The best electric head shavers are a great option if you like the idea of ditching those trips to the barbers to do it yourself. Not only will this save you time but it could save you a lot of money too. That's especially true over the Black Friday period where some fantastic electric head shaver deals can be grabbed.
From brands like Wahl, Panasonic, Remington, Andis, and Skull Shaver, this guide has only the best head shavers laid out for you to pick from. To do that you'll need to first think about how you want to cut – is it a total buzz cut with the same grading all over or do you want to style your hair with varying lengths. Another consideration is if you also want this for tidying facial and body hair. For that reason this list also has models that double as the best hair clippers. Or get one of these and pair it with one of the best electric razors for a clean finish.
Wired or battery powered is another choice you'll have to make. Generally battery is better, lasting up to an hour on a charge and meaning you won't need to worry about cables getting in the way as you cut – it could mean easier clean-up too as you can cut in the bath or shower. That said, wired may be more affordable.
From rotary heads to fixed heads, there are options to suit you. It might be that a quick shortcut using a model like the Skull Shaver does the job, but you may want more. Either way you'll find a range of options and prices in this list.
If you're bald and wet shaves aren't for you, finding the best electric head shaver for you is the key to achieving that perfect smooth finish with every shave. A speedy and smart way to banish your five o'clock shadow and stubble on top, the top of the line electric head shavers justify their price tag by giving you the same result every time from home. If you keep in mind all the money you'll save on disposable razors, cream and other paraphernalia, head shavers can offer a simple, stylish solution.
Skull Shaver and Goldskull Pro are the market leaders for barber-quality electric head shavers, delivering fantastic results with minimum irritation or nicks in no time. A premium price of upwards of $100 is attached, but the likes of Wahl, Panasonic, Remington and Andis also deliver reliable performance on a more affordable budget.
While you can use cheaper, more versatile hair clippers to give you a very short buzz cut, bald head shavers are exclusively for those who want to keep their head looking as smooth and smart as possible with minimum fuss. You can check our picks of the best hair clippers, many of which will deliver a very fine trim on top, cut longer hair and allow you to groom other areas of your body.
And while you can use electric head shavers to attain the same smooth results on your face, you might find it better to check our best electric razors for the more specialized task of taking care of your facial hair.
Like the top of the range electric clippers and razors, you'll want to consider a head shaver that's easy to handle and gives you the closest possible shaves. It's also well worth spending more on a cordless model so you don't have to stoop down to the nearest power outlet to use it, while this will also enable you to take it into the shower.
8 best electric head shavers to buy now
1. Skull Shaver Pitbull Platinum PRO: Best electric head shaver overall
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Meet the world's best bald head shaver. If there's one thing that's going to give you confidence when it comes to DIY grooming, it's an accessory that looks like it's come straight out of a posh salon. Shiny and robust, Skull Shaver’s flagship Pitbull Platinum PRO electric head shaver oozes sophistication, and backs up its premium aesthetic with a truly mouthwatering spec.
Thanks to its multi-directional rotary shaving heads, precision hypo-allergenic Japanese stainless steel blades and ergonomic, easy-grip handle, the Pitbull Platinum PRO promises a fast, accurate and comfortable head shave.
Its 1,400mAh lithium-ion battery is good for 90 minutes of cordless use, and to help you gauge how much time you have left, there's an LCD battery life indicator on the handle. That's likely to come in handy when you're making the most of the Platinum PRO's IPX5 water resistance by shaving your head in the shower. As the best electric head shavers go, this one really is a Platinum choice.
2. Wahl 5-Star Balding Clipper: Best electric head shaver for bald heads
Trying to rock your finest Dwayne Johnson look? Then you're going to want an electric head shaver that takes no prisoners (and leaves no stubble). As the name implies, Wahl's 5-Star Series Balding Clipper is not only one of the best electric head shavers for bald people, it's one of the top head shavers full stop.
Powered by a heavy-duty V5000 electromagnetic motor that cuts at twice the speed of pivot motors, this foil shaver features zero-overlap blades to ensure skin-tight fading. Meanwhile, the device's ultra-fine teeth enable the smoother feeding of short hair for an even cut all over.
