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Like bald heads, the best head shavers for men come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and styles. Which one you choose—the shaver, we mean—will come down to how you like to go about making your scalp silky smooth. Some guys want a dedicated shaver, while others want a single device for both scalp and face. Certain guys with tight schedules or short attention spans value outright speed over dolphin-skin smoothness. Meanwhile, others want a head shaver that will deliver the slickest, shiniest cueball possible—which requires a manual razor. In which case, do you choose a safety razor, a cartridge razor, or an alien-looking contraption with a surprisingly brilliant design?
As GQ’s lead grooming product reviewer, I’m going to help you find the best head shaver for you by laying out the pros and cons for each category of shaver, and picking the winner for each category. If you know what style you love, you can jump right down to the best bald shaver in that category. But if you’re new to this chrome dome life—or not entirely happy with your current shaver—I’d really suggest you read up on a few options.
That’s because, after a quick run through the good and the bad, you might switch from being a foil man to a rotary king. Maybe you’ll realize that you’d avoided a manual razor unnecessarily.
What I’m saying is: go into this list of the best bald shavers with both a stubbly scalp and an open heart, and I’ll make sure you come out with the shave you’ve always wanted.
Run time: 50 minutes Charge time: 4 hours Blade type: 5 rotary panels Waterproof: Yes
Why it's the best: The top prize in this contest goes to the device that suits the widest group of people, causes the least amount of irritation, and features an ergonomic design that doesn't just shave, but glides. The five rotary heads of the Remington Balder Pro XR7000 give any stubbly dome a honeycomb hug for bump-free polishing, no matter how thick or curly your hair. And clean-up is as simple as a rinse under the faucet. Of course, our lead tester (my bald brother) prefers to use the Remington in the shower because it's fully water-sealed, and clean-up becomes a breeze. The battery lasts for several weeks of every-third-day refreshes, which means you can travel on a full charge and know there's enough juice for more than just a pre-best-friend's-wedding blitz. That it needs four hours for a full recharge isn't great, but the cost-to-quality ratio soars above any of the Remington's palm-held rotary competition. Even if you end up using a manual razor shaver on most days, I'd still suggest grabbing Remington's palm-grip shaver. It's a backup for the days you're lazy or in a hurry (like a quick touch-up before a date or work dinner), or those times when your scalp's irritated and the prospect of dragging a blade across it would be torture.
Run time: 1 hour Charge time: 1 hour (with 5-minute fast charge) Blade type: 3 rotary panels with 2 blades each) Waterproof: Yes
Why it's the best: While you might think that any old face shaver can handle scalp duty, the S9000 shows what it takes to be a master of both domains. While it won't provide quite the same ergonomic ease as Remington's palm-held number, there’s a reason the S9000 took home top honors in our best electric face shavers roundup: this model has the most muscle of any rotary device, mowing through even the curliest and thickest stubble. Even still, it manages to be gentle on sensitive skin despite its six rotary blades. It’s definitely a superior crossover device compared to any electric foil shaver. That said, our lead tester suggests using some skin lubrication while shaving, and staying out of the shower despite the S9000’s water-sealed build; it’s a bit slippery when wet, and a drop in the tub is probably a $300 loss.
Run time: 100 minutes Charge time: 50 minutes Blade type: 2 independent foils with hypoallergenic covers Waterproof: No
Why it's the best: If your priority is the closest possible shave without the mess and hassle of a manual razor, the Wahl Vanish is your best choice. It earned a nod in GQ’s best electric face shaver roundup as one barber's favorite device, but here it won over our tester for a design that offsets some of the pain points of using a foil shaver for your head. Though the ergonomics aren't as friendly compared to rotaries, the Wahl’s tiered head can deliver relatively quick, ultra-smooth results just shy of actual manual razor blades, with much less irritation. With one asterisk: you need to work in steady, vertical strokes and prepare to hunt down patches in your blind spots (unless you have a roomie to help). As an extra endorsement, Wahl's Vanish shaver is the go-to for my trusted barber source, Dale Grinstead-Mayle, owner and barber at Goodfellow’s Tonsorial Parlor in Columbus, Ohio and White Salmon, Washington. He loves it for its endurance and durability, and cites it as a perfect pick for daily or every-other day usage.
