significant drawbacks and are only good enough for occasional use.
Not this one.
It’s packed with the fastest (and arguably the best) motor in the industry, the same 14 000 CPM linear drive unit found in Panasonic’s latest Arc 6.
The 5-blade shaving head and Li-ion battery are carried over from the full-size Arc 5 as well.
The result is one of the fastest, closest-shaving electric razors you can buy.
And because of its unique shape, you can hold it in a way that makes it so much easier to shave your head yourself.
Being a foil razor, it will of course work best on short hair, so you should shave daily and up to every 3 days at most for the best results.
The closeness and comfort are excellent, whether you use it on your face or head, wet or dry.
Even though the shaving head is fixed, the 5 cutters flex independently and are some of the best in the industry.
As a result, the Palm is one of the closest shaving head shavers out there, better than the Head Shaver Pro and Pitbull in that regard.
The foil is the latest of this type, so it’s gentler than the older variations and glides easily on the scalp thanks to the two comfort rollers.
Cleaning it is a breeze and it even features a special cleaning mode that makes the blades oscillate faster and dislodge stubborn dirt.
But my favorite feature has to be the USB-C charging port that makes it so much easier to charge, be it at home or when traveling.
The only difference between the various Palm variations is the color/finish, so the performance will be identical.
For me, there are only two major cons: the price and the lack of a hair trimmer.
But if you can get past those, the Panasonic Palm-sized (ES-PV3A, ES-PV6A) can truly be that one tool that does it all:
- head shaving
- face shaving (at home or on the go)
It’s a unique machine that combines the ergonomics of a compact head shaver with the no-compromise performance of a full-size Arc 5 face shaver.
For a very comprehensive analysis, you can check out my review of the Panasonic Palm.
6. Remington Shortcut Pro
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Pros
- Fast and quiet
- Comfortable
- Compact and easy to use
- Works great on any hair length
- Reasonably priced
- Multiple guards included
- Cordless and corded operation
Cons
- Not as close as a rotary head shaver
- Battery life could be better
Buying tip: If you live in Europe, you can get the newer Remington HC4300 Quickcut Pro. It comes with a slightly larger battery and a Turbo mode (like the Balder Boss).
Remington went for a rather unique approach with its Shortcut Pro clippers.
They call it a Self-Haircut Kit and that’s pretty much what it is.
What sets it apart from a regular hair clipper is the wide blade with its curved profile and, of course, the compact design.
This allows you to hold it in the palm of your hand and easily reach behind your head.
Compared to the Pitbull or any other dedicated head shaver, the Remington ShortCut Pro will work just fine on longer hair and it will also take you less time to shave your head.
The curved and extra-wide blade makes it easier to keep it flat on the scalp, and it can get remarkably close.
The blades are almost zero-gapped, so the closeness will be surprisingly good.
If you want to go for a buzz-cut look, the Shortcut Pro also comes with 9 different comb attachments (guards).
You can easily fit them over the blade and get the desired hair length.
The guards feel solid and snap very securely over the blade. You can also use the larger ones to debulk if the hair is too long.
The Shortcut Pro is ideal for cutting the hair on your head yourself, it’s easy to use, comfortable and very practical.
At 180 grams, it weighs 100 grams less than my Wahl Magic Clipper and as you can see in the image below, the blade is almost twice as wide.
It’s quiet during use and extremely comfortable to hold and maneuver, even when trimming the back of your head.
If you don’t shave your head often, you should consider the Remington ShortCut Pro as it can handle long hair with ease.
For most men, this clipper will likely be the best option if getting that really close, shiny bald head shave is not a must.
The closeness is again surprisingly good, but something like the Philips Head Shaver Pro or the Panasonic Palm will definitely shave closer.
The ShortCut Pro is waterproof and fully washable, so cleaning is super easy.
This is a big deal as hair clippers are a pain to clean if you can’t rinse them with water.
Remington also includes a bottle of oil to lubricate the blades.
The clipper is fitted with a Li-ion battery for up to 40 minutes of cordless operation.
Fortunately, it will also work with the cord plugged in, which is a major bonus (the included cord is also very long).
I even used this Remington as a body trimmer with the smaller guards — and it works incredibly well, especially on the legs as you can take advantage of the curved blade.
The price is pretty reasonable and overall it’s a very compelling, easy-to-use, and versatile product.
7. Braun Series 9 PRO/PRO+
Also available at Walmart, Braun.com.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Very close shaves
- Great for the head & face
- Powerful
- Practical cleaning station
Cons
- Pricey
- Not as nimble as a dedicated head shaver
Conventional electric razors can be a good option as well for shaving your head completely bald.
And in certain cases, they may actually be better than a dedicated head shaver.
If you already have a capable electric razor for your face, why not shave your head with it too?
If you manage to deal with shaving the back of your head, probably the trickiest area, or you have someone to help you out, then you may already have a winner.
Side note: a 360° self-cut mirror can be a game-changer when you shave your head.
Again, the only caveat is that you have to use it often to get the best results: a close, fast, comfortable shave.
Shaving daily (and up to every 2-3 days) would be ideal.
The Braun Series 9, Series 9 Pro, and Series 9 PRO+ are some of the best shavers out there that you can use on your head as well.
The differences between all these Series 9 variations are minor, so I recommend getting the one with the lowest price — whichever that might be.
The Series 9 (PRO/PRO+) is a highly capable foil razor that can deal with difficult facial hair (coarse, wiry, flat-lying) thanks to a very effective 4-blade head.
These cutting elements have a greater range of motion than pretty much any other foil shaver, ensuring excellent contact with the skin, even when shaving a spherical shape like the head.
Because of that, the Braun Series 9 will work better as a head shaver than pretty much any other regular/full-size electric foil shaver.
Any Series 9 variation is a good option and one of the most comfortable and forgiving shavers you can currently buy.
The closeness when shaving the scalp is excellent. Maybe not quite as close as in the case of the Panasonic Arc 5 Palm, but great nevertheless.
The latest Series 9 PRO+ 96xx comes with an improved foil head, but it is backward compatible with any older Series 9.
As of 2026, the older 94xx and 95xx models are generally the ones to buy as they’re readily available and the prices have dropped as well.
But again, any Series 9 will shave pretty much the same and it’s one of the best foil razors for the head and face.
It works great when used dry or with your favorite shaving cream.
Tip: You can buy a solo model (like the S9 PRO+ 9517s) without the cleaning station and save some money.
The shaver is easy to clean with water and (optionally) some liquid hand soap.
The cc models (like the 9567cc) include an automatic cleaning station that works really well and is very practical.
But it is not absolutely necessary, and it’s up to you if you want to spend more on one.
Finally, any electric shaver can work as a head shaver, but the Series 9 does have a slight advantage for the reasons outlined above.
How to use a head shaver effectively
Now that you’ve hopefully settled for a suitable head shaving tool, let’s see how you can put it to good use.
And while this won’t be an extensive how-to guide, I think you’ll still find it useful.
Here are a few easy-to-implement but effective tips for shaving your head.
1. Make sure the skin is dry.
If you’re shaving dry (so no shaving cream/gel), any moisture on the scalp will hurt the quality of the shave and will make the whole experience less enjoyable.
Regardless of the type of shaver you’re using, it will take you longer to complete your shave, and the result won’t be as smooth as it can be.
The shaver can stick to the skin, miss hairs, and cause you to go over an area multiple times.
That can cause irritation, especially on the back of your neck.
Clipped hairs and fine hair dust will also stick to the skin and get in your way.
Especially during hot summer days or if the humidity is high in your area, sweat will be the main culprit.
But it can be something else too.
For example, if you cleaned your shaver with water and didn’t allow it enough time to dry, that can have a similar effect.
So make sure your razor is completely dry before shaving.
I usually crank up the AC before using any shaver on my head or face as I do tend to sweat a lot.
I do not shave my entire head, but I’ve been cutting my hair myself for years and I use a shaver on the back and sides of my head for a high bald skin fade.
In my opinion, those are the most difficult areas to shave because the hair is thicker and denser and you also have to reach behind the head.
Most of the time I’m using the Pitbull or the Panasonic Palm as they cut really close to the skin (especially the Palm).
2. Have a proper mirror setup.
Using (at least) two mirrors is a game-changer and will make your head shaving sessions a lot more pleasant.
The setup can be as simple as having a second large mirror on your countertop, angled toward your main bathroom mirror.
This will allow you to see the back of your head in the main one.
However, this may not always be an option depending on how much space you have around your bathroom sink.
In my opinion the best solution is a so-called 360° mirror.
It’s comprised of three foldable mirrors that allow you to see the back of your head.
I find it extremely practical with the integrated LED lights and sturdy metal hooks, allowing you to hang it from any door.
When not in use, it folds into a compact piece that you can store anywhere.
In my opinion there are four things that matter when choosing such a mirror:
- LED lights (very useful)
- real glass mirrors (not plastic)
- thin metal telescopic hooks that you can slide under a door frame
- reasonable price
I honestly think a self-cut mirror is well worth the investment, and it’s a small thing that will make a big difference to your head shaving routine.
3. Trim the hair if it’s too long.
I know I’ve mentioned it several times already, but an electric (head) shaver will only work well on short hair.
Unless you’re using something that has shearing blades or a special attachment that can handle long hair, you will need to trim your hair down to a manageable length before shaving it.
You can use the cheapest hair clipper for that as it will work just fine.
From the products I recommended above, the Remington ShortCut Pro can deal with any hair length.
4. Don’t apply excessive pressure.
Certain shavers can inflict some razor burn and irritation and usually the most sensitive part is the back of the neck.
So it’s best to be gentle and let the shaver do the work.
Besides, the hair on your head is soft and thin, so there’s really no need to press hard.
Some shavers like the Braun Series 9 are very forgiving, and I can get away with being sloppy.
But others, like the Remington Balder Pro are not, and you can get razor burn or even folliculitis.
5. Always shave against the grain.
This is particularly important if you’re using a foil or rotary shaver to get that really close, bald head shave.
While you’d be using circular motions with a rotary and straight strokes with a foil shaver, make sure it’s always against the direction of hair growth and adjust accordingly.
You can use your free hand to feel any remaining rough patches and also assess the direction of hair growth.
Hair doesn’t always grow downward, so just using up and down strokes may not be enough for a very close shave.
6. Lubricate your shaver regularly.
Apart from cleaning it after every use, it’s important to lubricate the blades of your shaver.
This will not only prolong its lifespan and reduce blade wear, but it will make the shaver more comfortable as it won’t get hot.
You can use either clipper oil or a spray lubricant like the Andis CoolCare Plus.
They’re inexpensive, widely available and work great.
Lubricating your shaver once or twice a week should suffice.
Final word on choosing the right head shaver
Using an electric razor is a safe and practical way to shave your head.
When choosing one, I think the most important thing is to first settle on the type of shaver that makes the most sense in your case.
For example, you should ask yourself if:
- you’ll be using it regularly or less often
- a close shave is very important
- you’ll be shaving your face as well
Answering these questions should help you settle on the right type of razor.
Once you’ve done that, consider the main pros and cons of the shaver in relation to your needs.
For example, a Skull Shaver Pitbull is very easy to use and will give you that smooth, bald look, but it will only work if the hair is short.
If you only shave your head once a week but still want that very close shave, then using two separate products (like a hair clipper + a rotary or foil head shaver) is another viable solution.
This guide should be viewed as a starting point and a way to narrow down the options.
Some of them can be a bit expensive, but in the long run, the higher price of a more capable and comfortable shaver is well worth it.
