Every man wants to look young and attractive, at least, for the sake of his wife. Right? That’s why a great shave is a must. As a black man, you need a shaver that can cope with your curly facial hair. Also, you need a machine that will help your skin to remain moisturized and fresh looking, which not all electric shavers can accomplish. That is why you need to choose the best electric shaver for black men.
Not all electric shavers are ideal for black men. As such, there are features to consider when choosing that includes the ability of a shaver to accommodate different types of facial hair, the battery charge time, weight, and the warranty.
We have included these features in each product review to assist you to find the shaver that will suit you best and make you feel like the Boss.
1. Panasonic ES-LA93-K, Arc4 Electric Razor, Men’s 4-Blade And Dual Motor
It’s a four-blade, dual-motor, wet/dry men’s electric shaver, which is designed for close, precision shaving. This shaver’s blades are Panasonic and are honed to a 30 degrees edge for maximum durability and sharpness.
Again, it’s a top-rated shaver with a fast, powerful hyper performance dual-action motor. It features a Panasonic linear drive that delivers 14,000 cpm- that is, 56,000 cross-cutting actions per minute across the four blades.
The second motor vibrates the Arc 4 razor head up and down lifting and holding the hair for a clean, smooth, and efficient shave. Electric razor’s Multi-Fit outer foil and Multi-Flexx shaving head, glide together effortlessly over the head, face, chin, and jaw.
They generate up-and-down movement to lift and hold hairs and side-to-side motion to cut the hair at the base. This quality makes the shaver most suitable for bald heads.
In addition, the shaver gives a consistent, smooth, and comfortable shaving experience. Reason? It’s ergonomically designed and has a high-efficiency.
Did you know that it is also 100% waterproof and works conveniently on wet/dry heads? That is crucial to know! It’s ideal for using on dry heads when time is short, or you can use it with your favorite gel or foam in the shower.
Do you have sideburns, mustaches, and beards? Then, this is the best machine to buy. It will trim your details through its in-built Pop-up Trimmer. Besides, its 10-stage LED shows you the battery power status and charge indicator. That’s a great feature, right?
Similarly, it has a cleaning and replacement reminder for arc 4 blades and foil.
What’s more?
Most importantly, it’s portable and comes with a universal voltage, charger/ an AC adaptor, and a travel pouch.
Pros
- It’s quieter than other razors
- The shaver has a headlock
- Easy to use and care
- Efficient and saves on the shaving time
- Convenient for both wet and dry shaving
- Highly ergonomic and easy to grip
- The second motor is suitable for bald hair shaving
Cons
- Shaver’s appearance is old fashioned
- Doesn’t include various power levels
2. Panasonic ES-LV97-K Arc5 Men’s Electric Razor
Here’s another electric shaver for black men that can give you an excellent experience. Panasonic ES-LV81-K Arc5 has a five floating, hypoallergenic blade model for close and gentle shaving, even on sensitive skin. The 5 ultra-sharp blades are forged and honed to a 30 degrees angle for exceptional durability and sharpness. With these, it means that there will be more foils for better coverage and shaving time.
This type of machine uses a 14,000 cpm linear drive motor. Therefore, it’s able to consistently maintain peak power and performance to the end of every battery charge for even shaving. 
You could be wondering what would happen in case the machine immerses in water.
Relax!
This shaver has a 100% waterproof ability, and it’s wet/dry razor convenient. Plus, it is 100% washable, thus you don’t have to worry when it gets in the water.
In instances where you are short of time, the machine can provide a quick, smooth, and dry shave. Admittedly, it will perform conveniently in the shower or over the sink in the presence of your favorite foam or gel. Towards the end, you get a perfect finish and added details to your sideburns, mustaches, and beards from its handy pop-up trimmer.
And, you will always be able to view the battery status and charge level from the LED in its shaver’s sure-grip handle. Again, it has a cleaning and replacement reminder for blades and foil, thus providing for timely cleaning and servicing of your machine.
Nevertheless, cleaning is quick and straightforward. With a premium automatic cleaning and charging station, you will clean, dry, and charge it, keeping it ready for the next shave. Alternatively, you can use running water and power to remove the stuck gel.
Pros
- Easy and simple to clean
- Convenient in wet/dry situation
- Pivoting head
- Power lock
- Has an LED for battery status
- Cleaning and replacement reminder
Cons
- Expensive spare parts
- Battery life slightly lower
3. Philips Norelco S8950/91 Shaver 8900 Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric Shaver
Philips Norelco S8950/91 is another great electric shaver. It follows every contour of your face and neck with 8-directional Contour Detect Technology. This design enables it to contour to the curves of your face and cut up to 20% more hair in a single pass.
