The 8 Best Head Shavers for Men, According to Experts

Thanks to the plethora of attachments like a precision trimmer, cleansing brush, pre-shave brush and nose hair trimmer, this handy gadget does way more than just give you a smooth dome. It can even be used as a shaver for your face.

What to know before buying and using a head shaver, according to hair experts

Although it’s a bold choice, shaving your head offers a low-maintenance solution for thinning hair on top, according to Patrick Butler, senior director of creative and technical education at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. But the style isn’t just for those with thinning hair — it’s a simple style that is a good option for those who do not want to have to style their hair in the morning.

Whether you’re planning on buzzing your hair for the first time or you’re a shaving veteran, a head shaver is an important tool to maintain a clean cut. To help you decide which head shaver is right for you, we consulted barbers and hair stylists to find out what to look for in a head shaver and compiled their recommendations for the best ones to shop.

Our top picks

• Best overall pick: AidallsWellup 5-in-1 Electric Head Shaver
• Best budget: Kibiy Electric Razor
• Best splurge: Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO Electric Shaver

How we picked the best head shavers

When shopping for a head shaver, our experts recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

• Wet vs. dry shavers: Look for head shavers that are designed for both dry and wet shaves. If you have to choose between one or the other, opt for a wet shaving option since it’ll produce a smoother finish and reduce the risk of irritation, according to our experts.
• Number of blades: Head shavers usually have three to six rotating blades. The more blades a head shaver has, the more area it can cut and the smoother the finish, according to Butler.
• Water-resistance: Consider a water-resistant head shaver if you buzz your head in the shower. This is also especially useful if you want to rinse off any leftover hair or shaving cream from the blades.
• Battery life: Prioritize a head shaver that has a low battery indicator or a display that indicates how much battery the device has left. Also, a lithium battery is best because it’ll hold a charge longer than standard batteries, Butler says.
• Maintenance: Go for blades that have removable covers to easily dust off hair underneath, as well as a removable chamber that collects hair to easily empty it out after shaving.

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Best head shavers of 2023

Below, we compiled a few expert-recommended head shavers to consider. Per our experts’ guidance, we only included head shavers that are water-resistant and have both wet and dry shaving capabilities.

AidallsWellup 5-in-1 Electric Head Shaver

Butler favors this AidallsWellup electric head shaver for its six pivoting blades that you can use for both dry and wet shaving (meaning you can use water and shaving cream if you prefer). “You hold the shaver as if you were massaging your head and glide the pivoting blades over the surface,” he says. It comes with four additional attachments, including a nose hair trimmer, a cleansing brush, a precision trimmer and a pre-shave massage brush to soften stubble before shaving. You can use the cordless shaver for up to 90 minutes on a single charge.

Number of blades: 6 | Number of attachments: 5 | Run time: 90 minutes | Water-resistant: Yes

AidallsWellup 5-in-1 Electric Head Shaver

Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO Electric Shaver

The Skull Shaver Pitbull comes recommended by both Butler and Davide Marinelli, founder and creative director at Davide Hair Studio in New York City, thanks to its durability. Although it doesn’t have any extra attachments, this four-blade head shaver has an ergonomic handle and four blades that catches hair clippings in a chamber to prevent them from falling everywhere and making a mess. It has a runtime of 90 minutes and an LED display that lets you see how much battery you have left.

Number of blades: 4 | Number of attachments: N/A | Run time: 90 minutes | Water-resistant: Yes

Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO Electric Shaver

Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver

The Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver comes recommended by Marinelli for its durable five rotating blades, which he says provides a quick shave. Though the Remington shaver doesn’t have any attachments, it does collect hair in a chamber underneath the blades that you can empty out. It also has a 50-minute runtime and it takes 4 hours to fully charge, according to the brand.

Number of blades: 5 | Number of attachments: N/A | Run time: 50 minutes | Water-resistant: Yes

Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver

Freedom Grooming The FlexSeries Electric Head Shaver

This head shaver has five flexible blades that contour to your face and glide easily on the skin, according to Marinelli. It comes with five attachments, including a precision clipper and trimmer with three safety guards, a nose and ear hair trimmer, a pre-shave massager and an exfoliating brush. The Freedom Grooming shaver also comes with a cleaning brush to dust off hair from the blades and has a textured ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold, according to the brand.