If you have any other questions or you’d like to share your experience, please leave a comment below.
Great detailed shaver review. Thanks.
I didn’t even know a skull shaver existed.
I have ben shaving my head for over 25 years with short muscular arms. This pitbull is the coolest invention I have ever seen next to the mach 3 razor blades. Thanks for introducing it to me. I’m a avid Amazon shopper and never even knew it existed.
I’ve been shaving my head for about 25 years as well, but with long saggy arms. It still works : )
Which pit bull are you using, and is it still good for you?
I bought a Pitbull Silver pro in July 2021. It lasted about6 weeks before it went bonkers. It started and stopped on its own, and eventually ran itself down. It would not stay OFF when charged. Their customer service flat out sucks. I finally got them to replace it, but that razor had other problems. It stopped displaying the usage after a few weeks, so I had to guess on what the charge level was. It finally stopped working and charging after a few months. Complete POS!
I’ve had a similar experience with the pit bull but I feel like it lasted long enough to get past the warranty for me. Honestly will never waste money on their products again.
The Pitt Bull is terrible! Over breaks after s few months and is way over priced. The return process takes months with lots of red tape. DON’T BUY
I really like how the bald eagle smart operates but it just doesn’t cut close enough on my head for me. Guess I will keep looking.
Bald eagle great shaver but poor design. Had two both stop working after 3 shaves . Great idea but does not work WOULD NOT RECOMMEND
That’s quite unfortunate. The warranty should nevertheless cover it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have a recent model 2018 and found that it worked really well dry shaving until I tried using it with shaving cream; went fine first few times but eventually it sounded like the motor was dying – it even stopped completely with heads removed. Cleaned the heads with vinegar and boiled water, popped it back on to recharge a bit and now works like new again. Clearly its not cut out for use with shave products (even though they say foam is fine).
Same here. Not cleaning may cause jams and not working. Mine is clean but it has been inconsistently annoying. In the middle of shaving, it stalled many times. A $90 waste. Will NOT recommend.
I too had the skull shaver and like the 1000’s of reviews online, it stopped working and the customer service was rude to me. I am sorry to say that this type of experience still goes on today.
Hi Mike, thank you for your comment. Can you provide more details on your problem and what exactly was the position of the customer service regarding your request? I will update the post and try to provide a better alternative if this is still the case today with the Skull Shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Guys
I, too, had the same issue with Skull shaver. Worked great for a few weeks then suddenly was n’t – motor kicked in and out, motor working but not rotating heads etc – a mess really :(
I agree with the others. Skull Shaver gave me about 6 months and than Customer Service never called me back after 7 attempts to replace. I gave up on them…
I have had terrible experiences with the Skull Shaver dying as well. I purchased it in June 2016 and have been through four of them (just filled out a replacement form an hour ago for the fourth). They are that good, otherwise I wouldn’t deal with the hassle.
***Unlike other reviews, customer service has been amazing for me and they just ask to verify the purchase and instantly send me another one, often upgraded or with an apologetic case/stand/blades along with it***
This review will be updated pending the newest replacement I just did. I would say be professional, provide them information, save it for the next time, and give it a try. Just make sure you order from one of their licensed retailers. It is a great shaver and I regularly get comments asking how often I shave my head and most can’t believe it is with an electric.
Hi Nick,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Good to hear that at least their customer support has improved.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I purchased as trinity 1 great for your face it’s not made for the head just don’t get down to that smooth nails feeling.very disappointed.
Used the eagle for more than a year, until battery or motor die (not sure) head blades are fragile, shaving good but no so close. Never worked on my face.
Now using a Headblade ATX and mach3 with Kiss my face, amazing shave but time consuming and expensive. Want to return to electric and the Panasonic Arc5 is what I want. Thanks for the reviews.
Thank you for your comment, Jorge. Hope you’ll have a better experience with the Arc 5.
Hi Ovidiu!
Your site was super helpful in choosing an electric shaver! From your avatar, it looks like you might not have personal experience shaving your head. For me, it’s really not an issue of grip or angles, and I bet the same is true for most guys. Just like with my beard, I use straight lines, but instead of using the mirror I go by feel.
I read your other reviews and ended up buying the Arc 5. Just finished my first use. My head is cleaner/smoother than I even get at the barber. The shaver has a timer, so I know it took about 7 minutes to go from 4 days growth to silky. Highly recommend.
Hi,
Thank you for your comment. You are right, I do not shave my head, but I did cut my hair by myself with a regular trimmer. I don’t do it anymore, but it was a real struggle for me to reach behind my head and do a decent job. Glad to hear the Arc 5 is working great for you.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I picked up the Arc5 tonight, so it’s good to hear people have been having good experiences using the shaver. I’m 36 and have been shaving/fading my own head for the last 20 years. I find the easiest way to get a clean/stubble/irritation free shave on the back of my head is to simply hold the shaver in my right hand while standing with my back to my bathroom mirror in a nice bright lighting and hold a hand mirror in my left hand, which allows me to see the back of my head reflected in the main bathroom mirror as I’m shaving.
It’s truly not nearly as tricky as I realized it probably could sound while writing down my preferred method.
Best of luck!
Thanks for the comment, Eny. I agree, I’ve been cutting and fading my hair since the lockdown and I usually use an Arc5 or a Series 9 for that. I own an Andis ProFoil as well and that one shaves extremely close, but I haven’t been using it much as I can’t rinse it with water and I’m a bit too scrupulous when it comes to cleaning my gear. In the beginning, I was using a similar mirror setup and it worked well, but I’ve since bought a Self Cut System mirror and it’s been a game-changer. A bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I see a lot of negative comments for the skull shaver… but are they for the bald eagle skull shaver or the pitbull skull shaver? Thanks
Hi Randy,
The Bald Eagle had some reliability problems and most of the negative comments are related to that model. The Pitbull should be better in this regard.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I bought the Pitbull Gold and would NOT recommend this POS to anyone. The battery in mine doesn’t have enough power at 88% to keep working. I then have to plug it back in to charge to 100% and clean it – sometimes need to take small tweesers to clean out hair.
Hi Bob,
That clearly looks like a defective unit. In my opinion you should contact the seller/manufacturer and ask for a replacement or refund.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The skullshaver.com company is dysfunctional.
Satisfaction is NOT Guaranteed as promised.
Too many cheap plastic parts are used and the design is flawed.
My Pitbull Platinum Shaver broke within warranty.
And the shaving heads were NOT replaced/ refunded after I returned them.
Skullshaver.com has a very bad return policy.
To many loopholes that allows skullshaver.com to circumvent a real warranty and/ or Guarantee.
For example, if you took the heads apart, which is too easy, then the warranty is voided.
If there are hairs over .25 inches found in head, then warranty is voided.
Poor customer service.
Staff only looks for excuses to avoid warranty and/ or Guarantee.
They blame/ shame the customer.
Do NOT order through skullshaver.com
Read bad reviews for PitBull on Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Skull-Shaver-851441006638-Pitbull-Platinum/product-reviews/B076GPFLKR/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar
I’ve got to add my 2 cents here so that others don’t make the same mistake I did in buying a Skull Shaver product.
I bought my first Pitbull Gold Shaver in February of 2018 after seeing it reviewed positively on numerous websites. It worked just fine for my head shaving needs… for just over a year. Then it simply wouldn’t charge (no, it wasn’t a cord issue). Just sat there like an expensive piece of plastic. So, I bought another thinking, “Okay, that was just a fluke.”
Nope.
Not a fluke.
The second one lasted less than a MONTH. Shaver #2 now registers on its display that it’s charging… but the damn thing doesn’t actually, y’know, turn on or work. Two faulty products is not a coincidence, it’s garbage. At this rate, a third shaver would probably end up lasting all of 2 days before sputtering, wheezing, and subsequently exploding in a ball of fire and cheap electronic parts. Hell, a fourth shaver would probably commit suicide in transit before ever arriving.
Trying to rectify this through Amazon customer service was a no-go, as they referred me to the Skull Shaver company directly. I’ve sent them an e-mail, but I’m not optimistic, given the experiences others evidently have had in going that route.
Don’t buy it unless you like kissing your cash goodbye.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, Phil. I’ve received enough reports that point to poor reliability of Skull Shaver products, so I won’t be recommending them anymore. I will update the post asap.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You mentioned in your article this is a 5th generation, (However, the fifth generation of their electric head shavers introduced last year seem to have been drastically improved.) while their website says it’s the 4th generation. Is this a typo or is their site not updated concerning generations? Please clarify. Thanks
Hi Bill,
I think that info wasn’t updated on their website. The 5th generation of head shavers has been introduced in the 4th quarter of 2019.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I bought a Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold in December 2018, worked well with a daily use. Recently the battery indicator was moving down very slowly (used to be +/- 3% per day before) then battery seemed discharged despite indicator was still at 50%.
The other day it simply refused to switch on (battery indicator is on but engine is not moving). 16 months for a 130$ product is simply not acceptable those days.
That’s a pity because it’s really useful (still need a shot of Mach3 to be totally neat.)
Thank you for the feedback, Stephane. Sorry to hear about the poor experience you’ve head with Skull Shaver. Reliability was one of the main focus points with the new generation released during the 4th quarter of 2019. But it would be totally understandable if you didn’t want to deal with a certain brand after something like that. I would probably feel the same way if I were you.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Wahl finale gets my vote…. I’ve had it years and it’s never let me down.
Real close shave, excellent battery life, very robust and easily obtainable and replaceable stools and blades. 5*
Thank you for your comment, Nath. It’s definitely a good product and one that is quite similar to the Andis ProFoil. The main reason why I chose the ProFoil over it is its lower price.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Sorry, foils, not stools ^^
Hey guys
I have used both the Panasonic Arc 5 and the Andis 17150. In my honest opinion I would say the Arc 5 all around better with comfort and actually shaving. I even ran my Andis over my head after using the arc 5 and I got very little hair with Andis .
Hi Alex,
Many thanks for taking the time to share this. The Arc 5 is definitely a more comfortable shaver — the Andis is among the least forgiving foil shavers I’ve used, although on the head isn’t nearly as aggressive as it is on the face. I believe you also use the Arc 5 to shave your face? In that case, it would definitely be a better option than the ProFoil.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The Skull shaver works great, I would recommend it to anyone. But with the caveat that you will have to replace it every 6 months to 1 year of daily shaving. I have been using Braun for a while, and it is my new favorite (don’t need the Skull shaver anymore). However, the claim that the Andis shaver provides a closer shave really peaks my interest. I may have to get one of the Andis next.
Hi Joshua,
Many thanks for your comment. Your experience falls in line with some previous feedback I’ve got from Skull Shaver users; precisely, there are some reliability issues. Hopefully these newer revised models are better — it would be a shame since the Skull Shaver is a really good product otherwise.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve used the Andis ProFoil for almost 3 years. The best head shaver I’ve owned so far. I’ve replaced the head and blades twice. They only cost around $18. If you go slow and add a little Lectra-shave pre shave, you can get baby butt smooth, one pass shave in about 4 or 5 minutes. Highly Recommend.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, Lee — the Pro Foil does shave really close.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I haven’t fully decided yet, but I’m leaning toward the Pit Bull Platinum Pro?
Why? Because Costco has it and it’s extremely easy to return it to Costco if there are any problems down the road with it. Doesn’t that make sense? That way I don’t have to deal with any issues directly with the manufacturer.
In this case, it probably makes sense to go for the Platinum version instead.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the useful information, have used your sight often and has helped me make the right decision on finding the right shaver.
Thank you very much!
