Roundup of Best Shavers for a Bald Head
What to Look For
If you want to shave your head bald there are just so many shavers and razors on the market, all promising the earth, so how do you decide which to opt for?
Iin my view, the most important consideration for either is the flexibility of the head.
The closer the shaver follows the contours of your head the more quick and efficient it will be. The less times you need to go over the same area, the less likely you are to cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
It is also important that the design is appropriate and you can maintain a good grip - parts of your head are difficult to see and reach.
Then you need to think about what you want to use the shaver for. Do you just want to shave your head, or do you require a more versatile device that will tackle face and beard?
There are bespoke shavers and razors that are designed specifically for scalp and if that is all you want to use it for, they are probably the best option.
However, some of these (particularly electric shavers) require a substantial initial outlay, and so you may prefer a multi-purpose device.
In making my recommendations, I have tried to bear these considerations in mind to give you a good range of choices.
Our Top Picks
Electric Shavers
This versatile electric hair clipper includes a head shaving attachment. Rechargeable batteries for corded or cordless use. Currently available for around $150.
Specially designed for shaving bald heads, this rotary shaver has 5 discs. Quick and easy to use. Available online for around $120.
Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 Shaver
If you want a great shaver for your face which will also do the job on your head, this Panasonic device is a great value choice. Available for around $110.
Manual Razors
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power
Gillette FlexBall technology for contouring and battery operated pulses to reduce friction make this an ideal choice for shaving the head. Retails at around $12.
Specifically designed for head shaving, this bright, funky razor is easy to use and reduces risk of nicks and cuts. You can pick one up online for around $8.50.
HeadBlade ATX All Terrain Scalp Razor
Similar to the above, but with a few updated features, and looking like a mini ATV. Quick and efficient, available for around $15.50.
Merkur Long-Handled Safety Razor
If you like the clean, close shave you get from a safety razor, and appreciate the value of very low cost replacement blades, this high quality razor is just the ticket. (It will, however, require some skill to use). Available for around $24.
The Products in More Detail
Philips Norelco QC5580/40 Headgroom
This product from Philips, a well-known and respected manufacturer in the sector, is made in Hungary and comes with a full 2 year warranty.
Convenient and versatile the Norelco QC5580/40 is rechargeable and can be used either cordless or whilst plugged into the mains.
In the Box:
- Norelco QC5580/40 Headgroom Electric Clipper
- Head Shave Attachment
- Hair Combs
- Power Cord
- Storage Case
- Cleaning Brush
In the Box (power cord and cleaning brush not shown)
Product Features:
This device is specifically designed for cutting or shaving your head hair and has a 180 degree rotating head so that you can get to even the most difficult to reach areas more easily and comfortably.
There is a locking feature to prevent unwanted movement if required.
The separate head shave attachment allows you to shave your head closely for a smooth, bald finish
Rotates to reach awkward spots
14 Length Settings
The hair clipper has 14 built in length settings from 0.5 mm - 15 mm so if you prefer a close-cut rather than a completely bald look, you have a good choice with no need for multiple attachments.
A trimmer comb is included for areas where precision is required, such as neatening of sideburns.
Although this device is designed for dry use only, it is fully washable, making it easy to clean after each use.
The lithium-ion battery is fully recharged in just one hour for up to 60 minutes of operating time.
If you want a quality product from a reputable manufacturer that can give you a variety of styles, then this would be a good choice for you at around $150.
Skull Shaver Bald Eagle Smart
Although this shaver purports to be for face and head, as the name implies, the design really comes into its own for shaving the scalp.
The horizontal, ergonomic handle is perfect to easily reach even the most awkward parts of the head with comfort.
Your flat, open hand fits the space between the blades and handle to glide it across the head in all directions.
In the Box:
- Skull Shaver Bale Eagle Smart Electric Shaver
- Plug in Charger Cord (110 - 240v)
Product Features:
5 independently pivoting shaving heads
The Bald Eagle Smart features 5 independently pivoting, flexible rotary shaver heads to follow the contours of your head precisely.
This means that it is possible to glide the shaver across the scalp in all directions, including circular, without risk of cuts or nicks and with minimal irritation.
The device is suitable for use wet or dry, although it cannot be used in the bath or shower. The use of shaving gel with this product is not advised as it may clog up the blades.
It is easily cleaned after each use by simply turning it on whilst holding just the shaver head under warm water.
Battery Status Indicator
There is a Skull Shaver Rinse stand available to purchase separately for around $15, to use with this shaver, to make cleaning even easier.
Compact size - perfect for travelling
The lithium ion battery is fully charged in around 2.5 hours for up to 90 minutes use and there is an illuminated battery status indicator on the handle.
The Bald Eagle Smart carries a 12 month warranty in the USA.
This is a good product for shaving the head, rather than a multi-purpose device, and is conveniently compact and easy to use, if on the pricey side at around $120.
