Shaving can be a painful and unpleasant experience for some individuals. This is especially true for Black men and individuals with sensitive skin.
The Black man with sensitive skin is going to face even more problems than the average individual when it comes to shaving.
This is why it is imperative to choose the best electric shaver for black skin. These shavers will feature qualities and components designed to make the shaving process more pleasant and easier overall.
That being said, it is also extremely important to understand why Black men have a tougher time shaving than other races. This crucial information will help you make an informed decision more effectively.
Things To Consider Before Buying: The Best Electric Shaver for Black Skin
Consider LED Interfaces.
When it comes to Black men’s beard care and avoiding skin irritations, you must know everything there is to know about your electric shaver.
It should already be pretty evident that shavers are growing more advanced as time goes on.
This interface can show you the battery life and when the razor needs to be cleaned. This might not be a necessary feature, but it is certainly handy.
Comfortable Grip
You might not be shaving every day, but it is something that you will probably do at least once or twice a week. You always want the experience to be as pleasant as possible.
This is why you need to choose a razor that possesses good ergonomics. You want the razor to be lightweight and feel extremely comfortable in your hands.
Trying to maneuver a heavy razor into awkward positions around the face, nose, and ears will make the whole situation all that much harder.
Plus, when dealing with an awkward shaver, you will likely miss a spot or only have to trim them, which means you will have to go back over the area, greatly increasing the chances of skin irritations.
Powerful Motor
The razor must have a powerful motor. Anything with a weak motor isn’t going to cut the hair effectively and as clean as it should. Instead, it will just tug and pull at the hair, which you know by now is going to increase the chances of skin irritations.
A more powerful motor also means that you will be putting less pressure on the skin and spending less time on certain spots of the face.
A less powerful motor will have a hard time dealing with your thick and coarse hair. This will probably lead to the motor getting hot and overheating.
When a motor gets hot, it will no longer possess the ability to run at top RPMs, which in turn will reduce the effectiveness and speed of the cutting power.
It Must Be Able To Handle Curly, Coarse Hairs
A typical shaver will cut your hair and leave it at an angle, making it sharper and more prone to puncturing back into the skin. A suitable razor for your coarse and curly hair should possess the ability to lift the hair and cut it straight.
The shaver must also be able to effectively capture and cut longer hairs that grow in a variety of directions.
It Must Handle Long Hairs With Ease
As a Black man, you probably tend to avoid shaving every day just to reduce the chances of developing skin irritations. This is probably especially true if you have sensitive skin.
You need to give your skin time to heal and repair. This means that your hair will probably tend to be a little longer the next time you shave.
If your razor cannot effectively deal with long hair, it is going to make your shaving experience extremely unpleasant.
Sharp and Durable Blades
You learned above that an inadequate motor could cause the shaver to pull and tug at the hair rather than lifting and cutting it. However, that is not the only thing that can cause pulling and tugging of the hairs.
Unfortunately, dull blades can cause the same thing. This is why the perfect razor for Black men will contain sharp and durable blades.
When it comes to choosing your blades, you will discover that there is a variety available. Stainless steel and carbon steel are both reliable and durable, but it is the titanium blades that provide the most strength and durability.
Titanium also doesn’t contain any nickel, which is something that some individuals are allergic to. The durability of the blades is essential because it is this quality that will determine how long the blades stay sharp.
Durable and sharp blades will not only reduce the chances of developing skin irritations, but they will also make the process faster and overall more enjoyable.
Self-Sharpening Must Be Considered
Electric shavers have gotten more and more advanced over the years, thanks to the development of certain technologies. Probably one of the best and most advanced developments in the shaver industry is self-sharpening technology.
This is a special design that gives the razor the ability to sharpen the blades while it is in use. As a Black man in constant need of sharp blades, this is something that you must consider. You will indeed have to pay more for a razor with this type of capability, but it could potentially save you a lot of pain.
Corded Applications
Cordless electric razors are great, but the battery will die and need to be changed from time to time. Of course, this probably won’t be a problem if you are charging after every use. However, if you are not, there is a good chance that your battery might die during one of your shaving sessions.
