It doesn’t take long for a bald man to learn how damn important it is to find the best razor for shaving your head.
Sure, an electric shaver will get the job done faster.
But even the best electric head shavers can’t provide the close shave most of us are looking for.
(Plus, a really good electric razor can be pretty expensive.)
Unfortunately, you can’t just use any old cartridge razor, either.
There are a number of unique nuances to shaving a bald head (not to mention a bit of a learning curve), and you can’t expect the same type of razor you use on your face to provide an equally close shave on your head.
Fortunately, there are a handful of straight razors, cartridge razors – and believe it or not, even some disposable razors – that are well suited for head shaving.
To help your bald head look its best, in this post I’ve rounded up some of the best razors for shaving your head.

Make Your Dome Look Dapper:
The (Absolute) Best Razors for Shaving Heads

Overall Best Razor for Head Shaving ↓
Merkur 34c Double Edge Razor
- 4.7 Stars
- 5,031 Ratings
- German-engineered
- Heavy head provides extra close shave without much pressure
Advantages:
A lot of guys swear by a safety razor to get the closest shave possible when shaving both their heads and their facial hair.
When you hold the shaving head at a 30-degree angle, the single blade provides a smooth shave that leads to less skin irritation than many multi-blade cartridges, while getting significantly closer than electric rotary shavers and foil shavers.
And for many years now, the best safety razor on the market has been the Mk34c from German company Merkur Solingen.
(Leave it to the Germans to apply BMW-level engineering and craftsmanship to something as small as a razor.)
There are actually two types of Merkur safety razor on this list.
But in terms of providing the closest shave, their classic 34c model earns the top spot thanks to the shorter length of the handle, which is extra thick and easy to grip, making it easy to maneuver around the contours of your head.
Promising Review:
Best shave ever! I did tons of research before making my purchase. I was tired of wasting money on crappy cartridge shaves and wanted to step up to a more manly shave. Boy am I glad I did!
The Merkur 34C came highly recommended by other head shavers, as the shorter handle is much easier to maneuver all around your head.
– Trekker
Gillette Heated Razor for Men
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 3,225 Ratings
- Heats up in less than a second
- Provides six shaves on a single charge
Advantages:
Barbers have been offering hot shaves for years because heating the hair follicles makes them easier to remove without any nicks and cuts.
But it’s pretty hard to re-create that experience at home, since the heat dissipates from your blade so quickly.
This unit from Gillette solves that problem by heating its five-blade cartridge electronically, allowing you to get all the benefits of a hot head shave without having to shell out for the barber.
Promising Review:
This is not a gimmick. If you can afford this unit, GET IT! Somebody said, “just use warm water.” It is not the same.
In this case the warmth never leaves the razor. I just shaved my head and this felt like I was cutting through butter.
No nicks, no cuts, and no tugging. My head has never been more smooth.
– Chris
HeadBlade MOTO Goldfinger Head Razor
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 38 Ratings
- Purpose-built for head shaving
- Uniquely designed, ergonomic handle
Advantages:
From one of the most classic razor blades on the market to one of the most modern, HeadBlade’s “Goldfinger” features a unique design that makes it one of the best options for both ease of use and avoiding razor bumps.
(Not to mention clever marketing, because Goldfinger is a helluva name. I’m not sure how they don’t get sued by the 007 franchise, but I’m glad they don’t!)
Unlike a standard razor, Headblade’s products are purpose-built for shaving your head.
They use a custom design that wraps around your fingers, making it easy to move the shaver in different directions and get a good clean shave all the way around.
Promising Review:
So, let me start out by saying I don’t normally do reviews, but this thing absolutely deserves it.
That was the fastest, cleanest, and closest head shaving I’ve ever done. No cuts, smooth as the day I was born, all in just a few minutes.
Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 2,318 Ratings
- Lubricated blades
Advantages:
Nowadays there are a lot of five-blade razors on the market, but few provide a cleaner or closer shave than Gillette’s Fusion5.
This ProGlide version of the popular Fusion5 model comes with more lubricants built into each of the replacement blades, which leads to less irritation and makes it better for head shaving.
