Here, I review five of the best electric shaver for black men. I also talk about how to take care of your shaver. Everyone loves a close shave, and everyone loves to save time. The best way to save time while still getting a close shave is to use a quality electric razor for men.
For white guys, that can be enough of a challenge.
Cheap electric shavers are a dime a dozen, but a lot of lower-end models can leave your face feeling dry and chafed.
For black men, these issues are even harder to deal with. Black men’s beards tend to be curlier and coarser than others, leading to a higher risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation. I’ve reviewed the top electric shavers for black skin men on the market, and chosen the five that are best for the particular needs of African-Americans.
Before I begin, let’s take a look at the basic features. Let’s start!
Why Should Black Men Shave?
The answer is straightforward: to look your best. Grooming isn’t just a concern for women; men, too, need to maintain their appearance to exude confidence and charisma, which are vital for building a strong social presence.
In today’s world, projecting a positive “aura” is more important than ever. Much of this aura stems from self-confidence, and a well-groomed face can boost your sense of assurance, making you feel more dynamic and at ease.
Daily shaving contributes to this confidence, but technique matters. It’s crucial to shave carefully to ensure a clean, smooth result. However, using the wrong razor or a low-quality product can lead to cuts, skin irritation, or unsightly redness.
This is why investing in a high-quality electric razor is essential. The right tool not only makes shaving more efficient but also protects your skin, leaving it healthy and irritation-free.
In summary, there are plenty of compelling reasons for Black men to make shaving a regular part of their routine. From preventing ingrown hairs to maintaining healthy skin and presenting a polished, professional image, keeping your facial hair neatly groomed is key.
So pick up a reliable razor and take the first step toward looking and feeling your best!
How Does An Electric Shaver Works?
To begin with, let’s take a look at how an electric shaver works. There are two basic styles of electric shavers: Rotary and Foil shavers. They work on the same principle but have significantly different designs.
A rotary shaver has a few circular foils on top, usually three. A shaver foil is a thin metal screen, with holes that your beard hairs poke through. A blade oscillates against the inside of the foil, slicing off any hairs that poke through.
A straight foil has a long, flat foil. Usually, there are two of them, sometimes with a more powerful trimmer nestled in between. The blades under the foils move side to side instead of oscillating, but other than that they work the same as a rotary shaver.
You’ll notice that all the shavers I’ve chosen for this list are flat electric shavers.
That’s because rotary shavers’ oscillating motion makes them more prone to snagging. It’s also because flat shavers are easier to maintain, so most top-of-the-line electric shavers have flat foils.
What Makes an Electric Shaver Good for Black Beards?
Black men face two challenges when shaving, and these challenges work against each other. The first challenge is that black men have coarser, curlier hairs than white men. This means they’re more prone to ingrown hairs.
A powerful shaver is best for cutting coarse hair while keeping snags to a minimum.
On the other hand, black men have more sensitive skin than white men. If you’re one of those guys who needs to moisturize daily just so you don’t get ashy, you know what I mean. A gentle shaver is best for all people with sensitive skin.
So to get a good electric shaver, a black man needs to find one that’s both powerful and gentle. Those were my top two criteria when putting together this list.
- Using a quality men’s shaving cream with your electric shaver to get better results
A third criterion is almost as important: whether or not a shaver is waterproof. For the most comfortable possible shave, you’ll want to use shaving cream or even shave in the shower, where the steam can loosen up follicles and make the hairs more pliable.
What Brand of Electric Shaver Is Best For Black Men?
1. Braun Series 9 9370cc
I recently purchased the Braun Series 9 9370cc electric razor and have been using it for several weeks now. This high-end electric razor is designed to deliver a close and comfortable shave, even on stubborn hairs and sensitive skin.
It features advanced shaving technology, a sleek and durable design, and a convenient cleaning and charging station. Let me share my impressions of this product.
My impression:
The first thing that impressed me about the Braun Series 9 9370cc was its sleek and stylish design. The razor features a glossy black and silver finish, with a comfortable and ergonomic grip. The razor head is also large and flexible, which makes it easy to maneuver around the contours of my face and neck.
In terms of performance, the Braun Series 9 9370cc did not disappoint. The razor uses advanced shaving technology, which includes 5 shaving elements and 2 specialized trimmers. This allows the razor to capture and cut more hair in a single stroke, resulting in a smoother and closer shave.
I also appreciated the razor’s ability to adjust to my specific shaving needs. The razor features a responsive AutoSensing motor, which can detect and adapt to the thickness of my beard. This means that the razor can deliver a more efficient and customized shave, without requiring me to adjust the settings manually.
Another feature that I found useful was the razor’s cleaning and charging station.
This station uses an alcohol-based cleaning solution to hygienically clean the razor, while also charging it for future use. This makes it easy to maintain the razor’s performance and keep it in top condition.
