Shaving as a black man is much more complicated than it looks. While other skin types generally enjoy a relatively straightforward shaving experience, black men have to consider a lot of different factors before they shave.
Will this shaver cause any kind of irritation? How well do the blades of this one cut through curly hair? How many strokes of the shaver before my skin gets irritated?
These are but some of the problems black men face every day when they’re shaving. Choosing the right kind of shaver can help black men reduce some of the daily problems black men face while shaving.
I’m about to show you some of the best electric shavers for black men. While I can’t promise to list every single electric shaver out there (and that’s because there’s literally hundreds of them), the shavers in this list are what I would recommend to any black man who has thick unruly facial hair.
And even if you don’t happen to be black, this list is still a great guide for those looking to get a great electric shaver for themselves.
So let’s get into it, and find ourselves an electric shaver to trim our shaving woes away.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Electric Shaver for Black Men “Comparison Chart”
- Top 10 Electric Razors for Black Men Reviews
- 1. Braun Series 9 9290cc
- 2. Braun Series 7 790cc
- 3. Panasonic ES-LV95-S ARC5
- 4. Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 9700
- 5. Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Rechargeable Shaver
- 6. Braun Series 7 7865cc
- 7. Panasonic ES8243A Arc4
- 8. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
- 9. Panasonic ES-LA93-K, Arc4
- 10. Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900
- The Problem Black Men Have With Shaving
- Why Black Men Need an Electric Shaver?
Foil Or Rotary Shaver: Which One is the Best for Black Men?
Electric shavers have two similar yet still very distinct cutting systems. The first is the foil. These systems use a hex-liked shaped grid to capture facial hair. The hair is then fed to the blades found underneath the foils, which move from side to side.
In contrast to them, rotary systems use three circular cutting heads. Like foils, the heads have a capturing system that traps the hair in the circles. However, the blades underneath the circles do not move from side to side. Instead, the rotate vertically much as a grass mower does.
So, which one is better for black men? We would have to recommend Foil shavers. We recommend this for a variety of reasons: First, black men’s hair is usually curly.
Rotary shavers are efficient in cutting straight hair, but not so much with curly hair because of the orientation of its cut. Foil cutters are designed to capture oddly shaped hair. And for black men, oddly shaped facial hair is the norm.
Rotary shavers work efficiently because each area is passed by the shaving head multiple times. Because of skin sensitivity, this might cause more irritation, which in turn can cause additional cuts.
A foil shaver tries to cut as much hair in one pass as possible. This is ideal for black skin, as passing through an area multiple times with any kind of razor should be avoided.
Top 10 Electric Shaver for Black Men “Comparison Chart”
Shaver Model | Directions | Wet & Dry | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Braun Series 9 9290cc | 10 | Yes | See On Amazon |
Braun Series 7 790cc | 8 | Yes | See On Amazon |
Panasonic ES-LV95-S | Multi flex | Yes | See On Amazon |
Philips Norelco 9700 | 8 | Yes | See On Amazon |
Wahl 5-Star Series Shaver | N/A | No | See On Amazon |
Braun Series 7 7865cc | 8 | Yes | See On Amazon |
Panasonic ES8243A Arc4 | Multi flex | Yes | See On Amazon |
Braun ProSkin 3040s | N/A | Yes | See On Amazon |
Panasonic ES-LA93-K | Multi flex | Yes | See On Amazon |
Philips Norelco 8900 | 8 | Yes | See On Amazon |
Top 10 Electric Razors for Black Men Reviews
1. Braun Series 9 9290cc
While the Series 7 is perhaps the most popular Braun product line, Braun offers a more premium line for those who want the most feature-packed electric shaver. The Series 9 takes everything that’s great about the Series 7 and further improves upon it.
In the packaging of the 9290cc, expect to find the shaving unit, a premium travel case, the cleaning and charging base, the alcohol-based cleaning solution, and the charging cable.
The 9290cc is equipped with 5 different shaving elements. The two OptiFoil cutters capture most facial hair and cut them in one swipe. The two specialized trimmers trap even the thickest of hairs and finely cuts them down. The ActiveGuard makes sure that the shaver cuts as close to the skin as possible without causing any kind of irritation.
