The 15 Best Electric Shavers for Black Men

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Electric shavers are a no-brainer for men who want a quick and convenient way to get a close, clean shave. 

But for Black men, finding the right electric shaver can sometimes be a bit tricky. 

Black guys tend to have more coarse and curly hair than guys of other skin types, which increases the risk of skin irritation, ingrown hairs and razor bumps. 

A black man applying shaving cream
Shaving can be trickier for black men, who are often more prone to skin irritation, ingrown hairs and razor bumps
[image: Supply / Unsplash]

And that’s especially true when we’re talking about electric foil shavers or rotary shavers, which aren’t always well suited to the nuances of Black skin.

To help you get the smoothest, closest and most comfortable shave possible, in this article we’ve rounded up the best electric shavers for Black men based on factors like effectiveness, comfort, and value for money. 

In addition to our pick for the overall best option, we’ve also included a few key criteria Black men should consider when selecting an electric razor, and a few tips about how to get the most out of them. 

The (Absolute) Best Electric Razors for Black Men  

Breaking Down the Best Electric Shavers for Black Men
Table Of Contents
  1. The (Absolute) Best Electric Razors for Black Men  
  2. The Best of the Rest ↓ 
  3. What should Black men look for in an electric razor? 
  4. Best Practices for Black Men When Using An Electric Razor
Overall Best Electric Shaver for Black Men ↓

Braun Series 9 9390cc

Braun Series 9 9390cc
Rating: 
  • 4.4 Stars
    • 3,254 Reviews
Advantages:

We named the Braun 9390cc the overall best foil razor for sensitive skin, which is also what makes it so perfect for Black hair. 

It produces 10,000 sonic vibrations per minute, which not only provide a very close shave, but allow it to easily glide over the contours of your face and move in different directions without getting caught or producing nicks and cuts. 

But what really makes it one of the best razors for Black men is Braun’s AutoSense Technology,  which can read the length, thickness and density of your beard, then adjust itself accordingly. 

In addition, it’s designed for both wet and dry shaving (though we recommend wet shaving with warm water and a good shaving cream for best results), and has a lithium-ion battery that can run for 60 minutes straight on a full charge. 

Plus, it also comes with a pop-up trimmer that you can use for precision cuts around your mustache and sideburns, so you won’t need to buy a separate tool or a safety razor for detail work. 

All in, it’s easily one of the best shavers on the market, and our top pick for tackling the nuances of Black men’s skin and hair type. 

Promising Review: 

For a long time I had tried a couple brands of electric razors. But never before had I tried an electric razor like this one. 

This Braun Series 9 can take my heaviest beard days of 7 to 8 days of growth and my shortest day of beard growth and turn it into a quick and IRRITATION FREE day of shaving… 

This shaver is well worth the money.

– JPV

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Braun Series 9 9330s

Braun Series 9 9330s
Rating: 
  • 4.4 Stars
    • 9,895 Reviews
Advantages:

A close runner up to the 9390, Braun’s 9330 model provides a closer shave than (just about) any other shaver on the market, and is just as effective as the 9390 when it comes to avoiding razor burn. 

That’s because, for all intents and purposes, the 9390 and 9330 are basically the same model. 

Both shavers have a powerful motor that can get through coarse hair while still providing a smooth shave, and the same lithium ion battery that offers 60 minutes of use on a single charge. 

The only difference between the two is that the 9330 model comes without Braun’s “SmartCare Center,” which is what they call their charge station. 

In addition to charging the unit, the SmartCare Center also cleans and lubricates it, which is helpful, but by no means a necessity. 

(Plus, those self-cleaning units aren’t always great at getting longer hairs out of the razor, so some guys actually prefer cleaning them by hand.) 

So the 9330 offers arguably the best value on the market:

It’s a great way to get what’s arguably the world’s most efficient shaver at a cheaper price point, without losing all the extra features that make it an excellent choice for Black guys.

Promising Review: 

This is the best electric razor I have ever used. Over the years I have used many electric shavers with poor results. 

Black men’s beards are challenging and this is the only razor that works for me.

– James Lawrence Brown

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Panasonic Arc 4 ES-LA93-K 

Panasonic Arc 4 ES-LA93-K 
Rating: 
  • 4.3 Stars
    • 1,344 Reviews
Advantages:

Arguably Braun’s closest competitor, Panasonic’s Arc series contains some of the top electric razors on the market, and the Arc 4 is a great alternative to the two Brauns listed above. 

Designed with ease of use in mind, it’s got a flexible head containing four precision-honed blades that provide 56,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, which helps reduce total shaving time and makes it easy to mow through short and long hair alike. 

In addition, it can be used as both a wet and dry shaver, and it comes with a limited two-year warranty.

Promising Review: 

Being a Black man, and having the problems the most Black men have when it come to shaving, the shaver works great !!! 

It allows me to shave more often, without the irritation and bumps!!! And the cleaner makes clean up a breeze!!!

– Al Campbell

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Panasonic LV67 ARC 5

Panasonic LV67 ARC 5
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 2,459 Reviews
Advantages:

The biggest thing that separates the Arc 5 from the Arc 4 listed above is the presence of a fifth razor blade, which helps it cut through thick hair in fewer passes. 

