There’s nothing like a good shaver to keep your hairline and sideburns as perfect as it can be. Having a professional take care of your facial hair is nice on occasion, but gets to be expensive and somewhat inconvenient.
Wahl is a company that was established in 1919 by a man named Leo J. Wahl. Since then, the company that created Wahl shavers has been a leader in professional and consumer grooming products around the globe. Each new shaver has been created with the technology and the innovation of the electric clipper, and the best part is that you can easily use any Wahl 5 star shaver for your facial hair.
Today, you can see Wahl products being sold in over 165 countries around the world. The company respects its customers enough to offer them groundbreaking innovation at a great value. The integrity of the products is never in question, so you can expect a line designed with durability. In addition to being committed to quality and innovation, Wahl is also committed to lowering their impact on the environment, so all of their practices are environmentally friendly.
With that many years in business, you know that their line of electric shavers must be good, so let’s take a look at some of my favorite Wahl shavers.
Comparison Table
| Model | Run Time | Waterproof | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wahl LifeProof | 90 minutes | Yes | Check Current Price |
| Wahl Speed Shave | 90 minutes | Yes | Check Current Price |
| Wahl Professional 5-Star Series | 60 minutes | No | Check Current Price |
| Wahl Smart Shave | 90 minutes | Yes | Check Current Price |
| Wahl Clipper Bump-Free | 60 minutes | No | Check Current Price |
Wahl LifeProof
The first electric shaver that I want to look at is the Wahl LifeProof. It is a great shaver for anyone who needs a durable device that can give you a close, comfortable shave in no time at all.
To the point:
Design and Aesthetics
Design-wise, the guys at Wahl knocked this one out of the park. It looks like a traditional electric shaver, but it has a slim form factor that makes it easy to grab onto when you are shaving.
It also features a design that makes it stand out from most of the other electric shavers on the market. By this I mean, it has a bright yellow exterior that is sure to catch your eye. It really doesn’t have a purpose, but it gives it more personality. The sides are black because they are made out of a rubber material that is simple to grip.
One thing is for certain:
If you are wet shaving, you will not lose your grip on this shaver very easily.
Durability
When it comes to durability, this is one of the toughest Shavers on the Wahl line. Why is that? Well, it features a waterproof design that allows it to be immersed in water for wet shaving, but that feature also makes it much simpler to clean.
Want to know the best part?
If you happen to drop the Wahl LifeProof into the tub, it will still function as it should because the shaver can be under three feet of water for a period of 30 minutes without any issues arising with the interior parts of the shaver.
This exterior of this shaver is also a shockproof housing, so if you happen to drop it, the impact will not damage it.
Shaving Possibilities
The dual floating foil shaver head that is on this model is designed with a bi-directional long hair intercept cutter that will help to lift all of the hair off of your face so that you get the closest shave possible. The blades also have flex foils, which means that they will follow the contours of your face.
It gets better:
This shaver also has a precision pop up trimmer that gives you all of the precision that you need for cutting your mustache, your beard, or even your sideburns. This is a tool that gives you the freedom to add edging and details to your facial hair, which can keep your style looking top-notch for a few more days.
Quick Charge
This is an electric shaver that utilizes lithium-ion technology as a power source. These batteries are rechargeable, so when you are low on juice, simply use the power cable that comes with the shaver.
Want to know the best part?
There is an LED charging indicator that lets you know when the shaver is fully charged. A full hour-long charge will give you about 90 minutes of continuous use, which means that the shaver will be able to give you a shave every morning for at least a month of time, if not more.
But, it gets better:
This shaver also has a fast charger that you can use when your battery is lower than you thought that it was. With this functionality, you will be able to charge your Wahl shaver for five minutes and get five minutes of shaving time. Not bad, right?
Accessories and Attachments
This shaver does not come with much, but it does come with a blade brush and some oil so that you can easily keep the blades greased between uses. If you have never used one of these types of shavers before, keeping them well oiled is the best way to add length to their life.