What could be better?
While I was impressed with the overall performance and design of the Braun Series 9 9370cc, there were a few minor issues that I noticed. Firstly, the razor is relatively expensive compared to other electric razors on the market. While I believe that the price is justified by the razor’s advanced technology and features, it may be a barrier for some consumers.
Secondly, I found that the razor was a bit noisy during use. While this may not be a major issue for some users, it may be a drawback for those who prefer a quieter shaving experience.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase of the Braun Series 9 9370cc electric razor. It delivers a smooth and comfortable shave, while also featuring advanced technology and a convenient cleaning and charging station. While it may be a bit pricey and noisy, I believe that these minor issues are outweighed by the razor’s performance and design.
2. Braun Series 9 9095cc
The Series 9 is Braun’s latest and greatest electric shaver. The Braun Series 9095cc may be one of the best electric shavers for black men in that its AutoSensing technology guarantees a productive shave on dense beards. It’s a step up from the Series 7.
While I personally reviewed the 9095cc, you can also buy the 9093s, which are more or less identical. It costs less but doesn’t include the cleaning base. The 9095cc not only includes a cleaning base, but also comes with a cleaning cartridge, a charging cord, a travel case, a bottle of blade oil, and a cleaning brush. The cleaning brush is nice since you can clean your shaver manually without having to buy or repurpose another brush.
This shaver is waterproof, so use it in the shower if you want to. Like other Braun electric shavers, it also has an easy-to-use edging trimmer that sits parallel to the shaving head.
My impression:
If God set out to create the perfect electric shaver, this would be it. Of course, you’ll be paying Godlike prices for such an awesome machine, but you get what you pay for.
I absolutely loved this machine. The head swivels and all the blades float independently, so it might be awkward at first. At least, I assume so. After reviewing these many new straight foil shavers, I’m turning into a pro at using them.
The Braun Series 9095cc cuts so close shave you’ll swear you got a straight razor shave from a barber. It’s gentle and runs quietly with no snagging. I also liked the fact that they include blade oil. It’s not strictly necessary, but it makes the blades last longer and was a nice touch considering how expensive this electric shaver is. The Braun Series 9095cc still boasts it as the best electric shaver for black men.
What could be better?
If I had one complaint about this shaver, it would be the cost of the cleaning cartridges. They cost the same as the cartridges on the Series 7, so after a year and a half, you’ll have spent more on cartridges than you did on the shaver. Then again, if you’re getting a premium shaver, cost probably isn’t a major concern.
3. Braun Series 7 790cc
One of the best electric shavers for black men has to be the Braun brand. The Braun Series 7 used to be Braun’s top-of-the-line shaver until it was replaced by Series 9. It has stainless steel skin which is easy to clean and shave your long beard correctly.
Braun Series 7 790cc with Clean & Charge Station
This razor is the best electric shaver for black men with sensitive skin. It comes with a cleaning station, one cleaning cartridge, and a travel case. One thing it doesn’t have is an international power adapter. If you’re outside the US, you’ll need to buy one separately.
This shaver, like most modern electric shavers, has a built-in edging trimmer that pops up at the push of a button. It’s parallel to the shaver head, which makes it easy to switch seamlessly between shaving and trimming, without the need to adjust your grip.
Series 7 has five-speed settings, which is another important feature. You can turn it down to avoid snags when you’re working on delicate areas like your upper lip, and run it at full speed on your cheeks. It can be run wet or dry, so use it in the shower if you like.
My impression:
This is an extremely smooth shaver. It has a fairly large head, which was awkward at first when I was shaving my upper lip. After a few shaves, though, I got the hang of it. It has very few vibrations and feels and sounds like a beard trimmer. For maintenance, all you have to do is set the Series 7 in the charging station and press the Clean button. The cleaning cycle takes about an hour, and a single cleaning cartridge is good for about a month of daily shaves.
You can also clean it manually if you’re traveling, or if you want to save a few bucks on cleaning cartridges.
What could be better?
The cleaning cartridges are expensive. If you use them every day for six months, you’ll have spent more on cleaning cartridges than you spent on the shaver, to begin with. That said, there’s always the manual cleaning option if you’d rather not spend the money.
4. Panasonic ARC 6 ES-LS9A-K
The Panasonic ES-LS9A-K electric razor is an advanced grooming tool that offers a close, comfortable, and efficient shave. The razor is equipped with 6 precision blades and a powerful motor that delivers 14,000 cuts per minute.
The razor’s multi-flex pivoting head and sharp blades allow for a smooth and consistent shave even in hard-to-reach areas.
My Impression:
I have been using the Panasonic ARC 6 ES-LS9A-K electric razor for a few months now and I must say, I am impressed.
The razor provides a smooth, comfortable shave without causing any skin irritation. The six precision blades make quick work of even the thickest beard hair, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth. I also appreciate the razor’s multi-flex pivoting head, which allows the razor to glide smoothly over the contours of my face, chin, and neck.