What are you supposed to do if you are already running late for work and halfway through your shave? You simply can’t just walk into work looking like you meant to shave in this manner. This is where the corded application can come in handy.
Some electric razors can be utilized in the corded model. When you plug them in, they will supply you with full cutting power, as if the battery were completely charged. This is, without a doubt,t an essential feature.
Consider Quick Charge.
Also, keep in mind that there are some electric shavers out there with quick charging capabilities. If you find yourself in the same scenario as described above, you can easily plug the shaver in, let it charge for a few minutes in the quick charge mode, and you will be supplied with enough juice to get through your shaving session.
Wet and Dry Capabilities
Some individuals prefer the wet shave, while others prefer the dry shave. Some men have even said that wet shaving pretty much defies the purpose of an electric shaver.
When you hear the term “wet shaving,” it means that the electric razor possesses the ability to be utilized with and without oils or shaving creams.
Some electric shavers on the market can only be used in dry mode. Shaving with oils or shaving creams has not only been proven to give you a closer, smoother shave, but it can also greatly reduce the chances of developing skin irritations.
Some electric shavers are now even waterproof. This is a unique feature because it will give you the option of shaving in the shower.
This will not only make the process quicker for you in the mornings, but it will also make it less messy. Just simply wash all the hair down the shower drain, and you’ll never have to worry about cleaning out the sink.
Powerful Battery
Electric shavers used to get a bad name due to their weak batteries and short run times. Thankfully, this is something else that technology has changed for the better.
With the invention of the lithium-ion battery, short run times are a thing of the past. Some electric shavers are now capable of running up to two hours.
For Black men with sensitive skin, a powerful battery with a long lifespan is necessary.
If your battery gets low during the middle of the shaving process, it isn’t going to allow the motor to run at optimal speed. A half-running motor is just going to result in painful tugging and pulling.
Maintaining And Cleaning Your Shaver
If you want to get the most out of your electric shaver and keep it running in top condition, you are going to need to clean and care for it properly.
Yes, this can be a hassle, but it is something that must be done if you want to avoid those nasty skin irritations. Cleaning and maintaining your shaver will keep the blades well-lubricated and sharper.
This is a unique little device that you can just dump your electric shaver in after using it. It will clean and lubricate the blades at the same time.
The only problem with these stations is that you will have to constantly change the cleaning fluid, which might get expensive after a while.
A more affordable solution might be to invest in a shaver that can be cleaned under running water. All you have to do is simply just run the head of the shaver underwater after using it.
As a good rule of thumb, you should be cleaning, oiling, drying, and properly storing your razor after every use. Some models do not require oiling, which is a nice feature to consider.
Razor Bumps After Shaving A Beard
Indeed, men of all ethnicities are probably going to have razor bumps at least once or twice in their lives, but it seems to affect black men more.
Some of the most recent studies show that eight percent of the men who get razor bumps are African American. Why is this so? Well, at the end of the day, it comes down to the fact that African Americans have coarse and curly hair.
Unfortunately, this hairstyle is more likely to become ingrown, which results in what is known as a razor bump. The best bump-free electric shaver can indeed prevent this, but you need to understand why it happens.
An ingrown hair occurs when hair that has been cut too close to the skin turns and starts growing back into the skin, rather than growing outward as it should.
Since black males have curly hair, it naturally curls back towards the skin, so during the growing process, it can easily puncture the skin.
Another recent study showed that individuals with curly hair are fifty times more likely to develop ingrown hair when they are shaving as compared to individuals with straight hair.
This is just one of the many other reasons why you need to seek out the best electric shaver that gives a smooth shave.
How To Avoid Beard Problems
Your genes and ethnic background indeed put you at a higher risk of developing scarring and razor bumps, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can learn how to avoid beard problems.
The first and most obvious thing that you need to do is stop shaving when you first develop razor bumps. Continuing to shave will only make the situation worse.
Another obvious is investing in the right type of razor, but this article will cover more on that later.