This machine has V-track precision blades that deliver a comfortable shave and cut 30% closer to the skin. However, these blades also self-sharpen to ensure a premium shave day after day. The smart click beard styler is also designed to prevent the skin from irritation with its rounded tips and a comb. It’s also equipped with five built-in length settings for trimming stubble to a short beard.
Included in the machine is a Smart Clean System, which keeps it performing efficiently by cleaning, lubricating, and drying the shave. Also, if you are looking for a machine that you can easily wash and care, this is suitable. Its rechargeable Lithium-ion battery takes around 1 hour to charge fully, which in return can take you up to 50 minutes of cordless shaving.
The LED displays relevant information that enables you to get the best performance out of your shaver. With a 3-level battery indicator, you will get cleaning, low battery indicator, replacement head indicator, and travel lock indicator. These features are crucial, for instance, the travel lock feature helps you avoid wasting battery life.
Shave whenever and in the style you would like with the dual-blade Super lift and cut action. The first blade raises the hair while the second one comfortably cuts below the skin level, for maximum smooth results.
Pros
- Cuts very close to the skin
- Prevents the skin from irritation
- Has a firm grip and is easy to handle
- Convenient even in wet situations
- Has a good battery life
- Quiet recharging and cleaning cycle
- LED light for alerts
Cons
- Replacement and maintenance cost are high
4. Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Rechargeable Shaver/Shaper #8061-100
This product is intended for professional use only. As such, it’s geared towards delivering the sharp performance that experts demand. For men who are most often away from home, here’s the product to consider buying. It has a spacious travel storage case.
This powerful machine provides an appealing aesthetic alongside the top-notch precision.
Are you aware that it has a rechargeable battery?
What’s more, this battery can keep the rotary motor in motion and at full speed for up to 60 minutes per charge.
Also, this Shaper/Shaver has a super close gold foil that allows for a razor-like cut. For your convenience, it comes with all the accessories required for use.
Inside the package, you find the shaver, charging plug, the foil, cleaning brush, and a detailed operation manual. This shaver measures 4.6” long and weighs 5.8 Oz.
On the other hand; its storage case measures 7.87”×7”×3.11” with a hard black exterior that has a zipper closure. The interior has one mesh zipper pouch and two mesh pockets.
Pros
- Ideal for professionals
- Portable
- Rechargeable battery with the longevity of up to 60 minutes
- Ideally designed for curly and thick hair
- Performs excellently when corded and uncorded
Cons
- Has no hygienic automated cleaning system
- Not waterproof
5. Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men ES8103S Arc3
Panasonic electric shaver and trimmer is a frictionless wet/dry machine with pivoting nanotech blades. It carries a high-velocity linear motor that delivers 13,000 cutting cycles per minute to efficiently and quickly tackle even the most stubborn facial hair.
Using these sharp razor blades and a thin foil, makes the shaver deliver to you the exceptionally close shave without irritating, burning, or annoying ingrown hairs.
Besides the facial and neck shave experience, users are also likely to find that this razor is perfect for maintaining a smooth bald head. It is gentle enough to use daily, though, it gives such a close shave that you can even go for days without shaving.
Again, it has a flexible head that pivots both horizontally and vertically for a close shave around the jaw-line, lip, and chin.
However, you can safely and effortlessly use it on the sensitive parts of your skin, for instance, around Adam’s apple. It has three independently floating foil blades that are sharpened with nanotechnology.
Each blade is set at a 30 degrees edge for a close cut of the individual hairs. In the end, you get a touchable, smooth face, and a perfect look after every use.
Also, the blades are hypoallergenic to prevent irritation so that they can be used even by those with the most sensitive skin. Plus, it is completely waterproof. Hence, you can use it in the shower or even without your favorite gel, bar soap, or cream.
Finishing touches to your beards, mustaches, and sideburns are done correctly by the shaver’s pop-up trimmer. In addition, the trimmer conveniently tucks back into the shaver after use so that it stays out of the way. When it comes to care and maintenance, it’s easy and straightforward.
Pros
- Convenient in both wet and dry conditions
- It is hypoallergenic
- Ideal for the most sensitive skin
- lithium battery is long lasting
- Easy to maintain and care for the tool
Cons
- Battery is not rechargeable
What Are The Problems Encountered By Black Men After Shaving?
Remember, shaving is the removal of hair by use of a razor or any other type of bladed tool to cut it down to the level of the skin. Men practice it in removing their facial hair. Nevertheless, it comes with some related issues depending on one’s skin sensitivity and the type of hair as well as the type of shaver used.
