The Best Shaving Creams for Black Men

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Black men and their beards often get overlooked. While there are plenty of products for facial hair and shaving on the market, few specifically target the needs of black men.

Up to 80% of African American men deal with razor bumps and issues such as dryness and irritation. Shaving creams formulated specifically for curly, thick, dry hair allow for a closer shave without causing unwanted side effects like razor bumps, razor burn and irritation.

High-quality grooming and shaving products target thick, coarse, curly hair, allowing black men to get a tighter shave. Whether you want your face to be buttery smooth or just free from stubble and nicks, the right shave cream can get you there.

We’ve spoken to the experts and researched the best products for black men. We also know that your needs are as unique as the number of whiskers on your face; that’s why we break down each grooming product to give you the whole picture.

Get your razor ready for the best ride of its life. Here are the best shaving creams for black men.

1. Blu Atlas Shave Cream

You can toss out that can of shaving cream from Walmart; a new sheriff is in town. The Blu Atlas Shave Cream is the best shaving cream for black men and the only product you should consider if you want a shave free from nicks, cuts, bumps and that pesky razor burn.

While Blu Atlas is a relatively new brand, their research and development team has worked with their own medical advisory board to craft skin- and hair-care products for men. With the help of science, they’ve formulated the finest clean products for men.

The Blu Atlas Shave Cream is a godsend for black men who experience razor burn and other forms of irritation. Because it’s a concentrated shave cream, a little goes a long way. All you need is a small amount of the cream, which you’ll spread in an even thin layer over the desired area before you shave.

All you need to do is look at the ingredient list to see that it’s a perfect match for thick, curly hair. Ingredients like aloe vera keep the skin hydrated, while oat bran extract nourishes and protects against infection. Allantoin and panthenol boost the natural healing properties and prepare your skin for a close shave.

The Blu Atlas Shave Cream isn’t like the gel-to-foam product you’ve used since high school. There’s no need to completely cover your beard in thick white foam for a nick- and bump-free shave. Less is more when it comes to this creamy product, and you’ll be comfortably hair-free in no time.

2. Supply Ultra Lather Shaving Cream

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming the “King of Lather,” here’s your chance. Supply’s Ultra Lather Shaving Cream is at the top of the pile when it comes to rich, luxurious lather that will make you feel like you’re at a high-end barbershop.

It’s got cream. It’s got lather. What more could a guy want? But we know what you’re thinking: “It doesn’t look strong enough to penetrate my curly, coarse beard.” We’re happy to tell you that you’d be mistaken. Ultra Lather Shaving Cream rises to the challenge and can take on any type of beard.

Supply’s grooming product is a little different from other brands. Here’s how you use it: The cream is ultra-concentrated, so you just need a finger scoop’s worth to cover your manly whiskers. (Pro tip: Get your skin wet before applying the shaving cream.) Then grab a shaving brush, get it wet and start to lather up the product on your facial hair. You can also lather up the product in a bowl and then apply if you prefer. Now you’re ready to get a super-fine shave!

3. Bevel Shave Cream

No one knows your face better than other black men. Bevel is owned and operated by black men whose sole mission is to create grooming products for black men. They understand the needs of black men and formulate products specifically for their hair texture and skin.

The Bevel Shave Cream combines soothing, nourishing ingredients to provide a close shave free from irritation. Witch hazel extract, coconut water, aloe vera, and white and green tea extract prep every square inch of your beard while keeping things cool and under control.

Lift curly, rough hairs with this thick, lathering shave cream. The grooming product is designed for coarse and curly hair, preventing razor bumps and that tricky tug and pull many men experience as they shave. Men who use the product rave that it saves them from unwanted shaving mishaps like nicks and cuts.

This cream is a force to be reckoned with when used alongside other Bevel grooming products. Soften coarse facial hair with the brand’s Pre-Shave Oil, or follow up your routine with the Post-Shave Balm. Both are formulated to keep the skin and hair hydrated while minimizing damage to the skin.

Bevel Shave Cream is one of the best shaving creams for black men made by a black-owned business.

4. Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather

Put your facial hair into the hands of Jack Black. They’ve been formulating skin-safe products for men for a hot minute. Men flock to their products because they utilize all-natural ingredients that soothe, heal and hydrate the body.

The Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather makes it easy to remove facial hair. The thick cream cushions the area between the razor and your skin and perks your whiskers right up, so you get an uber-close shave. As you shave, the formula softens your skin and will leave it silky smooth after you finish.

Ingredients like macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, glycerin, organic edelweiss extract and soybean oil penetrate your hair and skin and make shaving a breeze. The PureScience formula is also free from common irritants like parabens, colorants and synthetic fragrances. Not to mention it’s also vegan and full of certified organic ingredients.

Jack Black grooming products are on the pricier end of the spectrum – probably because of those organic ingredients – but men who use their products are more than happy to pay. The Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather is the perfect product for black men looking for a luxury treatment.

