I’ve been shaving my head since 1995 and use a disposable razor but if you wonder how to use an electric razor to shave your head, here are some thoughts on my experiences.
I’ve already written a post called Can You Shave With An Electric Shaver which talks about the pros and cons. Now let’s talk about how to actually do it.
Below that I’ve listed a number of things to think about when buying an electric shaver.
Shave Your Head With An Electric Razor This Way
- Use up and down motions when using a foil shaver. Use small circular motions for a rotary head shaver. See below for more details on each option.
- Use small movements with an electric shaver. It’s a different style than taking long straight strokes with a manual razor.
- Shave your head regularly. The more time between shaves, the harder it will be to shave as the hair gets longer.
- Don’t shave too quickly. Electric shavers need time to shave thick areas and the faster you move, the longer it will take.
- Don’t press too hard. Listen to the shaver and you can hear it cutting the hair. You don’t need to smush your face with the shaver for it to work.
- Use the trimmer. Most electric shavers come with a trimming tool. You can use it to trim your scalp hair first if it’s long. The shorter your hair, the better an electric shaver works. It’s also good for trimming sideburns and beards or goatees to maintain the desired length. It’s good for neck hair too. Buy a set of hair clippers if the built-in trimmer doesn’t suffice.
- Clean the shaver. Remember to regularly clean the shaver and foil/blades as per manufacturer instructions. From experience, the blades get clogged with hair and it makes it harder to cut properly.
- Take care of your scalp. Remember to take care of your newly shaved head with regards to moisturizer or aftershave if desired. Don’t forget the sunblock and a hat for sun protection too.
How To Choose An Electric Razor
So now that you have an idea of what is involved when you shave your head with an electric razor, how do you go about actually choosing one to buy?
Pick a wet/dry shaver
Choose a wet/dry electric shaver that enables you to shave in the shower if you like. A wet/dry shaver can be used with wet skin and is generally a waterproof model which means you can use it in the shower. Check the models are you considering to ensure this is actually the case.
Get an electric shaver that works with shaving cream
Pick an electric shaver that works with shaving cream so you have the option. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. That way you can shave dry (ie. you shave just with the electric shaver on your bare skin) or you can shave wet (ie. you can apply shaving cream and use the electric shaver in conjunction with it)
Decide between a foil shaver or a rotary shaver
Check out my page on foil vs rotary shavers for more details. Each offers a slightly different shaving experience and you have plenty of manufacturers to choose from. I’ve used both and prefer a decent 3 head rotary shaver which I discuss in this post.
Expect to spend more time shaving
I’ve used an electric razor to shave my head but find it more time-consuming and not nearly as efficient as a razor with shaving cream.
Having said that, newer electric shavers come with features like a wet/dry option that may be used with shaving cream enabling you to combine features of using a razor without actually using one ie. the use of shaving cream for lubrication and skin comfort.
So if you want a hybrid-type option – you use shaving cream on your skin but you don’t want to actually use a sharp razor blade – a wet-dry electric razor is a good choice.
You’ll probably cut yourself less
Manual razors use a sharp blade(s) that literally glide(s) along your skin and cuts the hair directly. An electric shaver has a protective foil (foil shaver) or round metal cover (rotary shaver) and the cutting blades sit below that and don’t actually make direct contact with your skin.
You will tend to cut yourself less – if at all – with an electric shaver. Just be careful for moles, acne and existing cuts that haven’t fully healed.
Save money in the long run
An electric shaver tends to be cheaper in the long run. I’ve owned electric shavers that last for several years or longer. Disposable razors can be cheap if you go for the low end ones (NOTE: I don’t recommend this) but if you buy more expensive 3+ blade options along with the cost of shaving cream, it gets quite expensive over time.
Even if you buy a $50+ electric shaver and it lasts for several years, you’re probably ahead cost wise when you compare it to buying disposables.
Conclusion
- Learning how to have your head with an electric razor first means buying a product that fits your budget but also your shaving needs and hair type.
- Newer electric shavers come in wet/dry options which give the ability to use them in the shower and with shaving cream in some cases.
- Don’t shave too quickly when using an electric shaver. Use smaller movements and don’t press too hard on your skin.
- Electric shavers over time are most likely cheaper than disposable razors given the ongoing cost of replacement blades and shaving cream.
- Using an electric shaver means a different style of shaving. Foil shavers involve an up and down motion whereas rotary shavers use small circular movements.