Skip to main content

The Angle may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Heated razors are all the rage — here’s why you need one

Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower,” and when it comes to upping the shaving game, Gillette is an innovator. The company created a new market when they introduced the world’s first heated razor.

For decades, companies like Schick and Gillette have been adding a few upgrades and extras to the cartridge razor, but there hasn’t been anything worth getting excited about. When rivals like Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s carved out a new way to buy razors, that was interesting, but again, it didn’t change the shaving experience at all.

man in barbershop
Reshot

The one and only

The Heated Razor by Gillette Labs is the first and only razor on the market that lets you experience a barbershop-like experience from the comfort of your own home. It’s meant to feel like a hot towel is being applied to your face, providing comfort and a world-class shave all in one. According to the company, the razor heats up in less than a second to provide “continuous soothing warmth to your skin,” and it’s waterproof, so you can shave at the sink or in the shower.

Why do I need a heated razor?

The promise of a heated shaving razor is that it will not only feel fantastic on your skin but it also opens the pores as you shave and will reduce the chances of razor burn. Of course, most people shave using hot water already, but filling up your sink and shaving means the end of your shave will use lukewarm water at best.

A heated razor just feels better than warm water alone. If you’ve ever walked on a heated tile floor, it gives your face the same lovely feeling that your feet experience. What’s more, if you shave frequently, it may just be worth it to treat yourself to a spa-like experience on the daily.

man shaving his face
Reshot

Is it worth it?

Based on our research, if it’s something you can afford (both to buy and continue buying the applicable razor blades), it is more than worth it. The starter kit is $200 and comes with the razor, charging stand, and two razor cartridges. A four-pack of the heated cartridges for replacement will set you back $25, so it’s more expensive than a standard razor blade replacement. But if you want to treat yourself or a loved one for Christmas, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just because it’s a Tuesday, The Heated Razor by Gillette Labs is a solid investment.

You only have one face, so why not treat it well? People spend hundreds of dollars a year on facial soaps, lotions, and sunscreens, all meant to protect your skin. Heated razors may seem like a luxury — and they are. But they aim to protect your skin, give you an even shave, and keep razor burn at bay.

With all the pandemic hair that’s been grown over the past year, including many a beard and mustache, perhaps now more than ever, it’s time to invest in a razor that’s high-quality and effective. Your face will thank you.

Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Plugged ears? Here’s how to safely clean them
man with trouble hearing

Clogged ears can happen to the best of us, making anyone wonder how to properly clean ears. While it's annoying to deal with because it can cause temporary hearing impairment, mild pain, or a feeling of being off-balance, it's fairly easy to clean your ears at home. Ears can become plugged for a few different reasons -- too much earwax, water in your ear, a change in altitude (which is why you should chew gum when you take off and land in an airplane), a sinus or middle-ear infection, or allergies.

Obviously, if a clog persists or becomes painful, it's best to consult your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to determine if there is something more sinister happening or if there's been inner-ear damage. For the most part, you should be able to treat plugged ears at home with relative ease. Here's our advice for a safe way to clean ears.

Read more
DIY your at-home haircut with these 5 tips
woman cutting her hair

It feels like we're month 65 into the pandemic, and when you look in the mirror, it may feel like much longer. If you've not been to the barber in quite some time and fancy trying a little at-home hair session, there are things you can do to improve your chances of success (and a few must-nots).

Do it yourself (DIY) haircuts aren't meant for coming up with an entirely new style or doing an aggressive trim -- it's best to leave that to the experts. But if you need to trim bangs or split ends and give yourself a fresh new look, here are some tips that can keep you looking good for all of your Zoom calls.

Read more
Alopecia: What it is and how to cope
woman with bald patch

Alopecia is a common autoimmune skin disease that causes sudden hair loss as a person's immune system attacks their hair follicles. The most common cause of alopecia is said to be severe stress, and it affects as many as 6.8 million people in the U.S. alone.

Hair loss usually begins in small patches and can occur on the scalp, and in some cases, the eyebrows, eyelashes, face, and other parts of the body. The condition, which has no cure, can result in total hair loss, called alopecia universalis, which may prevent hair from growing back. The extent of hair loss and regrowth varies from person to person and can happen throughout a person's life.

Read more