The head can move in 10 different directions, automatically adjusting to the contour of your face. This makes reaching those awkward angles, like under your nose or beneath your jaw, easier and hassle-free. The shaver is waterproof and is capable of both wet and dry shaving. It also has a light up LED screen right below the power button which informs the user when there are only 9 minutes of charge left on the shaving unit.
The clean and charge base, as compared to the Series 7, also adds an additional step: It also dries the shaver right after cleaning it with the alcohol-based solution. Letting the alcohol-solution dry naturally can take hours, but the 9290cc’s base dries the shaving unit in as fast as 1 hour.
My Thoughts
When you want the most premium of electric shavers, look no further than the 9290cc. If you’re coming from a Series 7, then you would already know how well Braun shavers are at getting the first pass right. The 9290cc improves upon that. And for those coming from other brands (or are getting an electric shaver for the first time), the 9290cc will change the way you look at electric shavers. It sets the bar pretty high.
I’ve already raved about its Series 7 cousins, but the 9290cc is in a league of its own. There is no shaver more comfortable while still having so close a shave, and a quite forgiving shaver at that; you can be sloppy with technique or do things that normally result in irritation with any other shaver, and you’ll come out fine.
The greatest downside, really, is the damage it deals to your wallet. However, if you’re willing to shell out for the 9290cc, then Braun will give you yet another winning product.
- 5 cutting elements cuts and captures even the thickest of hair.
- Easily one of the best ergonomic bodies out there.
- 8-directional shaving head, easily follows the contour of the face.
- Additional drying feature in the charging base which is more hygienic.
- Highly suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
- Shaving sessions are quick and clean with little repeat.
- Very expensive.
- Only has a plastic body for such a premium product.
- Manual cleaning is complicated and not recommended.
2. Braun Series 7 790cc
The Braun Series 7 790cc is arguably the most well-known electric razor today. With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon and a high average review rating, the 790cc is used and trusted by thousands of men.
Included in the packaging are the shaving unit, the cleaning and charging base, a travel pouch, the cleaning solution, and a charger.
Like the other Braun Series 7 shavers, the 790cc is equipped with 2 OptiFoil blades and 1 Activelift trimmer. It is equipped with a multidirectional head that moves in 8 different directions. It has a pulsating motor that creates over 10,000 vibrations per minute, lessening the number of passes needed in order to have a clean shave. It has an intelligent AutoSensing technology which adjusts the power of the razer to help cut thicker hair strands and stubbles.
It has 5 different modes, from Sensitive to Intense, which allows the 790cc to be used by those with even sensitive skin. The shaver is completely waterproof and is capable of both dry and wet shaving. It has an LCD indicator which shows the status of the battery, which can hold enough charge to power the 790cc for 50 minutes. It is also equipped with a pop-out trimmer for those who want to clean and shape their sideburns.
The clean and charge base automatically maintains the 790cc when not in used. It uses an alcohol-based solution to disinfect the blades and remove the stuck stubble from shaving.
My Thoughts
Braun is one of the standout names among electric shavers ever since its first such product in 1951, and the 790cc is, and remains, one of the most well-known electric razors on the market today. It set a benchmark for future razors.
Now, even years after the 790cc was introduced, we see a great number of razors that have truly been improved upon because of how successful the design of the 790cc was. Braun's Series 7 models don't deviate from the winning formula established by the 790cc, for good reason.
It may look boring, but that unremarkable exterior belies Braun's focus on excellent making and good performance. It's a very comfortable shave, and the blade design lets it deal much better with flat-lying or oddly-positioned hairs; good news if you've got curly hair. Although it's an older model, the 790cc still delivers a great shaving experience that makes it obvious why it seems to get compared to every other electric shaver out there.
- Gives quite a clean and quick shave.
- Multi-directional shaving head which follows the contours of the face.
- Multiple power modes for different skin types.
- Ergonomic grip making it easy to hold.
- Easy maintenance through the cleaning and charging base.
- Capable of both Wet and Dry shaving.
- Not suited for all skin types.
