Braun Series 8 Head Shaving Experience – Very Close Shave, But…
The Braun Series 8 is getting close to the top-end shavers in terms of costs and performance and comes just under Braun’s flagship Series 9 Pro.
Of course, the S8 is primarily a facial shaver, and Braun does not ever mention that this or any other of the Braun shavers can be used for head shaving. That’s a kind of disclaimer from me, as I’m not sure where we stand with warranties when using a product like this outside of its intended purpose.
So, as I have, you’ll have to head shave with the S8 at your own risk.
The bottom line is that the S8 gave me a great head shave that was closer than dedicated head shavers (here’s a page on my best electric head shavers roundup). I have used a lot of head shavers. The main issue was shaving the back of the head.
When I evaluate a head shaver, I look for how comfortable the blades are, what the ergonomics are like when holding the shaver, and how close the shave is (result). I also check out how close the shaver head and elements stay on the head over more difficult contours (this has proven to be really important).
Other aspects, like runtime, LEDs, and cleaning, are secondary to the above. Shaving is what matters!
You might get a good idea of how it shaved in the video I created below.
Head Shaving Experience
I shaved my head a few times with the recent Braun Series 8 8567cc I used and reviewed, and I also head shaved with the previous model–the S8 8467cc (note: minimal changes on the upgrade from 84 to 85).
I shaved once with four days of growth and on other occasions with two days and then daily.
The S8 plowed through even four days of growth, but it struggled when shaving the back of the head. I had to go over the same areas many times.
As with dedicated head shavers, it was best to use shaving daily or every two days to do the job fast and much easier (I know this, but I still test them).
Shaving around the sides was very efficient, and I could hear the blades cutting through the hair.
Shaving around the tricky ear areas was very good, too. The shaver head is quite small, enabling it to easily get around that tricky area.
Going across the top of the head was excellent, as there was no blade overlap (see photo below). The cutting elements stayed very close to the scalp, which is something I rate highly on a head shaver (not all of them do that well).
Shaving around the back of the head is the most negative aspect, especially when comparing a shaver like the S8 with an ergonomically friendly dedicated head shaver.
The Remington RX7 (Remington Balder Boss–USA) below is an example of shaving the back of the head and how convenient it is.
Even though the head on the S8 can be locked into position, it did keep clicking. I dealt with this by holding the head of the shaver while going over the back area (see photo below).
I found the closeness (end result) is closer than a dedicated head shaver. Well, I have used all of them anyway!
The only other disadvantage when comparing the S8 with a head shaver is the foil type of blade system. While shaving, it only allows us to move the shaver back and forth, whereas a dedicated head shaver has a larger rotary-style blade system, which I find is ideal for head shaving.
Cassette Replacements: Braun states we can get 18 months of shaving from the shaver cassette (foils/blades). However, I am not sure how long they will last when head shaving as more shaving area has to be covered.
Who Do I Recommend Buys and Tries It?
I generally only recommend a facial-type shaver for head shaving if a person already facial shaves or plans to face shave with an electric shaver and then also uses it for head shaving.
That’s not to say that if you really like the idea of the close shave we can get from the S8, to not buy it. If you can afford it, go for it!
The Series 8 is a very good choice, but it’s not quite as good as the Braun Series 9 Pro. The S9 Pro costs quite a bit more, though!
You might find comparing the S8 with the S9 Pro and S7 if costs are important (money is for most of us). All three are good options for facial shaving, with the option of head shaving being very good.
I have never found dedicated head shavers working very well as head shavers and facial shavers (the design is too bulky and not suitable). However, shavers like the S8 can do both tasks very well (minus mentioned above).
Well, that’s the wrap. Give me a shout in the comments if needed!