Don’t Shave Too Close
One of the best and most effective ways for black men to avoid getting razor bumps is by not shaving close to the skin. Not shaving the hair so close to the skin can prevent it from growing back into the skin.
Don’t worry about the stubble, but it will be a lot less noticeable due to your darker skin complexion. It would be advisable to cut the hair at least one millimeter away from the skin to prevent razor bumps.
Go With The Grain
When you are shaving, it is an absolute must to shave in the direction that the hair is growing. This is important because if you do not do this, it will tug the hair and skin, which will cause irritation and razor burn. It will also make for an extremely unpleasant shaving experience.
Take Advantage of Warm Water
Have you ever heard that warm water opens the pores? Well, it is true, and you can use this to your advantage.
Before you shave, if you apply warm water or a washcloth wet with warm water to the face, it will not only open the pores, but it will also soften the hair.
This will make the process a little bit easier and lessen the chances of developing skin irritations
Preparation
There are also several oils and shaving creams for black men available on the market. The products can also soften the hair and reduce the chances of skin bumps. These products in combination with warm water, will be like a magical combination for the black man with sensitive skin.
Moisturize
There are also products available that can be applied to the skin after shaving. These products will soothe the skin and restore it. It is best to seek out one that doesn’t contain alcohol, as it won’t sting the skin.
Need Not Be Afraid To Seek Out Help – If you do develop skin bumps and continue to develop them after trying the above-mentioned techniques, it might be best to seek out assistance from a dermatologist.
Types of Electric Shavers
Electric shavers come in two styles – Foil and Rotary Shavers
While there are tons of manufacturers, makes, and models available in the shaving market, you will find that there are only two basic types available.
These are the foil shaver and the rotary shaver. Throughout the years, there have been tons of debates as to which is better and can provide a better, smoother shave.
At the end of the day, it depends on the quality of the razor and the features that it comes with. The important thing is to understand the difference between the two models and what they can offer you.
The Foil Razor
Jacob Shick first developed the foil electric razor back in 1923. The design has indeed changed and evolved over the years, but the same basic concept is stuck.
These types of razors have a steel foil head with oscillating blades located underneath. These blades move back and forth at high speeds.
The foil also contains perforations that allow the hair to reach the blades when it is passed over the skin. A foil razor cuts extremely close to the skin and can provide a close shave by lifting the hair and cutting it, rather than tugging or pulling at it.
Why The Foil Razor Might Be Good For The Black Male
Foil shavers are excellent electric shavers for sensitive skin and black males because they can shave every type of hairstyle. They can do this because the foil contains varying patterns. They have short slit, long and wide slit patterns, and rounder holes.
The guiding holes will also be a wavy or hexagonal pattern, which allows them to trim and cut different lengths of hair as well.
These are the qualities that allow the foil razor to achieve such a close and smooth shave. Foil razors are popular amongst the male community because they are known for their speed.
The blades not only operate at extremely high speeds, but the best models on the market can offer vibration rates of up to 14,000 cycles per minute. If you are looking for speed, the foil razor might be the way to go.
You will notice that another major difference between the foil and rotary razors is the way they look.
The foil razor is more rectangular, and it is this design that allows it to easily trim sideburns and shape mustaches. They can easily make a straight line when needed.
Foil razors are also easy to clean and maintain. Most of the time, the process just involves running the head under running water when you are done shaving, lubricating, and drying.
At most, you might have to remove the head before cleaning, but it is usually just one piece and is easy to do. Some higher-end models will even come along with their very own cleaning station.
Why The Foil Razor Might Not Be Good For The Black Male
Yes, you can see that the foil razor is extremely versatile and one-of-a-kind. However, all these advantages do not come without some drawbacks.
The first drawback is that the razor can only be used in straight, vertical, or horizontal positions. It cannot be used in circular motions, which means it isn’t going to contour to the face as well.
Some models will contour fairly well, but they will not contour as well as the rotary.
Another drawback is that these models tend to be a little bit louder. Sure, some models are super quiet, but they will be nowhere near the level of the rotary.
