A proper shave is perhaps the most important grooming regiment when it comes to dating. Unkempt beards, patchy facial hair, razor burn or sticky stubble can turn a woman off in no time. It can be especially important for some groups more than others. Which is why we went on a deep dive for the best men's razor for black men.
Thick, coarse hair, when shaved, can sometimes cause razor bumps and ingrown hairs. This is because their hair can grow inwards. When this happens, the hair doesn’t grow outside the skin. Instead, it grows back into the skin, causing painful bumps. These inflamed bumps can also turn red, which can sometimes look like acne.
With the best razor for black men in your grooming kit, you no longer have to worry too much about these bumps. A good razor will shave off your hair without irritating the skin. It does this by not shaving too close to the skin. Also, you can use these razors with shaving foams, creams and gels. These products soften coarse and thick hair to give you a cleaner shave. They can also help moisturize your skin to prevent any irritation.
In this guide we cover:
How your razor can impact dating
Black men have different needs when it comes to razors.
On average, 60% of African-American men or men with curly hair suffer from razor bumps. This is a problem that occurs when curly hair curves back into the skin after shaving, causing painful ingrown hair and inflammation. It can also be caused by a bad razor that requires you to use more pressure, irritating the skin and creating raised red bumps. Luckily there are razors that prevent razor bumps.
The best men's razor for black men can really solve a lot of your skincare troubles, however. Razor bumps are not only distracting to look at, but they also look downright painful. If you are on a date, these bumps have a good chance of taking away from what you have to say. More often than not, you may have to hide it behind a beard and maybe having facial hair is not your best look — either way, having this skin condition is not ideal and you need a product that can alleviate this problem altogether.
The key to a great shave for black men is to not cut so close to the face that you end up causing friction. Sure, you require a close shave but you have a thin line between not close enough and razor burn. With the right kind of razor, you can go on dates with confidence and never worry about painful razor bumps.
The Best Razors For Black Men
Not all razors are created equal and if you've used a bad one, you're likely not eager to go back. That's why we've done the homework for you.
The best men's razor for black men is easy to use, can be cleaned quickly and properly, and provide a great shave.
We've combined the opinions of respected product reviewers and our own experiences to bring you this collection. No matter your price range or desired functionality, we've got you covered. From a budget-conscious option to a classic safety razor, you've got choices to fit your lifestyle and skin type.
Best value: Merkur Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor
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This Merkur Classic is a two-piece razor that is a definite hit among wet shavers. Manufactured in Solingen, Germany, the razor employs high-end German technology that has few competitors in the market.
You can get a close shave without any skin irritation with this safety razor. All your problems with ingrown hair and razor bumps can be eliminated with this handy razor.
The razor your grandfather would use
The Merkur Classic 2-piece is the best value razor for black men because it just works, and keeps it simple and elegant. The safety razors use standard, affordable double-edge blades that give you a close and smooth shave. It has a closed comb, straight bar-head design, something that harkens back to all the classic safety razors your grandfather’s generation was known to use.
This safety razor is one of the best men's razors for black men because it gives you a clean cut without the unnecessary pulling you'll see on multi-blade cartridges. This allows you to shave more hair in a single stroke, which is helpful when you're shaving your head. That efficiency means you don't have to go over the same area multiple times so you can avoid skin irritation.
Long-term affordability
While the initial price tag might seem a little high for such a simple razor, you'll save money in the long term. You can find standard double-edge razor blades just about anywhere for only a few dollars for dozens in a pack.
This product is sure to up your dating game as you say goodbye to razor burns. No longer do you have to let your facial hair grow out or use expensive creams to treat razor burns. You simply won't have any razor burn in the first place.
Top rated: Braun 7850cc Electric Foil Shaver
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Sometimes you just don't have the time to break out the shaving soap, lather up, shave and trim. That's where the Braun Series 7 foil shaver comes in to help you.
The Brauns Series 7 is an efficient and gentle device. It employs Sonic Technology which manages to deliver 10,000 micro-vibrations per second, thereby reducing the friction between the shaver and your skin. The end result is a smooth, clean shave without irritating your skin or causing abrasions and ingrown hair.