A 120-volt power cord, a blade cover, and a carry case are also included for your convenience. If you are traveling, you will also be pleased to know that there is a travel lock on the shaver that keeps it from powering on by mistake.
Maintenance Requirements
The good thing about this shaver being waterproof is that it can simply be washed in water to get it clean. Once you have rinsed all of the hair out of the blades, you will need to dry the shaver and oil the blades to keep them fresh.
Warranty
The manufacturer has included a five-year warranty with the purchase of this shaver, so if you do have any issues with the device, you will be able to easily get a replacement. In addition, if you don’t feel that this shaver gives you a better shave than your old one, you can return it and get a full refund.
Pros
- Charging is fast.
- Easy to take apart and clean fully.
- It is very quiet.
- It has a design that is easy to hold.
- Shaves a few months of growth with no issues.
- It keeps its charge for a long time.
- It provides a very close shave.
Cons
- Dry shaving causes some irritation.
- It does not give as close a shave with coarse hair.
- The trimmer is a bit large, making it difficult to trim your mustache and nose hairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a hypoallergenic electric shaver?
A: The foils are made from stainless steel, so even though the allergens present will be low, they may still exist.
Q: Is it safe to use this shaver in the shower?
A: Yes! This is a waterproof device; just ensure that the power cable is not plugged in when it is submerged.
Q: Can I use shaving cream with this shaver?
A: It is not recommended with this specific shaver.
Q: Does the Wahl LifeProof come with a spare blade?
A: No, but you can purchase replacements when you need them.
Q: Can this shaver be plugged in while you shave?
A: No, the shaver will not operate when the power adaptor is connected.
Q: How does it work with thick, coarse hair?
A: It will cut the hair, but it may require you to take it slow so that the hairs can get picked up by the foil.
Q: Can the charger be used when you travel overseas?
A: it depends on the voltage of the power outlets. If you need a 220 volt, then getting an adaptor is going to be a requirement.
Wahl Speed Shave
If you are looking for one of Wahl’s super close shavers that can give you a quick shave, then this speed shaver may be right up your alley. It is a great option for anyone who needs a precision shave in less than a minute of time.
To the point:
Design and Aesthetics
This shaver features a stylish gray and black design that is appealing to your eyes. The sides are made from a rubber material that is designed to make it even more comfortable to grip this shaver. There are ripples for your fingers as well, so you will be able to hold on to the shaver, even when you are using it with water.
Durability
As with the last shaver that we looked at, this one is also designed with the rubber grip around the handle, which means that if this shaver happens to fall off of the sink while you are shaving, most of the impact will be absorbed because it is shock resistant. It is not shockproof, so high impacts could still cause damage to the device.
It gets better:
This Wahl Speed Shave is one that is designed to be waterproof as well. Now, it is not designed to be simply dumped into a pool of water, but wet shaving and cleaning the device with a bit of water is perfectly fine.
Shaving Possibilities
Both wet and dry shaving is an option with this shaver. It is designed with advanced dual-action foils that are great for trimming longer hair while giving you a really close shave. The floating foil shaver heads are great for contouring to the shape of your face so that you can get the closest shave possible with a single go-over.
It gets better:
The precision trimmer that pops up out of the back of the shaver is perfect for a shave when you need to have accurate cuts. This feature is perfect for trimming your sideburns, straightening your neckline, or even simply trimming your mustache. In fact, the trimmer on this Wahl super close shaver can even add detailing to your look and style if you’d like.
Quick Charge
This device utilizes lithium-ion technology, which means that the batteries in this device are able to last a lot longer than some other battery types when it is between charges. A full charge of the battery will last this shaver for a full 90 minutes of continuous run time.
Now, consider this:
How long does it take you to shave? Less than five minutes on average, right? Well at that rate, you would see 18 shaves per charge. That’s impressive, right? Well, I haven’t told you the best part yet.
This is crazy:
This Wahl shaver is designed with quick charge capabilities that allow you to charge the device for a single minute and get enough juice to fully shave your facial hair. That means that even if you wake up in the morning with a dead battery in the shaver, you will be able to get a close, comfortable shave before you leave to go to work.