Blade Count: 1 wide-set proprietary blade Navigation: Rollerball maneuvering and flexible design helps the device to pivot
Why it's the best: Of all the times I've ever used the word 'Zamboni', the majority have been to describe the HeadBlade Moto razor and the way it just glides across the scalp to keep your dome polished. It's long been my brother's go-to head shaver, to the point that he can use it on autopilot—a real testament to how brilliantly HeadBlade has improved the mild terror of using a razor. The shaver’s single, wide-set sharp blade is also forgiving on a delicate scalp; you can get the most hairs possible in a single stroke without risking irritation from over-shaving (not to mention, without risking bumps from dull shaving). The Headblade’s brilliance boils down to a combo of its ergonomics and, well, a little ball. The Moto razor rests snugly in the crook of your fingers, with a loop to ensure a no-slip grip. From there, the roller ball keeps the blade tracking smoothly across the scalp as you roll the Moto back over your head as if you're running your hands through invisible hair.
Blade Count: 2 generously spaced blades Cartridge Details: Two lubrication strips ahead of and behind the blades; precision trimmer on the rear
Why it's the best: The masculine urge to stick with what you know best can be intense. If you insist on using a cartridge razor to shave your head, then take some advice and dial back the blade count—fewer blades means fewer bumps and ingrown hairs. Gillette's SkinGuard razor only has two blades, nicely spaced so that they minimize skin irritation and stubble accumulation.
It also doesn't bend and pivot a dozen different ways like some other cartridge razors, and that’s a good thing when it comes to head shaving. Unlike your neck or jawline, your head is a relatively simple round egg. The SkinGuard can pivot front to back, which means it won’t wobble around as you track down blind spots or sneak it into touch-to-reach spots.
Blade Count: 1 swappable single-edge safety blade Blade Loading: Twist at base to release Blade Disposal: Comes with disposal tin; blades are fully recyclable
Why it's the best: As safety razors go, the Leaf Twig is extremely friendly to first-time users and cartridge converts—which is why I’ve called it the best razor and also managed to convert my brother Sam to using it as a bald-head shaver. The Twig's single blade allows for an efficient, irritation-free shave, minimizing bumps and ingrown hairs, with an almost identical version—the Thorn—made for the densest, thickest, curliest hair. The short handle makes it relatively easy to maintain control over the task at hand, too, without too much twisting and torquing as you go 'round the globe. Plus, the Twig has some nice design touches: twisting the bottom of the handle unlocks the old blade, so you don’t have to pry it out with your fingers, and the all-metal body is nicely weighted. Not to mention the blessing of extremely cheap safety razors (versus the price of cartridge replacements.) In the safety razor race, nothing outshines Leaf right now, except maybe for your smooth, polished scalp.
The decision tree that will lead you to finding the best bald shaver for your situation starts with a binary decision: on one side are manual razors (you know, the kind with replaceable blades that you drag against your skin), and on the other side are the electric razors. Both categories of bald shaver have their strengths and weaknesses—and break down into narrower categories (e.g., the foil vs rotary shaver debate), which will lead you to the bald head of your dreams.
Below I’ve broken down the differences between manual and electric, including expertise from barber Steve Purcell, who is also the founder of Uppercut Deluxe grooming products. But remember, even within each segment, there are further pros and cons to consider.
Electric head shaverss come in three basic flavors: foil shavers (the ones with the horizontal trimming heads with small holes), rotary shavers (the ones with circular heads), and multi-tasking trimmers (usually beard or hair trimmers).
I believe that even if you prefer a manual razor for your usual shaving routine, you should still have an electric razor on hand. Electric razors are faster, less messy, and cause less irritation like bumps and ingrown hairs) to skin than manual razors. For that reason, I think every DIY bald guy should have an electric on hand, even if you prefer a manual razor as your daily driver. When you woke up late the day of a key client meeting or you’re packing for your sister-in-law’s destination wedding, an electric head shaver comes in handy.
And in case this needs to be said out loud, you can absolutely use an electric razor on your head even if you prefer a manual razor for shaving your face (or vice versa).
The two main types of dedicated electric head shavers are foil shavers and rotary shavers. Foil shavers give the closest possible cut for an electric head shaver at the expense of agility and ergonomics. The best rotary shavers can’t get quite as tight to the scalp as foils, but tend to be more comfortable to use, and you can just zig-zag them all over your head with ease until the job’s done. Plus, those rotary blades tend to catch the hairs fairly well.