Like the Arc 4, its blades are precision-honed to within 30 degrees, which allows them to cut as close to your hair follicles as possible. 

Other shaving elements include a pivoting head that can move in 16 different directions, and a sensor that detects your beard length 220 times per second, and adjusts the unit’s power 14 times per second, allowing it to produce more even results than a manual razor. 

Promising Review: 

If you’re looking for a close shave this is the razor. I am an African-American male that was looking for the perfect razor.

This is a razor that gives you a close shave on your face around your neck, and I am bald and it does an excellent job on top of my head. I would highly recommend this razor.

– Albert Anderson

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Best Electric Shaver for Black Men with Sensitive Skin ↓

Braun Series 7 790CC

Braun Series 7 790CC
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 15,299 Reviews
Advantages:

Braun’s Series 7 trimmers are a little older (and thus a little more affordable) than the Series 9 models that top our list, but still provide a great shave. 

The 790CC has five personalized shaving modes, allowing you to crank up the power when tackling thicker hairs or dial it down to protect sensitive or dry skin. 

The pivoting head only turns in eight directions, as opposed to the 10 directions offered by the Series 9 models. 

But the good news is that eight is more than enough for most guys, and still provides more than enough range of motion to get those hard-to-reach areas. 

Promising Review: 

I am a Black guy with sensitive skin…  Now that I have qualified myself……this is a great shaver! 

The bottom line is I get more functionality, a nice cleaning system and most importantly…..LESS strokes to get the job done with my new shaver. For you Black gentleman out there….. virtually no “razor bumps”.

– True-Reviews

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Best Electric Shaver for Black Men Under $100 ↓

Remington F 5-5800

Remington F 5-5800
Rating: 
  • 4.1 Stars
    • 123 Reviews
Advantages:

The first razor to make our list that’s not made by Braun or Panasonic, Remington’s F5-5800 isn’t quite as feature-rich as the models above. 

It might not provide the absolute closest shave, but the trade off is that it’s not as expensive as the big-boys listed above. 

And if you’re looking for something in the sub-100 dollar price range, you could hardly do better. 

The F5-5800 boasts surgical-steel blades and two independently flexing foil screens that provide a clean cut, along with a pivoting head that has decent movement for a shaver in this price range. 

Promising Review: 

The pivoting head gets all of the hard to get areas under the chin. Much quieter then my old shaver. 

Keeps shavings intact instead of falling all over sink and floor. Very happy with this model.

– D B

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Bevel Beard Trimmer

Bevel Beard Trimmer
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 2,699 Reviews
Advantages:

Bevel is a Black-owned company dedicated to addressing the nuances of Black hair and skin, so it’s no surprise that they make one of the best beard trimmers for black men. 

The only downside of the Bevel is that it’s more of a trimmer than a true shaver. 

So while it’s great for bringing long beards under control or rocking a few days’ worth of stubble, it’s not your best bet if you’re looking for the kind of completely-hair-free smoothness that foil shavers and rotary razors provide. 

Promising Review: 

I’m here for the Bevel Trimmer! I got mine after a year of anticipation and very high expectations and it did not fail to live up to the hype. 

It’s everything I need as a Black man to take care of my face, as it does all of the small things (clean edges, chargeable, easy to clean) someone like me needs to manage a fresh look with minimal effort.

– U. Ometu

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The Best of the Rest ↓ 

While the models above represent our top picks for the absolute best electric razors for Black men, they’re far from the only models on the market. 

Below are a number of other solid options that offer a range of both features and price points, any of which could work well for Black men of preferences, skin types and budgets. 

Philips Norelco Shaver 9800

Philips Norelco Shaver 9800
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 759 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I’ve been using a Norelco shaver for over 50 years and they just keep getting better. This is the first one with the head cleaning unit. 

What a difference it makes as well as the pressure sensitive head.

– Bobo

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Braun Series 9 9385cc

Braun Series 9 9385cc
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 1,811 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Best razor I’ve ever owned by far! Worried a little about battery life but just returned from a two week vacation and never had to charge. Absolutely would recommend.

– Brad

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Andis 17150 Foil Shaver

Andis 17150 Foil Shaver
Rating: 
  • 4.3 Stars
    • 35,199 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Wow. Shaver took off my hair effortlessly. This is easily the best shaver I’ve ever used. NO RAZOR BUMPS OR BURN AFTERWARDS!!!! 

…Definitely recommend this shaver, especially if you’ve ever gotten razor bumps before after shaving. Black man approved.💪🏾

– Town

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Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s

Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
Rating: 
  • 4.3 Stars
    • 16,260 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I have sensitive skin and the razor cuts my thick and course African-American facial hair very well. 

I use a shaving oil to shave with and this shaver does not get clogged and is easy to clean. It gets close enough to your skin that its very smooth afterwards.

– Siscot&PVapailleWatson

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Braun Series 9 9460

Braun Series 9 9460
Rating: 
  • 4.5 Stars
    • 330 Reviews
Promising Review: 

I have been using electric razors for 40 years. This one is hands down the best I’ve ever used. It gives a close shave with one pass. Also very easy to clean with the cleaning station.

