After 48 hours of research evaluating 57 products, we picked Gillette Mach3 as our top choice.
Dealing with facial hair as an African American is different from what the magazines normally say. With the facial hair often having a coarse and curly texture, they would need different sets of tools and products to care for their beards compared to other men. If you’re looking for a razor to groom your facial hair, we’ve done our research to find the best razor for black men on the market.
The Gilette Mach3 gets the shaving job done well while reducing razor burn with its lubrication strip. Compared to Feather SS Straight Razor which is another great option, the Gilette Mach3 wins major points for its accessibility and affordable price point. It’s also safer to use with its cartridge design and is more beginner-friendly.
#1 Best Razor for Men Overall
Gillette Mach3
- Highly reliable, useful, and durable razor blades
- Available literally everywhere—easy to stock up at a great price
- Classic speed, safety, and smoothness
Pros
Made with stronger-than-steel blades, workhorse razor, very well-priced, very sharp edges, lubrication strip to reduce redness and razor burn, skin guard stretches the skin for more accurate cut, and replacement cartridges can be purchased just about anywhere.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
If you’re looking for a simple razor to get the job done, the Mach3 will never fail! Its three-bladed cartridges don’t bother getting fancy or adding unnecessary frills—it’s a simple, useful tool to give you the closest possible shave every time.
The stainless steel cartridges click onto a pivoting head, ensuring you can easily shave across all the contours of your face. With the solid, comfortable grip on the razor handle, you’ll find it’s easy to use no matter the angle. And you’ll love how easily it cuts through even thick, coarse hair and shaving foam/cream!
Longevity
9.0/10
Expect about 15 shaves per cartridge, though that number drops a bit if you have very thick or coarse hair. You’ll spend around $2 per refill, but that’s far less than you’d pay for competing brands. Though the steel blades will dull with regular use, you’ll find you get surprisingly good longevity from these bad boys—use them to shave your legs, chest, or armpits once you’re done with your face.
Maintenance
9.5/10
Some users complain that the cartridges get very dirty and clogged with hair, and may be hard to clean. It does take a bit of work to get shaving cream, foam, and hair particles out from between the blades, but you shouldn’t have much trouble with a bit of running water and a few firm taps.
When the time comes that the blade is dull, simply pop off the cartridge and replace it with a new one. The handle will last you for years to come, and all you’ll ever need to do is switch out the cartridge once the lubrication strip runs dry.
Value
9.5/10
At $8 for the handle and 2 cartridges, you’re paying surprisingly little for excellent quality! And, the fact that you can get a 15-pack for as little as $22 means the cost of shaving with this bad boy is beautifully low.
Overall Editor Score
9.4/10
#2 Best Straight Razor
Feather SS Straight Razor
- Fits perfectly in your hand
- Excellent precision and control
- No need to sharpen or strop
Pros
The Feather SS is highly user-friendly, and allows you to choose different blades and even guards until you get the hang of it. Plus, it’s blisteringly sharp and delivers a brilliantly close shave.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
The Feather Artist Club Professional Blades are scary sharp! You’ll find they deliver the closest possible shave—far closer than any safety razor, cartridge razor, or electric razor ever could. With the rounded shaving head, you’ll find it’s easier to shave in those hard-to-reach spots under your neck and jaw.
The heat-resistant black resin handle is ergonomically designed to fit your hand and give you more control as you guide the blade over your skin. You won’t have to worry about the scales slipping in your grip and fileting your jawline.
Longevity
8.5/10
Most users report each blade lasts anywhere from 5-8 shaves and come in a 20 pack. So even though they are disposable, you will still save a lot of money compared to modern razors – while still getting quality shaves every time.
Maintenance
9.0/10
Made in Japan using only the best-quality steel, you’ll find this razor requires little to no maintenance—beyond the regular stropping necessary to keep it sharp and clean—and will be the most reliable shaving tool you could ever own.
Value
9.0/10
$60 is a bit high for a razor, but once you realize how close a shave it delivers, you’ll fall in love! Replacement blades can be a bit pricey, though, so consider this an investment in your grooming.