There is also a five-minute quick charge option that you can use when your time is not quite as limited. One thing that I love about this shaver is the low battery indicator on the handle. If you pay attention to this, you will never run low on juice, but if you happen to miss a low battery indicator, the quick charge feature is quite beneficial.
Accessories and Attachments
Replacement blades and shaver heads are available for this product, but none come with the shaver when you first purchase it. It does come with a convenient blade cover that keeps it free from debris when it is not being used. There is also a zippered carry case that can be utilized for travel.
You will find that a blade brush and oil come with this shaver as well, which is designed to help you keep the blades in tip top shape after you are done shaving. A 12-volt power supply is also included to help you keep your shaver at full charge.
Maintenance Requirements
Lucky for you, this shaver does not require that you do a lot of maintenance to keep it in that kind of shape. Once you are done shaving, simply rinse all of the loose hair out of the blade. If any remains after a thorough rinse, you can take it apart to remove the excess hair. Once the blades are clean, use the blade brush and the oil to condition the blades.
What’s the best part?
You can easily rinse all of the hair out of the device in your bathroom sink. Just, make sure that it is completely detached from the power cord and outlet when you place it in the water. The Wahl speed shaver can be fully immersed in water, so make sure to be safe when you are cleaning it.
Warranty
Not all shavers come with a good warranty that covers the cost of repairs and replacement parts, especially after a certain period of time. Fortunately, this Wahl Speed Shaver comes with a five-year warranty that you can use in the event that something goes wrong with the device.
Pros
- It provides a close, quick shave.
- It has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold.
- It works great with both wet and dry shaving.
- The shaver can be locked when you are traveling with it for your safety.
- It keeps an excellent charge.
- The two fast charge features are very convenient.
Cons
- It does not give a clean shave with longer hair.
- Though the shaver can take a fall, it is not shockproof.
- The promised one-minute shave is a bit unrealistic for most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this shaver in the shower?
A: Of course, you can. It is waterproof, so just make sure that it is not plugged into the outlet for charging before you do.
Q: Is this a shockproof shaver?
A: It does have a bit of rubber around the edges of the grip, but the shaver is not designed to be fully shock absorbent.
Q: How long does it take for the shaver to charge fully?
A: It takes a full hour for the shaver to charge. If you do not have that kind of time, don’t forget to make use of the five-minute quick charge or even the minute one.
Q: Will this shaver handle more than a few days worth of growth with ease?
A: It is designed to handle up to three or four days of growth without any issues, but more hair than that may require you to go over the hair more than once.
Wahl Professional 5-Star Series
This Wahl 5 star shaver comes from their professional line. It is a durable device that is perfectly designed to deliver the performance that professionals need on a daily basis. It is a great tool for creating a nice finished look.
Here’s the deal:
Design and Aesthetics
This Wahl shaver shaper has a different design and look than the other ones that we have covered thus far. In fact, I really like the feel of this shaver because it is designed in a very retro-style that makes you feel like the shaver came right out of the 1950s. It also has a rectangular design that may be tough to hold, but the non-slip padding on the underside of the device can help you keep a hold of the unit.
Durability
When it comes to the durability of this shaver, you will find that it is built to last. It is not specifically waterproof, but it can be used for wet and dry shaving, which means that as long as you are not leaving it lay in the bottom of a pool, getting it wet should not be an issue.
Shaving Possibilities
This Wahl shaver shaper comes with gold hypoallergenic foil that is going to be gentle on your skin and give you a shave that is as close as possible. Since this type of shaving head will give you a more pleasant shaving experience, things like rashes, shaving bumps, redness, and other irritations will not occur quite as often.
The shaver works on all types of hair, including hair that is fine, coarse, or thick and curly. With most hair types, it will only require one pass; however, going against the grain and then with it should suffice for more difficult to cut types of hair.