Flexible cutting elements mean a better shave
There are four elements at work to make this the perfect product — three cutting elements and one skin guard. These four elements come together to do more in one stroke that most shavers can manage to do only in two. The 8-D flex head is great for all types of face shapes. The razor head can flex and pivot according to the contours of each unique face.
Perhaps the best part is you can shave wet or dry — which is ideal for black skin because you can include all the other skincare products in your shaving routine that would give you a smoother shave. For example, a hydrating shaving gel or foam would be a great addition to your skincare routine. The shaver is also waterproof up to 5 meters so you can shave in the shower to save time too.
Cut the cord
As is the case with most foil shavers now, the Braun 7 series is cordless. You can get about 50 minutes of shaving off just one hour of charge, making it convenient. The five personalized modes let you decide what intensity your facial hair requires. At the click of a button, you can get a gentle shave or switch to a little more power.
The charging base also doubles as a cleaning station. The alcohol-based cleaning setting also lubricates the blades for a better shave the very next time you go to use it. This is especially important for black men as a clogged, dull razor will cause more razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Obviously, all of those extras mean a higher price tag. But those that have used the Braun Series 7 think it's worth every penny. While you can get away with a lesser razor, you probably don't want to.
Best budget: Bump Fighter Men’s Disposable Razors
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Bump Fighter might just be the best men's razor for black men because it was specifically designed for black men. This 16 pack of disposable razors are designed to prevent skin irritation. It protects your skin from razor bumps and ingrown hair while at the same time condition it to ensure that it remains smooth after the shave.
It has a patented "bump guard technology" that raises the blade up just off the skin to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs. The people that have used the Bump Fighter razors all speak highly of its ability to stop Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (ingrown hairs) immediately.
There are some downsides to the Bump Fighter razors that keep it from being the absolute best, however.
This razor also isn't adjustable and doesn't have a pivoting head, meaning a more basic shave. While some users noted the blades don't last long, the price for four packs of four razors ensures they're still the best men's razor for black men on a budget.
The Best Electric Razors for Black Men
Traditional razors or multi-blade cartridge razors that are so readily available now may not be the best option for you when it comes to shaving equipment. The multi-blade variants attempt to cut too close to your skin and end up causing skin irritation instead. You can also end up with cuts and nicks with such blades. Therefore, if you're looking for some high-quality shaving equipment that will not just give you a clean shave but also be gentle on your face, electric razors are the solution to your problems. Keep reading to learn more!
The market is practically flooded with electric razor options as there is a high demand for such products. Not only are they easy to use, but they're also much softer on your skin and don’t require frequent changes of the blade, which can be quite an issue with conventional razors. Additionally, they can help you avoid those nasty cuts that razor blades can sometimes leave on your face. We've taken the best electric razors for black men and chosen the best for your dollar, the top of the line and the budget models that will get you ready for your next date.
Best Bang for the Buck: Braun Electric Shaver, Series 7 7865cc
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Braun gives you solid shaving choices, and this doesn't let us down. While there are a number of different variants produced by the German manufacturer, the Series 7 7865cc model is the “Best Bang for the Buck” choice because of the number of features that it offers for the price point. It's equipped with four shaving elements, three of which are involved in cutting your hair. The last element is a SkinGuard that protects your skin against irritation.
One of the reasons why this razor is so great for African-American men is the specialized intelligent sonic and autosense technology applied by the company so that the razor can understand the requirements of your beard and shave accordingly. With the eight-direction flexible head, the razor is able to reach even those hard-to-reach areas. You can choose from five different turbo and sensitive modes, and personalize the use of the razor according to your needs. Finally, the product is waterproof, making it ideal for dry or wet shaving.
The biggest drawback may be its weight. It may feel a little hefty for people who like lighter shaving equipment.
Best of the Best: Braun Electric Shaver, Series 9 9290cc
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If there is one product that may be touted as the best electric shaver currently, it is the Series 9 9290cc from Braun. With five shaving elements — as opposed to the four offered by Series 7 models — this razor can help you achieve that close shave without putting in any effort at all. The first four of these shaving elements are used for cutting your hair, while the last one is the SkinGuard. This allows the hair to be cut from a close distance, without being harsh on your skin.