- Cannot be charged Directly; needs the charging base to be recharged.
3. Panasonic ES-LV95-S ARC5
Panasonic is not a brand most people think of when they think of electric shavers. It comes to a surprise that the ARC5 ES-LV95-S is a shaver that can compete with other well-known and established brands.
Inside the ARC5’s packaging, you’ll find the shaving unit, a cleaning and charging base, a travel case, a plastic head protector for the shaving unit, a charging cable, and the cleaning solution for the base.
The ES-LV95-S ARC5 is a foil shaver that utilizes 5 different cutting elements on its head. These blades are angled at 30 degrees. Coupled with the multi-flex pivoting head, the ARC5 can closely follow the contour of your face, guaranteeing a close, comfortable and quick shave. It also boasts of one of the fastest motors, which allows the blades to deliver up to 14,000 cuts per minute.
It also has a built-in sensor that adjusts the power flow to help cut those stubborn thick hair strands. It also has a pop-up trimmer for those who like shaping their sideburns or for those who need to trim stubble before shaving. It’s capable of both wet and dry shaving and is waterproof. It also has an LCD indicator which accurately tells how much charge the battery has left. The indicator also tells you the health of the blades and will inform you when it’s time to replace them.
The cleaning and charging station keeps the ARC5 well maintained by just pushing a button. It automatically disinfects, charges, and dries the ARC5 when docked and not in use. When on the move, you can also charge the ARC5 directly by plugging in the charger directly to the shaving unit.
My Thoughts
Shaving with the Panasonic shavers can feel a little odd as first, since it uses 5 different cutting elements. The head is angled a bit different, since the blades inside are also angled. However, once you get used to it, the feeling doesn’t become distracting at all and actually makes the whole process easier.
As for thick curly hair, it’s definitely not an issue. The five blades of the ARC5 will definitely capture any small and stray hair that might have been left behind by the first few blades.
It’s rather heavy on the wallet, though it does deliver on performance for that price. Besides, what other electric shaver on the market comes with five blades? The head’s sheer size does make it bit fiddly in tight areas like the nose or chin, but those five blades deliver as close a shave as you could ask for. It’s almost too close a shave, so if you have sensitive skin, take advantage of its capability for wet shaving.
- 5 different blades allow for a close and clean shave.
- Cleaning and charging base automatically maintains the ARC5.
- Charging base also dries the shaver which saves a lot of time.
- One of the fastest motors available in electric shavers.
- Accurate LCD indicator; don’t have to worry about how much charge is left.
- Automatic shave sensor for accurate, no-repeat shaves.
- Charging base feels a bit flimsy, could have used better plastic.
- Razors can dull fast if not properly maintained and used constantly.
- A bit on the expensive end, definitely not a budget shaver.
4. Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 9700
The Philips Norelco 9700 is the most advanced electric shaver to come from Philips. It features all of the best aspects of Philips electric shavers to deliver a premium and luxurious shaving experience.
Inside the packaging, you’ll find the shaving unit, the cleaning and charging base, the SmartClick brush, a trimmer, the cleaning solution and a power cord.
Philips is well known for its advanced rotary shavers. It shouldn't come as a surprise when the Norelco 9700 comes with some of the best rotary shavers in a market. It has 3 rotary shavers in a triangular formation, with each rotary shaver able to move in 8 different directions.
This means that, with the three rotary shavers combined, the Norelco 9700 can easily adjust to the contour of one’s face. The V-Track Precision Blades Pro can capture even the smallest of stubble. The Norelco 9700 has 3 different power options (Sensitive, Normal, Fast) that allow its user to customize the intensity to suit its user’s needs.
The 9700 has an LCD interface that shows the status of the shaver. From battery levels, cleaning indicators, blade health levels and travel lock indicator, it will show you everything you need to know about your shaver. It is also packed with a battery that can hold up to 1-hour worth of charge.
One of the more unique features of the Norelco 9700 is the SmartClick cleaning brush. This is an attachment that you put at the back of the shaver. It is a high-powered brush that uses the motor of the 9700 to clean your face with your preferred facial wash or cleaning soil.