– Peter B.

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Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige

Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige
Rating: 
  • 4.6 Stars
    • 3,201 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Best shaver I’ve ever owned. Shaves a 3-4 day beard easily and cleaning is quick and easy.

– Robert Luke

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Remington R5000

Remington R5000
Rating: 
  • 4.2 Stars
    • 148 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Very comfortable to hold and use. This is my 3rd Remington razor in about 9 plus years, so they last.

– Ed Kamin Jr

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Best Wahl Shaver for Black Men ↓

Wahl Professional 5 Star Finale Shaver

Wahl Professional 5 Star Finale Shaver
Rating: 
  • 4.4 Stars
    • 4,681 Reviews
Promising Review: 

WOW – Best shaver for bald Black men. This is by far the best shaver I’ve used. 

I am bald and generally just keep a mustache. I’ve struggled with pimples all over particularly in the back of my head and around my neck. Since I started using this shaver, I have zero to no pimples. 

I use the shaver everyday, on my head and my beard. Perfect creation. Best for bald Black guys.

– guyzo

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Pritech Electric Razor

Pritech Electric Razor
Rating: 
  • 4.2 Stars
    • 9,813 Reviews
Promising Review: 

Great buy for the average guy. This razor is cool. I’m not a razorologist, but it works. 

I’m 38, Black, shaved face bald. Not sure about shaping a beard or mustache. It had a full battery on arrival.

– Canna Mink

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What should Black men look for in an electric razor? 

Ultimately, the best electric shaver for a Black man will depend on his individual preferences and needs, which will vary from person to person. 

But there are a few features that may be particularly useful for Black men to consider when choosing an electric shaver.

Close and Comfortable Shave

This one’s probably obvious, but worth noting right up front. 

Look for an electric shaver that’s specifically designed to provide a close and comfortable shave, especially if you tend to let your hair grow out quite a bit before you shave. 

Wet/Dry Capability 

A wet/dry electric shaver can be used with or without shaving cream or gel, making it convenient to use in the shower. 

This can be especially helpful for Black guys, who as mentioned above often have sensitive skin or that makes them prone to razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Adjustable Blade or Foil 

Some electric shavers come with adjustable blades or foils that allow you to customize the shave to your beard type and skin sensitivity, which results in a cleaner shave and less skin irritation.

High-Speed Motor 

Because Black hair can be thicker and coarser than other men’s hair, a high-speed motor can help to ensure that the electric shaver cuts through your beard efficiently and effectively, allowing you to finish shaving in less time. 

Cordless 

This one’s obviously not specific to Black men, but definitely worth noting. 

A cordless electric shaver is more convenient and easier to use, as you won’t be tethered to an outlet while shaving.

Long Battery Life

Look for an electric shaver with a long battery life, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a shave.

Each of the razors we’ve listed in our top-five above will last for about an hour, which should be more than enough time for you to complete your shave. 

Also, keep in mind that electric razors that run on AA batteries will steadily lose power with each successive shave. 

By contrast, anything powered by a rechargeable lithium ion will be at 100% for each shave as long as you recharge it when not in use. 

Easy to Clean

The best way to ensure that your shaver stays in good conditions and performs well for the long haul is to buy one that’s easy to clean. 

Some of the shavers above come with cleaning/charging stations that basically self-clean the device for you. 

Those units tend to be a little more expensive, but they’re often a good investment that pays for itself in the long run.  

Best Practices for Black Men When Using An Electric Razor

Here are a few tips that Black men can keep in mind when shaving with an electric razor:

Prep Your Skin 

Before you start shaving, make sure to properly prep your skin by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. 

This will help to soften your beard and open up your pores, making it easier to get a close and comfortable shave.

Use a Pre-Shave Product 

Applying a pre-shave product, such as an oil or balm, can help to moisturize your skin and create a barrier between your skin and the razor, reducing the risk of irritation and razor burn.

Go with the Grain 

When shaving with an electric razor, it’s important to go with the grain of your beard, rather than against it. 

Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.

Use Short Strokes 

To get the best results with an electric razor, use short, even strokes, rather than trying to cover too much area at once. 

This will help to ensure that you get a close and even shave.

Rinse Frequently

Be sure to rinse your electric razor frequently while shaving to remove any accumulated hair and shaving cream or gel. 

This will help to keep the blades clean and effective.

Use a Post-Shave Product 

After you’ve finished shaving, be sure to apply a post-shave product, such as a moisturizer or aftershave, to help soothe and hydrate your skin.

More Resources ↓
More Men’s Grooming Advice From Irreverent Gent:
More Advice on How to Look Your Bearded Best:
The Recap ↓

Overall Best Electric Shaver for Black Men

Michael Berman

Summary

All in, the Braun Series 9 9390cc is easily one of the best shavers on the market, and our top pick for tackling the nuances of Black men’s skin and hair type. 

4.5
About the Author

Michael Berman

Michael Berman is a writer, editor and style enthusiast by day, but by night he’s a TV binger, Wordle enthusiast and connoisseur of a good Old Fashioned.

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