Promising Review:
This razor is good value for money, the blades can be pretty expensive by themselves so to get the razor and blades in a package is very nice.
The stand being magnetic is my favourite feature. No longer do I need to lay down my razor after using it, which makes it that much more hygienic and looks so much better on the side.
– TWC
Merkur Extra Long Handle Safety Razor
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 4,323 Ratings
- Elongated handle for easy reaching
Advantages:
While Merkur’s 34c model listed above ranks among the top picks of most at-home head shavers, this long-handled version is my personal preference.
This one is similar to the 34c, but the added handle length makes it easier to reach areas like the back of your head, which can be harder to get at with a shorter handle.
I’ve never had a bad shave with a Merkur, so ultimately it just comes down to your own personal choice, and your ability to reach around your head.
If you have long arms and a lot of mobility, the 34c might be the better option. But if, like me, you’re not quite as flexible as you once were, the long handle will probably deliver the best results.
Promising Review:
This is the smoothest shaver handle I have tried…
I shave my face and head using sandalwood creme and really enjoy the ritual of taking the time to do it right. I have gotten some fantastic shaves from this and feather brand blades. Buy it. Treat yourself well.
– A. Rosa
Parker Long-Handle Butterfly Open Razor
Features:
- 4.3 Stars
- 1,722 Ratings
- Comes with five blades
Advantages:
And speaking of long-handled safety razors, Parker is another good brand with a solid reputation.
Sometimes choosing the right razor has as much to do with the blades as the handle, and one advantage of the Parker model is the number of blades it provides:
It comes with five stainless steel blades, which, depending on how often you shave, could last you a pretty long time.
Promising Review:
Do yourself a favor and get this! Never shaved with a straight edge before, and only considered it for my HEAD. I was getting shaving “bumps” (which I guess are really ingrown hairs), and someone suggested I use a straightedge or single blade.
I liked the shave on my head so much, that I continued down to my beard (where I thought I’d use my convention razor)… I’d highly recommend this razor.
Harry’s Razors
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 6,774 Ratings
- Weighted, textured handle
Advantages:
Compared to long-established brands like Gillette and Merkur, Harry’s is the new kid on the block.
But they’ve made a big splash, particularly among head-shavers, and with good reason:
The handle on Harry’s razors have a heavier, weighted core, so you don’t have to push down as hard to get a good shave, and they’re also coated in rubber, which makes them easy to grasp.
This particular set comes with one handle, five blades and their aloe-infused shave gel, which makes it a pretty perfect little head shaving kit.
That’s especially true if this is your first head shave and you only want to invest in one handle that you can use for both your face and your head.
Promising Review:
This razor was perfect for my head. I shave my head in the shower, using Cremo shaving cream…
This was the closest and quickest head shave I’ve had in years, with absolutely no irritation. And the shaving handle’s grip and weight was perfect for shower shaving.
Gillette SkinGuard
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 3,870 Ratings
- Helps avoid razor bumps
Advantages:
Designed for sensitive skin, Gillette’s Skinguard model is particularly good at providing an easy shave that avoids razor bumps and other forms of skin irritation.
That makes it a great option for guys of all skin tones who struggle with razor burn (guilty!) and need a blade formulated for sensitive-skin to get a better shave.
Promising Review:
I was not expecting this, I was planning just to shave my beard at first but after using on my beard I shaved my head…
…If you are looking for a replacement for bump fighter razors this is the closest thing I’ve found so far… smooth and close shave with no need to fear cuts or bumps.
– Lo
Best Head Shaving Razor for Black Men ↓
Bevel Safety Razor
Features:
- 4.4 Stars
- 840 Ratings
- Founded to tackle nuances of Black hair
Advantages:
As you may have noticed from my headshot at the top of this post, I am very much not a Black man.
(In fact, even as white guys go, I’m about as pasty as they come.)
But Bevel founder Tristan Walker is Black, and founded Bevel because he was frustrated that he couldn’t find a good razor to tackle his coarse, curly hair.