Panasonic ES-LA63S Arc4 Shaver
This Arc4 shaver from Panasonic features a 4 blade shaving head with the blades set at a 30 degree angle, the optimum position for cutting the hair as close as possible to the skin.
Although not specifically designed for shaving the scalp, this shaver offers versatility, so that if you want a smooth, bald head and prefer to have one device to tackle both head and face then this is a good quality product, for around $110, from a well-known big Brand.
In the Box:
- ES-LA63-S Arc4 Electric Shaver
- AC Recharger
- Protective Cap
- Travel Pouch
What's in the Box
Product Features:
The powerful 4 blade, foil, dual motor shaver simultaneously cuts hair at a rate of 14,000 per minute whilst vibrating the head up and down to help lift the hair for a more efficient and comfortable shave.
The flexible, pivoting head can follow facial and head contours smoothly and precisely, tackling even difficult areas easily and, unusually, it can not only be used backwards and forwards but also in a circular direction.
Multi-Flex Pivoting Head
LCD Display
This device is fully waterproof, can be used wet or dry, with or without shaving foams, gels etc. and is safe to use in the shower.
There is a 10 stage LCD display in the shaver handle indicating shaver functions and battery level.
It has universal voltage conversion for use abroad, and a travel lock to ensure that you do not accidentally turn on the shaver and run down the battery whilst on the move.
The product comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.
This shaver offers versatility and efficiency and is a great option for tackling both head and face.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power
If you want the closest possible shave, then you can't beat a wet shave with a razor.
This model with disposable cartridges from Gillette, has the addition of battery operated (standard AAA battery) power to vibrate the head whilst shaving which acts to increase razor glide and reduce friction.
Together with the integral lubricating strip in the shaving head, this makes it a good choice for shaving the sensitive scalp area, for an initial outlay of around just $17.
Product Features:
The shaver uses Gillette's Flexball Technology which means that the head is very flexible and able to adapt well to the contours of the face and, of course, the head.
The blade cartridges consist of 5 ultra thin, sharp blades, set at optimal angle and spacing to maximise efficiency and reduce the number of passes required to catch all hairs.
Additionally, a built in MicroComb helps guide hair to the blades.
There is a microchip in the razor to ensure that full voltage is maintained throughout the life of the battery and performance is not reduced as the battery ages.
The battery indicator light flashes to let you know when the battery needs to be replaced.
The device is designed to shut off automatically after around 8 minutes of continuous use to preserve battery life in case of accidental operation.
The cartridges are disposable and will need replacing regularly (approx. monthly, depending on usage) at a cost of around $14 for a pack of 4.
HeadBlade Sport Razor
This little razor is a snazzy little device specifically designed to make shaving your head easy.
It has a rubberized finger ring and upper pad for a good grip.
The wheels are made of rubber and intended to maintain close contact with the scalp.
A bit of practice may be required to get used to using the HeadBlade as you need to keep the wheels in contact with the skin at all times to keep its 3 blades at the correct shaving angle.
Importantly, you should not apply pressure but simply glide it across the head.
This video shows how easy and effective it is to use, once you get used to it. You will notice that the blade is positioned at the front of the device, and is used by pushing it across the skin.
It is a well designed little product for the purpose, for just $8.50.
Replacement HeadBlade HB3 cartridges are available for around $10 for a pack of 4.
HeadBlade ATX All Terrain Scalp Razor
Similar in some ways to the Sport model shown above, this is a newer design with a couple of key differences aside from the obvious difference in look:
The first is that there are 4 blades and that they are positioned at the back of the device, so that the shaver is used by pulling it across the scalp, wheels first.
The second difference is that there is a lot more give in the blade, provided by a pivoting "suspension", making it easier to use (especially for first timers) with less likelihood of causing cuts and nicks.
Opinion is divided about which is best, there is no doubt that the ATX is easier to master whilst the closest shave seems to be easier to achieve with the Sport, once you have the technique.
The HeadBlade ATX is available for around $15 and comes with HB4 blade shaving cartridges although it is also compatible with HB6 blades.
Merkur Long-Handled Safety Razor
Just in case you are a fan of the double edge safety razor and/or are interested in using eco-friendly products, the Merkur long handled razor is a sturdy, popular and well made razor.
Made in Germany, the handle has a non-slip grip and the longer handled design helps reach the less accessible and harder to see areas like the back of the head.
The Merkur long handled safety razor has a stylish look with a chrome finish.
The razor costs around $23 and includes one blade, but the big plus cost-wise is the inexpensive replacement blades, ranging from just $10 for a pack of 100 blades.
There is no doubt that if you are a first time shaver, the double edge safety razor takes a little time to get used to, but once mastered, it will give a really close shave at a fraction of the cost of other options.
For lots of helpful advice see our article Shaving with a Double Edged Safety Razor.
