Dating can be a difficult space to navigate, especially if you are suffering from ingrown hairs, and razor bumps. But with the best men's razor to prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps, you can go out with confidence without being concerned that your date will be put off by angry-looking razor bumps on your cheeks.
Ingrown hair and razor bumps are one of the most painful and troublesome fallouts of regular shaving. Some people are affected by these skin issues more than others. But thankfully, with the right razor for your skin, you can say goodbye to those painful issues.
You'll start noticing your skin clearing out within a few weeks of using the right razor. No longer do you have to give in and grow a full beard if you don't want to. You can have a healthy, comfortable shaving routine without being in pain or feeling embarrassed about the state of your skin.
The best men's razor to prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps will help your dating game so much by taking care of all these issues. But how do you find the right razor?
In this guide we cover:
What to consider before buying a razor
The following are a few things you will need to consider before buying a razor that prevents ingrown hair and bumps:
Price
The budget is, naturally, a topic of concern before buying any product. A razor does not necessarily have to be expensive though if it is a razor specifically for skin like yours, you may have to pay slightly extra. If you are looking to get an electric shaver (which may be a better option as it does not cut as close to the skin compared to a manual razor), the price may be slightly higher. But you can surely find something within your budget even among electric razors.
Quality of Shave
Now, if you are prone to ingrown hair and razor bumps, the quality of the shave is extremely important. You need a razor that gives you a close shave but does not cut too close to the follicle root. This is something multi-blade cartridge razors are often guilty of doing as they cut below the surface of the skin and pull at the hair in an uncomfortable way. If you are using a manual razor, a single blade razor is the best option for you.
You also want a razor that is not as aggressive and does not put too much pressure on your skin while shaving. Especially if you're going to shave your head. You can find plenty of such options amid single blade manual razors and electric shavers.
Ease of Use
The razor should be adjustable and should preferably have different settings so you can decide how aggressive you need the shave to be. Several manual, single blade razors have a knob which let you set the blade gap and decide the intensity of the shave.
The razor should also be easy to clean as the more clogged the blades get, the duller and more ineffective they will be.
The Best Men’s Razors to Prevent Ingrown Hair and Razor Bumps
The following are some of the best men’s razors to prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps. They're great razors for black men too. The products have been divided into three categories: ‘Best bang for the buck’ to get you where you need to go without spending your full budget; 'best of the best’, which showcases the Cadillac model; and ‘best value’ so you don't blow your whole budget on a razor.
Best Bang for the Buck: Merkur Futur Adjustable Double-Edge Safety Razor
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The Merkur Futur Adjustable Double-Edge Safety Razor is a great single-blade razor to give a close shave. It doesn't tug or pull at the hair or cause unnecessary friction. The razor is fully adjustable and allows you to choose from six different types of blade gaps. This is perfect for shaving your head. This flexibility lets you decide how much pressure you want to apply during the shave. If you are already nursing razor bumps or are prone to ingrown hair, you would want to shave with a gentler setting. To be able to choose the setting is especially important for irritable skin.
You can also adjust the razor mid-shave so while shaving if you need to switch to a milder setting to shave an irritable area, like the neck or near the jawline, this razor is ideal for that! The problem of ingrown hair and razor bumps, as explained before, arises when the razor cuts too close to the hair follicle root. If you have coarse or curly hair, the hair tends to get trapped and begins to grow inwardly, causing painful bumps. This is typically a problem that arises with multi-blade or cartridge razors as they tend to cut underneath the skin and pull the hair out from the root.
With the Merkur Adjustable razor, you get a unique snap-cap design with an adjustable closed comb which gives you a smooth shave without irritating your skin. In fact, you can even use the razor on a milder setting to shave your head, legs and other parts of your body. Rest assured that this German-manufactured razor will elevate your dating life as you stride with confidence, without angry-looking razor bumps and painful, ingrown hair.
Best of the Best: Braun Electric Razor for Men/Electric Shaver, Series 5 5190cc
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This electric razor from Braun’s Series 5 is great for using on skin like yours. It delivers a powerful performance while also taking care of your skin and ensuring it is gentle on skin that needs special care. The AutoSensing motor manages to give you an efficient shave in a single stroke, no matter what the density of the beard. The 8-D comfort flex head provides constant skin contact, even in areas that are typically hard to reach, like the neck or near the jawline. Thanks to the FlexMotion Technology, the shaver needs to apply less pressure and still manages to give a great shave. Less pressure means less friction and more overall happiness for your skin.