The cleaning and charging base cleanses your Norelco 9700 with an alcohol-based solution, keeping the blades lubricated, hygienic and stubble free. It also dries the shaving head after cleaning with its built-in dryer.
My Thoughts
If it's your first time shaving with a rotary shaver, it’s a bit of an odd experience. With foil shavers, you can feel when the shaver passes through an area over your skin. Rotary shavers feel differently as the area that they capture is three non-overlapping circles, which means you’ll have to pass over some areas again as they might not have trimmed the first time around.
The upside to this is that the Norelco’s head and blades easily maneuver to the outline of your face. While there are some foil shavers that have pivoting heads, it's hard to compare them to the flexibility of the Norelco shaver. As for the shaving experience itself, it's quite comparable to foil shavers in general. While the process might be different, the end results are similar.
The LCD interface also makes for excellent convenience, as everything related to its upkeep goes through there. If you’re low on battery, or if the rotary blades are wearing out, everything’s there. Of course, whether all that and its other qualities are worth the price it demands of your wallet is up to you to consider.
- Rotary heads have great coverage and contours with the face.
- Three different power options of your choosing.
- SmartClick brush is a great addition for those who use facial products.
- The LCD screen shows all important information.
- Charging and cleaning base also has a built-in heater.
- Extra long battery life of one hour.
- Very Expensive, might not be the best value-oriented product.
- Rotary blades might not be ideal for some hair type.
- Trimmer isn’t attached to the body.
5. Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Rechargeable Shaver
Wahl is a well-known and respected brand known for their shavers and trimmers which are widely used in barbershops across the world. This brand specifically caters to black men. As such, you can be assured that their products have been well tested for those with curly and thick hair. The Shaver/Shaper is one such product.
Inside the packaging, you’ll only find the shaver unit and the charging cord.
It’s a surprisingly tiny thing, not much more than a dark brown rectangle with the foils on the top. Those foils are hypoallergenic, made so by a gold coating where most other models use titanium. The gold shine atop the burgundy body certainly stands out.
Beyond the gold, there's not much to speak of in the way of features; no surprise, considering it's a budget shaver, despite the gold. It leaves the bells and whistles for other models.
There's no battery indicator or power settings, no moving head, no cleaning base. The Wahl focuses on being a shaver and shaper, and nothing else. The battery runs for an hour unplugged, or you can also use it plugged in.
My Thoughts
The Wahl Shaver/Shaper achieves its low price by stripping out everything unnecessary to the shaving experience, achieving a simple elegance without any fiddling. It's simple, steady, no-nonsense; you just turn it on and apply it to whatever surface needs shaving, and it'll go at your head or your chin with equal gusto.
And the shaving experience is quite frankly incredible. It's utterly comfortable, shaving very close to the skin while the gold foil helps soothe any trouble; if you have sensitive skin, you can rest easy. And it'll handle any type of hair without protest, even the thickest and curliest of hairs. Really, with its lack of features, it's pretty much a throwback to the 1950s barbershop experience, but doesn't the saying go: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it?"
- Very close shave, similar to non-electric shaver.
- Built especially for curly hair.
- Budget-friendly, usually just a fourth of the price of a premium shaver.
- Highly compact which makes it ideal for travel.
- Can be used both corded and uncorded.
- Might take time to angle properly.
- No power/sensitivity settings.
- Not waterproof.
6. Braun Series 7 7865cc
The Braun Series 7 7865cc is one of Braun’s Mid-range offerings. Well known as one of the best electric shavers in the market, the Series 7 has garnered a lot of fans ever since its introduction.
In the packaging, The Series 7 7865cc comes with the Shaving Unit, a carrying case, a clean and charge base, a cleaning cartridge and solution, and a charger.
The Series 7 comes equipped with Braun’s trademarked OptiFoils, guaranteed to give you the closest shave possible. It is also equipped with a contour head that can move in 8 different direction, making shaving those hard to reach areas much easier.
It has 5 different modes, ranging from sensitive to intense. Whichever skin type, or however thick your facial hair could be, you can be sure that the Braun Series 7 7865cc can handle it with ease. It also has a pop-out beard trimmer for those who like shaping their sideburns.