Overall Editor Score
9.0/10
#3 Feather AS-D2 Double-Edge Razor
Feather AS-D2 Double-Edge Razor
- A luxury item to deliver the best possible shave
- Highly durable, Japanese-made steel safety razor
- Cheap to replace double-edged cartridges
Pros
Incredibly long-lasting, Japanese-made, very high quality blades, made of marine-grade/surgical stainless steel, rust and corrosion-resistant, sleek, stylish, incredibly close shave, and easily replaceable blades.
Product Ratings
Performance
9.5/10
If you want a close shave, you’ll find few razors in the world can out-perform this amazing tool! Made in Japan using high quality marine-grade/surgical stainless steel, this razor comes with double-edged cartridges with blades honed to a brilliantly sharp edge. You’ll find it cuts close to the skin with incredible ease, guaranteeing a perfect shave every time.
Longevity
9.0/10
The blades themselves are extremely sharp and smooth, delivering a close shave over and over again—up to 20 shaves before needing to be replaced. The handle is made of high quality steel that is rust and corrosion-resistant, and it looks sleek and stylish and fits comfortably in your hand.
Maintenance
9.0/10
Maintenance is next-to-nil with this razor: simply rinse it with warm water to get rid of hair and foam, and store it back in its shaving case. When the blades dull, switch them out for a new one, which will take a matter of seconds. You’ll never need to worry about rust or damage—the blades are incredibly durable and will require little to no effort on your part to keep them in good shape!
Value
8.5/10
Get ready to pay top dollar for a high quality luxury item! The razor costs $160, which is a steep buy-in. However, you can get replacement cartridges for $12 for a 50-pack, so in the long run, you end up saving money with this safety razor!
Overall Editor Score
9.0/10
#4 Best Electric Razor
Philips Norelco Multigroom All-In-One Series 3000
- Makes trimming all face and body hair easy
- Trim is precise and efficient
- Cleaning is very easy
Pros
Versatile, great for all types of body and facial hair, and has a great battery life.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.5/10
If you want an electric razor to get the job done quickly, this is your top pick for a close shave! The shaver has a more powerful motor than other Norelco products, and it feels solid and durable in your hands.
Shaving with just the buzzer delivers a surprisingly close shave for an electric razor, and for guys who want to play with beard length, the attachments make it easy to trim the hair just the way you want it.
Longevity
8.5/10
It takes 10 hours to charge the trimmer, and the battery has 5 or 6 shaves (35 minutes). It is wonderfully easy to clean, thanks to the fact that all the attachments simply pop off the trimmer.
The attachments are adjustable, allowing you to set the length of your beard, armpit, nose, and ear hair as desired. It’s best to set the device to a higher length than desired, then adjust as needed.
Maintenance
9.0/10
The blades are all washable, making for easy cleaning. You’ll find the battery can be re-charged over and over without losing power or lifespan, and you’ll get years of regular use out of this bad boy. It’s perfect for those who want to trim their beard and keep their facial hair neat and tidy all in one go!
Value
8.5/10
At $20, this is one of the cheapest electric trimmers around. It’s a useful tool for those who shave with an electric razor, but who want a trimmer to help with grooming and hair control.
Overall Editor Score
8.6/10
#5 Best Cartridge Razor
Gillette Fusion5 ProShield
- A high-quality, uber-reliable cartridge razor
- Delivers a smooth, close shave every time
- Luxurious and versatile; a top-rated choice for a smooth, clean shave
Pros
Durable cartridges, easy to use for a very quick shave, VERY close shave, five durable blades per cartridge, excellent ergonomic design, lubrication strip reduces the risk of razor burn, and highly versatile movement in the handle.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.5/10
If you’re looking for a smooth, close shave, this is an excellent choice. With five stronger-than-steel blades built into the head, you’ll find this razor can cut through facial hair like a hot knife through butter. Even coarse and thick hair won’t be a match for this bad boy!
The lubrication strip reduces the risk of razor burn, and you’ll love how easily the Flexball razor head twists, turns, and pivots as you pass over the contours of your face. Though it’s prone to clogging, overall you’ll find it’s an amazing tool to deliver a VERY close shave.
Longevity
9.0/10
The lifespan on these cartridges is roughly 15-20 uses. The blades are a bit thinner and finer than its competitors, which helps to reduce tug and pull but can also lead to faster dulling. The lubrication strip will also start running low after about a dozen shaves.