The shaver is also 100% waterproof so you can even enjoy a refreshing shave under the shower. This is great for those who are prone to ingrown hair, as a hydrating shaving product can really change your grooming experience. A warm water shave with a gel is actually the perfect way for you to ensure your skin remains hydrated and protected while you shave. With this razor, you can do both wet and dry shaves with ease.
To prevent razor bumps and ingrown hair, it is important to preserve the sharpness of the blades by declogging the razor every time you use it. With the Braun Electric shaver’s unique four-action, alcohol-based ‘clean & charge’ station, it cleans, lubricates and charges the razor all at the same time, this should not be a problem. The UltraActiveLift also manages to lift and cut flat-lying hair. This is helpful as the blade does not cut too close to the skin — it simply lifts the difficult hair so the razor can cut it easily without leaving stubble behind. By doing this, it does not leave short, sharp hair which could potentially grow inwards and cause pain.
The Merkur adjustable safety razor and the Braun electric shaver are extremely different — one is a safety razor, another is an electric shaver. But at the core, what they are attempting to do is the same: Give the best possible shave for skin like yours. But where a manual razor may overdo the pressure or irritate the skin too much, an electric razor does not cut that close to the skin as to irritate it.
Best Value: Bevel Safety Razor
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The Bevel Safety razor is one of the most reliable double-edge razors available in the market. It is designed specifically to shave at the skin level and not below so you get an irritation-free shave. There is no tugging or pulling of the hair which causes unnecessary friction and leads to inflammation. With only four weeks of use, you will start noticing clearer skin.
The razor has been re-engineered especially to cater to people with coarse and curly hair, as they are the most prone to ingrown hair and razor bumps. The razor weighs 3.2 oz and has a four-inch long handle that offers you a great grip. Just let the weight of the razor guide you and do not apply too much pressure. Ideally, you should shave in the direction in which your hair is growing. The matt texture and solid brass quality of the handle also make it easier to get a steady grip.
By shaving only close to the skin and not below the surface, the razor allows the hair to grow out naturally instead of curling and growing inwards. It is also a great product for you to shave your head with. But while there are a lot of good things the razor has to offer, there are a few shortcomings too, especially when compared to the other two products.
For starters, the razor is not as adjustable as the other two products mentioned. Despite being a manual razor, the Merkur safety razor is extremely intuitive and flexible. The Braun electric razor, of course, is extremely intelligent. In this regard, the Bevel safety razor falls slightly off the mark. While the Braun electric shaver may be too pricey for some, the Merkur safety razor is a decent second option for you to go for. But if both of those seem too out of your budget, the Bevel safety razor is a perfect candidate.
The Best Straight Razors to Prevent Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps
There’s no denying how effective these modern razors are. But in your search for the best razor, you might be forgetting the conventional tool used by barbers across the world – the straight razor. Now finding a great straight razor is one thing. But finding the best straight razor to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps is a different story.
Once you get over the fear of using a straight razor and you can confidently wield it to get the closest shave, the hard part kicks in. So how can you pick out the best straight razor to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps? After all, not all straight razors are created equal. Some handle your skin harshly, while others are light and gentle.
In this review, we’ll show you how to pick out the best straight razor that will leave you with skin so smooth that women will want to caress your face all day. Our list is based on hundreds of reviews from regular straight razor users and professional barbers. We gathered them from different sites to give you the most comprehensive list of the best straight razors to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
To help you pick out the right straight razor for your skin, we’ve compiled this list. It contains three suggestions at drastically different price points because everyone has a different budget. Of course, with the difference in price points comes a variety of different features. These choices should help you pick out the right straight razor for you.
Best Bang for the Buck: Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor
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Considering how relatively affordable this is, its durability will exceed your expectations! The Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor is made with a stainless steel blade and a silicon resin body. It’s also heat-resistant, extremely lightweight and easy to handle – even for beginners!
Despite its lightweight frame, the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor can still give you a supremely close shave. You may need to exert a little pressure against your skin, but you can control this with a bit of practice. Because you can control how the blade glides against your skin, you can opt for light, gentle strokes that won’t give you ingrown hairs or razor bumps.