The shaver is capable of both wet and dry shaving, whichever you prefer. It is also waterproof up to 5 meters, which makes cleaning it with running water possible (however, it is recommended to clean it with the included cleaning and charging base). The Series 7, when fully charged, can run up to 50 minutes on its rechargeable high-capacity battery. At the bottom of the unit is a battery indicator, which shows how much charge the shaver has left.
The cleaning and charging base does exactly what it is named for: once the shaving unit is docked into it, it simultaneously cleans and charges the shaving unit, keeping your Series 7 ready well-maintained and ready to use whenever you might need to.
My Thoughts
It’s hard to go wrong with the 7865cc. Braun’s Series 7 offerings have been some of the most popular and most reliable electric shavers out there. It shaves like a dream, as close and comfortable as you could ask for. As for curly hair, it does its work reliably and should have no trouble cutting through even the thickest of hair.
The price is a bit steep, but you do get what you pay for, and Braun’s characteristically German focus on excellent performance and superior build quality mean that if you’re willing to shell out for the 7865cc, you’ll get a product that will serve your needs and not complain even once.
- A guaranteed close and clean shave.
- The multi-directional head allows for hassle-free shaving.
- Cleaning and charging base make maintenance easy.
- Capable of both Wet and Dry shaving.
- Multiple modes cover all kinds of skin types.
- Easy to hold and highly ergonomic grip.
- On the pricier end of electric shavers, not budget-oriented.
- Replacement foils and heads could become expensive.
- The pop-out beard trimmer isn’t as sharp as the cutting heads.
7. Panasonic ES8243A Arc4
The ARC4 line is Panasonic’s mid-end electric shaver offering. This particular ES8243A ARC4 shaver does away with charging and cleaning bases, but still carries some of the features Panasonic shavers have.
Included in the packaging is the shaving unit, a travelling case, a plastic case for the shaving unit’s head, and a charger.
The ES8243A has four cutting elements, each of which is titled at 30 degrees to ensure that it cuts as close to the root as possible. The foils are designed to capture even the oddest of hairs and stubbles. The head can pivot in 4 different directions, which allows it to be flexible and easily contour to most men’s faces.
The motor moves at 13,000 cycles per minute, delivering the power needed to have a clean and smooth first stroke. It comes equipped with a pop-up trimmer, for those who need to touch-up their beards, moustaches, or sideburns. It has an LCD display with a ten-stage battery indicator, charging indicator and blade replacement indicator to show you the health and status of your ARC4.
The body is capable of both wet and dry shaving. It is completely waterproof, which allows it to be cleaned under running water, letting the vibrations from the motor do most of the work in removing stubborn stubble.
My Thoughts
The ARC4 has a 13,000 cycles per minute (CPM) motor. Using it at first, you can’t really tell how much of a difference that extra 3,000 cycles is. But once you compare it to other electric shavers, which typically run on 10,000 CPM, you’ll immediately feel the difference. The result: cutting it closer to the skin without as much repetition. This is great for those who suffer shaver burns when they shave over an area multiple times.
Admittedly, the extra power does mean it's a bit noisier than usual, but that's a small enough price to pay for the benefits it brings. The hammerhead design makes for a distinctive aesthetic, but just like its five-blade cousin the ARC5, its size makes it a little troublesome when it comes to fine detail work and tight areas.
Still, those are easy enough downsides to overlook, given the smooth shaving experience. Men with coarse hair won't need to worry; the sharpness of the blades and the power of the motor work together to cut any hair the ARC4 faces. And there’s no beating that price for what it brings.
- Four cutting elements for a clean first swipe.
- A strong motor that is usually not seen in this price range.
- Premium LED display that accurately shows how much charge there is left.
- Highly ergonomic and easily gripped body.
- Very convenient pop-up trimmer.
- Overall, great value for its price.
- Wet and dry shaving advantage.
- Only has one power setting.
- Head is not as flexible as others as it doesn’t pivot as much.
8. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
In order to reach as many customers as possible, Braun has a very diverse product line. The Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is targeted for those who have sensitive skin and aren’t willing to spend much on a more premium shaver.
Inside the packaging, the ProSkin 3040s has the shaving unit, a charging cable, and a plastic protector for the shaving head.
The 3040s has 3 cutting elements, with the 2 SensoFoil blades acting as the primary cutting elements. The ProSkin Micro Comb is designed to catch as much hair as it can, to make that first stroke as clean and smooth as possible. The blades also automatically retract so that it doesn’t touch the skin, keeping it irritation free. This is especially important to those who have very sensitive skin.
The shaver is capable of wet and dry shaving and is waterproof which allows it to be cleaned under running water. The battery allows the 3040s to run for up to 45 minutes, fully charging the unit in just 1 hour. For those on a rush, the 3040s can be charged for 5 minutes which is just enough battery for one shave.
The 3040s is compact and doesn’t require any kind of base to charge. Simply attach the charging cord into the shaving unit and it’ll recharge right away.
My Thoughts
You've noticed Braun's dominating most of this product list, and for very good reason: they deliver, whether it's the premium models we've already seen or this budget option. It's a fraction of the price of its labelmates, but it puts up a performance that's a credit to the Braun name.
The ProSkin 3040s has the basics down right: great cutting elements that are sharp, a good grip on the body, and capable of both Wet and Dry shaving. It also has retracting blades, which is a feature that even higher end models lack. For those with very thick or curly hair, the 3040s is a great option to cut through even the most stubborn hair!
It offers excellent value for money, coupled with Braun's proven deftness with build quality and ease of use. If you're a beginner, the 3040s makes for an excellent place to start, and it's not fussy at all, whether to shave or to clean afterward. Whether you're shaving wet or dry, the 3040s will see you through comfortably.
- Retractable blades perfect for those with sensitive skin.
- 3 Cutting Elements guarantees less passes for a complete shave.
- Budget-friendly and easy to find.
- Rubberized grip means that it won’t slip even when used in the shower.
- Capable of both Dry and Wet Shave.
- Long-lasting battery that runs up to 45 minutes.
- No power modes or settings
- Head is static and has no pivot points
- Manual cleaning can be annoying
9. Panasonic ES-LA93-K, Arc4
The ARC4 ES-LA93-K is Panasonic’s mid-range line for those who need more features but don’t want to pay the premium of high-end electric razors. This particular ARC4 model has a charging and cleaning base, as well as a Dual Motor feature.
In the packaging, you’ll find the shaver unit, the cleaning and charging base, a travel case, a plastic cover for the shaver unit’s head, the cleaning cartridge for the base, and a charger.
Like other ARC4 models, this particular one has 4 cutting elements in the head. These stainless-steel blades are all angled at 30 degrees to ensure that it cuts as close to the root as possible. The Dual Motor system is perhaps its most defining feature. Where other electric shavers only have one kind of motor, this ARC4 model has 2 motors, each serving a different purpose.
The first motor is the one commonly found in other electric shavers, as this is the one that powers the movement of the blades. Panasonic uses a 14,000 cycles per minute motor to ensure quick and clean cuts from the blades. The second motor moves the whole head unit itself, in order to lift and capture hair more efficiently.
This second motor also makes this particular model great for bald head shaving. Also, the ES-LA93-K ARC4 can be used for both wet and dry shaving. It’s also packed with a 10-stage LCD display which shows the overall health of the battery and the cutting elements. Like other ARC4 models, it’s also equipped with a pop-up trimmer.
While the ARC4 is waterproof and can be cleaned under running water, it is recommended to clean it using the provided cleaning and charging base. The alcohol-based solution ensures that the blades are kept in pristine conditions and that any stuck stubble is properly removed.
My Thoughts
This Particular ARC4 model is jam-packed with features, but the standout feature is definitely the Dual Motor system. In the simplest way possible to explain it, when comparing to other kinds of electric shavers, the Dual Motor system feels like its straightening and plucking your facial hair. This is especially great for those with very curly hair, as the straightening mechanic makes it easier for the shaver to capture and cut those hairs.