Even with the best models available on the market, if you press this razor too close to the skin, you are going to keep irritations and skin bumps.
The Rotary Razor
A rotary razor usually consists of three separate disc-shaped heads that are arranged in the shape of a triangle.
The first original design came from the Philips Norelco Company, and it is safe to say that they continue to dominate the market when it comes to rotary razors.
Each head spins in a circular motion like a lawnmower blade. The heads usually can pivot 360 degrees and flex inwards, which gives the razor the ability to contour to the face.
Why The Rotary Razor Might Be Good For The Black Male
One reason that most people are attracted to the rotary razor is that of its ability to deal with long hair. If you are a black male who isn’t concerned about keeping a smooth face, the rotary razor might be right up your alley.
The rotary razor also works extremely well when dealing with coarse hair. The shaver has an excellent ability to work with tangled and jumbled hair.
While it will not give you as close a cut as a disposable razor, it does have the ability to keep skin irritation at bay.
The rotary razor can be used in a circular motion, and it contours extremely well to prominent areas like Adam’s apple, cheekbones, jawlines, under the nose, and behind the ears.
Due to the ability to move in circular motions, you can cover more of an area at one time, which means you are going to rarely miss spots, eliminating the need to go back over the spot.
Shaving the same spot more than once will greatly increase the chances of developing skin irritations. As mentioned above, you learned that the razors are also quieter than their counterparts.
Most people don’t care about noise, but if you are shaving with a baby next door, this might be something that you are concerned about.
Why The Rotary Razor Might Not Be Good For The Black Male
Just like its counterpart, the rotary razor also comes along with some drawbacks. First, the razor doesn’t get as close to the skin, but this is a feature that black males need.
Unfortunately, due to the three separate heads, this can make maintenance and cleaning complex.
There are some models out there that have simplified the process, but for the most part, it can get complex. Some razors might require multiple disassemblies and reassemblies.
Top 4 Best Electric Shaver For Black Skin Reviewed
#1. Philips Norelco Shaver i9000 Prestige
Philips Norelco is a brand that you can count on. Those looking for a great razor that will be convenient and easy to use should look no further than the Philips Norelco Shaver i9000 Prestige.
This razor promises perfection with every single pass. It also claims that the heads are capable of cutting up to 20% more hair.
That will make your shaving job so much easier and quicker. In return, you’ll be able to focus on the things that matter in your life.
20% Closer
The company claims that this razor is going to cut up to 30% closer than the alternatives. If you like a perfectly clean face, you’ll want to invest in this shaver. It’ll provide you with a very close shave, and it won’t cause any irritation whatsoever.
Wet and Dry
You should also know that this razor can be used for wet and dry shaving. This means that you’ll be able to shave in and out of the shower. That might not seem like a big deal, but it is.
When you’re able to shave in the shower, you’ll be able to greatly reduce the likelihood that you’re going to experience bumps and skin irritation. You’ll be able to get the skin warm and ready ahead of time.
Pros
Triple action lift & cut
360-rotating NanoTech
Close Shave
Cuts approximately 20% more hair
Cuts 30% closer than many alternatives
Styler offers 5 length settings.
Can be fully charged in one hour
Cons
Costly: Compared to other models
Overall Assessment
The Philips Norelco Shaver i9000 Prestige is good, but not perfect. It can get the job done, and it is definitely worth the money.
#2. Braun Electric Razor Series 9 9390cc
In this day and age, men need a good electric shaver. If you suffer from sensitive skin, you’ll want to buy one of the electric shavers for sensitive skin.
This is where the Braun Electric Razor Series 9 9390cc enters the picture. This is one of the best shavers for this specific purpose.
The only downside is that you’re going to be spending a lot more on this shaver. Nevertheless, it’ll prove to be well worth it in the long run. So, what sets this shaver apart from the competition? You’ll find out below.
Wet and Dry
There is no doubt that you’ll want to shave in the shower from time to time. The only problem here is that some razors do not offer this degree of flexibility.
