The most important moment in a man’s life besides spotting those first hairs is shaving them. But not all razors are created equal for noobs—you’ll need the best razors for first time shavers. This means choosing a razor that is durable yet simple, easy to maneuver, and most importantly, pain-free.
There are several types of razors out there, but the best for beginners are safety, electric, and cartridge razors like those designed for sensitive skin. These will come with guards or lubricating strips that protect the skin against nicks and irritation.
A safety razor is arguably the best razor for beginners because it has a feature that protects the skin and only one blade (more blades equals more opportunities for cuts). On the other hand, electric razors make shaving easier, and will likely be the type of razor you have for life.
Regardless of the razor type you ultimately choose, I’ve made sure to focus on the best of the very best so your decision will be as painless as your shave.
Let’s take a look at the top 8 razors for first time shavers below.
Key Takeaways
The best razor for first time shavers award went to the Braun Electric Series 3 Razor because it’s comfortable, well-priced, and provides a close shave. If you’re drawn to thicker handles for a better grip, the Mekur MK34C is one the best razor for beginners.
For excellent performance at a solid price, this is the best razor for first time shavers. The Series 3 is the entry-level line of electric razors by Braun. It has three floating blades that follow the contours of your face, which is great for beginners. If you’re going to go electric, this is it.
Good on both wet and dry faces, it provides a close, irritation-free shave that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. With a comfortable grip, it also has a micro comb skilled at capturing even the most troublesome parts of your newly sprouting beard—including large, flat-lying hairs.
Besides ease and quality of shave, I like that the replacement parts are low-priced, including the cassette replacement foil. It only needs to be replaced every 18 months. And as a nice plus, it comes with an integrated slide-out trimmer for all the fussy details and hard-to-reach parts.
Type: Foil Razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Electric | Special Feature: Integrated slide-out Trimmer
While I would suggest choosing a safety or electric razor over a cartridge, I like the Wilkinson Sword Quattro for beginners for a number of reasons. First, it’s a four-blade razor, which is an ideal number of blades for fellas new to shaving. It doesn’t hurt that the blade construction equals fewer chances for nicks and cuts.
Maneuvering around your face can feel odd for young guys that have never shaved before, but the Sword Quattro makes that part easy thanks to a pivoting head that adapts to the contours of your face for super close skin contact.
For added glide, expect a lubricating strip pumped up with aloe vera and jojoba oil, which are naturally soothing for the skin. Finally, a rubber guard bar below the lube strip helps stretch the skin and lift hair. With Wilkinson, the beginner can easily feel like a pro.
Type: Cartridge Razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Manual | Special Feature: Lubrication Strip
The Series 8 may be pricey, but it’s cheaper than the Series 9 and does a better job for the beginner. It can be used wet, dry, with cream, foam, or gel. Plus, it’s fully waterproof, so you can take it with you in the shower. But how does it shave, might you ask? Well, this thing is powerful. Unique sonic technology provides 10,000 micro vibrations to effectively capture more hair.
If that kind of strength has you wary as a beginner, have no fear. It’s precise and gentle. The 40-degree adapting head moves with the natural grooves of your face, reducing your chances of nicking your jawline or cheekbones.
Three floating blades mean the head of the razor is nice and slim so it’s more manageable, especially for beginners. And a lengthy 60-minute battery life plus a 5-minute quick-charge means you can take your time on your very first shave.
Type: Foil Razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Electric | Special Feature: 5-minute quick-charge
Many beginners do their best work with a safety razor. These types of razors come with a protective device positioned between the skin and the edge of the blade. Bambaw makes a well-balanced option with a tight grip for a super close and effortless shaving experience.
While many safety razors are cheap, plastic, and wasteful, this one is eco-friendly with recyclable replaceable double-edged blades. And because the body of the razor is made of metal, it will last as long as you hang onto it. But just in case something were to occur, each razor comes with a 5-year warranty.
Even though ease and quality of shave are the most important for beginners, I do like the 13 different color options to choose from. Why not choose rainbow or rose gold?
Type: Safety Razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Manual | Special Feature: Recyclable Blades
Panasonic’s Hybrid Shaver gives you the best of both worlds. It’s higher priced than many on this list, but it boasts performance on par with top-tier razors. With a surprisingly quiet 13,000 cycles per minute motor, it shaves so close to the skin it even catches teeny tiny short hairs. This makes it great for daily use (thank goodness it’s easy to clean).
Even though it only has three blades, it’s a beast at shaving. Both a motor and sensor automatically adjusts speed to help you cut more efficiently while slit blades grab hold and cut hair that grows in opposite directions.