Again, the extra power on the motor means it’s noisier than others, and again the sheer size of the hammerhead can get in the way when dealing with tight areas. Pretty standard for Panasonic’s offerings, really. Shaving performance is excellent, though, and some users even report that it doesn’t seem to need as much pressure to get a close shave. Good news, as pressing too hard with your shaver can lead to razor burn and irritation.
- The Dual Motor feature allows it to capture stray hairs easier.
- Can also be used for bald head shaving.
- Provided cleaning and charging base makes maintenance quick and easy.
- Cutting elements always deliver a smooth and clean shave.
- Can be used for wet and dry shaving.
- Highly Ergonomic and Easily gripped body.
- Boring and straightforward design aesthetics.
- Only one power setting.
10. Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900
The Philips Norelco 8900 is the mid-high range offering of Philips in its line of electric shavers. It carries with it a lot of premium features but at a surprisingly more affordable price point when compared to the luxury offerings of Philips.
Inside the package, you’ll find the shaving unit, a premium travel case, a beard styler, and a power cord.
The 8900 has 3 rotary blades in a triangular formation. It uses a patented dual blade system that lifts and cuts hair close to the skin, making each cut smooth and even. Each blade can move in 8 different directions, contouring perfectly to any man’s face.
Its SkinGlide system ensures that the head glides over the skin, preventing any unwanted irritation that might be caused due to shaving. On its body, you can find different indicators for charging, battery status, travel lock, and head replacement. These are all hidden until they light up to inform you a change in the status of the shaver. The battery can hold up to 50 minutes or 17 shaves before it needs to be recharged.
The SmartClick Beard Styler can replace the shaving head to give you a premium trimmer that’s perfect for shaping and trimming beards, moustaches or sideburns.
It is capable of both wet and dry shaving, so you can use the Norelco 8900 whichever type of shaving you might prefer. The shaver is also fully waterproof, so you can wash the shaving head under running water, or use it in the shower if you so prefer to do so.
My Thoughts
The Norelco 8900 is a great shaver for those who want a rotary shaver with a good number of features but don’t want to break the bank. The triangular rotary blades can feel strange at first use, but the SkinGlide system makes it easy to maneuver even through the thickets of hairs.
Additionally, it has one of the best grips out there. Alongside its rotary blades that can move in multiple directions, shaving becomes as simple as putting the Norelco 8900 over hair and moving your arm. No need to twist or move your wrist to get it properly in position.
- Rotary blades perfectly contour to any facial structure.
- Easy to hold and ergonomic body/grip.
- Simple yet informative status indicators.
- Beard Styler is better compared to pop-out trimmers.
- Long-lasting battery capable of holding up to 50 minutes’ worth of charge.
- Only one power setting included.
- Replacement heads can be expensive.
The Problem Black Men Have With Shaving
Shaving for black men can be complicated. Below are just some of the problems black men experience daily when they shave.
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Curly hair
Most shavers out there are made for people with straight hair. Most Caucasians and Asians usually have no problems with shaving, as it’s a straightforward procedure for them. Black men, however, are more likely to have curly hair. This kind of hair becomes problematic, as most shavers are not designed to easily catch curly hair.
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Shaving bumps
Because of how most black men have curly hair, a freshly cut facial hair might grow going inside instead of out. This, in turn, causes ingrown hair which causes skin bumps and irritation. At worst, a shaving bump with an ingrown hair can become infected and cleaning and cleansing an ingrown hair bump is not enjoyable at all.
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Skin Dryness
Black skin tends to show flaky skin more than any other skin type. This can cause a lot of problems for black men who shave regularly, as dry skin is much more prone to irritability and infection.
These are just some of the issues black men face everyday when they go on their daily shave. While they may be other issues, I believe that these 3 are the primary problems black men face while shaving.
Why Black Men Need an Electric Shaver?
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Electric Shavers Are Easier To Use
Manual shaving with a razor, whether straight, safety, or cartridge, is quite a bit harder as a black man. Exceptional care is necessary when using them, because an improper shave makes for painful and unsightly results. At best, a bad shave means nicks and irritation; at worst, you’ll face ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Since electric shavers are specifically made to do all the work themselves, there’s less chance of error, and therefore less chance of a bad shave.