Of course, no straight razor is too good to be true. The only downside to this is that you need to buy the blades separately. Crazy, right? But the good thing is that you can choose which blade to buy: the 4/8” one or the 5/8” one. Picking the blade for you is mostly a matter of preference and comfort. But we'd still say it's a strong contender for the best straight razor to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Best of the Best: DOVO Bizmark Straight Razor with Ebony Wood Handle
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Our pick for the best of the best straight razor to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps is the DOVO Bizmark Straight Razor with Ebony Wood Handle. Just reading that name clues you into how upmarket this razor is.
It has a lofty price point because it’s one of the most recommended straight razors by veteran shavers. It uses a half-hollow 5/8” blade that’s made of carbon steel – durable and strong yet lightweight. But the ebony wood handle isn’t just to make it look fancy – it’s there to give you the best grip while you’re shaving.
The sharp blade of this straight razor ensures that you’ll only need to glide the blade against your skin once to get a clean, close shave. And if there’s anything that triggers ingrown hairs and razor bumps, it’s repeatedly scraping the same area without properly cutting the hair.
The very obvious downside to this straight razor is its price. You can buy 3 Feather Japanese SS Straight Razors or 7 Black Widow ones. However, if you’re looking for a durable and reliable straight razor that will give you a great shave without irritating your skin, the DOVO Straight Razor is the top choice.
Best Value: Black Widow Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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If you drive a hard bargain and absolutely refuse to spend more than $30 on a razor, the Black Widow Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor is for you. Of course, it’s not the cheapest straight razor on the market. But it is the cheapest one that can hold a candle to the two options above.
The Black Widow Straight Edge Razor is a hefty piece that weighs 2.6 oz. This weight gives it a bit of stability when you’re shaving, especially since it’s an evenly distributed weight. Its blade is the standard stainless steel blade that’s tough on even the coarsest hairs but gentle on the skin. It’s perfect for achieving a clean, accurate shave that won’t make you go over any areas twice. That’s a great way to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Now if you’re a beginner who’s looking for his first straight razor, forget this one. Its weight makes it a little tricky to handle for guys who aren’t used to shaving with a straight razor. If you’re a professional barber or a veteran straight razor shaver, however, you’ll love this.
The Best Men’s Razors for Those with Acne-Prone Skin
There are tons of options when it comes to razors, but not all of them are gentle on your skin. If you suffer from acne or have some zits popping up, you have to be careful about the products you use. This isn’t limited to face washes, creams, and sunscreen lotions. It also includes the shaving equipment that you choose.
To help you choose, we have put together a list of the best men’s razors for those with acne-prone skin. All of these come at different price points and have different features. With this list, you can choose the one that meets your personal requirements.
Best Bang for the Buck: Schick Hydro 5 Sensitive Skin Razor
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The first razor on the list of best razors for acne-prone skin is the Schick Hydro 5 Sensitive skin razor. While most people with acne-prone skin try to avoid multi-blade razors, the sensitive skin variant of the Schick Hydro 5 remains ultra-safe to use even on areas that need a little extra love and care.
The razor has five blades, which allow you to get a close shave with each use. A single pack of the razor comes with the main handle and two cartridge refills. It also has a flip-style trimmer, which you can use on days when your skin feels too inflamed to be shaved.
This razor’s lubrication strip has several gel reservoirs, which calm your skin by decreasing the friction that can irritate your skin. A well-lubricated razor also helps prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps, which can lead to whiteheads and acne. On top of that, you’ll also get instantly moisturized skin with each shave.
This is the “Best Bang for the Buck” product because you get good value and great features for people with sensitive skin. The major drawback of this product, however, is that the cartridge refills are not always as long-lasting as they are advertised to be.
Best of the Best: Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor
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The absolute best shaving option for people with acne-prone skin is the Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor. This electric shaver works on the surface of the skin, unlike some multi-blade razors that get under the skin to get rid of hair.
If you suffer from severe acne, you don’t want a product that will regularly scrape against your skin. Instead, electric shavers like the Panasonic Arc5 don’t disturb the inflamed areas of the skin because it removes the hair gently from the surface.
The Arc5 uses five blades to lift the hair from the surface of the skin before cutting it. It has a pivoting head, which glides along the contours of your face to reach tricky areas. This is ideal for those who have acne because you can shave your face at just the right angle.