In addition to shaving, this model can be used to trim your facial hair as well. There are two specialized trimmers with titanium coating so that the hair is caught before it is cut. This means fewer passes for you! Regardless of whether you are into dry or wet shaving, this electric razor allows you to do both. You can even take it into the shower with you, as it is waterproof up to 5 meters. Instead of the eight-direction contour adaptation offered by Series 7 models, Series 9 offers a ten-directional feature.
The Clean & Charge station ensures maximum utility — cleaning, lubricating and charging the shaver for you. Obviously, you're getting what you pay for!
Best Value: Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Electric Shaver
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The final product on this list is especially geared towards people who like a good bargain. If you're looking for an affordable electric shaver to fulfill your requirements, the Panasonic’s Arc3 razors are a great option for you.
This foil razor uses three different ultra-sharp blades to get close to your skin and give you a comfortable shave, regardless of the type of hair you have. It's designed to move along the contours of your skin, so that you don't miss a spot shaving. It comes with a pop-up trimmer to deal with areas like sideburns, mustaches, and even your beard on days that you don’t feel like going through the entire shaving process.
It is a waterproof razor that is suitable for use with or without water. Unlike some other electric razors, you can use a shaving gel or foam when you are using this razor. However, it isn’t the most powerful razor available, lagging behind the Series 7 and Series 9 by a huge margin when it comes to performance. When you're in a pinch, though, this electric razor is an excellent choice!
The Best Electric Razors for Black Men with Sensitive Skin
As there are tons of options available when it comes to electric razors, it can be confusing to choose one that meets your needs. There are a number of factors that need to be considered when making the decision. For example, does the price sit well with your budget? Does it come with enough features to allow for a softer shave when you need it? Is it safe? All of these questions — and more — are pertinent when it comes to choosing the one for you. To make the process easier for you, here are three of the best electric razors for black men with sensitive skin.
Take a look through the information we compiled here from our reviewers and research. We bring you the best electric razor for your budget, the top of the market (budget be damned!) and your top choice from the value options.
Best Bang for the Buck: Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 Men's Electric Razor
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If you’re looking for a highly sophisticated electric razor that is designed to take on thick and curly hair without causing damage to the skin, the Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 may be one of the best options out there. Not only is this electric razor extremely effective on tough hair, it’s also available at a relatively reasonable price point, which makes it the “Best Bang for the Buck” product on this list.
The Arc4 utilizes four of the company’s micro-fit blades, which are progressively aligned at a 30-degree angle. This positioning helps the blades to lift the hair from the surface of your skin before it cuts it. These blades have been designed for precision cutting, and both the blades and foils are hypoallergenic and meant for the gentlest shaves.
The flexible head of the electric razor pivots enough to be able to access those complicated areas like your nose and lips, while the trimmer can help you on days when you feel too lazy to shave. This electric razor is suitable for wet and dry shaving. Keep in mind that not all wet shaving electric razors allow for the usage of shaving gels and creams, but that isn’t something that you need to worry about with the Arc4.
Finally, there are a couple of things that could have been better. For example, the shave isn’t the closest possible shave. The emphasis is on sensitive skin, so the razor doesn’t go in full power mode, which could cause irritation. However, our next feature has no holdbacks!
Best of the Best: Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver
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Braun has held onto the market for the best electric shavers for a while now, so it comes as no surprise that our pick for the “Best of the Best” category is the Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver from this German company. While this product may be a little more expensive than many of the other electric shavers that are available in the market, it’s surely worth all the money that you will be spending. It’s able to capture and cut your facial hair without causing any distress to the skin, which makes it the best electric razor for black men with sensitive skin.
The Series 7 shavers have four shaving elements that help you get that clean shave each time. While the first three are meant for cutting the hair, there is an extra Skin Guard element to protect against any unnecessary harshness. The electric razor is equipped with 8D contour adaptation, which means that the razor head moves in eight different directions to hit even the hard-to-reach areas of your face. A specialized feature that caters to people with sensitive skin is the option to choose between five different turbo and sensitive modes. If your skin isn’t ready to take on more vigorous forms of shaving, these sensitive modes will be ideal for you.