The razor is easy to use and is equipped with a convenient LCD display that shows the battery life, charging status, and cleaning reminder. The razor also comes with a pop-up trimmer that is perfect for detailing sideburns and mustaches.
What could be better?
While the Panasonic ARC 6 ES-LS9A-K electric razor is an impressive grooming tool, there are a few things that could be improved.
First, the razor is a bit bulky, which can make it difficult to maneuver around tight areas such as the upper lip and under the nose. Second, the razor’s cleaning system can be a bit messy, especially if you use the included cleaning solution.
Overall, I am very pleased with the Panasonic ARC 6 electric razor. It provides a close, comfortable shave and is easy to use. While it may not be the perfect grooming tool, it is definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a new electric razor.
5. Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV81-K
The Arc 5 ES-LV81-K is Panasonic’s premium electric shaver that can be described as yet another best electric shaver for black men with different faces.. It runs very quietly and smoothly and gives you gentle, barbershop-style vibrations.
You’ll get a top-quality shave here, but you’ll be paying a top-shelf price. The LV81-K is also waterproof, so you can use it in the shower. Panasonic’s top-of-the-line Arc 5 electric shaver is also one of the best electric head shavers for bald men you can choose.
This electric shaver comes with a cleaning station, a detergent cartridge, an AC charging cord, and a travel case. This is everything you need to get started, although you’ll need to buy more detergent cartridges since each one is only good for 30 cleaning cycles.
The integrated trimmer is gentle and leaves a clean edge. On the other hand, it sticks out perpendicular to the shaver head, so you might need to adjust your grip or your mirror if you want to see what you’re doing.
View full review: Panasonic ES-LV95 Arc 5 Electric Shaver.
My impression:
The Panasonic ES-LV81-K gives one of the smoothest shaves out there. I barely even noticed it as I was cutting, except for the motor vibrations, which gave me a nice massage. This shaver has five blades. While they’re all very narrow, they still combine to make a very wide head, which is difficult to use under my nose. On the other hand, the multiple, small blades made this one of the fastest shaves I’ve ever experienced, if only because I got my cheeks done in seconds.
The multiple blades have another advantage; not only does the headcover have a lot of areas, but it also requires fewer passes than an average shaver. 2 or 3 passes, and I had a shave as smooth as if I’d used a manual razor.
What could be better?
Can Panasonic give us some speed settings already? Braun has been doing it for years, even on some of their mid-range models. We wouldn’t mind if this were a budget electric shaver for black men, but considering the price, a speed selector would be nice.
Maintaining Your Electric Shaver
Shaver maintenance varies from model to model, but there are a few basic things you’ll need to keep in mind:
● Clean your electric shaver after every use. Cleaning stations are convenient if you want to save time and don’t mind spending money on cleaning cartridges, but they’re just a convenience.
At the end of the day, you’ll be just as well off if you clean your electric shaver manually. To do this, remove the shaver head and rinse it under warm water to get rid of any stray hairs.
Apply a small dab of soap to the blades themselves, then turn the shaver on and run it underwater for a few seconds.
While most cleaning stations run a drying cycle when they’re done cleaning, you won’t have this luxury if you clean your shaver manually. Just leave the head to the side, and let it sit to dry for an hour before putting it back together.
● Replace your blades and foils regularly. It doesn’t matter how good a blade is or what it’s made of. Eventually, it’s going to rust. The same goes for foils.
Since rusty blades are a great way to snag hairs and cut yourself, make sure to change your blades every few months, or sooner if your shaver starts to snag.
● Oil is optional. A lot of older shavers came with blade oil, while newer shavers generally don’t. Oiling your blades can give you a smoother cut and delay rust, but it’s not necessary.
Using Your Electric Shaver
When using an electric shaver for black men, you want to make smooth, up, and down motions. Just like a manual razor, sudden movements can cause the blades to snag hairs, or even nick your skin.
Smooth motions will prevent this to happen. Unlike with a manual razor, you’ll want to make a few passes over each area. This is because the foils won’t catch every hair every time.
Most electric shavers for black men require 5-6 passes to get your face totally smooth, although higher-end shavers may only require 3-4.
At the end of the day, you’ll need to practice a bit and find out what works for you.
I hope this review has been helpful. While I’ve tried to find the best electric shaver for black men, everyone is an individual, and everyone’s face and lifestyle are different.
Even if you haven’t found the perfect shaver for you. I hope you’ve learned a few things that will make your search easier.
I’ve reviewed the top 5 best electric shaver for black men on the market and from the ones that I have reviewed above, I highly recommend the Braun shaver series 9 models.
That is the best electric shaver for black men as the features are geared towards providing a clean and a gentle shave that is comfortable for your black skin.
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