In men's grooming, more is often touted as better. But with rotary shavers boasting anywhere from three to nine(!) heads, the choices can be overwhelming.
Do more shaving heads provide a better shave, or is there a case where less is more?
Let's cut through the marketing hype and discover how the number of heads on your rotary shaver impacts your daily shave.
What are Rotary Shavers?
There are two main types of electric shavers: rotary and foil shavers.
Both are popular shavers, but we'll focus on rotary shavers for now.
Rotary shavers are electric powered razors equipped with rotating circular cutting blades. They work by shaving in a circular motion, lifting hair and cutting it as blades spin, making it ideal for those with thick, coarse hair.
If you want an in-depth comparison of the two, you can read our article on foil vs rotary shavers.
History of Rotary Shavers
The first rotary razor was introduced by Philips in 1939.
The Philishave, as they called it, had a single-cutting head and cylindrical body. In 1951, a double-head razor was launched, which eventually became a three-header in 1966.
They continue to sell rotary razors under the Philips Norelco brand.
Rotary Shaver Head Configurations: Single vs Multi-Head
One critical difference in rotary shavers is the number of heads. Some models may have a single head, while others boast multiple heads for enhanced performance.
Single Head Shavers
Single-head shavers are still sold today, mainly for facial hair. You may think they would be obsolete since they evolved into multiple-head shavers, but many shavers still swear by them.
Why?
Today's single-headed razors are unlike the bulky and corded models of the 30s. They are now:
Lightweight
Cordless
Compact
Have sharp, long-lasting blades
Easy to clean
Have longer battery life
Great for travel
Features that many shavers find helpful, especially for those on the go.
Now, let's discuss their multiple-head counterparts.
Multiple Head Rotary Shavers
As technology advances, it's common for an appliance like a rotary shaver to improve, such as adding more heads. But more shaving heads are not always better.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of having multiple-head rotary shavers versus single-head shavers.
Advantages
Here are the advantages of having more shaving heads on your rotary shaver:
More coverage area
Faster shaving time
Fewer passes
Lower risk of skin irritation
Disadvantages
Less mobility
Difficulty in reaching certain areas like those behind the ear and some neck areas
More expensive replacement blades
Bulkier
Choosing the Right Number of Heads for Your Rotary Shaver
Four to Five Heads for Head-Shaving
Shaving your head and shaving your face are two different things. When choosing a rotary shaver for head shaving, it's best to pick one explicitly designed for it. Rotary head shavers hug the curves of your head for a smoother and closer shaver.
While rotary facial shavers may work on your head, rotary head shavers are ergonomically designed and have blades and heads that follow the shape of your head.
Today's best-selling head shavers, like Freebird's FlexSeries and Skull Shavers Pitbull Series, have 5 and 4 shaving heads, respectively.
You may have seen shavers on Amazon with as many as nine heads, but do you need that many?
We believe that the 7- and 9-head razors available are all hype and a marketing gimmick. Sadly, many still purchase these shavers, thinking more is better.
There's a reason why top brands like Freebird and Skull Shaver have stuck with 4 to 5-head rotary shavers.
They work.
Two of the Best "Four to Five Head" Rotary Shavers
Freebird FlexSeries - Best Five-Head Rotary Shaver
The FlexSeries from Freebird is one of the top-selling five-head rotary shavers. The FlexSeries covers more surface area with five shaving heads than shavers with fewer heads. But five heads only matter if your blades are sharp enough and your motor is strong.
The FlexSeries has super-sharp ScalpSafe technology blades that are safe for sensitive scalps. It also has an 8,500 RPM motor that makes quick work of even coarse and thick hair.
Skull Shaver Silver Pro - Best Four-Head Rotary Shaver
The Skull Shaver Silver Pro is an entry-level Pitbull Shaver that you should consider if you prefer the maneuverability of four heads. With fewer heads, cleaning is faster with the Silver Pro.
You can read our article on the best head shavers for a comprehensive list.
One to Three Heads for Facial Hair Shaving
When shaving facial hair, the sweet spot is choosing between single, two, or three head rotaries.
Single- and double-head rotary shavers are compact and excellent choices for travel shavers. Three-head shavers are bulkier and have more features, which makes them good picks for dedicated facial shavers.
The Best "One to Three Head" Rotary Shavers
OpDooke Mini Electric - Best Single-Head Rotary Shaver
For $29, you get a single-head shaver with a powerful 6500 RPM motor, 30-day battery life (at 4 minutes a day usage), and so small (it's the size of an egg) you can put it in your pocket.
It has IPX7 waterproofing, so you can shave either wet or dry.
Buy from Amazon.
Norelco Travel Men's Shaver PQ 208 - Best Two-Head Rotary Shaver
The Philips Norelco travel shaver is our top pick for a two-head rotary shaver. It's a cordless shaver with self-sharpening blades that Philips claims last for 2 years. Its 60-minute battery life is more than enough for weekend trips.
Buy from Amazon.
Philips Norelco CareTouch - Best Three-Head Rotary Shaver
The Philips Norelco CareTouch costs $54.96 and comes with ComfortCut self-sharpening blades that last for 2 years. The blades are also made from hypoallergenic steel that's rust-resistant, protects skin, and prevents ingrown hairs. The CareTouch also has IPX7 waterproofing so you can shave wet or dry.
The Bottom Line
A rotary shaver with more shaver heads doesn't mean it's better. The number of shaving heads is just one aspect that determines the result of your grooming routine. You also have to consider blade quality and motor speed. If the blades are dull or the motor isn't that powerful, the benefits of a single or multiple-head rotary shaver will be diminished.
The number of heads on your rotary shaver matters whether you're shaving your head or face.
A four or five-head rotary shaver is the best option for head shavers. Don't fall for the overhyped 7 to 9 head shavers you may encounter on Amazon.
You can't go wrong with single to three head rotaries for facial hair shaving.
Stick with brands that are market leaders in the shaving arena for the best shaving experience.