No problem, thank you for your comment. Glad you found the information useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
So after reading through all these comments and watching tiresome videos on YouTube of real users, I think I’m sticking with my razor (Harry’s). It gives a great close shave. It has a trimmer on the top which is good around the years. My problem with electric razors is this, if I have to use a razor blade after the electric trimmer, then I’m using the razor blade only. These have never even worked on my face, let alone my head. I’m lucky in that I don’t get razor burn or bumps. So thanks, but no thanks.
Hey,
Thank you for your comment. If you’re getting great results with your Harry’s and generally don’t get razor burn or bumps from blades, I think your decision is the right one. As a side note, most electric shavers will work better on the head than on the face (as in better closeness) if the hair is reasonably short. This is particularly true in the case of foil shavers like the Andis Profoil, Panasonic Arc5 or the Series 9. I think most users won’t feel the need to follow-up with a blade after shaving with one of those.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
do you have an opinion on the Freedom Grooming head shaver? How’s it compare to this pitbull?
I just got the freedom grooming shaver and it seems to work ok. Doesn’t seem to have much power and definitely doesn’t give me baby butt smooth results.
Hi,
I’m afraid I do not, but it does look like one of the many knockoffs available nowadays. So the motor will likely be slower and the quality of the blades not quite as good.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I used the Remmington and it crapped out after 5 months. Great design but if it doesn’t work not much good. I was really disappointed as I liked it before it just stopped working.
Hi Bill,
Sorry to hear that. Could be just unfortunate, and not a serious reliability issue with this model. I suppose it’s still under warranty, so you should definitely take advantage of that.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve used the Remington and can’t recommend it highly enough. I’m only looking for an alternative as I’d like a closer shave. Family meme bets have also bought the Remington on my recommendation and are very happy also.
thanks for the review. whats the best option if you want to only shave very precise areas of your head, so need it to be accurate/precise?
Hey,
You are very welcome.
I would actually use something like a 0 gap trimmer (like the Andis T-outliner) and maybe also use a foil shaver in addition to the trimmer to get that really close shave. The ProFoil I mentioned in the article would be a good option, but basically any decent foil shaver should work as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Why no mention of Babyliss FX02? It has higher ratings than all of those on Amazon. I had no idea about it until I asked a barber. I never see it in reviews but somehow it beats all of those mentioned in this review, at least by Amazon rating it does.
Hi Jason,
It definitely looks like a capable machine, however it’s very similar performance-wise to the Andis ProFoil I mentioned in the post and that one costs less than half the price of the BaByliss. There are probably other options as well that will work great as head shavers — this post is merely a starting point.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve found a newer version of the Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro. The HC4300 Rapid Cut Turbo. Looks like a better build and a better deal. Your insights on it?
It appears to be fitted with a more powerful motor and comes with 12 combs instead of 9. If you can get it for a similar price, it should perform at least as good as the HC4250.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Yes true. More power on demand. Can be switched off separately if not necessary. And larger combs that provides a trim instead of a shave/ buzz cut. So it works well as a trimmer. And the price is lesser than the old version! I’ve bought it @ A$84 from Myers, Australia! Hurray! :)
Hi Barry. How have you and the HC4300 worked out? I’ve had the earlier model for a while. I like what it’s doing and the length it cuts to but it’s always felt a little cheap. Is the HC4300 any better? Thanks
Hello Ovidiu,
I’ve been tirelessly looking for an electronic hair shaver that gets me the closest head shave. I’m trying my best not to purchase one and then be unsatisfied with the results. What shaver would you recommend for someone who wants the absolute closest cut? I know razors would probably be best, but it’s very time consuming and I feel like there is a electronic hair shaver that can fulfill my needs. If I could get an electronic hair shaver that would leave behind no hair at all, that would be perfect!
Thank you in advance,
Anthony
Hey Anthony,
In my experience, if you want the closest shave for your head (excluding manual razors), you will need to use a regular foil electric shaver. The Panasonic Arc 5 (models like the ES-LV65, ES-LV67) and the Andis ProFoil are some of the closest shaving electric razors out there. I prefer to use a Braun Series 9 (which also gets incredibly close), but it’s gentler than the other two and my skin is very sensitive, particularly at the back of my neck. An Arc 5 or the Andis would often cause me some razor burn and bumps, but the Series 9 is better in that regard.
I’ve been cutting my own hair since the lockdown and while I do not shave the top of my head, I’ve used pretty much everything in order to get a skin fade on the sides and back of my head. And high quality, regular foil shavers always provided the closest shave. They’re not the most practical as I mentioned in the post (something like a SkullShaver will be easier to use on the back of the head), but again, if closeness is your main concern, you should consider one of those.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
How about Remington XR1500?
Hi,
It’s similar to the 4-blade Skull Shaver, but it’s a bit bulkier and not quite as easy to hold. The battery isn’t as good as the one in the Gold Pro and the cutters aren’t as comfortable. On the other hand, it costs less and the closeness will be similar.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I was about to pull the trigger on getting the Pit Bull Gold, but after reading the comments here and the reviews on Amazon, I think I’m going to avoid it like the plague. SO MANY people complaining about the motor not working and then having to deal with horrible customer service. Nothing ticks me off more than a company that doesn’t care about their customers. To me cost isn’t really an issue, but I may just go with one of the lesser expensive ones. That way if it conks out, I can at least toss it and buy another.
Hi Ryan,
I’m totally with you on this one, that’s why I’m still on the fence about whether to leave it or not. Performance-wise, it’s great, but there are many conflicting reports regarding the reliability and customer support. I have an older one but I’ve only used it sparingly (still works fine). They claim to have solved the issues, but we cannot just take their word for it. I’ll try to find and test some alternatives, maybe I’ll get lucky.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Good info. I have a Pitbull Gold Pro that I purchased from Amazon July 18, 2020. It worked well – not great for a year and then the motor started having less and less power. I only use it about once a week…I use a Wahl electric to trim my hair as short as possible first and then use the Pitbull. I just tried calling the company and their customer support line has a voice mail that says it is full and then hangs up on you. I will NOT be buying another product made by that company. I read this review and the other comments to try to find something else. I will keep looking. Maybe the Andis Pro??? Not sure
Hey,
Many thanks for the comment. Sorry about the poor experience you’ve had with their cs. The Andis ProFoil is a completely different product though — basically a conventional foil shaver, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work. The closeness will definitely be better compared to the Pitbull, but it will require more work (straight strokes against the grain), especially on the back and towards the top of the head. It’s also not as easy to clean since you cannot rinse it.
Remington also has a Pitbull alternative called RX5 XR1500, a 5 blade rotary, very similar to the one from SkullShaver. I do not have any experience with it I’m afraid, but it looks promising.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I got the Andis pro and love it, definitely need to have short hair first to make sure it doesn’t snag, and you’re correct about it being difficult to clean, but I use a tooth brush and have found that to be pretty quick. Had it for almost a year, using it every other day and gets a super close shave, hard to tell the difference from my face that I shave with razor. Simple to use product, takes about 5 minutes for my head. Changed the foil and cutters after about 8 months, but really didn’t need to. I’d recommend this razor for sure. Had a barber use it on me once and that’s how I found it. Haven’t tried any of the others on the list though.
Hi,
Thank you for the comment. If you can get a fast shave with it and don’t mind shaving more often, the ProFoil is a fantastic option, it really shaves incredibly close. I’m currently testing the BaByissPro FXFS2G, really similar in many regards, more comfortable than the ProFoil but at least from the initial impressions, it doesn’t shave quite as close. And it costs (a lot) more than the Andis.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu congratulations for the great job you are doing…i have trouble choosing what would be the right machine for me… I shave my head every 4-7 days -nevrr more often- and I would love the shave to be as close as possible… thats really important….Obviously things like long battery life,short shaving time and cleaning the shaver easy without spending a lot of time and effort are also important factors….Which one would you recommend me? Looking forward your suggestions!
Hi George,
Thank you for the comment, glad you found the info useful.
If you want a close shave, you will definitely need a rotary or foil shaver. However, your routine and frequency of shaving your head will most likely require pre-trimming the hair. 4 days is probably borderline doable (depending also on how fast your hair grows), but after one week you will need to trim it.
You can achieve this by either using one machine (like the Philips Norelco QC5580) or by having two separate ones. For example, a basic/cheap hair clipper and a shaver (rotary or foil). You can even take this one step further and instead of a regular hair clipper, why not get the ShortCut Pro from Remington? That one will be even better for what you need with the wide and curved blade. And it gets really close, so you’ll have your work cut out for you when you follow up with a shaver. As I mentioned in the review, the Andis ProFoil will get you the closest shave, but it won’t be as easy and fast as using a rotary shaver like the Balder Pro.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu.. thanks for your fast response… When you say balder pro you mean the Remington balder pro?
No problem. Yes, I meant the Remington Balder Pro.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Do any of these actually get as close as a razor? I currently use the Defender Razor blades, but I’m looking for an alternative that gives the same smooth AF shave as a true razor…. Any recommendations? I don’t want to be let down…
In theory, no. All electric shavers, be it foil or rotary, have a guard or foil, so an actual physical barrier between the cutting blades and the skin. A razor (with an exposed blade) doesn’t have that. However, current electric shavers do manage to cut remarkably close and I think overall the result should be satisfactory to most users.
As mentioned in the article, shavers like the Andis ProFoil or any other quality foil shaver (like the Braun Series 9, Panasonic Arc 5, etc) will likely give you the closest shave, but aren’t as practical/easy to use as head shavers — but can definitely work in that manner.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, any thoughts on AidallsWellsup? Battery, features, power, support, brand.
Hi,
I personally haven’t had any hands-on experience, so I’m afraid I cannot weigh in. It is similar to the Pitbull and Balder Pro, so it should be fairly easy to use as a head shaver and should also cut the hair close to the skin. It is a large machine with the 6 heads, but that’s not really an issue when shaving the head (it will be if you plan on using it on the face too). The price is pretty reasonable for what you get, so my only concern would be the reliability.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’ve been using a Philips Norelco Series 5000 for the past year – https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/face-stylers-and-grooming-kits/effortless-even-trim – to shave my head, and I’m happy with the results (i.e. the closeness of the shave); I shave maybe once every ~10 days, with no guard on the shaver. But it’s really painful reaching the back parts of my head every time. So I’m looking for something else.
Considering my particular use case and needs, I’m zeroing in on the Remington HC4250. (It’s a pity those rotary shavers can’t be used on slightly longer hair – they look dead simple to use. But I don’t like having to do multiple passes, and it looks like they’re pretty rough on skin anyway.)
My main concern is that it won’t cut as closely as the Philips. The product specs for the Philips (you’ll see these on the page I linked above) state that it’s a 0.4mm cut. But I can’t seem to find accurate info re. how close the Remington cuts. From this post – https://old.reddit.com/r/bald/comments/goywz0/in_search_of_the_best_shave_buzz/ – “I love this device. Unfortunately doesn’t cut as short as I would like. If they could make a model with a .4mm or .5mm blade I would be sold.” – this concerns me.
I always thought that shearing blades are shearing blades, i.e. that the only time you get a different length cut is if you add on guards. Am I wrong?
Any info/advice you could share would be excellent. If the Remington cuts as close as the Philips, it’s a done deal. But I’m open to suggestions.
Excuse the lengthy comment.
-W
PS your site provides some of the most accurate/useful/honest info I’ve found, so cheers and kudos for that. I know this because I’ve cross-referenced a bunch of other ‘listicle’ articles, reddit posts, YouTube reviews, etc etc (:
Hi,
Many thanks for the comment, glad you found the info useful.