Here are some of the problems that black men encounter after shaving.
a. Cuts
When being shaved, you can have cuts that can bleed for up to 15 minutes. These cuts mainly come from blade movement perpendicular to the blade’s cutting axis or by regular shaving over the prevalent bumps on the skin.
As such, the presence of acne makes shaving cuts more likely to occur. Hence, extra care is necessary. However, proper cleaning and lubrication of the skin, as well as the use of a fresh, sharp blade, can help prevent these shaving cuts.
b. Razor Bumps
Mainly black men get razor bumps more often than their white or Asian counterparts because of their coarse and curly hair. This kind of hair is particularly likely to become ingrown. It occurs when the hair grows back into the skin, thus forming a bump.
As the hair curls back into the skin, it can cause irritation and inflammation. It is then worsened by continued shaving after the razor bumps have developed.
c. Razor Burn
Razor burn refers to an irritation of the skin that comes as a result of using blunt blades or not using proper technique. It shows up as a mild rash 2-4 minutes after shaving-that is, immediately, the hair starts to grow through the sealed skin.
Then, it disappears after a few hours or days, depending on the severity. When it appears at the time of shaving, it’s usually a sign of lack of lubrication.
What Features Should The Best Electric Shaver For Black Men Possess?
Choosing a shaver is usually a tall order, especially for black men due to the particularities of their hair. Most of the black men have coarse and curly hair that calls for specific shavers to cut them down. As such, they are not sure if to buy the electric shaver or Braun Series 7 vs 9.
Here’s the truth, if you are not aware of the characteristics to consider, you can end up settling on a shaver that can cause you trouble. That is why we’ve this guide. It will show you the features to look out for when purchasing an electric machine for ultimate results.
1. Capture Wiry, Flat-Lying, and Curly Hair Efficiently
A typical shaver cuts the hair at an angle, leaving it sharp and prone to grow back into the skin. Hence, increasing the chances of it becoming ingrown, which in turn causes razor bumps. As such, a suitable electric shaver for black men will lift the hair and cut it straight.
Nonetheless, it must also be able to capture and cut longer hair growing in different directions effectively. If you have sensitive skin, you will need to wait a few days before shaving to allow your skin to heal. So, a good razor is necessary so as to capture and cut long hair.
2. Fast Motor, Gentle to the Skin, and Have Fast Blades
A good shaver has sharp blades operating alongside a quality performing motor. But a machine that has blunt blades or a motor that is not efficient can cause pulling and tugging of the hair. Mostly, it inflicts pain and consumes a lot of time.
A quality razor will provide fast and smooth shaves. Fortunately, it won’t require much pressure application and will remain calm throughout the operation.
Besides, the shaver will require regular changing of the blades and foils, especially for men with sensitive skin. Blunt blades won’t cut hair effectively, thus calling for extra strokes, which are likely to increase the chances of irritation and razor burns.
An electric shaver that doesn’t shave close may be suitable for black men. Closeness is essential, and to some users, it’s the significant criteria when purchasing an electric shaver. Nonetheless, if a user doesn’t have any issues with ingrown hair and razor bumps, then it makes perfect sense.
Black men, however, are prone to these issues. So, when they use an electric razor that cuts too close to the surface often makes things worse. In brief, a close shave makes the hair more likely to grow back into the skin and become ingrown.
That is why an electric shaver that doesn’t cut extremely close to the surface would highly be the best choice.
3. Ability to Shave Both in Wet and Dry Conditions
Though this may not be the main feature, it can also improve the shaving experience for some men. When you use a quality shaving cream with your electric razor, it can produce much better results regarding closeness and comfort.
Nonetheless, if you find that wet shaving is not working well with you, try a pre-electric shave gel or lotion. It can perhaps improve the results of a dry shave.
An electric shaver that can operate under the two conditions is ideal for those who prefer to go for the wet or dry option.
Experts’ Tips on Shaving Black Skin
Generally, shaving presents a few challenges. The challenges vary from one person to another, depending on the skin and hair type. The skin can either be dry or oily. The hair, on the other hand, can be curly or straight, thick or thin.
Black men mainly have their facial hair tightly curled and thin. As a result, if they are not careful with their shaving techniques, they can end up experiencing painful ingrown hair, skin infections, and razor bumps. Are you tired of dealing with the frustration of shave irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hair?
The best way to save yourself from this discomfort is by focusing on prevention. Yes, you can avoid them by using the tips below:
1. Upgrade Your Razor
A sharp and clean razor reduces the friction between your blade and the skin. There is a safety razor that has a sharp and well-angled edge. And? It requires a few passes over the skin even when cutting down coarse hair.
