Best Safety Razor: Leaf Shave “Twig” Single Edge Safety Razor
As safety razors go, the Leaf Twig is extremely friendly to first-time users and cartridge converts—which is why I’ve called it the best razor and also managed to convert my brother Sam to using it as a bald-head shaver. The Twig’s single blade allows for an efficient, irritation-free shave, minimizing bumps and ingrown hairs, with an almost identical version—the Thorn—made for the densest, thickest, curliest hair. The short handle makes it relatively easy to maintain control over the task at hand, too, without too much twisting and torquing as you go ’round the globe. Plus, the Twig has some nice design touches: Twisting the bottom of the handle unlocks the old blade, so you don’t have to pry it out with your fingers, and the all-metal body is nicely weighted. Not to mention the blessing of extremely cheap safety razors (versus the price of cartridge replacements.) In the safety razor race, nothing outshines Leaf right now, except maybe for your smooth, polished scalp.
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What to Consider When Buying a Head Shaver
The decision tree that will lead you to finding the best bald shaver for your situation starts with a binary decision: On one side are manual razors (you know, the kind with replaceable blades that you drag against your skin), and on the other side are the electric razors. Both categories of bald shaver have their strengths and weaknesses—and break down into narrower categories (e.g., the foil vs rotary shaver debate), which will lead you to the bald head of your dreams. Below, I’ve broken down the differences between manual and electric, including advise from barber and men’s grooming expert Steve Purcell, who is also the founder of Uppercut Deluxe grooming products. But remember, even within each segment, there are further pros and cons to consider.
Electric head shavers come in three basic flavors: foil shavers (the ones with the horizontal trimming heads with small holes), rotary shavers (the ones with circular heads), and multi-tasking trimmers (usually beard or hair trimmers). I believe that even if you prefer a manual razor for your usual shaving routine, you should still have an electric razor on hand. Electric razors are faster, less messy, and cause less irritation like bumps and ingrown hairs) to skin than manual razors. For that reason, I think every DIY bald guy should have an electric on hand, even if you prefer a manual razor as your daily driver. When you woke up late the day of a key client meeting or you’re packing for your sister-in-law’s destination wedding, an electric head shaver comes in handy. And in case this needs to be said out loud, you can absolutely use an electric razor on your head even if you prefer a manual razor for shaving your face (or vice versa).
Pros for Electric Shavers on Bald Heads:
- Faster and less messy than manual shaving
- Easier to use, particularly on tough-to-reach spots
- Less skin irritation, including less chance of ingrown hairs
- Potentially cheaper over time (no razor replenishment)
Cons for Electric Shavers on Bald Heads:
- Not a completely smooth shave (and stubble returns the next day)
- As a result, need to shave more frequently
- More expensive up front
- Need to be maintained (regular oiling)
The two main types of dedicated electric head shavers are foil shavers and rotary shavers. Foil shavers give the closest possible cut for an electric head shaver at the expense of agility and ergonomics. The best rotary shavers can’t get quite as tight to the scalp as foils, but tend to be more comfortable to use, and you can just zig-zag them all over your head with ease until the job’s done. Plus, those rotary blades tend to catch the hairs fairly well. Purcell endorses rotary shavers, since they are much gentler on sensitive skin. He’s not out on foil shavers, though: “If your skin can handle it, a foil shaver will cut through any type of short stubble. It’s just that the rotary shaver is softer and easier to get a consistent cut with, and a more convenient option [ergonomically]. The vast majority of users would benefit from a rotary shaver due to the way they cut the head hair.”
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