A close shave often means different things for different people. For example, you will find user reviews of the HC4250 saying that it shaves really close. Shearing blades (with no guard) can actually get you different results depending on the alignment of the moving blade (the one that oscillates) relative to the static one. With most hair clippers, you can actually adjust that yourself pretty easily (you can search on YouTube how to zero-gap clippers). With this particular one from Remington, you most likely can’t do that.
I’m afraid I cannot say how it will compare to your current trimmer, but personally, I doubt it will get as close. It will be a lot easier to use though — much wider, curved blade, easier to grip and to shave the back of your head and around the ears. There are many foil/rotary options, but very few have shearing blades and can deal with longer hair. That said, the Philips Norelco QC5580 has a 0.5mm blade, so it should be pretty good; it also has a foil head for an even closer cut, I think it’s worth considering as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am thinking of buy a head shaver. I like to shave once in a week. I am not sure whether i should go for Remington Balder Pro or Philips Norelco Series 5580 or can i use Skull Shaver Palm (which i like). Any suggestions would be great.
Currently I just use trimmer.
Hi Vino,
All three are good options. Philips went for a totally different approach, while the Balder Pro and Skull Shaver are quite similar in every aspect. The Philips shaver would be more versatile since you can also shave your head less often, but it’s more expensive. Choosing between them should come down to your preferences and budget.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have been looking for a good head shaver. I have bought multiple models with the skull shaver design and all of them leave my head feeling like rough sandpaper (to include the Pit Bull Gold (who’s display stopped working after two weeks)). Thus far, the only thing that works is shaving cream and a razor.
Hi Randal,
Have you tried any of the foil shavers mentioned above? The Series 9, the Andis ProFoil or even a Panasonic Arc 5. Those can get really close, almost as close as a blade. Might need a bit more work compared to using a Skull Shaver type of machine, but the closeness will be better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu. This been great overview of the products currently in the market. After weighing in the pros and cons I decided to go with the Remington Shortcut Pro.
Hey Yaniv,
You are very welcome, glad you found the post useful. Hope you’ll enjoy using the Shortcut Pro.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, I’ve read way too many reviews on all electronic shavers out there. The products out there are far too numerous to list here, and some of them give a pretty good shave, whether to the face or skull. A few live up to their names for what looks like a relatively short time and then they are returned for obvious reasons. I have not bought one as of yet simply because none can give me the smooth, baby bottom feel that I require from a close shave. So, as far as I am concerned, the best shave out there is the one by a straight razor or one of the Mach3 or 5. And that only takes 5-10 minutes at best. Once you learn how, it is the best of the best way to shave.
Hi,
Thank you for the comment. A blade will indeed give you the closest shave, if you can handle a razor with confidence and get a clean head shave in 5 minutes, that’s pretty awesome.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I received a Skull Shaver Pit Gold as a Christmas present in 2021. I like the product as a shaver because it does do a good job shaving my head and face. The problem started almost a year into having it during the warranty period. I noticed it seemed not to be holding a charge all of a sudden. One day i heard a buzzing in my bathroom and discovered the handle came on by itself and was running without anyone turning it on and using it, and to complicate matters more i could not turn it off by pressing the on/off button. I then rationalized it must have been coming on by itself and running the charge down. Charging it again worked for a little while however then it would not come on and the 100% charging light stayed on. The warranty covered and they sent me a new handle in about a week after me sending back the defective one.
It is now Feb., about 3 months later and the handle started doing the same thing all over again that the first one did. Warranty period is over so i purchased an extended warranty for $40. The problem is they say it will take up to 10-15 working days after the defective device had arrived before even sending the new one to me. Even though their web site states if you buy a new one they can ship it to me in 1-2 days.
I am always getting emails and texts about sales and deals, and it seems they are more interested in getting new sales than taking care of their existing customers.
They will not talk to you on the phones and the CSR’s are very rude when texting. They make it seem like i am not treating the product correctly.
If this third replacement stops working again then i will say good-bye to Skull Shaver for good.
Hi Joe,
Many thanks for taking the time to share this. The battery still seems to be a recurring problem even with the newer models, although not as frequent as a few years ago. It’s a shame as the shaver works really well. If you have the time, I would really appreciate an update on the new replacement.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Well I got the replacement in April of 2022, and here it is May. Last night I started to shave with a full 100% charge, and within a minute of shaving the thing turned off by itself, and showed a 70% charge. I turned it on again, and it turned itself off again, and again the charge went down another 20%, to 50%. I turned it on again and the charge went to 00%, in less than 5 minutes of usage. I had to plug it in to the charger to complete my shave. We will see if this was a glitch or an on going issue again. Let’s see what happens tomorrow with another full charge.
Adding on to the issues with Skull Shaver, I bought a Pitbull Gold last April. The first one lasted just under 3 months (which was the warranty they were offering at the time) and took days of back and forth with customer service to get them to realize it wasn’t just dull blades. The warranty replacement lasted 2 months before it also died. The second warranty replacement has lasted almost 5 months before having issues and dying again. For the price you pay with one of these, it should last a while but that’s certainly not the case.
In addition, their blades are not cheap and need to be replaced about every 3 months according to the company. That’s pretty bad for the so-called “quality steel” that they’re made of. They also irritate the heck out of the back of my neck, a problem I don’t have when I drag actual razor blades across the same area.
I saw in another comment that due to everyone’s negative experience with Skull Shaver, you weren’t going to recommend them anymore but they’re still the #1 and #2 recommendations on this list.
I can assure you the issues have not been resolved with their products and would urge you to at least mention these reliability issues are still very wide spread, if not take them off the list entirely due to this reason.
Hi,
Many thanks for taking the time to share this. The post already mentions the potential issues, I will however update it and make it even clearer. I’m currently trying to find and test a few alternatives as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I bought a Skull-Shaver a couple years back. Loved it but when I
tried to order replacement blades they told me they no longer make
replacement blades for my model. They actually suggested I up-grade.
Terrible terrible company. Disgusting.
Thank you for taking the time to share this, Charles. It’s a shame they don’t support discontinued shavers, that’s a sure-fire way to lose old customers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My first Skull Shaver (Gold) the chrome started to drop off while in use, think glittery head!! They replaced it without an issue. 2nd set of blades, not as good as first and I think its a different company that supply the heads. OK at first but now back to using a Mach3 razor.
Thank you for the feedback, Pete, much appreciated. There can be noticeable differences between different batches of blades, although there shouldn’t be any. Anyway, the fact that they swiftly replaced your shaver is an improvement — I’ve seen reports that they sometimes wouldn’t even reply to support queries.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I purchased the Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum Pro in March, have been using every 2-3 days to my satisfaction, but then start/stop button started ‘hesitating’ sometimes, and today (July 3rd) stopped working all together. Shaver is fully charged and clean. Disappointing. have just entered the claim, let’s see how fast SkullShaver will react.
Hi,
Many thanks for the comment. If you have the time, please let us know how they handled this.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have arthritis and chemo-induced neuropathy in my hands. Can you recommend something for the less surehanded among us?
Hi,
I would definitely avoid the ones with shearing blades like the Remington Shortcut Pro. Also, foil shavers vibrate more than rotaries, which is not ideal in my opinion. That leaves us with rotary head shavers like the ones from Skull Shaver or the Remington Balder Pro. I think these are easy to grip and to keep in contact with the scalp and are also more forgiving, so I would go win one of those. I would also recommend checking this with your physician, I am not in any way qualified for providing professional advice.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I just wanted to say amazing reviews and information you’re providing here for us readers (just found this website a few days ago). I’ve been deciding on what shaver to get for shaving my head and came upon your reviews when I was looking for information about the Panasonic Arc 5 shavers. I posted another question which your answered in your foil article, so thanks for answering that.
I only just shaved my head for the first time about 5 months or so ago and decided I really like the clean look. I have been wet shaving since then (every 2-3 days on average), but it’s taking a lot of time (which is why I don’t do it every day otherwise I would), so that’s why I was looking at electric shavers as I am assuming they’ll be much quicker.
I was specifically looking at the ES-LV67 as there was a recent special on it here in AU, but I just missed out on the special price, so I will have to wait again until it’s on special again if going with that model (unless you say the Panasonic Arc 5s wouldn’t be any good for head shaving). I was also looking at the Braun 9477cc which was also on special, but it is double the price and still a bit out of my price range (not sure if there is another Braun 9 series I could look at that is cheaper, but similar in performance?).
As mentioned above, I was mainly looking at the ES-LV67 as I read it shaves closer than the Braun, plus it’s a better price, but having said that, not sure if the ES-LV67 is suitable for head shaving and if the Braun 9477cc or another Braun model would be a better choice? I read they don’t shave as close as the Panasonics, though, so not sure how I’d like that compared to the shave I get with a razor.
Also, can Braun shavers be cleaned as easily as the Panasonic ones if you don’t get the cleaning station? Are replacement heads/foils expensive for the Braun shavers?
Hi John,
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
Both the Panasonic Arc 5 and the Braun Series 9/9 Pro would be perfectly suitable for shaving the head. That said, there are a couple of specific pros and cons that may tip the scale in favor of one or the other. I’ll try my best to point them so you can make a decision based on your preferences and needs.
The Arc 5 does manage to shave closer than the Series 9/9 Pro, so if you’re particularly interested in getting the closest possible head shave with an electric razor, the Arc 5 is among the best. I think the end result is quite similar to using a razor blade, while with the Series 9 you might be able to feel a couple of slightly rough spots on some regions of the scalp.
The Series 9/9 Pro on the other hand is more comfortable. Depending on how sensitive your scalp is, this may or may not be an issue. In my case, the back of the neck is really sensitive and the Arc 5 is definitely more aggressive and I almost always get some redness and razor burn there. I have to apply less pressure compared to using the Series 9 and also be more mindful of my technique. But on the rest of the scalp, the Arc 5 remains adequately comfortable.
The other advantage of the Series 9 and Series 9 Pro has to do with the way the head and shaving elements adapt to the shape of the scalp, especially if you have some protuberances on the back of your head/occipital ridge. The 4 cutters on the Series 9 have a greater range of motion, they stick out more than the ones of the Arc 5 and the whole shaving head moves back and forth with ease. These ensure better contact with the skin and allows you to be a bit sloppier and the shaver would still be effective. This makes the Series 9/9 Pro easier to use, at least that’s my experience with using both.
You’ll notice that I always referred to both the Series 9 and 9 Pro because they perform extremely similarly when used as head shavers. While the 9 Pro has a slight advantage as a face shaver, being slightly more powerful and grabby, this advantage is nowhere near as obvious when using the shavers to cut the hair on the head (which is a lot thinner and softer than facial hair).
Any shaver can also be effectively cleaned manually, so while I do consider the Series 9 station practical, it’s not a must-have. Also, you can get one later on, but please keep in mind that only a Series 9/9 Pro solo model that starts with 93 or 94 will work with a compatible station purchased later on (for example, 9340s or the 9330s). More details here.
So if I were to summarize: Arc 5 — closer shave, Series 9/9 Pro easier to use and more comfortable.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thank you as always for your outstanding and detailed reviews. I got the Pitbull Gold last August for every other day use and have been pleased with the results. I have the following questions:
1) Given my usage, would you think that the shaving head should be replaced every 6 months?
2) I’ve seen ads for shaving heads from multiple manufacturers. Are you aware of these and, if so, is there one you think would be superior to Pitbull’s own?
Thank you again for your excellent site!