Therefore, ensure you have a fresh blade that will easily cut down your hair. Blunt blades mainly cause pulling and tugging. It’s important to note that shorter blades are highly recommended because longer blades are more likely to collect bacteria.
2. Shave Along the Contours
The best way to shave hair is to cut along the grains. More often than not, shaving against the grains increases the chances of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Besides, the blade changes the angle of the other, causing it to curl back into the skin creating ingrown hair.
Are you sure of the direction your hair grows? If not, this is what you should do. After shaving, wait between two to three days, then run your hand along then chin to determine the direction the hair is moving. It is that simple.
3. Exfoliating
Black men need to exfoliate their skin with face scrub and warm water. Exfoliation prepares your skin for a smooth and irritation-free aftershave. You can, however, do this for at least twice a week using a scrub or mask to remove the layer of dead skin cells.
Besides, use gentle scrubbing beads that uproot stubborn ingrown hair and clear out deep-rooted dirt and oil. They also soften the coarse beard hair for a smoother shave. Your hair is drawn away from the surface of the skin naturally, which minimizes the chances of ingrown hair.
Nonetheless, avoid using a scrub, mask, or any other cleanser that is filled with nasty and abrasive chemicals that harm an already inflamed face.
4. Moisturize Your Face Daily
Healthy and hydrated skin is less likely to develop redness and irritation. That’s why you need to use a face men moisturizer, daily. It is vital to get the right formula for your skin type and apply it every morning and night before bed.
Every time you do this, you balance the amount of oil your skin produces.
Nevertheless, the best skincare for black men includes sunscreen. Black men indeed have more melanin in the skin. It makes them more resilient to the sun, but still, the sun is damaging.
5. Apply Aftershave Treatment
Black men should apply hydrating aftershave liquid or cream. Reach for aftershave products that have natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and tea tree oil. These can lessen discomfort and redness of the skin, aside from preventing razor bumps.
Nevertheless, the use of alcohol-related after shave products is highly discouraged. Why? They can cause dryness and tighten your skin besides giving it an ashy appearance.
6. Prep Before Shaving
Irrespective of your ethnic background, prepping your skin and softening your coarse beard hair provides for a close and comfortable shave. Therefore, apply a shave guard before shaving. It provides a cushion between the razor and your skin.
I advise you to choose a natural shave cream for men, which has a lubricating, lotion base instead of using foam. It reduces itchiness, redness, and other common forms of irritation.
FAQs
Que: I have curly hair and thick beards. Which is the best electric shaver for black men to buy?
Ans: We would recommend you go for Philips Norelco S8950/91 Shaver 8900. It operates under an 8-directional contour detect technology that follows every contour of your face. Besides, the shaver has a V-track precision blade that cuts 30% close to the skin, and they also self-sharpen for ultimate results.
The smart click beard styler has rounded tips and a comb that helps prevent the skin from irritation. Thick beards require oiling to soften them before shaving. Therefore, a machine that can conveniently work under wet conditions is suitable. Though it’s costly, the results are worth your money.
Que: Do the electric shavers prevent ingrown hair?
Ans: Yes! Electric razors are the best when it comes to the prevention of ingrown hair. Ensure that whatever you are using to shave is sharp and clean. Make it your habit to wash it regularly and to order new components as need be.
Remember, sharp blades will move over your skin smoothly, while the blunt ones will pull and tug.
Additionally, follow the contours of your hair growth when shaving to prevent ingrown hair. However, do not shave too close to the skin as it can lead to cuts or skin irritation.
Que: Which is the most effective way of taking care of a black man’s sensitive skin?
Ans: The most effective way is by using a moisturizer. It leads to a smooth and soft surface. For skin to be smooth, hydration is vital.
Besides, some moisturizers target all sorts of needs, including one that takes care of the eyes. The skin around the eyes is more sensitive compared to the rest of your face, and therefore regular moisturizer can irritate it.
Remember…
Choosing the best electric shaver for black men mainly depends on your own needs and wants. If you take into consideration all of the above factors and reviews, you will be able to make an informed choice.
However, don’t be too quick to judge an electric shaver. In most cases, the skin needs time to adjust to the razor.
Nevertheless, you will need to learn how to use your electric shaver for you to enjoy and be comfortable with it. For instance, as a black man, you need to be extra careful with your shavers due to the thick and curly hair.
Every black man deserves a good and quality shaver. Therefore, be wise when choosing one. With that, you will get the best value for your money.