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Uniform Cutting Removes A Lot Of Variabilities
One of the problems most men face when shaving is nicks and cuts. Using an advanced electric shaver means that your everyday shaving becomes a constant sensation. Your body will eventually adjust to it, meaning that you will experience far fewer nicks, cuts and scratches.
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Guaranteed Sharp Blades
Electric shavers usually come with especially sharp blades to ensure that they capture and cut even the thinnest of hairs. Even a slightly dull blade can cause a large nick or scratch. By using the replaceable blade cartridges electric shavers use, you can be guaranteed to have a sharp blade in their electric shaver all the time.
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Adjustable Power Settings
Black men’s skin can be highly sensitive. The hair is also coarser and curlier when compared to others, so having an electric shaver with adjustable power settings is a blessing, especially for those with a lot of scratches. Being able to choose a sensitive power setting for an area that has a lot of cuts already can lessen the irritation in that area. Likewise, using an intense power setting for areas with thicker hair will also reduce irritation and the chance for nicking and cutting.
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Easier Maintenance
Because of how easy curly hair can get stuck in-between blades, having an electric shaver with an automatic cleaning base makes the cleaning process less tedious. Being able to just put in the shaving unit into the base and leaving it to clean and sanitize itself can potentially save a lot of time in the long run.
Some Tips And Tricks For Black Skin Shaving
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Use specialized skin products
While most supermarket products are generally okay to use, it is recommended that black men should look for specialized products if their skin is especially sensitive. If you need any help, your local barbershop usually has a great list of recommendations on which items you should buy for your skin.
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Exfoliate and moisturize
Black skin dries far more often when compared to other skin types. It is important to moisturize your skin to keep it healthy. Well-moisturized facial skin is less prone to irritation. Exfoliating is also a good idea, as dry skin may cause ingrown hair to happen more often.
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Let the machine do the work for you
Most shavers are designed to remove as much work from shaving as possible. Take your time when shaving. A slower, gentler shave drastically reduces the chances of cutting and nicking yourself. The best electric shaver for black men removes all of the stress of shaving, by trusting in the capabilities of the shaver.
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Clean your shaver properly
A reason why a shaver might not be working to its full capacity maybe because of maintenance. An improperly maintained electric shaver will have a lot of stuck stubbles, with blades that are not sanitized nor lubricated. Most electric shavers, especially mid-end ones, come with a charging and cleaning station. By using the station, you can ensure that your shaver will always be in top shape whenever you use it.
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Use alcohol-based aftershave
By now, you shouldn’t be surprised by how often and how much more prone black skin is to nicks, cuts, and scratches. While they are quite common, it becomes dangerous to just wash them away when they bleed. Using an alcohol-based aftershave keeps the area clean from any bacteria, long enough for the body to seal the opening. Because of how often these cuts can happen, it is always advised to use alcohol-based aftershave to minimize the chance of getting the skin infected.
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Close skin shaving might not be the best way
You might be thinking that this is counter-intuitive to what most shavers do. At first glance, why would you not want a close shave when every electric shaver out there advertises it. However, a closer shave means making the cutting elements closer to the skin. And since black skin is especially sensitive, doing a close shave may cause more irritation. A tip is to shave around 1mm away from the skin. Since stubble is far less noticeable in people with black skin, shaving a bit further away from the skin can still make the shave appear clean and close.
Conclusion
I hope this guide will serve you well in your search for your next electric shaver. Remember that no two skin types, nor any two facial shapes, nor hair condition are the same. The best electric razor for black men is the one that perfectly suits their needs. You might not find it in your first electric shaver, and that’s okay. A lot of people have commented that they shifted to a lot of different shavers before they found the one that’s just perfect.
When in doubt, just refer to this guide. I can personally vouch for any of the ten shavers listed here. I’m sure that, although some of them might not be the type of shaver for you, these electric shavers can deliver in providing a clean and quick shave and can help you decide on your next electric shaver.
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Excellent. Absolutely loved reading and very helpful at the same time.