An easy pop-up trimmer is perfect for working on those sideburns or edging a beard, should you choose to grow one. Rest assured, with this one, every hair will be cut.
Type: Foil Razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Electric | Special Feature: Hybrid Razor + Trimmer
Dermatologists recommend a razor with one or two blades for those with sensitive skin. Enter Gillette SkinGuard, a two-blade razor specifically designed to prevent skin irritation and razor bumps. It has all the features you would expect on a razor that’s ideal for beginners.
Sometimes a gentle shave might mean a worse shave, but that’s not the case here. Two blades might seem measly, but it does wonders to minimize the tug and pull at your skin yet cut hair at skin level for a silky smooth shave. You can also expect an extra level of protection thanks to lubrication strips on either side of the blades.
You’re even in luck for those tough-to-reach spots—there’s a precision trimmer on the back.
Type: Cartridge Razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Manual | Special Feature: Precision Trimmer
Affordable, easy to use, and durable, Merkur gives you the closest shave without a multi-blade razor. Though technically a single blade, it is double-edged, but this makes it better on the skin. No push or force needed. Just relax and let the weight of that beautifully knurled grip do its job.
One of the benefits of a single-blade razor is that it’s so easy to clean. And it lasts 2-3 shaves longer before needing to be replaced than a cartridge. For under $10, you can secure a 10-pack of easy-to-change razor blades.
Type: Safety razor | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Manual | Special Feature: Double-edged Single Blade
If you’re dead set on a rotary, Philps makes a great shaver for beginners. They also make some of the best shavers in general.
One thing I will say is that it’s better at cutting longer, flat-lying hair than a foil razor. While rotary razors can get a little high-tech, the 2300 has a pretty basic construction, which is ideal for first-time shavers. For a rotary, it’s pretty dang quiet, too.
And of course, it has all the easy features for helping out those new to shaving. The 4D flex head moves in four directions with the contour of your face while comfort cut blades add an extra layer of security. Plus, one touch opening means it’s easy to clean.
Type: Electric Shaver | Skin Type: All | Power Source: Electric | Special Feature: Pop-upTrimmer
How to Shave for First Timers
Even more important than having the best razor for beginner boys is knowing how to properly shave to save you time and spare your skin from unnecessary irritation.
First, make sure you choose a razor with a small, slim head because it’ll be much more manageable than wielding something bulky.
The best time to shave is directly after showering. The warm steam of the shower will open up your pores and reduce the risk of irritation while guaranteeing a closer shave.
Now it’s time to study yourself. Notice how your hair grows, and make sure you shave against the grain.
Before applying gel or cream, splash your face with warm water for the best lubrication. While you don’t need a full-blown grooming kit just yet, a quality soap or cream is important.
Don’t be shy, practice a few times without pressing the blades into your skin. Start with a loose, light grip to get a feel for the process before you begin.
Don’t rush. Go for shorter, slower strokes at the bony areas of the face, like cheekbones and jawline.
When you’re done, be sure to follow up with a moisturizer or after shave cream to hydrate and prevent irritation so you’re ready for next time.
What To Look For In The Best Razors For First Time Shavers
Type of razor
There are several different types of razors including straight, cartridge, safety, and electric razors, which come in either foil or rotary variety. The best razors for first time shavers are generally electric foil or safety, but cartridge razors designed for sensitive skin can also be effective.
Cost
When it comes to the best razor for first time shavers, you don’t want anything too cheap. Typically, though, expensive razors are more complicated and harder to work. To start, you want something easy yet durable. Anywhere between $20-50 should do the trick.
Number of Blades
One blade is the safest, and dermatologists don’t recommend more than two for sensitive skin. More blades equal greater chances for nicks and cuts, so don’t choose a razor with more than four blades. More than four is unnecessary for a light or medium beard, which is most common for beginners, anyways.
Final Verdict
Because it’s safe, easy to use, and affordable, all while providing a top-tier shave, Braun Electric Series 3 won the spot for best razor for first time shavers. Safety, cartridge, and electric razors should have no more than four blades and glide easily around the contours of the face.
FAQ
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Facial hair typically creeps up between the ages of 12 and 17. Boys should shave as soon as they feel comfortable.
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Because straight razors require a highly skilled and steady hand, they are not recommended for beginners. A confident beginner can absolutely use a straight razor, but it’s generally a good idea to look for safety razors instead.
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Because hair is usually finer and sparser, beginners shouldn’t need to shave more than every three days. Frequent shaving means more friction and greater chances for cuts.
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