Now:
There is a slight issue with this model, but only if you need intricate details and precision. There is not a pop-up trimmer on this model, so you will need a different tool to trim your sideburns and mustache with precision.
Quick Charge
This shaver is a wireless model that can be plugged in to be charged, but when it comes to fast charging capabilities, you won’t find any on this device. A single charge does last for 60 minutes of use, but you are going to have to fully charge it to be able to use it reliably.
Unfortunately, it gets worse:
There is not a way to tell how much battery life you have remaining on the shaver. This means that with no indicator to let you know that your battery is low and no way to quickly get a charge that you can use to shave, you may have to wait to be able to get a good shave.
The bottom line is:
If you need a shave now, you may need to keep the shaver plugged into the outlet to use it.
Accessories and Attachments
Insofar as attachments, when you purchase this shaver you get a foil guard to help protect the gold hypoallergenic foils, a charging plug to keep the batteries charged, and a cleaning brush to help get all of the little facial hairs out of the inner workings of the device.
If you plan to travel a lot with this shaver, there is also a carry case available for purchase as well as a replacement head so that you can keep shaving, even when the foils and the blades on the one you’ve purchased become dull.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance on this shaver is simple. All you need to do is use the cleaning brush that comes with the device to clean the hairs out of the shaver when you are done using it. Cleaning it after each use will help to ensure that you get the longest lifespan possible on this Wahl professional shaver.
Warranty
Like most Wahl products, this shaver has a warranty. It is not as great as the other models that we have discussed in this guide because it is only a one year warranty. Since the length is so short, the issues to the device often occur after the warranty expires.
Pros
- It is very lightweight; making it easier to maneuver.
- You can use it cordless, or while it is charging.
- The hypoallergenic foil is great for reducing skin irritation.
- It works great on all types of hair.
- This shaver provides a bump-free experience.
- It offers a very close shave.
Cons
- The battery life could last a bit longer.
- The cord is not very long, which limits your movement when you need to shave plugged in.
- There is not a battery indicator to let you know how much life is remaining.
- It may take an extra pass or two with long hair.
- It is a bulky design, so it may not be ideal for travel.
- It is a very loud shaver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often will I need to purchase new foils?
A: If you shave on a daily basis, you will want to get new foils about once a month.
Q: Will I get razor bumps from using this shaver?
A: No, the foil features a hyposensitive design that is gentle on your skin.
Q: How do you know when your shaver is charged since there is not an indicator?
A: You can tell by the way that the motor of the shaver performs. If the motor sounds weak, then it needs to be charged.
Q: Does this shaver come with a travel bag?
A: No, it does not. If you need one, then it can be purchased separately for an additional cost.
Q: Can I use a shaving lotion with this shaver?
A: No, it is not recommended; simply wet your face with a hot towel before shaving.
Wahl Smart Shave
In the world that we live in, there is a lot of technology around us, and this shaver is one that utilizes Smart Shave Technology to give you the best shave possible. Shaving has come a long way since the first Wahl shaver was created, and this shaver is a great example of exactly how far they have come.
Here’s the deal:
Design and Aesthetics
I love the design of this shaver. It is gunmetal gray in coloration, which gives it a professional look that is pleasing to the eyes. The detailing of the shaver is black, which makes it have an even more sleek look.
There is a rubber grip on the outer edge of the shaver that is great for shaving as well. It gives you more control when you are shaving your facial hair.
One thing’s for certain:
If you are shaving while you are in the shower, you will be able to keep a hold of this shaver without an issue.
Durability
When it comes to the durability of this unit, you can expect a shaver that is going to last for years. This Wahl shaver is shockproof, which means that if you happen to drop it, the shaver will survive the impact.
But, here’s the kicker:
The Wahl smart shave is a device that is not only shockproof, it is waterproof as well. This gives you the freedom to wet shave, shave in the shower, and even drop the shaver in the tub. As long as it is not in water that is deeper than three feet for more than 30 minutes, it will be fine.