This razor also has advanced sensors that automatically detect the thickness of the hair and adjust the flow of power accordingly. This prevents the razor from using too much power on thin hair, thus irritating the skin further. For days when you don’t want to irritate your skin by shaving, you can also choose the trimmer option to maintain a clean look, which your date is sure to appreciate.
The only drawback of this product is the price. You’ll have to shell out more for this than for the other two options on this list. But you will also get a better-quality razor that’s perfect for acne-prone skin.
Best Value: BIC Sensitive Single Blade Shaver
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The final name on this list may come across as a surprise to some. But BIC loyalists will understand why this single-blade shaver made it to the list as the “Best Value” product.
Firstly, this is a disposable razor, which means that you can maintain proper hygiene with every use. Secondly, single-blade razors work very well on acne-prone skin because you won’t be going over an area with several blades. That’s a surefire way to irritate the skin!
There are, however, some drawbacks. Firstly, you’ll have a lot of waste as you run through these razors one by one. Unless you know how to maintain a disposable razor until it gets dull, you’ll end up throwing out a ton of these.
These single-blade razors also don’t provide as close a shave as the other options on this list. If all you want is a close shave and you don’t mind some stubble, then this is fine. If you want a close shave, however, opt for the other two options on our list.
The Best Electric Razors for Those with Acne-Prone Skin
The cleaner your face looks, the better you're going to feel on your date. If you have confidence that your face is in good order, you're not going to worry about how you look. You'll be able to focus on, oh, say, talking to your date? Scary thought, but better than worrying if they're judging you for your unkempt facial hair! To that end, here are the three best electric razors for those with acne-prone skin so you can nail this dating thing.
Best Bang for the Buck: Panasonic ES8243A ARC4 Electric Shaver and Trimmer
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If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you need to choose an electric razor that caters to your needs. One such product, which has received a ton of praise from users, is the Panasonic ES8243A ARC4 Electric Shaver and Trimmer. Ideal for sensitive skin types, the Arc4 electric shaver is our pick for the “Best Bang for the Buck” because of the number of features you get for the price. It truly is one of the best electric razors for those with acne-prone skin!
The razor uses four different ultra-thin stainless steel blades to lift your hair slightly before cutting it. As the blades are progressively aligned at a 30-degree angle, you can expect a close shave without the blades going directly on the skin and causing irritation. The head of the razor is a flexible pivoting one, which adapts to the contours of your face. This makes for a close shave that leaves your face fresh and smooth. The wet/dry electric shaver can be used with or without water, and even in the shower. You can use this product with shaving foam or gel that suits your acne-prone skin, with no need to worry about ruining your electric shaver.
On days when your acne is acting up and you don’t want to make things worse by shaving your face completely, you can use the trimmer attachment and shape your beard, mustache, and sideburns for a cleaner look. Pretty good for a budget electric razor!
On the downside, the shave will not be as close as that offered by conventional single-blade safety razors. If you want a little more finesse in your shave, you'll want to check out the best electric razor for those with acne-prone skin below.
Best of the Best: Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900
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The second option on this list, and the winner of the “Best of the Best” category, is the Philips Norelco 8900 Electric Shaver. While the price of this product may be on the higher side — especially when compared to some other Norelco electric shavers that are considered budget options — it utilizes a highly sophisticated cutting mechanism so that the hair gets cut at a significantly higher speed than regular electric shavers. It's able to reach closer to your skin while cutting the hair, without adding any stress to the skin or causing irritation. This is very important if you're prone to acne!
The top of the electric razor has three different shaving heads, each of which are designed to move in eight different directions so that the Contour Detect Technology can enable the razor to move along the shape of your face for best results. The V-Track Precision blades increase the effectiveness of the product, as they collect the hair before cutting it. Saves you a few passes, which makes your skin happy! It's suitable for both wet and dry shaving, so use shaving gel or foam if you want. It has a unique beard styler and a smart clean system, which cleans, lubricates, dries and charges your shaver whenever required.
It's a pricey buy, but well worth it with its added features and quality. People with thicker hair tended to have a harder time using the product, though, so keep that in mind. But then again, isn't it always harder with thicker hair?