Number of blades: 5 | Number of attachments: 5 | Run time: 90 minutes | Water-resistant: Yes

Freedom Grooming The FlexSeries Electric Head Shaver

Kibiy Electric Razor

The Kibiy Electric Razor comes with six blades and five grooming attachments, including a hair clipper, a nose and ear hair trimmer and a massage tool and a cleansing brush to soften stubble. It has a self-locking function that automatically stops the shaver when the blades become clogged, according to the brand. This shaver also comes with an LED display that shows how much time is left on its current charge.

Number of blades: 6 | Number of attachments: 5 | Run time: 90 minutes | Water-resistant: Yes

Kibiy Electric Razor

What is a head shaver, exactly?

A head shaver is a tool that uses oscillating rotary blades, which are covered with a thin layer of metal and operate at a high speed, to cut hair. While there are other tools that can help provide a smooth head, including trimmers, clippers and razors, a good head shaver “can cut as smooth and as close to the skin as possible without irritating the skin and minimize ingrown hairs and bumps due to its consistent speed,” says Marinelli. The blades on a head shaver also have a shock-absorbing effect that allows them to adapt to your head shape, Butler says.

Head shavers versus trimmers, clippers and razors

While you can use trimmers, clippers and razors to help maintain a smooth shave, which one you should choose depends on how you want your hair to look.

Head shavers are ideal for clean and close shaving. They come with three to six rotating blades that are meant to cut hair as close to the scalp as possible, according to Butler. The more blades a head shaver has, the more area it’s capable of cutting, which can ultimately lead to a smoother finish, Butler says. These are also great for those who have already shaved their hair down to just some stubble.

Trimmers are better suited to get rid of fuzz on your neck, around your ears or below your beard rather than heavy hair removal, according to Butler. They usually come with blades that are made for shaping and outlining the hairline.

Clippers are designed to cut long and thick hair quickly, and are a better choice if you’re aiming for a buzz cut rather than a complete shave, Butler says. They’re typically more powerful than trimmers and leave a consistent length all over. However, clippers won’t leave a clean, smooth finish and will likely leave you with a five o’clock shadow, so you might want to use a head shaver afterward, Marinelli says.

Razors can provide a close shave using water and shaving cream, but they should be used in conjunction with the above tools if you have longer hair. Getting used to such a sharp blade can take skill and patience, according to Butler. “A head shaver, however, is a push of a button and a smooth glide over your head with no worries about cutting yourself,” he says.

What to consider before buying and using a head shaver

When it comes to head shavers, you’ll want to look out for certain features that can help make shaving easier and your device last longer. Below, the hair care experts we spoke to outlined some key factors to consider, including maintenance, battery life and water resistance.

Wet versus dry shavers

Most head shavers are designed for both dry and wet shaves, but you should keep in mind that some models are only meant for either dry or wet circumstances. Butler says he’s a fan of wet shaving since it softens the hair and opens up the pores on your skin. “The shaver will be able to cut the hair closer to the scalp to produce a smoother finish, and can reduce irritation as it will create a barrier between the skin and the shaver,” he says.

On the other hand, if you’re cutting dry — which can be less time consuming than wet shaving since it doesn’t require shaving foam or hopping into the shower — the blade is much more likely to irritate the skin, Butler says.

Battery life

No one wants a drained battery in the middle of shaving, so the fewer recharges you have to make, the better. A head shaver with a low battery indicator is a plus, our experts told us. A lithium battery is best because it’ll “hold a charge far longer than standard rechargeable batteries,” according to Butler.

Maintenance

In order to ensure your head shaver lasts a long time, you’ll want to check the cleaning instructions to avoid purchasing one that’s too much of a hassle to maintain. “I always look for how many blades it has and how easy it is to remove the cover for cleaning,” Butler says. Also, search for a model that collects hair in a chamber to easily empty it out, he says.

Water resistance

Many head shavers are water-resistant, which is useful if you shave in the shower or when you need to rinse off any leftover hair or shaving cream from the blades, according to Butler.

How to prep your head before using a head shaver

Before shaving your head, you should shower or use a warm washcloth over your head to soften the hair and scalp, according to Butler. You should also use a pre-shave oil to prepare the skin and hair for a close shave. “Prepping the hair first will soften that hair and allow the shaver to glide more smoothly over the head,” Butler says.

When using a head shaver, you don’t want a thick barrier of shaving cream, which makes it harder for the blades to glide over the hair, Butler says. He recommends using a brush to apply a thin layer of cream. Once you’re done using your head shaver, you can rinse your head with cool water and moisturize with a post-shave lotion that’s specifically for the face or scalp.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Patrick Butler is the senior director of creative and technical education at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. He has more than 25 years of experience in the hair care industry.
• Davide Marinelli is the founder and creative director at Davide Hair Studio in New York City.