The waterproof nature of the razor, as well as the highly sophisticated Clean & Charge station make this one of the best products in the market when it comes to electric razors. However, there are people who might find this product out of their budget and look for some more reasonably-priced electric shavers.
Best Value: Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Electric Shaver and Trimmer
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If you are a part of the category of people who don’t want to spend too much on their electric shaver but still want decent results, the Arc3 razors by Panasonic are worth a try. Our pick for the “Best Value” products, the Arc3 uses three highly sharp blades — aligned at 30 degrees like the other Panasonic electric razors — to give you a comfortable shave without causing distress to already sensitive skin.
This is a wet/dry electric shaver, which uses a flexible head to move along the contours of the user’s skin. There is a trimmer for areas like the mustache, beard or sideburns. Overall, this trimmer has all the basic features that you need at a decent price point, but you can’t expect the same level of closeness that the more sophisticated electric razors can give you in terms of the shave.
The Best Disposable Razors for Black Men
Below, we’ve outlined three disposable razors for you to choose from. These razors range from budget-friendly to the more lavish. Of course, you can sometimes tell the quality of a razor based on its price. However, don’t be fooled because sometimes an affordable razor can have all the qualities you need.
Check out our picks for the best disposable razor for black men and select the one that suits your needs.
Best Bang for the Buck: Schick Xtreme 3 Sensitive Disposable Razor
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For the guy who wants the closest shave, the Schick Xtreme 3 Sensitive Disposable Razor is the one for you. While we said that some black men prefer a less aggressive shave, many still want the closest shave possible.
With the Schick Xtreme 3 Sensitive, you get three blades. The first blade pulls up the hair, which is handy if you have curly facial hair. The second blade then cuts the exposed hair and the third blade cuts anything the third hair missed. Now you may be wondering how cutting the hair so close to the skin will benefit you if you’re prone to razor burn. That’s where the “sensitive” part comes in.
This razor has an aloe vera lubricating strip that moisturizes the skin and prevents the blades from scraping too harshly against your skin. Aside from that, this strip also protects your skin from rashes, cuts and irritation. This is what makes the Schick Xtreme 3 Sensitive one of the best disposable razors for black men.
Another thing that’s great about this razor is its pivoting head. This gives the razor a range of motion to help you shave hard-to-reach places like your jawline or sideburns. And once you’ve shaved everything off, all this razor needs is a quick rinse to clean.
Best of the Best: Bump Fighter Men’s Disposable Razors
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Bump Fighter is a brand that markets itself as the only razor system specially designed to meet the shaving needs of men of African descent. We’d say it’s one of the strongest contenders for the best disposable razors for black men.
The Bump Fighter Disposable Razor may be pricey, but that’s the premium you pay to ensure that it’s made specially to suit your skin and hair type. The brand knows the struggles of black men who try to make do with razors that either can’t shave their facial hair well or leave their skin feeling rough and bumpy.
So what’s so special about this razor? First, it has a rubberized handle to give you the best grip when you’re shaving. It won’t slide around, especially when you’re shaving tricky areas of your face. Second, it has an exclusive Bump Guard that fights off razor bumps, hence the name. This guard keeps the blade slightly off your skin to keep it at the right level to reduce skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Because the Bump Fighter has a higher price tag than the other razors on this list, it might not be for everyone. But if you want quality and an assurance that you’ll have the best shave, Bump Fighter is your best bet. And even if you’ll throw away this razor after a few weeks, you know that it will give you a first-class experience all throughout.
Best Value: Gillette Sensor3 Men's Disposable Razor
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Lastly, we have the Gillette Sensor3 Men’s Disposable Razor, the most affordable choice of all. This razor is made especially for sensitive skin. It features a patented water-activated Lubrastrip with Comfortgel, which releases a soothing gel to prevent bumps, ingrown hair and razor burn. Considering how effective the Lubrstrip is at helping to prevent irritation, it’s a strong contender for the best disposable razor for black men.