However, the fact that the blades are so sharp means you can apply less pressure, so there’s less risk of razor burn or redness. Even once the blades start to dull, they’re still more than sharp enough to give you a very close shave.
Maintenance
8.0/10
Clogging is the #1 problem with this five-blade razor. The fact that the blades are set so close together means hair and shaving cream or foam will get caught between the blades. You’ll spend a bit more time cleaning out the blade between each stroke, but it’s well worth the effort for that uber-smooth shave!
Value
8.5/10
At $10 for a razor handle and two cartridges, you’re getting a great product at a decent price. However, fair warning: the refills will cost up to $3 or $4 per cartridge, so if you’re looking for a budget product, consider the Mach3!
Overall Editor Score
8.5/10
#6 Best Disposable Razor
Gillette Sensor3 Disposable Razor
- The perfect travel companion; use whenever and wherever
- Quality blades and reliable design at an affordable price
- Easy to use, durable, and comfortable
Pros
Value product at a great price, 10 shaves per razor, comfortable and smooth shave, no razor burn, water-activated Comfortgel to moisturize and lubricate, pivoting head, and anti-slip rubber handle makes it easy to maneuver.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.5/10
If you want a close shave but forgot your razor at home, pop into any supermarket or department store and pick up a pack of these bad boys. With their three-bladed heads, you’ll find they deliver a shave almost on par with our top pick.
The water-activated gel will help to reduce friction on the skin and prevent razor burn, and you’ll love how the razor flexes and pivots to adapt to the contours of your face. Though they’re disposable, you’ll find they’re a surprisingly great choice if you need a back-up razor!
Longevity:
7.5/10
Expect no more than 10 shaves with these razors. Not only will the Comfortgel run out, but the blades will dull. The good news is that each pack comes with 8 disposable razors, which means a total of 80 shaves at a very low price.
Maintenance
8.5/10
The three blades aren’t set too close together, so you’ll find they’re easy to wash and keep clean of hair, foam, and shaving cream. The anti-slip rubber handle sits comfortably in your hand and will make it easy to wash the razors before, during, and after each shave.
Value
9.0/10
At under $8 for an 8-pack, you’re spending just $1 per razor—perfect if you find yourself somewhere in the country without your regular razors.
Overall Editor Score
8.4/10
#7 Best Budget Razor
Dorco Pace 6 Plus Six-Blade Razor System
- Solid, durable, and reliable razor
- Six blades slice through your beard and stubble with ease
- A great product at a price you can love
Pros
Unique six-bladed design, ergonomic, solid and durable, close and irritation-free shave, prevents debris and hair build-up between the blades, easy to switch out cartridges, very well-priced, plus lubrication strip soothes and moisturizes skin.
Product Ratings
Performance
8.5/10
Thanks to the six stainless steel blades, you’ll find you can cut through just about any hair with ease. Though the close-set blades struggle a little with coarser beard hair, a few extra passes will slice through the hair and get a beautifully close-to-the-skin shave.
The tilting head will move and adapt according to the angles of your face, making it easy for you to deliver an accurate, consistent shave around your neck and jawline. The lubrication strip is loaded with aloe vera, lavender oil, and Vitamin E, helping to reduce friction while soothing your skin, applying moisture, and protecting from razor burn and irritation.
Longevity
8.5/10
The six blades will hold their edge for a long time—up to 15 or 20 uses—before needing to be changed out. The design of the head is intended to make washing easier, thereby preventing corrosion and rust.
Maintenance
8.0/10
The angles of the blades will make it easier to rinse out hair follicles, dead skin, and shaving cream particles. You’ll find that it’s beautifully easy to keep this razor clean and ready for your daily use.
Value
9.0/10
At $20 for a handle and a 10-pack of cartridges, you’ll find few other starter packs offer the same quality at a low-cost.
Overall Editor Score
8.5/10
Men’s Razor Buying Guide
What should I look for in a razor as a black man?
We all know that natural African American hair is unique from others in terms of texture. Black men’s beards are dry, coarse, and curly, and they’re more prone to experiencing skin irritation when shaving. Finding the best razor as a black guy is not a straightforward matter but this buying guide should help you out.
For black men, achieving a clean shave rather than a close shave is the priority as a close shave is more prone to irritations.