Jack
I ordered a shaver from their web site. They promise on their web site free 2 day shipping. However, that is a lie. You are not given the shipper’s name ( UPS,Fed Ex etc..) and not given a tracking number so you may follow it. I placed my order 6 days ago and as today is a Saturday it will be over a week if it does in fact arrive. After emailing customer service, I was provided a screen shot of a “tracking” from some unknown generic shipper. After some internet searching I did find out that the incompetent shipper they use transported the item past my home from Illinois to New York instead of delivering it to me in Ohio. 100% poor customer service and delivery failure. I have requested a full refund and cancellation of my order but have not heard back from their “Customer Service” which obviously is not customer orientated. Buyer Beware.
Hi John,
Many thanks for taking the time to share this. I’ve only had experience with their EU site and operations which are different from the .com/USA site. In Europe, the products are being shipped from France using a french carrier (La Poste) and delivered to the end user by local post or DPD. The shipping did take a very long time (like two weeks) but I got the shaver. If you have the time, please follow up and let us know if you managed to get the refund.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for a really helpful and informative article. I totally agree that a fully smooth scalp is much better than the alternatives and I can testify that women prefer – or maybe tolerate – it to alternatives. I’d like to offer some more advice and analysis for other baldies. And I have a question for you.
I call my balding pattern “anti-mohawk”, so my halo of coarse side and back hair are the awkward areas to shave. But, with experience, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I’d been wet-shaving my head for years with Wilkinson Sword (Schick in North America) Quattro Titanium. It’s by far the smoothest shave I can get, but not the quickest. I’ve never had a barber get as close as I can get it. A few years ago, based on your reviews, I invested in a Braun Series 790 to shave my face and scalp to save time and to have a dry shaving alternative. The shave is not as close as the refillable Quattro, but it takes less effort, less refill cost and less time. When my hair gets too long for the electric razor, a basic Remington trimmer helps to get my hair down to a reasonable length.
You’re spot-on about the downsides of electrics: a less close but often acceptable shave, ergonomics of holding the shaver to reach everywhere take some getting used to, and diminishing battery life. To get a closer shave with an electric, I am thinking about buying a finishing razor like the Wahl Finale, which a barber showed me once. I was nearly convinced until I just read your review. Your assessment might have swayed me to look at the Andis instead. I have a question for you about this at the end of this long comment.
Here is a quick comparison for you and your readers of my experience of shaving my head for the past 18 years…
A) Wet-shaving my face and head in the shower with three days’ growth using a Quattro refillable razor blade (with a cruelty-free brush and Proraso shaving soap)
vs
B) Braun Series 7 dry shave (and occasional preparation with a trimmer).
1. Closeness – A) 10/10 vs B) 8/10 (good enough most of the time)
2. Time – A) 20-30 minute shave in the shower (total time) vs B) 15-20 minutes dry shave
3. Refillable cost – A) blade lasts about 10 shaves £1.50 per blade vs B) Braun, I’ve never bought a replacement cartridge or cleaning fluid – so only the cost of charging, a few drops of oil and cleaning cartridges (these are expensive)
4. Length of hair – A) can shave 5-7 days’ growth vs B) 2-3 days- growth (or prepare with a trimmer)
If my razor blade can get me a 10/10 for closeness and my Braun Series 7 gets me to a 7/10 for closeness, do you think the Andis will get me to a 9/10 or 10/10?
Thanks again!
Vlad, thanks so much for taking the time to share this, those are some awesome tips and insights.
The Wahl Finale, Andis ProFoil or the BaBylissPRO FOILFX02 will all be able to cut the hair closer than your Series 7 — I would rate them at a 9/10, but other users might go higher or lower. But I have used them and can compare them directly to the Series 7. When used as head shavers, I’d say the Series 7 has a couple of other specific advantages over the double foil razors favored by barbers, but closeness isn’t one of them.
The Series 7 will be faster — it has a superior shaving head with a far better range of motion of the 3 cutters and the swiveling of the head, so it’s more effective, especially on the back of the head and if you move the shaving head faster. With any of the other 3 double-foil shavers, you will need to go slower. Those are grabbier and will bite into the hair more vigorously since they have really thin foils and beefy motors for their size. But they do shave very close, you could follow up with them after your Series 7 and hear the stubble getting cut. The foils and blades will definitely need to be replaced more often than in the case of your S7.
The Series 7 is also more comfortable, again especially on the back of the neck where the Series 7 is really smooth and gentle. You’ll have to be a lot more mindful of the pressure when using the other ones. Particularly the ProFoil for some reason is more aggressive than the Wahl and BaBylissPRO, although the closeness is the same. The Andis does seem to be a better pick considering the price, performance and if you can handle the more aggressive shave. The Finale has really thin foils and to me they seem the most brittle, while the BaBylissPRO is really expensive.
In conclusion, I think you’ll be happy with the closeness of a ProFoil or other similar double-foil razor, but it will most likely increase the time it takes you to complete the shave. Maybe having one just as a finishing tool to quickly go over a rough patch, I think that can also be a good option.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your considered reply. You’ve given some great advice and some more things to think about. Would Arc 5 be better for head and face shaving than Braun S7 or Andis? Thank you, Ovidiu.
You are very welcome. I’d say the Arc 5 is really similar to the Andis with regard to closeness, so better than the Series 7 and even than the Series 9. It’s not as forgiving or effective as the Series 9, in the sense that a Series 9 will allow you to finish the shave faster while being a bit sloppier with the technique. But the Arc 5 is definitely more capable than the Andis as a face & head shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have been using the Balder Pro for about 6 months. I shave my head everyday to every other day. If I’m busy I might skip two days. I love my Remngton Balder Pro and would buy it again. I started off using it dry and then went with a shaving soap and shaving brush. That has really been a game changer for me. The shave is very comfortable and no irritation at all. This is coming from a guy with sensitive skin. I’ve tried everything before and would get razor bumps,but not with my balder pro. I’m getting about 5 shaves per charge. I went with the Balder Pro over Skull Shaver because of the shape. It’s very comfortable in my hand.
That’s awesome, Greg, thanks so much for sharing this.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Started shaving my head in spring 2022, seems like if I want to keep my head fairly smooth I need to shave twice a day.
I started off I buying the Remington XR1500 to start with, but wasnt that pleased with how close the shave was. Tried a Skull shaver platinum next which was even worse, fortunately I had no problems returning it to Pitbull UK. So I ended up with the Andis profoil and have been using that ever since.
I can definately say there are some shortcomings with the Andis overall package. The power system seems similar to the Skullshaver, 5v 1A and the socket is almost identical too, but there is no usb charging lead, unlike the Skullshaver. The clip to cover the blades comes off a bit too easily for my liking, and yes, being able to clean it under the tap would help.
But, in its favour its by far the closest shave, making it overall faster to use than the rotary shavers, the relatively small body of the Andis (compared to normal foil shavers) also makes it relatively easy to manoeuvre around the head even round the back.
So all in all the Andis wins out so far for the quality of the finish.
Must admit though that I’d like to know what the closest rotary shaver is, head or otherwise, for those times when you really just want to run something over your head quickly.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, much appreciated.
Interestingly, the same head cover issue is present on the Wahl Finale as well, a double foil shaver that’s very similar to the Andis ProFoil. I’d say the problem is even worse on the Wahl and the cover is really flimsy and will come off with the slightest nudge. The BaBylissPRO Foilfx02 is a lot sturdier but also a lot more expensive than the other two. The closeness is similar and really good.
Rotary shavers in general aren’t great for a really close shave and can’t usually match a foil shaver like the Andis/Wahl or a Panasonic Arc 5. But I’d say the best chance of a close head shave using a rotary would be with a top-tier Philips shaver like the Prestige.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I discovered your site a couple of years ago when doing shaver research and became a big fan. Thank you for your thorough research on electric shavers. It’s much appreciated!
I’ve been shaving for about 45 years, going back to the days of Sunbeam and Ronson shavers. I’ve used a lot of high-end and low-end shavers. A few years ago I embraced my baldness and started shaving my head in addition to my face.
On my head I’ve used Braun Series 3, old Series 7, Panasonic Arc 5 LV-65, Andis ProFoil, Remington HC4250, Philips Norelco S900 Prestige, as well as cartridge and DE blades.
For me, the Andis ProFoil wins in closeness, but it’s not the easiest to use, and I’ve actually nicked my ear with the foils. I came to the realization that I do not require a super smooth shave on my scalp every single day. After all, it’ll just grow back and be there to shave again the next day, so I really don’t stress about it. I’m fine with a very small amount of scalp stubble.
Over the years, I’ve determined that rotary shavers work best for me. The best everyday head and face shaver for my situation is the basic, no-frills Philips Norelco S1015 CORDED shaver. It does a great job on my head and an even better job on my face. When shaving my head, I can grasp the neck of the shaver just below the heads with my thumb and index finger, and the ergonomics are there. I can maneuver around the cord, and there’s constant power with no battery to worry about. And the price ($29.95 USD) is hard to beat.
Steve,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience.
I can relate since I’ve nicked the tips of my ears quite a few times, not only with shavers, but with clippers as well. Definitely take extra care when shaving around the ears, just brushing the shaving head on them can cause a nasty cut.
It seems to me that rotary is really the way to go in your case and you’ve really tested quite a few foil shavers with very different profiles, so it’s a pretty clear win for the rotaries.
And if you can achieve those results with a small, simple and cheap shaver, that’s even better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I bought the Pitbull Platinum back in May 2020 by October/November, the paint was bubbly and peeling but it still worked very well. Now it’s February 2023, and the battery isn’t holding your charge very well. I’m reluctant to drop another $100+, given how quickly the paint peeled and 3 years isn’t a long time. I really did enjoy using it. I may try that Remington out or I may go back to the Pitbull. I could be wrong but having to buy a new shaver every 3 years seems excessive.
Hi Allen,
Thanks so much for the feedback. I agree, 3 years is just not good enough for such an expensive product. The Remington Balder is a great alternative, there’s also a new RX7 that I will be reviewing as well. Currently it doesn’t seem to be available in North America though.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Great site, very informative which is helping me find the right shaver to meet my requirements. I have only recently started shaving my head and I shave every 2/3 days and I did try using Gillette all purpose razor and had no issues but didn’t like the feel of my head afterwards it felt weird lol so I’m currently using the Wahl Aqua Blade because I still wanted to get a close shave however my knowledge on electric shavers was limited but this has a cut of 0.2mm and was easy to use and didn’t take long to shave my head which was good because many others I looked at were minimum of 0.5mm. I also use the comb attachments for beard trimming but this is the 3rd one I have had because battery’s keep failing so I’m looking for something more reliable all though I can’t fault Wahl customer service and 5 year warranty. I like the idea of the rotary shavers like the skull shaver Pitbull gold pro and Remington RX7 but blades are hard to get hold of and it may work out expensive if changing them every 3 months and skull shavers reliability and customer service has put me off and I will loose beard trimming. All though I did find something similar online that did include beard trimming accessories but I’m still struggling to decide and still currently searching but now looking at foil shavers also after reading previous posts and thinking of getting the Andis ProFoil, Panasonic Arc 5 or BaByliss Pro FX3 and keeping Wahl just for beard trimming. What are the cutting lengths for the above are they the same 0.2mm or do they go closer 0.1mm ? Do the foil heads need approx changing every 3 months also.
I wish it was easier trying to find the all in one perfect shaver, there are so many choices so can be overwhelming especially when there are mixed reviews Good and Bad.
Thanks
Hi Damian,
Thanks so much for the comment, much appreciated.