Bevel’s flagship safety razor is engineered to do just that, featuring a weighted handle and sharp blade that can seamlessly cut through hair of any texture.
Promising Review:
The sides of the razor head are slick and angled, the blade does not stick out. Very good for me as I use it to shave my head.
Other razors I have used have the blade stick out on the sides which would sometimes scratch my ear.
Large openings on the bottom allow you to rinse hair out quickly and easily, not all safety razors have that and it is a very important thing to have when you shave your head in the shower.
– Drew
Schick Hydro 5
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 9,770 Ratings
- Gel-coated blades provide smooth shave
Advantages:
Another good option for guys with sensitive skin, Schick’s Hydro blades are coated with ceramides and coconut oil, which hydrate the skin to help leave you with a smooth head.
The Hydro is also a good idea for guys who don’t want to fuss much with replacemenet blades:
Each pack comes with 17 refill blades, which should last you quite awhile.
Plus, buying in bulk like this is probably the best way to get a reasonable price.
Promising Review:
1st off, i have never gotten a closer smoother shave on my head as I have with these razors.
My head is never really an issue, but when I first shaved my dome, I was BLOWN away.
HeadBlade ATX Razor
Features:
- 4.3 Stars
- 1,648 Ratings
- Unique finger-grip design
Advantages:
Another model from Headblade, their original ATX model isn’t quite as heavy as the Moto Goldfinger listed above, so it doesn’t glide quite as seamlessly over your head.
But it’s still one of the best picks for shaving your own head thanks to the unique finger ring design, which makes a big difference for guys who have trouble maintaining complete control of a regular razor.
Promising Review:
After many years of shaving my head with traditional razors and electric systems, I came across the ATX HeadBlade.
I could not be happier, and refuse to use anything else now. Perfect shave every time and zero razor burn or irritation.
– Carrasco
Gillette Mach 3 Sensitive Skin
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 6,507 Ratings
- Pivoting head
Advantages:
Another good disposable blade option for guys with sensitive skin, Gillette’s Mach 3 razors have a pivoting head that makes them great for getting all the way around your skull.
Promising Review:
Just as described & my husband loves how they make his head feel. He has sensitive skin and he rocks a bald head which can be sensitive to various hair removers.
These work without irritating!
Schick Xtreme 3 Face & Body Razor
Features:
- 4.4 Stars
- 1,134 Ratings
- Lubricated comfort strip on each razor
Advantages:
Schick’s Xtreme3 is specifically designed to be used on your entire body, including your head.
(Although, for both safety and hygiene reasons I should note that we here at Irreverent Gent highly recommend using a different trimmer for your balls than you use for your head… to say nothing of your face!)
Even though these are disposables, one good thing about them is that each razor is infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, providing a pretty soft and friction free shave.
Promising Review:
My new favorite disposable. It feels good in the hand — ergonomically — and on the head, a real smooth stroke.
BIC Silky Touch Twin Blade Disposable Razor
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 9,768 Ratings
- Cost-effective
Advantages:
Let’s address the elephant in the room first:
Yes, they’re purple, and yes, they’re marketed toward women.
But if you want a smoother, softer shave, then I highly advise you get over the gendered advertising and try these razors anyway.
(Plus, if you order them online, you don’t even have to feel self-conscious about bringing them up to the cashier at the store.)
Bic is a classic name in the disposable market game, and these twin blade razors are designed to remove even longer hair follicles safely and smoothly, making them a great option for both your head and other parts of your body.
Promising Review:
Well, it turns out everybody loves these razors. I’ve used them for years. They don’t cost an arm and a leg.
They work GREAT! My husband snagged a few when he ran out and has since converted.
More Resources ↓
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- The 11 Best Pairs of Pouch Underwear
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- The 11 Best Electric Shavers & Razors for Sensitive Skin
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- Foil vs Rotary Shavers – All the Key Differences, Explained
- The Absolute Best Clippers for Fades
- What’s the best rotary shaver on the market? It’s…
Banner image via Shutterstock / FotoAndalucia, illustration by Irreverent Gent