Purcell endorses rotary shavers, since they are much gentler on sensitive skin. He’s not out on foil shavers, though: “If your skin can handle it, a foil shaver will cut through any type of short stubble. It’s just that the rotary shaver is softer and easier to get a consistent cut with, and a more convenient option [ergonomically]. The vast majority of users would benefit from a rotary shaver due to the way they cut the head hair.”
If you want a cranium like an ocean-smoothed stone, then a manual razor is the only way to go. Yeah, you’ll be more at risk for ingrown hairs, razor bumps, shave cuts, and irritation. (Maybe, read how to shave your head with a manual razor.)
Manual head shavers come in the same two flavors as their face shaving counterparts: safety razors and cartridge razors. I personally prefer a safety razor: it tends to be a faster, smoother cut with less risk of scalp irritation and cheaper refills. But cartridge razors have come a long way when it comes to cosseting your skin, and both categories have strong products.
“Both have their advantages,” Purcell says. He prefers safety razors for sensitive skin—which is often the case with your scalp. “Safety blades offer a much gentler approach [by] using one blade at a time,” he notes. “Folks with tougher skin and experience with shaving would benefit from a cartridge razor, though.” Hypothetically, it’s cutting faster as a result of the multiple blades. Just remember, more isn’t more if it causes your skin to cry out in agony.
Purcell also says there’s no reason you can’t mix your razor flavors. “If it’s easier to make your first pass on thick and dense hair with a safety razor, and then polish off with a cartridge razor, this will achieve the best attributes of both razors.”
As GQ’s longtime lead grooming product reviewer, I’ve spent years testing almost every possible product, from beard trimmers to moisturizers to SPF to razors. But the one thing I can’t personally test are bald shavers, on account of having hair I’ve worked hard for, so I kick the product testing to my Sam, my younger, more handsome, actually bald brother. Sam has been my bald shaver guinea pig for a decade, and as a result, he has a deep familiarity with products on the market, what works and doesn’t, and what actually makes for meaningful innovation in the bald shaving category. The products chosen here largely reflect his personal testing experience and preferences, with my deep experience in the grooming hardware field co-signing choices based on the manufacturer’s rep and trustworthiness.
In addition to Sam’s first-person testing, we’ve woven in experience, advice, and endorsements from experts like Steve Purcell, who is quoted throughout this piece.
Steve Purcell is a barber and owner of Bare Bones Barbershop as well as Barber Temple supply store in Brisbane, Australia. He is also the cofounder of Uppercut Deluxe grooming products.
The easiest way to shave the back of your head is to use a palm-held rotary shaver that allows you to shave in every direction, allowing you to move quickly across all of your scalp without causing irritation or forgetting spot.
However, if you prefer a closer shave and so prefer a manual razor, Purcell has this advice: “It might sound silly, but get someone to take a photo of the back of your head before you shave it so you can identify the direction of the hair growth, and any problem areas,”—by which he means hair that grows in a circular pattern, moles, skin tags, etc. “This will help you visualize while you’re shaving the back of the head.”
It certainly helps to have a handheld mirror you can hold up to check your work, a friend or partner who can scope things out, or both.
“For seasoned head shavers, the best option for shaving the head is a shaving cream that foams up nice and silky,” says Purcell. “The thicker and more luxurious the cream, the better the barrier between the skin and the razor.” Of course, you can’t see through a thick cream, which is why it’s best for people who have enough practice that shaving is basically muscle memory. Purcell’s advice for newbies? “Use a clear shave gel so you can see through it to the skin to see where the razor is going.” You can check out our review of the best shaving creams to find one you like.
The best shaver for bald heads is Remington’s Balder Pro Head Shaver XR7000, an ergonomic, palm-held rotary shaver that makes shaving quick, painless, and simple. You can even use it in the shower.
If you want to use a manual razor to shave your head, then choose one with fewer blades, like the Gillette SkinGuard (a 2-blade cartridge razor) or Leaf Shave’s single-edge safety razor. We also recommend the HeadBlade Moto Razor, which fits in your fingers and glides around your head on a nifty rollerball.
There’s lot to consider when your scalp’s naked and you’re deciding on the best bald head care for yourself, but Purcell recommends using a heavy moisturizer to battle dehydration, which is a big issue for shaved skin. “And don’t forget a good SPF, since UV damage is no joke,” he adds.
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