First of all, I would not really consider the BaBylissPro FX3 a viable option for shaving your head yourself. That one is a trimmer, not a shaver, and while it can get very close if zero-gapped correctly, it will be cumbersome to use and completing your shave will take a lot of time. Using it to shave your head yourself is not really what it was intended for. And it’s the same situation with the Wahl Aqua Blade. I use the older FX when I cut my hair and it’s a great tool for edging and blending a fade, but far from ideal to shave your entire head. The blade is narrower compared to your Wahl Aqua and can pinch the skin when zero-gapped. I can’t imagine it’ll be a good experience trying to use it as a head shaver.
A head shaver & a beard trimmer tool (2 in 1) without any significant compromises would be difficult to find if not impossible. Realistically, I think you should be looking at having two dedicated devices. There are many cheap and excellent beard trimmers like the Philips Multigroom or the Panasonic ER-GB42-K.
As for head shavers, the Andis ProFoil or Wahl Finale do have really thin foils, so they cut the hair very close, but those wear out fast. I’d say 3 to 6 months tops when used every 2 days. An Arc 5 will last significantly longer and still shave similarly close. It is however more expensive and the Panasonic replacement foil+blades are pricey. The Remington Balder Pro would be a really good option in my opinion. It’s cheaper than the RX7 and shaves pretty much the same despite the Turbo mode on the RX7 — I have both and the Blader is even more comfortable. It’s a safer choice compared to the Skull Shaver options.
Some foil shavers like the Andis, Panasonic Arc 5 and Wahl Finale shave closer than the 0.2mm of your Wahl Aqua. I’d say even the rotary head shavers can provide a perfectly smooth shave with a bit of work.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Thanks for the quick reply and I appreciate your advice, I’m going to look to purchase the Panasonic ER-GB42-K but think I will try the RX7 because I like the usb charger and the 30% more flex for maximum contact and it’s currently same price as balder pro. My concern is finding replacement blades becomes Remington don’t sell them in the UK but they did advise that they could sell them in the near future. Finding them online is difficult.
Thanks Damian
You are very welcome, Damian. It makes sense to get the RX7 in that case. I would contact Remington directly for the replacement head, it seems (for now) to be the only way to get it. The RX7 is a relatively new product, so the spares will probably be available soon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi there! Can you recommend a head shaver that’s adjustable? I like to keep a few mm of hair there, not completely cueball. Thank you!
Hi Joe,
I think the Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro would be a good option. It comes with 9 sturdy and practical guards that allow you to keep the desired hair length, ranging from 1.5 to 15mm. You would need to fit a guard over the blade yourself, so it’s not adjustable in the sense that you rotate a dial and the guard moves accordingly.
There are a few clippers I think from Philips and even Panasonic that use a system with an integrated adjustable guard but are definitely not as easy to use and effective as the HC4250 if you cut your hair yourself.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey! Thanks for your reply! I should have actually been a bit more specific — I’m looking for a rotary head shaver that’s adjustable/or uses a guard to maintain a length other than completely bald. I’ve looked everywhere with no luck. Thank you again!!
No problem.
I’m afraid the chances of finding such a head shaver are extremely slim. The only rotary that uses a similar setup that I know of — a plastic guard that fits over the head — is the Remington PR1335B and that one is just plain bad. Mine didn’t come with a guard (it was missing from the package), so I couldn’t actually test it, but I’m pretty sure it won’t work as intended.
When the guard is fitted over the shaving head, it means there’s a gap between the rotary cutters and the skin. This makes the hairs a lot less likely to poke through a hole and when it does finally happen, there’s a good chance the blade will just yank the hair instead of cutting it. That’s why it’s important to always keep the rotary cutters flat against the skin, so a guard doesn’t make sense at all for rotary (head) shavers.
It’s the reason why we don’t see any of these rotary shavers + guards — this setup doesn’t work. On the other hand, a guard works great when paired with shearing blades — beard trimmers, hair clippers and so on.
Electric shavers, foil or rotary, are only intended to cut the hair at skin level and you must always keep the shaving head flat on the skin in order to get a safe and effective shave. Some shavers come with a separate attachment with shearing blades (like this one) that you would fit instead of the foil/rotary head and only use a guard over it (for example, the Braun Series 3 3010BT or any Philips rotary with a separate trimmer attachment).
So unfortunately the only viable option would be a device with shearing blades and guards like the HC4250.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you so much for your detailed reply!
Look at the Kemei hair clipper that round. You twist it for different lengths. Loads on amazon
Remington RX7 has USB charging, so you may use your phone charger. That is a serious advantage over RX5, or Bald Pro as it is called in the US
Thank you for the comment, Michael. That is true, the RX7 has USB charging, but I didn’t highlight it as a serious advantage since the shaver still has the same Remington port as the RX5, it’s just shipped with a cable with USB-A at the other end. The cable can be used to charge the RX5 as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I would buy one of these in a heartbeat if they made one that was adjustable. I like 1mm length of hair. I don’t want to be bald as a bowling ball.
Unfortunately there aren’t any with an adjustable guard or blade. There was a Philips QC5580 with an integrated rotating dial, but it was expensive and got discontinued. The Remington HC4250 clipper for example is not zero-gapped, so it’ll get you a hair length of 0.5mm. Alternatively, you could use any hair clipper with a taper lever and optionally a 0.5 or 1mm guard. But that one will be a bit more tricky to use compared to the HC4250.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m on here looking for a replacement for my Pit Bull Head Shaver…. Don’t waste your money on a Pitbull Head Shaver! I used mine off and on, alternating between razor blades & the pit bull to save the electric head Shaver & it’s blades from being used up too soon. Shaving with it 1 time in 3 or 4 verses the razor blade. After about a year of intermittent use it just quits. Originally I was delighted with it but noticed some occasional stuttering of it’s electric motor. The Pit Bull Head Shaver is cheaply made yet more expensive than it’s competitors. Again don’t waste your money on this product.
Hi Lyle,
Many thanks for the feedback. Have you tried reaching out to Skull Shaver support? Normally they should still assist you even if the shaver is out of warranty since this isn’t a normal situation, it’s unacceptable.
If you liked shaving with the Pitbull, the closest alternative would be the Remington Balder Pro (or the RX7 in Europe).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The head of the Pitbull Gold Pro won’t stay on. It comes off during shaving.
The locking mechanism of the Pitbull is pretty sensitive and if during use you rotate the body of the shaver counterclockwise while the shaving head is firmly on the skin, it can get unlocked. Also make sure it’s properly locked before starting your shave.
If this continues to happen I’d suggest contacting Skull Shaver and let them know. It could be solved with a new shaving head if the sleeve on the shaver’s body isn’t the culprit.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve been shaving my head for years, and I just brought a micro touch titanium Head shaver and it’s totally awesome. Smooth shave no bumps easy to clean and it works the same wet or dry head perfect every shave. Every man that shaves his head should try one.
Thank you for the comment, Andre. Haven’t tested the Microtouch head shaver, but it looks similar in design and function to the other multi-head rotaries like the Remington Balder Pro and Pitbull, so it should be very effective and easy to use. Enjoy shaving with yours, it seems like you made an excellent choice.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I bought the Remington Balder Pro (XR7000). I have been using a Panasonic. The Remington scratched my neck and head quite good. Hurt for 4 hours or better.
It should not under any circumstances scratch the skin. Some irritation or razor burn can occur in some cases, but if an electric shaver — rotary or foil — scratches your skin, it most likely has a defective shaving head. I strongly recommend not to use it again and contact support for a replacement/refund.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I was so happy to find this website! My Pitbull Silver pooped out shortly after the 1 year warrantee expired, and in my frustration I arrived here. I am sad to see that I am not the only one experiencing poor quality from Pitbull. We already have to buy blades, no one wants to replace the whole razor as well. I am going with the Remington this time. Thank you for putting this together!
Thanks so much for the comment and feedback, James. Hope you’ll enjoy using your new Remington shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a Pitbull Silver and my only complaint other than battery longevity is the fact that it gets to hot to quickly, hard to use after inky 2 minutes.
Hi Mike,
Are you referring to the cutters getting warm of the body of the shaver? Neither should get uncomfortably hot. In fact, rotary heads generally get only slightly warm during use since the guards are quite thick and the blades move a lot slower compared to the blades of a foil shaver. If yours still cuts reasonably well, try a spray lubricant for shavers. If that still doesn’t solve the problem, you will probably need to replace the heads.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this review, it is comprehensive and well detailed.
I appreciated your discretion when discussing Bald Eagle/Pit Bull Customer Service. I was thrilled when I saw this new razor on the market, finally!
I bought one of their early models the “Bald Eagle Smart” along with the stand and travel kit which set me back a lot of dollars at the time About $140 in 2017. I then discovered about six months later that they were coming out with a new model and therefore were discontinuing my model. OK, that is a bit abrupt, but it happens. I then discovered they had run out of razor blade heads for the unit and were not making any more. The new model had a different head connection, and therefore they would only be manufacturing those new blade units. Nor were they supplying spare parts for the motor or battery unit. And yet, they continued to advertise and sell the model I had bought for another 8 months, well into 2018 at a discount mind you, without telling anyone in the advertising or online that there were no replacement blade heads available, nor battery or motor parts available. Would you spend $100-120 on a new razor when you could not buy replacement blades -is this a new definition of disposable razor? Pit Bull wanted to clear the shelves and recoup the cash tied up in inventory. Every reputable manufacturer out there supports their products for up to 10 years with spare parts, blades, assemblies even after discontinuance. Not these guys. Their solution was that I should buy a new one, for even more money, with no trade-in, maybe a small discount? Yes, it was a unique shaver at the time, and a very good product that they keep improving. It only took a year or so for there to be similar units on the market. I would never buy another one of their shavers because I do not trust them as a company. The type of mind that drives a business model that kicks their customers to the curb and then expects them to lay out 2x-3x the cash vs the cost of their competitors has an attitude problem. They sell but do not support their products in real terms. A warranty is not product support, it’s a hedge against defects.
This type of business model is based on a constant flow of new customers as too many of the old ones will not be returning. Brand loyalty occurs when it is a two-way street, not just one-way. I’ll be trying out one of the other units you evaluated. I am sure one of them will give me the same shave at a lot less cost, and a reliable future I can trust.
Don, thanks so much for taking the time to share this. I wasn’t aware of the Bald Eagle fiasco. I fully agree, brand loyalty does occur when it’s a two-way street.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your informative articles. I just got my first head shaver, a balder pro rx5, after years of using a clipper on my increasingly bald head. It’s very fast and easy to use and clean.
Hi Bill,
Many thanks for the comment.
That’s great, I’m glad you like your Balder Pro. It’s one of the better rotary head shavers out there.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I used to Pitbull Silver model for about two and half years and it worked pretty good save for a couple issues that I found to be annoying more than problematic.
First was the cleaning of the blades. Did not matter how much I ran them under hot water or scrubbed with a toothbrush, there was massive buildup of residue that would not seem to go away. I would have to pull the whole blade mechanism apart and soak in hydrogen peroxide then soapy water for scrubbing. Granted I’m not well versed in cleaning or maintaining electric shavers but I figured if I was having the issue then others might as well.
Second for myself was the blade life span. I noticed in your article that the blades had about a year life span and mine didn’t last that long, even with lubricating and cleaning regularly. This would require going over areas two or three times in order to make sure all the hair was gone.
Other than those minor inconveniences it is a pretty good product. No idea if the more expensive versions have these issues as well because I wasn’t willing to spend more based on the user reviews decrying to customer support.