Shaver types can be divided into four major categories. You can choose from any of them, but they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Straight razors are what you’d often see professional barbers use. They’re able to achieve the closest shave and will also exfoliate the skin. Because of the aggressiveness, you do get higher chances of irritation.
- Safety razors, as the name suggests, are an improvement on straight razors when it comes to safety. Unlike the straight razor, the single blade is hidden under a safety bar so you can avoid getting nicks and cuts. There’s still a learning curve to them, but they’re faster to use than a straight razor.
- Cartridge razors have several blades, often ranging from three to seven blades. They are cheap and can be used even by beginners and are one of the most convenient ways to shave. However, you won’t be able to achieve a shave as close as with a straight or safety razor. Because several blades pass on the skin in one swipe, it also causes more irritation.
- Electric shavers use electric-powered rotating or vibrating blades that are hidden under a cap to cut off the hair. They won’t shave as closely as the other razors, but they cannot be beaten when it comes to speed and convenience. They will leave a stubble but they’re also very comfortable to use.
In this regard, something that is less aggressive like an electric razor or a well-designed cartridge razor with fewer blades can be ideal for black men. If you’re looking to use a straight or safety razor, make sure to use the proper pre-shave and post-care products to offset the aggressiveness.
Pricing can vary across the board, but cartridge razors are often the cheapest while electric razors are the most expensive. Aside from value for money, consider performance, longevity, and maintenance issues, when looking for which razor to get.
Shaving Tips for Black Men
You could say that shaving is harder for black men compared to other ethnicities, but if you follow these tips, you should have a much better experience.
- Exfoliate the skin before shaving to unclog debris, comedones, and ingrown hair from your pores. This should prep your skin to be smoother and less bumpy which should cause less irritation when shaving.
- Prep the face by washing with gentle soap and warm water, then steam the face by pressing a hot towel on the face for about five minutes. This should help to soften both skin and hair.
- Use a shaving cream or gel that lathers richly for maximum comfort. We recommend the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream. Massage it on your face and leave it to rest for a couple of minutes to truly soften the hair.
- Whatever razor type you choose, make sure to use one with clean and sharp blades. Dull blades will require you to do more passes which irritates the skin and makes you prone to razor burns.
- As a black man, you’d want to avoid shaving too close to the skin. A close shave will give you higher chances of getting ingrown hair as the hair has a stronger tendency to curl back to the skin. This in turn can lead to redness, itchiness, and even pimples.
- Aim for a clean shave rather than a close shave to avoid irritations. Shave in the direction of the grain, and do not pull your skin taut when shaving. Limit the number of passes for each area to a minimum.
- Once done, rinse off the skin thoroughly with cool water and pat dry.
- Use an aftershave balm to moisturize and soothe the skin after shaving.
- Over the next few days, make sure to exfoliate gently to avoid hair from curling back into the skin, causing ingrown hairs and irritation. If you get razor bumps, apply a soothing product like tea tree oil to help heal and remove the bumps.
- Don’t shave too soon or too late. Allow your skin to heal and calm down in between shaving sessions but don’t wait too long so the hair doesn’t grow long enough to curl back into the skin. Usually, shaving every two to three days is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should black men use to shave?
You can categorize shavers into four different kinds – safety razors, cartridge razors, straight razors, and electric razors. You can use any of these four as a black man, although finding your best match highly depends on what you need out of a razor. Consider your budget, experience level, and shaving needs to help you decide which one to go for.
How can a black man get rid of razor bumps?
Razor bumps are unfortunately common in black men as the coarse and wiry facial hair is prone to creating ingrown hairs. To get rid of razor bumps, there are certain things we can do such as avoiding cutting too close to the skin, using shaving cream or gel to soften hair, and exfoliating post-shave with either a physical or chemical exfoliant. You can also maintain a regular shaving habit around 3 days apart to prevent hair from growing long enough to curl back into the skin.
What is the best shaving cream for black men?
Black hair is fairly unique as it grows thicker and curlier compared to other men. Their facial hair tends to be on the drier side, too. Using a richer shaving cream formula is ideal to soften both hair and skin, and to create a rich lather to cushion the blade. Our top pick for the best shaving cream for black men is the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream which creates a nice, thick lather and has a great manly scent.