Shaving Possibilities
This shaver utilizes dual floating foil shaver heads, which means that as you shave, they will pivot to the contours of your face to give you the closest, most comfortable shave possible. The foils are designed to pull your facial hair into the blade, which will give you a closer cut without the irritation that other shavers give you.
It gets better:
This shaver also has a precision trimmer that is designed to pop up out of the back of the device. This is a tool that you can use to perfect the line of your sideburns, your jawline, or you can trim your mustache with it if you’d like.
Quick Charge
This is a technologically advanced shaver, so you can expect that it will have fast charging capabilities. It has three different charging options that you can make use of. The first is the traditional method of charging. It takes about an hour to get a full charge, and the battery will last for 90 minutes of consistent use, which is quite a lot of time shaving.
There is a five-minute charge that you can utilize. When you charge the shaver for five minutes, you will get five minutes of shave time, which should be more than enough time for most beards.
Want to know the best part?
There is also an even faster charging option that will give you enough juice to get a full shave. It will only require a minute of charging time, so if you are really late and you find that your shaver is dead, you can still shave without being any later.
Accessories and Attachments
When you purchase this technologically advanced shaver, you will note that a few accessories come in the packaging. There will be a charger, a blade cover to help keep the foils protected, a travel pouch for storage, and a cleaning brush and blade oil to help maintain the blades.
It gets better:
If you have never used this type of shaver before, there is a style guide that is included in the packaging as well.
Maintenance Requirements
To maintain this shaver, you simply need to make sure that you keep it clean and free from hair, which means that you will need to use the cleaning brush after each use. Since this is a waterproof shaver, don’t forget that you can use running water to dislodge any hairs that will not become free with the brush alone. Once all of the small hairs are removed, then you can use the blade oil to make sure that they stay in the best condition possible.
Warranty
This Wahl shaver has a warranty for a period of five years. If anything happens to the shaver during that period of time, the cost of repairing or replacing the item will be on the manufacturer.
Pros
- It has a very quick charge.
- Once the battery is fully charged, it will last for quite a while.
- It is really easy to clean.
- It provides a really close shave across your entire face.
- There is a LED display to indicate the amount of charge.
- It can be used for wet and dry shaving.
- It is fully functional in the shower.
- It has a quiet motor.
Cons
- The pop-up trimmer is a bit close to the shaver, making it difficult to use at certain angles.
- There is no way to lock the shaver when it is stored away.
- Dry shaving is more aggressive, so it can irritate your skin a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this shaver work well on longer facial hair?
A: Yes, it does! It works on all types of hair, so whether it is long, short, coarse, or fine, you can use the shaver. If it is not as close as you’d like, try shaving against the grain of your hair, and then shave with it.
Q: What RPM does this shaver operate at?
A: The shaver operates at 6900 to 8900 RPM, and the trimmer operates at 6400 to 8400 RPM.
Q: Can I use shave gel or shaving cream with this shaver?
A: It is not recommended to use these products. If a dry shave bothers your skin, try wet shaving instead.
Q: How long does a charge last with this shaver?
A: A full charge lasts for 90 uninterrupted minutes of use. If it takes you about five minutes to shave all of your facial hair, then you will get 18 full shaves. In most situations, it will give you even more than that; it’ll last for months each time you charge it.
Wahl Bump Free
This Wahl Bumpfree shaver is one of the greatest razors in the Wahl line that is designed to deal with shaving bumps and breakouts that occur when you shave. It is a model that is relatively unheard of, but it stands right at the top with the other shavers that we have explored in this guide.
To the point:
Design and Aesthetics
This shaver features a black and gray exterior that adds a very manly feel to the décor in your bathroom. The power button is red so that it is easy to see, and the black part has a non-slip grip on it so that you can shave with ease, even when your hands are wet.
It gets better:
The design of the shaver is ideal for most. It is shaped with the contour of your hand so that it is comfortable to use.
Durability
When it comes to durability, you will find that this shaver is crafted from durable material; in fact, the fact that the foils are made from titanium should really give you an impression of the level of durability that is present with this shaver.