Pro’s- Battery life, ease of use, size of shaver
Con’s- Cleaning, blade life
Meh- Shaving closeness
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this, Terrance.
From what I understand there were no reliability issues, which is good since that seems to be the main issue with Skull Shaver.
Cleaning the shaving head with water after every use should be enough to prevent those massive buildups but of course some deep cleaning might still be required. Regarding the closeness, all the blades are common for all the different versions and even though the Gold and Platinum have a different (more powerful) motor, I doubt the closeness would be much better under similar circumstances. In my opinion the improvement will mainly translate into less work for a clean shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Did Amazon discontinue selling the Remington Balder Pro (XR7000)? The link in your blog no longer works, and I can’t find this product on Amazon. What’s up with this product?
Hi Jonathan,
It appears to be out of stock (on Remington’s website as well). You can still get it on Walmart though (I updated the links).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Man, ive given the RX7 so many chances now, so many techniques and preparing. It just cant handle the back of my head. Cant even move a milimeter and it will struggle. And i believe the springs might be a bit too tight, as it required some pressure to make them go to optimal positioning.
The rx5 had no issues on my thickest growthspots though, such a shame theh couldnt have done a workaround on the blades
I would be inclined to think you received a defective unit. Normally it should be very similar to the RX5 — to me the RX7 is bit more aggressive when I shave the back of my neck, but that’s about it.
Try contacting Remington customer supports, they’re usually very helpful and friendly (at least the USA branch) and should send you a free replacement head for the RX7.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Looks like you have a full head of hair Ovidiu… :) Or is that an old picture?
Hi Jon,
I do (still) have a full head of hair. :-) But as I said in the post above, I’ve been cutting my hair myself for about three years and I use an electric shaver to give myself a high bald skin fade — basically the sides and back of my head, the areas that also have the most hair in the case of most men with significant hair loss. I need a haircut once every two weeks or even sooner, so I do a lot of head shaving, even though I don’t shave the top of my head. But the back is really the most challenging part, at least for me.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’ve been using the Panasonic Arc3 and Arc4 electric razors for over 20 years for both my face and head. Both work well with the Arc4 taking a little less time to shave. I shave both every other day, using a very light touch on my head and my other hand feeling for stubble. No mirror for my head. With the pivoting shaver head, I find a very light touch works best for closeness. Wouldn’t use any other electric razor. Panasonic last forever. I have 2 Arc4s now and just decided to replace the foil and blades rather than buy new.
Thanks for your articles over the years.
Peter,
Thanks so much for the comment. 20 years is really impressive and especially the Arc 4 line is one of the more underrated out there. It’s a shame Panasonic decided to ignore it completely — these shavers are getting difficult to find nowadays. The ES-LF51-A for example is still one of the closest shaving razors I’ve ever used and is built like a tank.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
That’s what my 2 Arc4’s are, ES-LF51. Glad I’m keeping them.
Decent reviews. I even found out about a few products that I’ve never heard of. I’m currently using the Groomie which I didn’t see on your list. So far it’s been a good product. Hoping you can review it.
Thank you, Craig, I appreciate it. There are actually quite a few head shavers I plan on trying and reviewing. I haven’t used any Groomie products, so I can’t say anything about it yet.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just started looking into head shavers. Every time I think I might have decide on one. I see a negative review. I first was looking at the MicroTouch Titanium Head Shaver. Reviews were really bad. Now I’m not hearing good things about the Pit Bull Shaver.
Hi Robert,
The jury is still out on the Skull Shaver reliability. As I mentioned in the article, the Remington head shavers are at least in theory a safer option.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Been Shaving my head past 2 years now. Found the Remington Balder Pro works best for my neck + lower half of head; + use the Gamma+ Absolute Zero elec foil razor for top half of head (can’t get top shaved close enough w/Balder Pro; the Absolute Zero is too harsh for my neck area). So I use both accordingly with success
Thank you for the comment, Mark.
Haven’t tried the Gamma shaver, but I suspect it is similar to the likes of the Andis ProFoil and Wahl Finale. In other words it probably cuts very close. But I agree, these things aren’t the most comfortable out there.
Nothing wrong with using two separate tools if that helps you get a better shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m looking for a new shaver for my head. Currently, I just shave my head with regular clippers and no guard. I want to get a new shaver for a close full head shave.
I am looking at two shavers, Braun Series 9 PRO+ & Panasonic ARC6.
My main concern is I have very sensitive skin. Which would you choose between these two?
It seems the Arc6 shaves closer, but Braun is more gentle?
Hi Steven,
I think the Series 9 PRO+ would be the safer option. The Arc 6 does shave a bit closer and it has an extra blade and a more powerful motor. But the Braun is more forgiving. I have no issues with the Arc 6 except the back of my neck. With any Braun Series 9 (including the Pro and PRO+) I never had any trace of irritation. It’s also the most enjoyable and effective shaver I’ve used on my head.
The Arc 6 foils are a lot stiffer and don’t flex as much and the whole shaving head has less range of motion and it’s wobblier compared to a Series 9 PRO+. This makes the Braun also easier to use, especially when shaving the back of the head. I think you’ll also be happy with the closeness.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
You didnt include the Panasonics here. I think you should and on all your reviews of Panasonics you do not mention they can be used on the head as you do here.
Just makes unnecessary reading and takes up time to get here especially if you first time user.
I think your reviews are extensive and very informative, a job well done.
Thank you
Hi Jan,
Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated.
I just went with Braun instead of Panasonic here as I feel it’s just a bit more user-friendly and a safer bet when shaving the head. It’s gentler on the back of the neck the wide range of motion of both the individual foils and of the entire head unit make it more manageable and easier to use, especially on the back of the head. But a Panasonic will also work well and an Arc 5 will even cut the hair closer. But I find that it takes a bit more work and you have to be more mindful of the pressure.
I did mention that Panasonic shavers can be used on the head in this review of the Arc 5 and also in this one of the Arc 4, but I did miss a few others, so thanks for the heads up. I will add it when I update those as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great Article Ovidiu. Thank you.
I used one of the older Philips electric shavers(possibly the 1000 series) for years for the skull. Loved it, and still works. I will probably have to change the blades to use it again.
I switched to the Pitbull Platinum in 2020 – it felt great in the hand. Loved the ability to clean, the rinse stand, etc.
However didn’t find the shave as close as the Philips – I had to go over more times then the Philips to get a close shave. It would miss a few spots that i ended up using a razor to finish. Wasn’t as quiet as the Philips either. It did not last long either – maybe 3 shaves on a full charge. And now all of a sudden stopped working completely. It is fully charged. Took it to the local store, they did give a ‘thing’ about it. Off course it is past the warranty period. But to stop working completely is ridiculous. The Philips still functions even though it is more then 10 years old. I need a new shaver now. Thinking of getting one of the Philips 9000 ones.
Million dollar question for you: What’s your opinion on using an electric face shaver such as the Philips 9000 prestige/series one for the head?
Do you have any comments on the Philips 9000 models?
Thanks again,
Hi Felix,
Many thanks for the feedback.
The S9000 Prestige is currently the best shaver in Philips’ lineup, at least when it comes to using it on the face (here is my review if you want to check it out). And it will without a doubt be very effective as a head shaver. That said, it is on the larger side and the new angular head is also thicker and larger. So while it’s a very capable shaving machine, I don’t think the ergonomics will be the best when using it to shave your head yourself. Your Series 1000 is a lot smaller and these lower-end models like the Series 2000 or 3000 also have the metal guards suspended on tiny springs which also helps when shaving a large bony sphere vs the cheeks for example.
And it’s even more of a problem with the standard Series 9000 that uses the same head as the Prestige, but the shaver itself is larger and heavier and the handle is very thick. So I would not really recommend it as a standalone head shaver if you’re doing it yourself.
If you were happy with the Series 1000, I would actually consider a Series 2000 Shaver 2500. That one is a bit more powerful than yours, works cordless and corded and it’s a simple and durable shaver. The price is also very reasonable. Also, the Shaver 2500 is essentially a Series 3000 branded as Series 2000, so it’s just as powerful as other slightly more expensive models in the Series 3000 (like the 3500/3800).
So if you decide on getting a new shaver instead of buying new heads for the 1000, I think it would be a better option to get the Shaver 2500 instead of the much more expensive Prestige. The Prestige is a great shaver for the face, but in this case I think you’d be better off with the 2500.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the elaborate writeup. I’m a bit in a struggle at the moment between Skullshaver and Remington. My main worry at the moment on the Remington is that there doesn’t seem to be any replacement blades available for the RX7, but apperently it’s recommend to swap them every 6 months… So how should one deal with this? Is replacement not really needed?
Hi Yoshi,
I would get the RX5, you’re really missing out on much. It also costs less than the RX7 and the replacement head is easy to source.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The Skull/Pitbull shaver products are deceptively designed to appear to be heavy duty and durable, but they ARE NOT! Having gone through two Pitbull/Skull shavers in a year, I am highly dissatisfied by the product and severely disappointed by the low quality of the materials used. The shaving heads are made of the cheapest plastic, which crumbles and flakes-off within a couple of weeks. The point of contact which is supposed to hold the shaving head attached to the shaver’s body, is also made out of cheap, flimsy plastic that breaks off easily rendering the Pitbull/Skull shaver useless! SAVE YOUR MONEY – STAY AWAY FROM ALL SKULL SHAVER PRODUCTS. The nose trimmer and the so-called, Weed Whacker are both TOTALLY INEFFECTIVE and are also designed to look tough, but are made with the cheapest materials.
Hi,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this.
I actually did mention the flimsy attachment between the shaving unit and the body in my review of the Pitbull. Because of that, I never remove it to avoid putting any stress on that plastic fitting. I haven’t had any other issues though, none of the shaving heads are showing any signs of flaking. I’m curious if you reached out to their customer support about this issue and if so how did they handle it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Without a doubt this is the best article I have read in months about head shavers, thanks Ovidiu!
I have had a Remington XR7000 for a month now and the only problem I have found is that it is getting clogged very easily. After shaving, even though I wash it with water and shampoo, when I look at the blades through the light, they are still dirty and I have to clean them with a fine needle to remove the stuck hairs or else, when I turn it on the motor gets stuck. I’m thinking of switching to the Skull one, what’s your advice?
Hi Karel,
You are very kind, thank you for the comment.
It is a bit of a pain to get all the dirt out since the blades can’t be removed from the guards. But using a needle must be particularly tedious. In my opinion a better option would be to make a soapy solution (warm water, dish soap) in a small plastic container, submerge just the rotary cutters and run the shaver for around 30 to 60 seconds. This basically emulates a cleaning station. Then generously rinse it clean under the tap and let it air dry (with the shaving unit detached). Another option would be to use a cleaning solution for electric shavers instead of soapy water (like Shaver Shebang or Philips JetClean). The advantage of the latter is that the solution will also lubricate the blades.
The Skull Shaver does have an advantage in the sense that you can remove each head and clean it thoroughly. But it does come with some cons as well, like the price and the still somewhat inconsistent reliability. I would stick to the Remington if you’re happy with the performance.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great detailed article, maybe because I can relate as I have several of the products listed i.e. Remington RX5, Remington Quick cut, Panasonic lv67 and the Wahl Magic cordless clippers.
The Remington RX5 is brilliant, and although I do often go between having that bald shiny head look my hair isn’t quite at that stage but have significant patches of thinning hair so sometimes use the Remington Quick Cut which will just make it easy to go all over with the curved blade and get it down to a length where there is thinning isn’t so noticeable.
