It’s that time of the day: shaving. Removing unwanted hair is a task for itself if you use the same razor (or hair removal products) multiple times a week. Without cleaning, it leads to bumps, cuts, nicks, ingrown hair, and irritation.
Ever get razor burn? Yep, there’s shaving creams to help with that, but if you’re finding it’s a lot of upkeep — it probably means you have sensitive skin.
For expert tips on picking out the best razors for sensitive skin, we spoke with two barbers, William Rodriguez, a master barber at Public Image NYC with over 25+ years of experience, and Chris Brownless, ​​barber and brand educator for Uppercut Deluxe.
“Sensitive skin is more susceptible to irritation and razor burn,” Brownless told The New York Post. He also shared that the skin on your beard creates its oils and nutrients, keeping the skin healthy and supple while keeping the hairs conditioned and strong.
Finding the perfect type of razor for your skin is maybe the most important part.
“The best way to evaluate a razor’s effectiveness would be to try out a few different options and see which one gives you the easiest shave with the least amount of irritation within your price budget,” Rodriguez said.
So, if your razor has multiple blades that lacks to catch all the hairs, no lubricatiton strips, or ergonomic handle, it’s time for a upgrade. Take a look at our top picks of the best razors for sensitive skin to have no shaving problems.
1. Best overall razor: Gillette Fusion5 Razor
You can’t beat the price of this razor. Known for their razors and shaving products, this razor has a deluxe smooth platinum metal handle and five blades to give you a nice, smooth shave in one glide. What’s even cool about this razor that its microfins and lubrastrip helps shaving to feel like a breeze.
2. Best electric razor: Braun Series 9 Pro 9467cc Washer + Leather Shaver
Both Rodriguez and Brownless raved about Braun Series 9 razors. This razor cleans, charge, lubricate, and dries by itself with the touch of the power button and charging station. Let’s add this bad boy to our carts.
“If you want a comfortable and close electric shaver that will cause as little irritation as possible, the Braun Series 9 really is the best on the market,” Brownless said. While it’s heavy on the price tag, it’s time to invest in a new razor that delivers smooth results. Rodriguez noted that electric razors “eliminates the chance of nicking yourself and its great for sensitive skin.”
3. Best disposable razor: BIC Sensitive Men’s Single Blade Disposable Razor
Bic was a thing back in the day. If you’re always on-the-go and need a razor for a quick shave, this single-blade razor will be your best travel buddy.
“Single blade disposable razors are the easiest to use and safest,” Rodriguez said. It’s the simple things this razor can do for you. You will not have to stress out about those itchy ingrown hairs. This razor is easy to cleans and features a plastic handle comfortable enough for you to hold a grip shaving.
4. Best safety razor: King C. Gillette Safety Razor
This number one best-selling razor will have you master your barber skills right from the bathroom sink. Whenever I have ingrown hairs, this razor takes every hair off my beard when I have to shape up for any event. If you’re looking to shape up your beard or side burns, this safety razor will give you a nice-close shave and comes with five blade refills.
“The best solution for a close shave on sensitive skin is using a thick, rich shave cream and a single disposable razor blade in a safety razor,” Brownless said. “It’s definitely worth the extra effort.”
5. Best flexible razor: Schick Xtreme 3
We think your razor needs to have some flexibility. Take your shaving to the next level with the Schick Extreme 3. This razor features an heavyweight, ergonomic handle, and three flexible blades to give you a shaving performance.
6. Best razor for budget: Dollar Shave Club Razor
Beauty is pain and cost money, too. Luckily, you can join the Dollar Shave Club adding this set to your morning and night routine without breaking the bank. This kit comes with a razor, four cartridges, and shaving cream.
7. Best razor for thick, course hair: Panasonic Arc 6
To get that ultimate shaving experience you’ve been waiting for, take a peek at this razor. This razor features six advanced blades to cut out any of those long and thick hairs out in one stroke.
8. Best razor for grooming and trimming: Philips Norelco Exclusive 9800 Rechargeable Wet & Dry Electric Shaver
Okay, we’re always grooming up right before date night. This electric razor has impressive features that can read your hair density and guide you to show you a few shaving techniques. It also has guard sensor to which pressure to apply while you’re touching up your beard.
9. Best razor set: Harry’s Razors Set with 5 Razor Blade Refills
Everyone’s shave routine needs to have a little Harry’s. If you have a hard time reaching hairs under your nose, this kit will help with that. This kit includes its signature razor, four cartridges, blade cover, and shaving gel.
10. Best double edged razor: MANSCAPED The Plow 2.0 Premium Single Blade Safety Face Razor
You’ve probably see those advertisements swiping through Instagram stories of Manscaped. They came out with this high-performance razor that limits razor burns. This razor has a gun metal brass handle that you can shave at any angle.
FAQ’s on razors for sensitive skin:
Rodriguez and Brownless gave us the rundown of grooming tips. Yep, take it from the barber pros with an extensive background to give us everything we need, from knowing how to shave properly to picking out razors for sensitive skin.
What type of razor is best for sensitive skin?
“The best razor for sensitive skin would be a single blade razor,” Rodriguez said. “Single blade disposable razors are the easiest to use and safest.”
Rodriguez gave The Post a breakdown of each razor:
- “Safety razors are double edged blades that require lots of loading and unloading of the blade.”
- “Multi blade razors are great for people with thicker facial hair, but are not recommended for sensitive skin.”
- “Electric trimmers and electric foil shavers are a good alternative for razors and are safe for everyday use, however they may not get the hair as short as a razor.”
How do you shave properly to avoid cuts, rashes, bumps, etc.?
“I would recommend to shave with the grain of the facial hair first, then a second pass across the grain,” Rodriguez added. “It’s better not to shave against the grain as this can cause ingrown hairs resulting in razor bumps and irritation. Afterwards, rinse your face with cold water to close your pores and finish by applying an after shave lotion/balm to restore moisture.”
Your skin is an art form and you have to make sure you keep it “healthy and supple” while keeping the hairs conditioned and strong. “Figuring out your perfect skin care routine is the first step to figuring out your shave routine, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.”
Is electric or manual razor better for sensitive skin?
“When it comes to razor choice for sensitive skin, trimmers/electric razors are going to cause less stress on the skin as the abrasion is much softer than that of a razor blade,” Brownless said. “The downside to this is they might not feel as close or ‘fresh’ as a razor blade.”
How many blades on a razor is best for sensitive skin?
“Single blades create less drag/stress therefore causing a more comfortable experience,” Brownless said.” The best solution for a close shave on sensitive skin is using a thick, rich shave cream and a single disposable razor blade in a safety razor.”
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