They can only be used for dry purposes. The Braun Electric Shaver Series 9 9385cc is suitable for wet and dry uses. It can be used up to 5 meters in water.
Cordless Shaving
You’ll also need to know that this shaver can be used with or without the cord. It is completely cordless. With the powerful lithium-ion battery, you’ll receive 50 minutes of cordless shaving.
There are five different steps to count down the last 9 minutes of shaving. That ensures that you get the maximum amount of power from start to finish!
Pros
Delivers 50 minutes of cordless shaving
The lithium-ion battery is dependable.
Stays powerful from start to finish
Waterproof for 5 meters
Cons
Very expensive
Overall Assessment
This is a great shaver. Again, the only problem is the fact that this razor is so expensive. Still, it offers so many perks. This makes it well worth the price in the long run.
#3. Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver ES-LV65-S
Panasonic is a company that you can trust. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a great razor that would shave quickly and not cause any irritation?
If you like that idea, you’ll want to check out the Panasonic ARC5 Electric Shaver ES-LV65-S. This razor is great in many different categories. It is going to offer comfort, a close shave, and plenty of conveniences.
The razor is a tad bit expensive, but most users agree that the price has been well worth it. More details about this razor can be found below for your convenience.
Motor
The Arc5 is equipped with one of the most powerful motors on the planet. It is capable of churning out 14,000 cuts per minute.
That is far better than what you’re going to get with many of the alternatives! The powerful motor will allow you to shave more quickly than ever before.
Pivoting Head
You’ll also be happy to know that this razor is equipped with a multi-flex pivoting head.
This makes sure that the head can glide around the face’s contours easily. In return, you will never have to worry about nicking the skin or causing irritation.
Decent Battery
When this razor’s battery has been fully charged, you’ll receive 45 minutes of shaving time. It can be charged in just one hour. That is pretty good, and it should be sufficient for most men.
Pros
A pivoting head makes for a comfortable shave.
The cleaning and charging station is great.
Only an hour for a full charge
Comfortable to use
LCD is nice.
Cons
Only 45 minutes of battery life
Overall Assessment
There is a lot to like about this razor. The only downside is that it only delivers 45 minutes of battery life.
#4. Braun Electric Shaver Series 7 7120s
If you’re looking for an amazingly comfortable, close-shaver, you’ll want to check out the Braun Electric Razor, Series 7 7120s.
This one offers a wealth of perks, but it is much cheaper than the alternatives. First and foremost, you should know that this is a smart shaver.
It is capable of reading and adapting to the user’s beard. That ensures you’re going to get a great shave every time.
Contour Adaptation
This razor is equipped with the innovative 8-D Contour Adaptation. That will make a big difference in the long run. This ensures that the razor is capable of adapting to the contours of your skin.
It can easily glide over those contours while snatching up the hairs along the way. This guarantees that you’re not going to experience any nicks or cuts.
5 Modes
Another great thing about this razor is the five modes. You can easily switch from turbo to sensitive. When you’re in a hurry, you’ll want to take advantage of the turbo modes.
Either way, you can guarantee that this razor is going to provide you with a comfortable shave pretty much every single time!
Pros
5 modes to choose from
Can adapt to the user’s face
Remains powerful even on a low battery
Comes with a convenient cleaning and charging station
Waterproof for easier cleaning
Cons
Longevity is questionable.
Overall Assessment
For the price, it is really difficult to compete with this razor. It delivers a great shave, and it won’t cause any pain or irritation.
Just remember that longevity is questionable, and you might have to take advantage of the warranty.
Summary
When it is all said and done, you can see that there are several shavers available that possess the qualities that you need.
Some of these best electric razors for black men include features that aren’t even necessary but make the shaving process easier and more enjoyable.
Sure, any one of these shavers will provide you with a clean, irritation-free shave, but the one you choose comes down to your very specific needs.
Even if you don’t go with one of these shavers, as long as you stick with the guidelines from the beginning of this article, you won’t have a problem finding the best electric shaver for black men