As said, a great review and perhaps you should mention the Wahl Aqua Blade in your next one as I find this also useful for face and head shaving.
Steve,
Thanks so much for the comment, I appreciate it.
I am yet to try the Aqua Blade, but I do plan to get one for a review.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m looking primarily for a head shaver and was considering the Pitbull Gold but after reading about their customer support or lack of I am now reconsidering. Do you think a foil razor is as good for the head as the rotary ones? Great article by the way .
Thank you, Lewis.
I think foil shavers can work perfectly fine even though shaving the back of the head may be a bit more taxing on your wrist vs using a dedicated head shaver like the Pitbull or Balder Pro. But a quality foil shaver will shave even closer in most cases.
I find any variation of the Braun Series 9 (standard, Pro or PRO+) to work extremely well as a head shaver, it’s very effective and comfortable and a joy to use. A Panasonic Arc 5 may even cut a bit closer, but the head is not as conforming and on the back of the neck it is a bit too aggressive and I get some razor burn from it.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
“The HC4250 is waterproof and fully washable, so cleaning it is a breeze.”
The manual says:
The blades are washable under a running tap.
The body of this appliance is not washable or water resistant. Do not put the appliance in liquid.
Hi Dirk,
The trimmer is washable per Remington’s instructions and even has a washout port to let water pass through. Here is an image from the product page.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
First of all, thank you for all your work.
I currently own a Remington RX7, it works well, and gives me a clean shave, but also give me burn in the back neck.
Also, I don’t find anywhere the replacement blades for ti’s model.
I’m thinking about return it and buy a Braun Series 9 Pro+.
My question is if with Braun I will have a better experience, and if it collects the hair and debris or if it makes a huge mess around.
My idea it’s to cut everyday so I can keep a clean shave.
Thank you
Hi Bruno,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
I think the Series 9 PRO+ (or any of the other S9 Pro and non-Pro models) will be gentler. The back of the neck is a problem area for me as well and I often get razor bumps from certain shavers, but never from the Series 9 Pro/PRO+. In fact, these are so forgiving that I can even press a bit harder. I hope you’ll have a similar experience should you decide to try one.
A rotary shaver will always be more effective at containing the clipped hair inside the head, but I wouldn’t say the Series 9 is much worse in that regard. I definitely don’t think it makes a big mess around.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
Congratulations on the reviews, I find them very comprehensive and very honest, and today it’s not easy to find content like this online!
I’ve been shaving my head for a few years now (thinning hair but still lots of it, especially on the sides), I tried the Braun Series 9 and the Panasonic Arc 6 in the past but they didn’t convince me. I switched to the Babyliss Pro FX3 which I have been using for over a year. Initially I was very happy with it because it really shaved ‘zero’ in few time, like 3 minutes (I have already changed the blade twice, every 6 months, shaving every 36-48 hours).
Unfortunately, recently, it leaves me with a lot of irritation and scratches. I don’t know if my skin has become more sensitive or if I press too much, objectively speaking it’s easy that shaving so close there is this risk.
After reading several of your articles, I decided to try the Arc 5 ES-LV67 (€120) and the Braun Series 9 Pro+ (€240) again to see how it was. I have been trying them for a few days now, every 36 hours and they are definitely gentler and I was amazed at how close the shave is. In 4’30” the result is really good!
Am I wrong or does the Panasonic need more “pressure” to work effectively (and therefore scratch the skin a bit more)? Also, the fact that the brush head is larger seems a bit more uncomfortable to me.
The Braun seems to me to be a bit more head-friendly, even if the brush head doesn’t quite lock like the Panasonic.
The Arc 5 would cost me half as much as the Braun so I’ll try them out for another week before deciding which one to keep.
Do you have any advice for me?
How long do Braun and Panasonic Blades last if I shave the entire head every 36 hours?
Hi Enrico,
Thank you for the kind comment, much appreciated.
For me, the Series 9 (the standard or the Pro/PRO+) is overall the best conventional electric shaver for shaving the head. It’s incredibly smooth and effective and the entire shaving head, as well as the individual cutters conform to the scalp better vs the Arc 5. The latter is also intrinsically more aggressive and pressing harder can make it worse. When used on the face, the Arc 5 does have an advantage in terms of closeness, but as head shavers, I find both the Series 9 and Arc 5 equally good.
So if the budget is not an issue, I would keep the S9 PRO+. It’s difficult to say when you’ll need a new cassette, but it should definitely last more than your FX3 foils and blades. My estimate is ~one year for that shaving frequency. Maybe even more as different users tend to perceive differently the foil wear and the extra work needed for a smooth shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, thank you for the great article. I found it really helpful.
Unfortunately, I haven’t found a head shaver that meets my requirements:
1. I want to leave short stubble rather than shaving completely smooth. So the rotary shavers aren’t ideal.
2. I’m looking for a shaver that collects the hair trimmings inside the shaver, to avoid making a mess with the little bits of hair.
Do you know of any shavers that satisfy both of these requirements?
Thanks.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for the kind comment.
You would need a trimmer with exposed shearing blades in order to achieve the short stubble look and also because those type of devices are the only ones that can work effectively on longer hair. A rotary or foil shaver, in addition to cutting the hair at skin level (which you do not want), will also only work on very short hair.
As for collecting the clipped hair inside a container, I’m afraid there’s no such product available to my knowledge. There are only a few beard trimmers (with straight, narrow blades that aren’t ideal for the head) from Philips and Remington, but aren’t that effective and are bulky and cumbersome to use. They have a plastic container and a vacuum-like system that sucks the trimmed hair. But again, the effectiveness is mediocre at best and again they are designed to be used on the face.
All things considered, the Remington HC4250 or even better, the HC4300 if you can find it, would be the best option. Wide, curved blade, lots of guards if you want slightly longer stubble and they’re compact and easy to use. Unfortunately they will make a mess just like any other clippers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you very much for your reply Ovidiu.
I used a SkullShaver Pitbull Gold Pro for 3 years before it died. Bought another Gold Pro and ordered a replacement blade assy. after 9 months. The blade assy. was terrible. Took customer service 3 weeks to send a replacement. That replacement was also trash, the blades dragged across my head. So I gave up on SkullShaver (terrible customer service). Bought a Remington Balder Boss Deluxe. After a year with the Boss, battery charge time was down to appx. 35 minutes. Remington replaced that unit and the replacement that I was given now has a battery life of appx. 35 minutes AFTER FIVE MONTHS. I also purchased a Flex Series Freebird after the Skull Shaver fiasco and do not get as close a shave as with the other 2. So I’m trying to decide who to buy from to get a decent product.
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for taking the time to share this.
I would contact Remington again, they’re usually quick with solving this type of problems with the shavers. All things considered, the Balder is still probably the best option when it comes to rotary head shavers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The most detailed and accurate (concurs with many other critics.)
I found this review to be the #1 in terms of being the most helpful!
Thanks so much for the kind comment, really glad you found the info useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, I’ve been following you for a long time and thank you for your excellent work!
I’ve been using a Panasonic for years to shave my head, currently an ES-LV6Q, and I’ve honestly never had any problems. I wanted to ask you if these dedicated head razors, in your experience, do a better job than the one I use. Specifically, I wanted to know if they shave closer to the razor than the Panasonic I use, or if it’s worth switching. The price of your first choice seems quite affordable, but I don’t know if the result is comparable, better, or even worse than the ES-LV6Q. Thank you in advance for the clarification and for what you do!
Hi Fabio,
Thank you so much for the comment, I appreciate it.
My first choice represents in my opinion the best compromise: ease of use, effectiveness, price and performance. That said, if we refer strictly to how close to the skin it can cut the hair, it’s not better than the ES-LV6Q (which has some specific cons of its own — availability/price, size and weight, the price of the replacement foil+blades etc.).
I don’t think switching to the Remington will bring an improvement to the closeness vs your current shaver — on the contrary. It will of course be super easy, convenient and effective to use since it’s a dedicated head shaver, but I would still give the Panasonic the edge for closeness.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu, and thank you so much for such comprehensive reviews! I have been using a Balder Pro in the shower with Creamo with excellent results, except when I shave the back of my neck as it causes significant irritation. Since the rechargeable battery on my Balder Pro can barely hold a charge for a full shave, I am considering upgrading to a Series 9. Based on your and everyone else’s comments, it a great overall shaver and very forgiving (I shave everyday). My concern is that your reviews seem to be considering a dry shave, so I was wondering if you’d have a different recommendations when using a wet shave with shaving cream. Thanks again!, Adrian.
Hey Adrian,
Thank you so much for the comment.
I would still go with the same options for wet shaving. As long as your scalp gets along well with the shaving cream you’re using, the comfort should be at least as good vs using the same shaver dry. I found the Head Shaver Pro to be gentler than the Balder Pro right out of the box, and I think you will enjoy it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you very much for all these reviews. Crawling through all these comparisons on your website and other online cotents, I’m left with a dilemma for my new bald head : choose a very reliable option with the Philips head shaver or get a bit nerdy/fussy and choose the Arc 5 Palm. I’m left with three questions to decide, don’t hesitate if you see others :
It looks like the Acr 5 Palm with its top cutting power would eventually get through a full week of hair growth where the Philips head shaver could not ?
Considering the width of the Acr 5 Palm foils and its new design making it suitable for head shave, how longer would you say it takes to complete head shave compared to the Philips head shaver (starting from trimmed hair arround 0.5mm) ?
Is the Philips head shaver as performant as the Acr 5 Palm to retain the cut hairs inside its hair chamber ?
Thank you again for all this shared knowledge.
Bests
Hey Alex,
Thank you so much for the comment. Those are some great questions.
1/ The Arc 5 does have a super impressive, fast and powerful motor. However, it’s a foil shaver, which means it has an innate disadvantage compared to the typical rotary when it comes to catching longer hairs. I think a full week of hair growth would be at the very limit for both (assuming you won’t be pre-trimming the hair with clippers), but the Philips might actually have the edge here. Again, in terms of raw power the Arc 5 Palm is clearly ahead, but because it has 4 foil elements and a basic slit cutter, it works optimally on short hair.
2/ In terms of which one of them would be faster, it depends on quite a few variables. For example, the hair on the back of my head grows sideways and even upward, which means that when I’m using a foil shaver I have to assess the grain and adjust the direction accordingly. Foil shavers are effective when you go against the grain. In contrast, with the Philips head shaver I would simply go in overlapping circular motions and all the hairs will eventually be caught and cut. Very bony occipital bones might also be trickier for a large foil razor. The Arc 5 does shave super close, so some users, especially if the hairs are thicker, might need a bit more work for a satisfactory closeness using the Philips shaver. As for the actual duration, it comes down to the actual size of the scalp, the hair density and length, your technique, hair grain/cowlicks and so on. Some users manage to get it done in 4-5 minutes (very short hair that grows straight and low density in the crown area), but it can also take 15 minutes or more depending on the aforementioned variables. There are some many things that would impact the duration of the shave, that it’s very difficult to draw a definitive, all-encompassing conclusion.
3/ I’d say yes, in fact, a Philips is generally better than a foil shaver at containing the clipped hairs inside the hair chamber. Again it’s a consequence of foil vs rotary design.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Okay, thank you very much Ovidiu. I’ll finally take the Philips, it seems really more convenient and reliable for a brand new bald head like mine. I’ll go to the barber if I ever need an extra shiny effect. Tank you for your valuable time.
Bests !
You are very welcome, Alex. I think that’s the best compromise all things considered.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu