Head shaver: how to shave your head smooth with a head shaver
⏰ Short on time? Here's the summary
A head shaver is a shaver for your head with round shaving rings that move with the shape of your skull. Clippers always leave stubble of about 0.5 mm, but a head shaver takes your head completely smooth. Take your hair short with clippers first, then shave in small circles without pressure, and keep it up every 1 to 2 days.
Looking for a head shaver with two shaving heads and IPX6 water resistance? See the Revahs Head Shaver Pro.
Step 1 · Clippers
0.5 mm
Take off the length. Short enough for a bald look, with a light stubble.
Step 2 · Head shaver
Smooth
Shave the stubble down to the skin, in small circles and without pressure.
What is a head shaver?
A head shaver is an electric shaver made specifically for your head. You hold it in the palm of your hand, and the shaving head is made up of several round shaving rings that each move a little. That way it follows the curve of your skull, even in places you can't see, such as your crown and the back of your head.
The big difference from clippers is the result. Clippers cut just above the skin and always leave a short stubble, even without a guide comb. A head shaver shaves right down to the skin. That's why most men use them together: clippers to take off the length, the head shaver to finish smooth. How to handle that first step is explained in how to shave your head with clippers.
Head shaver, clippers or razor?
| Clippers | Head shaver | Razor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Stubble of about 0.5 mm | Smooth | The smoothest |
| Risk of nicks | Practically none | Small | High |
| Back of the head by feel | Easy enough | Easy enough | Tricky |
| Time per session | 10 to 15 minutes | 5 to 10 minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Upkeep | Every few days | Every 1 to 2 days | Every 1 to 2 days |
In short: if you want a bald look with a light stubble, clippers are enough. If you want smooth without the hassle and risk of a loose blade, a head shaver is the practical choice. Still unsure? Compare the two on best clippers for a bald head.
What to look for in a head shaver
1. A head that moves with you
Each shaving ring should be able to tilt a little. A fixed head skips patches on the curve of your head.
2. A large and a small head
A large head for speed on your skull, a compact head for behind your ears and along your neck.
3. Water resistant (IPX6)
Then you can use it in the shower and rinse it under the tap afterwards.
4. Enough battery
A shave takes 5 to 10 minutes. With an hour or more you have plenty for a week or longer.
5. Self-sharpening blades
Blades that keep themselves sharp shave smoothly for longer and are slower to start pulling.
6. Spare parts
Check whether you can buy a new shaving head later. Otherwise you'll end up replacing the whole device.
Revahs Head Shaver Pro
All six points in one set: two magnetic shaving heads (8D for your skull, 5D for precision), self-sharpening blades, IPX6 water resistant and up to 90 minutes of use. With trimmer, nose trimmer and charging stand.
View the Head Shaver ProShave your head smooth in 7 steps
- Take your hair short first. A head shaver is made for stubble, not length. If your hair is longer than a few millimetres, remove it first with clippers without a guide comb. Which setting to use is explained in clipper guide comb sizes: how many mm is a 1, 2 and 3?
- Choose dry or wet. Dry is quicker, wet with shaving gel is gentler on your skin. More on that below.
- Start on top. Place the large shaving head flat on your skull and make small, calm circles. Don't press: the rings do the work.
- Work towards the sides. Keep making the same circles from top to bottom. Gently stretch the skin above your ears with your free hand.
- Do the back of your head in a fixed order. From your crown straight down to your neck, in strips side by side. That way you miss nothing, even though you can't see it.
- Finish the edges with the small head. Behind your ears and along your neckline, a compact shaving head gets into the corners more easily.
- Check with your hand and look after your skin. Run your hand over your head against the grain. Go over any rough patches once more. Finish with an alcohol-free balm.
Wet or dry shaving?
Dry shaving
Quicker and no preparation needed. Ideal for a daily touch-up of a few minutes. Works best on clean, dry skin.
Wet shaving
With shaving gel or in the shower, the head glides more smoothly. Nicer for sensitive skin or if you've skipped a few days. Only possible with a water-resistant device.
Many men do a quick dry shave during the week and a relaxed wet shave in the shower at the weekend.
How often should you shave your head?
For a truly smooth look, shave every 1 to 2 days. Hair grows about a centimetre a month, so after two days you can already feel the stubble. Wait longer and the shave takes longer and the risk of irritation goes up, because the shaving head has to work harder.
Happy with a light stubble? Then you can alternate: clippers at 0.5 mm a few times a week, and the head shaver only for a special occasion.
Preventing irritation and ingrown hairs
No pressure
Pressing doesn't give a smoother result, just red patches. Let the head glide lightly over your skin.
Not too often over the same spot
Twice is enough. If something is left, leave it until the next shave.
A clean shaving head
Hair and skin oil between the rings cause friction and bacteria. Rinse the head after every shave.
Look after your skin afterwards
An alcohol-free balm calms your scalp. Alcohol dries out and stings on freshly shaved skin.
Protect your head from the sun
A smooth-shaven head burns quickly. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 if you're outside for a long time, or wear a cap.
Cleaning and maintaining your head shaver
After every shave, unclip the shaving head and rinse it under the tap. A water-resistant device (IPX6) can handle that, but never submerge it completely. Let the head dry open before putting it back. Now and then, apply a drop of maintenance oil to the blades so they keep turning smoothly.
Is the head shaver starting to pull or shaving less smoothly, even with a clean head? Then it's time for a new shaving head. With normal use, that's on average after 6 to 12 months.
Head Shaver Pro accessory set
Already have a Revahs Head Shaver? This set gives you a new 8D shaving head plus attachments for trimming, nose hair, facial cleansing and massage.
View the accessory set
For step 1: Revahs Clipper One Pro
Take the length down to 0.5 mm, so your head shaver only has to deal with the stubble. Cordless, 7200 RPM and self-sharpening ceramic blades.
View the Clipper One ProFrequently asked questions
What is a head shaver?
An electric shaver for your head, with round shaving rings that move with the shape of your skull. It shaves your head smooth, even in places you can't see.
Is a head shaver better than clippers?
They do different things. Clippers leave stubble of about 0.5 mm, a head shaver shaves down to the skin. For completely smooth, you need a head shaver. Most men use clippers first and the head shaver after.
Can I start with a head shaver if my hair is still long?
No. A head shaver is made for stubble. Remove longer hair first with clippers without a guide comb, then shave smooth.
Can I use a head shaver in the shower?
Only if it is water resistant, at least IPX6. The Revahs Head Shaver Pro is IPX6, so you can use it in the shower and rinse it under the tap. Never submerge it completely.
How often should you shave your head with a head shaver?
Every 1 to 2 days for a truly smooth look. Wait longer and the shave takes longer and the risk of irritation goes up.
Does a head shaver cause irritation?
Less than a razor, as long as you work without pressure, don't go over the same spot too often and keep the shaving head clean. An alcohol-free balm afterwards helps.
How long does the battery of a head shaver last?
That depends on the model. The Revahs Head Shaver Pro lasts up to 90 minutes on a full charge and charges in about 120 minutes. Enough for a week or more of shaves.
Can I also shave my beard with a head shaver?
Your facial stubble, yes. For a beard with some length, use the trimmer attachment with the 3, 5 and 7 mm guide combs, or clippers.
How often should you replace the shaving head?
On average after 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you shave. If it starts pulling or shaves less smoothly while it's clean, it's time for a new one.