One thing we should say is that the 5-Star Series Balding Clipper isn't a cordless shaver, meaning you won't be able to stray too far from the plug socket when shaving your head. On the plus side, at least you'll never have to worry about running out of battery.
3. Andis ProFoil: Best electric head shaver for small budgets
If you're cynical about pricey electric head shavers, this budget charmer may just change your mind. Ok so the Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Shaver doesn't have the muscular aesthetic of rival models in our best electric head shavers guide, but don't let that fool you. A lot of professional hair stylists swear by this little device, and for good reason.
The combination of staggered-head blades and a powerful rotary motor that generates 9,000 strokes per minute delivers an incredibly close shave. On top of that, the shaver's slim and lightweight form makes it a dream to move around your head (and takes up very little room in a travel bag, too).
The head shaver's gold titanium hypo-allergenic foil minimizes skin irritation, and if you need to shave your head on the move, 80 minutes of battery life will keep you going for a few days.
4. Wahl Professional 5-Star Finale: Best cordless electric head shaver
If you prefer to be mobile while having your morning shave (and hey, why not – you'll burn a few extra calories, after all), it makes sense to invest in a shearer that's not too heavy to carry around, and won't run out of juice after every session.
Another electric head shaver from Wahl's impressive 5-Star range, the Professional 5-Star Finale Finishing Tool is both lightweight and long-lasting, buzzing along for up to 90 minutes between each charge. Handily, it comes with its own charging dock for when you need to top it up.
Not only will it outlast many of its rivals, it delivers a closer shave than a lot of similarly priced electric head shavers. That’s thanks partly to a powerful rotary motor and Wahl's distinctive gold foils. Those foils are also designed to be kind to your skin, though we'd argue that they're not the strongest on the market.
5. HeadBlade MOTO Head Razor: Best head shaver razor
Electric head shavers don't float everyone's boat, and some prefer a more traditional approach to self-grooming. Luckily, there are loads of high-quality head shaver razors out there, and generally they're much cheaper than their electric counterparts. Our pick of the bunch is the HeadBlade MOTO Head Razor.
Winner of the Red Dot Design Award in 2017, the HeadBlade MOTO Head Razor is one of the most stylish head shaver razors out there, but it's more than just handsome. With a razor blade that pivots up and down to follow the contour of your scalp, a body that leans from side to side, and a dual-active suspension system, it guarantees a smooth and simple shave. What's more, it's often on sale, so you can usually buy it for a discounted price.
6. Braun Series 9 9370cc: Best electric head shaver for sensitive skin
Having to walk into a business meeting or a date with blotches all over your head is embarrassing. Thankfully, the kind people at Braun have stepped in to help people with sensitive skin. The company describes its Series 9 9370cc rotary shaver range as ‘exceptionally gentle’, and it's hard to argue with that.
An impressive 10,000 sonic vibrations enable this electric head shaver to glide over your skin with ease, minimizing the risk of nicks and cuts. For added peace of mind, the Braun Series 9 9370cc is fitted with a Skin Guard.
The fact that it's gentle doesn't mean the Series 9 pussyfoots around, though. Braun reckons that it shaves more hair in one stroke than any other shaver, while 40,000 cutting actions buzz every hair as closely as 0.05mm. The Series 9 isn't cheap (the best head shavers rarely are), but you can use it on your facial hair too, making it far more versatile.
7. Remington HC4250 QuickCut: Best electric head shaver for travel use
Speed and simplicity are the key features of this little device – one of many quality electric head shavers from the Remington stable. The company claims that the HC4250 QuickCut hair clipper provides the quickest self-cut of all Remington head shavers, thanks to its 57% greater blade coverage.
What makes it even more appealing to those who need a quick trim is the fact that the shaver features a speedy 10-minute charge feature. Otherwise, it takes four hours to charge the device fully, which gives you 40 minutes of run time.
Quick certainly doesn't mean shoddy, though, and the shaver's CurveCut blade technology is designed to give you a cleaner, more even cut. This is helped along by the QuickCut Hair Clippers' ergonomic design, which enables you to easily groom hard-to-reach areas, along with your neck and sideburns.
Remington's little wonder doesn't boast the bells and whistles that some of the very best electric head shavers have, but if you're looking for a small grooming gadget that’s simple to use, look no further.
8. Wahl Colour Pro Cordless: Best electric head shaver for beginners
The primary colors emblazoned on the front of this electric head shaver should give you a hint as to how simple it is to use. They correspond to the 10 colored comb attachments that come packaged with the device, making it easy to remember how short you like to have your hair. It's a brilliant idea that makes the Color Pro Cordless perfect for families – how we could've done with one during lockdown.
There really isn't anything else to get your head around. Wahl's shaver is a pretty basic device, but it does the basics very well. Precision ground blades and an ergonomic design enable you to perform a quick and easy trim, while up to 60 minutes of cordless use from a single charge means everyone can have a go before it conks out. You can even remove and rinse the blade after each person has finished.
9. Pitbull Gold PRO Head and Face Shaver: Best premium head shaver
The four-headed Pitbull Gold PRO will cost you a lot less than the headline-grabbing Platinum PRO, but the differences are slight. The Gold still boasts the Forte Pro4 stainless steel blades that deliver terrific trimming performance, and with more blades per head to cut through stubble with ease it dramatically reduces shaving time over its rivals. The ability to use it on a wet or dry scalp with minimal irritation thanks to the retractable and flexible blades is just what you'd expect from such a superior product.
The LCD display doesn't indicate when the shaver needs a wash, but does show battery charge. Ultimately if you can do without the extras and chrome finish of the Platinum, the Gold PRO will deliver the same slick shave on your head and face, with maximum control, while saving you a decent wedge in the process. Sometimes it's best to go for gold.
10. Pitbull Palm Face and Head Shaver: Best pocket-sized face and head shaver
With three blades instead of four, the Pitbull Palm Face and Head Shaver may just fall short of performance of Skull Shaver's PRO range, but that's not its USP. The Pitbull will still give you a smooth shave on your head and face, but without the electronic display and extra blade of its bigger brothers it's considerably cheaper. Add in its USB-charge cable and more durable appearance, and it's the ideal option for travel trips that you might not want to risk with the fancier models.
You can remove the blades for cleaning, but the most impressive feature is the detachable head. Underneath you'll reveal a mini buzzer to trim those pesky nose and ear hairs. This added extra and all-round no frills approach makes it an ideal travel companion to help you groom on the go. Given its price this Pitbull is also an ideal introductory product to see if head shavers are for you.
Cheapest prices on the best electric head shaver
Best electric head shaver FAQ
Buying advice for the best electric head shavers
Unlike disposable razor subscriptions, deciding if a head shaver is for you requires a bit of upfront investment. As such it's important to consider a few key factors to help you choose the best shaver for your head.
The first consideration is the type of blade that's best suited to your skin. The rotary foils and skin guard of the likes of Braun Series 9 9370cc offer less irritation for those with the most sensitive skin, although if you're a bit more resilient you could opt for the rotary blades of the Pitbull range. The more hardened might even opt for the relatively cheaper Wahl 5-Star Balding Head Shaver Clipper with its classic teeth blades. If you're also going to use your head shaver on your face, you'll also need to take the type of blade into consideration.
While you'll get many years of use from your investment, any blade will dull over time. Therefore you need to consider the cost of replacement heads and blades, and how often you'll have to invest in them.
If you like to be in complete control or use your bald head shaver in the shower you'll also need a cordless bald head shaver that you can charge. This also helps for traveling with your shaver, but will also mean you have to factor battery life into your equations.
How to clean an electric head shaver
Replacing the blades on your electric head shaver is important and should be done according to the brand's instructions. Some manufacturers suggest doing this every five months while others say you can wait a year or more.
Aside from replacing the blades, there are other steps to help you maintain your shaver. Firstly, always clean the shaver after use. This means blowing out any extraneous hairs and running warm water through the blades. Leaving even fine hairs in the mechanism can cause it to work less efficiently over time.
Always keep your shaver dry when not in use to avoid bacteria build-up. Not only can moisture ruin the shaver, it can act like a greenhouse for germs. If you're concerned that the cleanliness of your electric head shaver has been compromised, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol during cleaning. If yours isn't waterproof, stick to using a damp cloth.
Other ways to enhance your personal care routine
If you aren't yet ready to shave off all or most of your hair, make sure you're protecting it during drying with one of these heat-aware hair dryers...