Aside from helping to soothe your skin, this razor also has a 40-degree pivoting head. Pair that with the anti-slip rubberized grip to give you full control of each shave. This combo of features allows the razor to shave your jawline, around your Adam’s apple and even your sideburns.
According to users, this razor can last up to 10 smooth shaves. But you can probably get much more if you make sure you always keep the blades dry. That’s why this is our pick for the best budget disposable razor for black men.
Now the downside is that while the Gillette Sensor3 has its Lubrastrip, it still doesn’t soothe the skin as well as the Schick Xtreme 3 Sensitive. Aside from that, the Sensor3 can’t compete with the Bump Fighter, which is specially made to shave the facial hair of black men.
The Best Safety Razors for Black Men
Below are our top picks for the best safety razors for black men. We’ve chosen three razors that suit different budgets. Pick out the one that works best with both your needs and your budget.
Best Bang for the Buck: Bevel Safety Razor
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The key to a close but irritation-free shave is the Bevel Safety Razor. This sleek silver razor cuts the hair at the surface of your skin, and not below. It doesn’t unnecessarily pull at the hair, giving you a great shave without the bumps. This is ideal when you're shaving your head. After using this razor for four weeks, you’ll notice that your skin will become visibly smoother and 97% clearer.
At 90g, this razor gives you just enough heft to weigh down on the razor so you don’t have to press it too hard against your skin. It also has a four-inch matte handle that gives you a good grip when shaving the trickier parts of your face. With each purchase of the Bevel Shave System, you’ll also get the Bevel Badger Brush, Bevel Shave Cream, Bevel Priming Oil, Bevel Restoring Balm and Bevel Blades.
The Bevel Safety Razor is our pick for the best value safety razor for black men. It’s neither too cheap nor too expensive, and it gets the job done with ease. And if there’s a shred of doubt about Bevel, you might be pleased to know that it’s owned by Tristan Walke, a guy who knows exactly what you need for a great shave!
Best of the Best: Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor
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In the world of safety razors, the Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor reigns supreme. Admittedly more expensive than your typical safety razor, the Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor is worth every penny.
We chose this as the best of the best razor for black men because it has one of the most sought-after features in a safety razor—adjustability. It has 6 settings that allow you to adjust the blade gap. In safety razor terms, the blade gap determines how aggressively or how closely you want to shave. A smaller blade gap gives you a milder shave because the guard prevents the blade from shaving beneath the surface of your skin.
When you use this razor, you can pick the 1st or 2nd setting to ensure that the blade doesn’t cut too close to your skin. This helps prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps that are so common for those who shave too closely. However, if you find that you can get by with shaving more aggressively, choose the 6th setting to really get as close to the root of your facial hair as possible.
Aside from having lots of settings, the Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor also boasts durable German manufacturing. Its sleek design and ergonomic grip ensure that every shave is a breeze!
Best Value: Parker 24C Three-Piece Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor
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Why are comb safety razors ideal for black men? Because its design prevents the blade from gliding too harshly against your skin. And if you want one of the best comb safety razors for black men without spending too much money, pick the Parker 24C Safety Razor.
This safety razor has an open comb model, which provides an extremely smooth shave without being too aggressive. When you use this razor (ideally with a shaving gel), the open comb design stretches the skin to help expose your facial hair. When this happens, the blade can cut a little closer to the root of your hair without necessarily digging into your skin.
Parker has been in the industry for 40 years, but their traditional designs still outperform lots of other modern razors. It also has quite a bit of weight (96g), which helps to shave your hair with minimal effort. When you use this particular model, you’ll know why we picked it as the best-value safety razor for black men.
While the Parker 24C Safety Razor is the most affordable option on our list, it doesn’t quite perform as well as the other safety razors mentioned above. For one, it’s not adjustable like the Merkur Futur Safety Razor. It also doesn’t have a host of products included in each pack, unlike the Bevel Safety Razor. But if you’re on the lookout for the best safety razor for black men that’s light on the budget, the Parker 24C Safety Razor is your best option.