Ambar Pardilla is a former reporter for Select on NBC News.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

The 8 Best Head Shavers for Men, According to Experts

Get the chrome dome of your dreams with these scalp shavers.

AS MEN, the decision to go bald isn’t always one that’s made for us (thanks, genetics). But how you deal with hair loss is entirely in your hands. Many men choose to bite the bullet and shave their hair completely to offset any future thinning woes. If you are one of these men, more power to you! Hell, some men do it even if they’re not experiencing hair loss—and that’s cool too.

Best for Close Shaves

Freebird Grooming The Flexseries Electric Head Shaver

Most efficient shaver

Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO Electric Head Shaver

Best for Quick Shaves

Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver

Most Versatile

AidallsWellup 5-in-1 Head Shaver

Most Powerful

Wyklaus Head Shaver 7D

Andis Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver

Remington Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit

Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver

When you do choose to shave your head, the tools you use to do it are paramount. That’s where head shavers come in. These high-tech gadgets are often specifically designed to make shaving your head easier, whether it’s through muli-head ergonomic design or close-cutting technology (or both). Far easier than heading to the barbershop every few days, these electric shavers are meant to be used at home in the comfort of your own bathroom.

After a year of testing, our editors found that the Freebird Head Shaver provided the closest trim, thanks to its five shaving heads that really cuts close to the skin without causing nicks. Consider the look you want and choose one from this list.

Freebird Grooming The Flexseries Electric Head Shaver

Freebird Grooming The Flexseries Electric Head Shaver

Pros

• Can use shaving products with it
• Multiple attachments including a precision trimmer
• Quick charge option with USB cable

Cons

This tiny but powerful shaver is designed to give your scalp the closest shave possible whether you prefer to do it dry, wet, or with the aid of products. The five ScalpSafe shaving heads contour the curves of your head for a microscopically close shave and the additional attachments, like a pre-shave exfoliation brush and precision trimmer, are nice bonuses.

Our editors also love that it paired nicely with our favorite shaving creams and pre-shave oils, in case you wanted an even deeper cut. Its portable design makes it easy to carry in your luggage, though its travel case is sold separately.

What do buyers say? “After shaving my head bald for years and enduring cuts, blood and yes toilet paper . this purchase was everything I thought it would be,” said one amazon.com reviewer. “I can now shave every day with no razor bumps or bloodshed.“

Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO Electric Head Shaver

Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO Electric Head Shaver

Pros

• Fits well in your hand for easy use
• Quick charge with USB cable
• Entire head pops off for easy cleaning

Cons

• No additional attachments
• Expensive

The best thing about this efficient, no BS shaver is the design. Your hand cups the shaver close to your head so you can feel every curve and cranny of your dome for easy shaving. What it lacks in flash, it makes up for in ease of use and how fast it can shave down our scalp.

Our editors also love that its entire head pops off so it’s easy to clean. And we found that its USB cable charges pretty quickly, with a 90 minute runtime on a 10 minute charge. Though like we said, it’s a no-frill build, so it doesn’t have any additional attachments for a customize shave length, but the Skull Shaver gets the job done.

What do buyers say? “It cuts close and does so quickly,” said one amazon.com reviewer. “Have used three times so far on one charge with battery indicator light still showing green.”

Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver

Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver

Pros

• Hair capture chamber collects hair for easy cleanup
• Can use shaving products with it
• Nonslip grip

Cons

• No additional attachments
• Some users say it needs to be recharged often

If you’re in a rush, this easy to use shaver may be your answer. Thanks to the pivoting shaver heads that hug each curve of your head, the brand says that this device can shave your entire head in just two minutes.

After testing the Remington Bal Pro for more than two months, we can safely say that it easily gave us a head shave in less than five minutes, which is great for guys who cut their dome weekly. We love the hair capture chamber, which collects hair for an easy cleanup, and its nonslip grip gives you extra control when you’re mowing through your head.

What do buyers say? “No pulling, very strong performance, even cutting on head and face,” said one amazon.com reviewer. “I love that I can do both and I’m done.”

AidallsWellup 5-in-1 Head Shaver

AidallsWellup 5-in-1 Head Shaver

Pros

• Highly rated on Amazon
• Additional attachments like precision trimmer
• Long battery life

Cons

• Some users say it is hard to clean
• Louder than others on this list

Thanks to the plethora of attachments like a precision trimmer, cleansing brush, pre-shave brush and nose hair trimmer, this handy gadget does way more than just give you a smooth dome. It can even be used as a shaver for your face.