Best Value: Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Electric Shaver and Trimmer
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A lot of younger people and beginners don’t want to spend too much money on shaving equipment. There is no need to do that if you have the Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Electric Shaver! It's got a ton of great features for not a lot of money. This is a foil razor with three ultra-sharp blades, which make it very easy for them to get closer to your skin and cut the hair more effectively.
The electric razor adapts itself to the lines of your face for a more impressive shave. There is also a pop-up trimmer, in case you aren’t up for shaving. In addition to this, the waterproof electric shaver can be used with gel and foam, depending on your preference.
While this is a great budget option, it will not provide you with all the features that are offered by the other two shavers. For example, you aren't going to get as close of as have because it doesn't go the extra mile and pull your hair up for cutting. However, even this option packs a punch! This is why it made the list and is the budget version of the best electronic razor for those with acne-prone skin.
The Best Safety Razors for Those with Acne-Prone Skin
The following are some of the safety razors for those with acne-prone skin:
Best Bang for the Buck: Bevel Safety Razor
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The Bevel Safety Razor is the ideal shaving system for those with acne-prone skin. The razor provides an incredibly close shave without irritating sensitive skin. It shaves right at the skin level and not below, which means there will be no pulling and tugging of hair. A safety razor is designed specifically to shave at the surface of the skin. This avoids the chances of ingrown hair and razor bumps. A bad razor is one of the primary causes of skin inflammation. If you are already prone to acne, the wrong kind of razor can really make matters worse.
The Bevel Safety Razor also comes with five complimentary razor blades so you have a supply for a few weeks at least, after purchasing the razor. Within the first four weeks of use, you will find that your skin is 97% clearer and smoother. You can use the razor over existing acne and inflammation and the razor still will not aggravate your skin condition. At 3.2 oz, it is heavy enough to maneuver over skin easily without requiring too much pressure from your end. This means, of course, that you're not going to irritate your skin.
The four-inch handle has a matte texture which offers an improved wet-shaving grip. When used with the Bevel Shave System, which includes the Bevel Badger Brush, Bevel Shave Cream, Priming Oil, Restoring Balm and blades, the results are even better. However, the razor is not confined to being used only with these products.
The razor makes dating a more enjoyable and less anxiety-inducing process as it can actively work to clear up your skin. With clearer skin, you will also have greater confidence to approach people. When you look good, you also feel good and vice versa. The Bevel Safety Razor can help achieve that state of mind. It has been chosen as the ‘best bang for the buck’ product as it offers all these features at a reasonable price.
Best of the Best: Merkur Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor
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The Merkur Classic two-piece double edge safety razor is one of the best safety razors for those with acne-prone skin. The Merkur name has been established in Germany since 1896. The company has been doing incredible work in the field of wet shaving and are putting their knowledge and experience of over a century into contemporary products. Made with world-renowned Solingen steel, the razor is extremely durable and will last you a long time.
The razor is designed to give you a close, irritation-free shave. You can say goodbye to ingrown hair and razor bumps. If you have sensitive and acne-prone skin, the closed-comb and straight bar-head design allow you to shave in the most efficient manner without hurting your skin or aggravating any acne. The two-piece design makes it extremely easy to load new blades and get started. It is also a more stable design than the three-piece razors. You can also use the razor with any universal double-edge blades, there are no restrictions on this. You can also choose between three handle options — knurled, barber pole and smooth stainless steel.
In some ways, the razor is similar to the Bevel Safety Razor described above. What is great that it is only slightly more expensive than the Bevel Safety Razor. But in that price difference, you get amazing durability, a legacy name and beautiful, clear skin. It is the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to shaving with acne-prone skin.
Best Value: Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor
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The Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor is a great budget option for those with acne-prone skin. It has a comfortable weight and balance which allows the razor to go over the skin smoothly and without any need to apply pressure by hand. Replacement blades are super cheap, too. Even the blade angle has been constructed in a way that your skin is not irritated and you get a clean, smooth face. The razor is also suitable for both new shavers and old-school wet shavers.
It has a smart chrome handle with lined patterns to provide a steady grip. But while the razor offers a lot of incredible features, it doesn't quite match up to the quality of the other two razors described above. The Edwin Jagger is certainly not as durable as the Merkur Classic which is manufactured with Solingen steel, but it's still a really good deal. In fact, if price is your primary concern, this is the best safety razor for those with acne-prone skin.
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