The durability stops at the construction sadly. The device is not waterproof in any way, and it is not shockproof either. If you travel with the shaver, you have to be careful to keep it safe from situations that could require those features.
Shaving Possibilities
The idea of this Wahl bumpfree shaver is to give you a close shave that does not cause your skin to break out afterward. To make this intent a reality, the foils are crafted from hypoallergenic titanium, which is great for sensitive skin.
The best part is:
The shaver also has a pop-up trimmer that is ideal for the smaller things that you need to trim down on your facial hair with more precision than the main shaving foils.
Quick Charge
This is more of a rugged model, which means that there is not a quick charge functionality on this shaver. However, if you need to charge your shaver, then you can expect to get about 60 minutes of charge each time you recharge the battery.
Since there is not a quick charge function on this shaver, you need to keep track of the amount of battery life that you have remaining. Simply put, if you hear the motor bogging down at all, you may need to charge the unit before you decide to shave again.
Accessories and Attachments
Since this is more of a pocket shaver that you carry with you so that you never have a five o’clock shadow, there are not many attachments or accessories included with the purchase. It does come with a foil cover to keep your blades safe, a beard brush, a cleaning brush, and a charger. In fact, it even comes with a zipper carry pouch that you can use for travel.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance is a major concern when you are purchasing a new shaver. You don’t want to spend hours of your time cleaning away the little hairs that get caught in the shaver, so getting one like this bump free Wahl shaver is ideal for a simple clean-up routine that you do after each shave.
To the point:
Never forget to clean your shaver because the hairs will become more difficult to clean as they become matted inside of the shaver.
Warranty
This product does not come with a full five-year warranty like many of the other shavers that we have looked at. Instead, when you purchase this shaver, you will get a limited three-year warranty. Not everything is covered with this warranty, but the main aspects of the device that could malfunction are all covered.
Pros
- The motor to this shaver is very quiet.
- It is comfortable to hold this shaver in your hand.
- The titanium foil heads do not tug at your facial hair.
- There is very little vibration while it is operation
- It is gentle on sensitive skin.
- It offers a close shave.
- It helps to keep shaving bumps at bay.
Cons
- The size of the shaver makes it difficult for those with smaller hands to get a good grip.
- Weighing more than a pound, it is a bit heavy.
- It takes nearly two full hours of time to achieve a full charge.
- There is no way to tell how much battery power remains.
- If the shaver is not properly cleaned, the motor can have issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this shaver cut on par with the Wahl professional model?
A: Yes, it cuts just as well, and it has a trimmer that you can use as well.
Q: Can this shaver be used wet or in the shower?
A: No, unfortunately, this is a dry shaver because it is not waterproof. If you’d like, you can wet your face before shaving to help decrease the friction on your face.
Q: Can I use this shaver when it is plugged in?
A: No. There is no way to use this shaver when it is plugged in to charge because it will not operate while in the socket for your safety.
Foil Shaver Heads
You might be wondering:
Why do all of the electric shavers on this list have foil shaver heads? Well, if you have the need to shave every day, you have really fine hair, or your hair is straight, then a foil shaver is going to work best for you.
Regardless of your hair type, these types of shavers can provide you with an exceptionally close shave that will not leave a five o’clock shadow before you are halfway through the afternoon. They will also give you a precise cut when you want to leave part of your beard intact for certain styles.
How does it work?
The foil that covers the blade is designed to lift your hair up off of your skin so that it gives you the closest shave possible. Even with the ability to give you a close shave, this type of shaver will not irritate your skin like a rotary blade might because the blade never actually comes in contact with your skin.
One caveat though:
If you have you strong contours in your cheeks, then shaving with a blade that does not pivot could prove to be more difficult. This means that if you want a foil shaving head, you will need to go for the higher end models to make sure that you can find one that can pivot.
Final Thoughts
Wahl shavers are great products that can help you get rid of your five o’clock shadow or a week’s worth of growth. No matter what your shaving needs are, you will most likely find that one of the ones that I reviewed here is ideal for your hair type and shaving needs.