We love the AdillasWellup because its boatload of attachments can replace a shelf’s worth of shaving gadgets in one fell swoop. Plus with a 90 minute run time, we found that the AdillasWellup had one of the longest battery lives on this list.

What do buyers say? “It’s never going to be as sharp and precise as an excellent Home or professional hand razor trim, but this is very good and efficient,” said one amazon.com reviewer. “You can use it daily for work and be ready in a few minutes.

Wyklaus Head Shaver 7D

Wyklaus Head Shaver 7D

Pros

• Cuts quickly
• 7 head design covers a lot of ground

Cons

Go big or go home, right? This head-specific shaver has a whopping 7 heads—the most on this list—that cover more ground and effectively cut down your shaving time, while still delivering a smooth shave to your scalp.

After testing the Wyklaus Head Shaver for more than a month, we can safely say that more is more. Its seven-head system nearly cut our head shaving time in half, thanks to its powerful-but-precise motor that cuts closely and quickly. Though we do note: given its extra shaving heads, it does have a bulkier design, so it’s not as portable as other options on this list.

What do buyers say? “So easy to use, and head is smooth after, I absolutely love doing his hair with this, so easy to use, he has done it himself and didn’t struggle at all,” said one amazon.com reviewer. “I would 1000 percent recommend this product.”

Andis Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver

Andis Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver

Pros

• The choice of professional barbers
• Long battery life
• Small size

Cons

• Hair needs to be very short to use
• Can’t use products with it
• Foils need to be replaced often

Ever wonder how your barber gets such a close shave when he’s doing skin fades or cleaning up your neck? This foil shaver is the professionals secret and is rarely beat when it comes to closeness. What it lacks in flash, it makes up for with results.

Remington Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit

Remington Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit

Pros

• Multiple length options
• Can be used corded or cordless
• Extra wide blade

Cons

• Can be hard to use by yourself
• Does not give a skin-close shave

If you’re not the smooth shave type, but still want to give yourself a close buzz without heading to the barber, this shaver delivers that. With multiple length options via interchangeable combs, this shaver allows you to try different buzz looks on your own.

Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver

Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver

Pros

• Close shave even with days of growth
• Cuts through coarse hair easily
• Cleaning and charging station included

Cons

• Not specifically designed for head
• Could be difficult to shave your head on your own

Is there anything this shaver can’t do? One of our favorite electric razors can also be used on top of your dome for an efficient and extremely close shave, even if you have a few days of growth or thick, coarse hair.

What Is a Head Shaver?

Simply put, head shavers are like electric razors specifically designed to be used on your head. Many of them feature multiple razor heads ergonomically designed to hug the curves of your head so you can easily use them by yourself, even the back which can be hard to see on your own. Also, many head shavers are designed to shave on dry skin or wet skin and with the aid of shaving products like oils, creams or lotions.

Why Use a Head Shaver?

There are multiple benefits to using a head shaver. First, they’re designed to be used at home, which means they can cut down on frequent trips to the barber shop. Second, unlike the electric razor you use on your face, many are designed specifically for your head, which means they can shave the unique curvature of a skull quickly and easily—even the back, which can be hard to see and reach on your own. These days, many head shavers can also be used in the shower if you prefer or with shaving products to help cut down on potential irritation. Others, like the more traditional shavers barbers use, can cut extremely close to your skin, allowing for a fully bald look that you may not be able to get with a typical electric razor.

How Do You Use a Head Shaver?

If you’ve used an electric razor, then you can use a head shaver. How exactly you do it is up to your personal preference and what the razor is designed for. Almost all head shavers can be used dry, which means as long as your hair is already short enough (no more than a couple of days of growth) you can shave with no moisture or product. Just simply power it on and run it over the entire area of your head until you get the close shave you’re looking for. If you prefer to use a shaver in the shower (for easy cleanup), make sure your shaver has a wet/dry option, meaning it is waterproof. You can also use most wet/dry shavers with shaving products, so if you prefer begin with a pre-shave oil to protect your scalp and then add a shaving cream or lotion to help with glide. Follow it up by rinsing the product off your head and make sure to clean any leftover product from the razor heads before you put it away.

Why Trust Us?

For the past five years, Men’s Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research. Men’s Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.

Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men’s Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving. Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing head shavers for the past decade, when they first shot to popularity, so he absolutely knows what he’s talking about.

Read More About the Best Electric Shavers to Buy Now

Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in Food and Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.