5. Harry’s Shave Cream

To round out our list of the best shaving creams for black men, we homed in on a budget-friendly option that works for thick, curly hair. Harry’s Shave Cream is a well-known skin-conditioning shaving cream, making it the ideal pick for black men.

Alongside its soothing and softening abilities, the cream carries a cool blast of mint and eucalyptus, which will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Made with a blend of 12 natural oils and extracts, the cream soaks into your skin and hair, providing you with a close, safe shave.

Harry’s Shave Cream is free from parabens and sulfates, and is cruelty-free. It’s designed for all skin types, so those with oily, dry or sensitive skin can safely use this product.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Shaving Creams for Black Men

An effective shave begins and ends with the quality of your grooming products. We’ll highlight important features of shave creams and share tips and tricks on how to get the smoothest shave.

What Does Shaving Cream Do?

When you use shaving cream, you allow a razor to get as close as possible to hair follicles. This ensures that most facial hair is shaved, and the cream acts as a buffer between your skin and the razor.

The right shaving cream should prevent razor bumps, razor burn and other types of irritation. It achieves this through friction reduction. Shaving cream forms a barrier between your razor blade and your skin.

Shaving cream can also help with more than shaving. It acts as a moisturizer and can soothe the skin while you shave. That’s why choosing a product with the right ingredients is so important.

Why Is It Hard for Black Men to Get a Comfortable Shave?

African American men typically have thicker beards with hair that’s rougher or coarser than others. Without the right products, they are more prone to razor bumps, cuts and nicks.

The good news is that you can get a close, comfortable shave with the right gear without sacrificing an inch of skin.

How to Shop for the Best Shaving Cream for Black Men

Don’t pull out your credit card just yet! First, you need to know which shaving cream will work best for your facial hair and skin. Here are the most important features to be aware of.

Good Ingredients

The best shaving creams for black men contain high-quality ingredients that soothe, soften, moisturize and prep your skin for shaving. Look for all-natural, organic ingredients that are safe for your skin and provide the best benefits.

Look for premium ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, oat bran extract, shea butter and cocoa butter.

Bad Ingredients

When it comes to self-care and grooming items, there are a few harmful chemicals you should avoid. Cheap grocery store grooming products are almost always full of unwanted materials that can cause side effects like redness, dryness and inflammation.

Avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and silicones. We are exposed to harmful chemicals throughout the day, and avoiding them in self-care products is important. We recommend looking for products that are labeled vegan or cruelty-free as they usually contain few or no harsh chemicals.

Cheap grocery store brands tend to use harsh ingredients, so we recommend purchasing higher-quality products if possible.

Different Types of Shaving Cream

Before buying a new shaving product, consider what type works best for your skin and hair. Here are the different types of shaving cream:

• Foam shaving cream: One of the most common types of shaving cream. Foam shaving cream is a popular choice because it comes out of the canister as foam. (This is the kind you used in science experiments in elementary school, and your dad or grandpa likely used this type.) The foam can lift up your hair and make it easier to shave, but foam products aren’t as lubricating as other shave cream options.
• Gel shaving cream: Known for their convenience and easy-to-use cans, gel shaving creams transform from a gel into a rich, lathering cream. They provide a good amount of protection between your razor and whiskers and are a favorite among men who like a speedy shave.
• Cream shaving cream: Cream shaving creams have been around for a while. They’re the classic shaving product used with straight razors at the barber shop. Cream shaving products are mixed with water and then lather up so you can get a close shave. There are a few ways to use this type of cream. You can get a bowl and mix it with water or get your face wet and lather it up there. Cream shaving creams work best for black men and men with thick, curly hair who may be concerned with razor bumps, razor burn, or nicks and cuts.

Consider Your Budget

Gents, don’t go broke trying to groom your beard to perfection. While a well-groomed, nick-free face would be fantastic, we don’t recommend spending all your money to get there.

Find a shaving cream that provides a clean, cut-free, bump-free shave while fitting into your “bigger picture” finances. Many of us spend on self-care or grooming products without realizing how much money we’re racking up.

Good shaving creams (with skin-safe ingredients) should cost around $25 to $50.

Top Tips and Tricks for Shaving Cream

Want facial skin that’s smooth and blemish-free? Follow our tips and tricks and use your shave cream like a pro.

How Often Should You Use Shaving Cream?

Use shaving cream every time you want to remove some of your facial hair. It doesn’t matter if you’re grooming a small patch of hair growth or redefining the edges; you should always use a high-quality shaving cream.

Shaving cream creates an artificial barrier between your skin and the razor, allowing you to get a safe, clean shave. Note that you should use shaving cream when you remove hair from any part of your body, including your private bits.

When’s the Best Time to Shave?

Try to shave after you’ve had a warm shower. This ensures your hair is soft and allows for a smoother shave. It doesn’t matter what time of day you shave as long as you properly care for your skin afterward.

How Much Shaving Cream Should You Use?

Shaving facial hair only requires a small amount of product, usually a dollop or two. Spread your preferred shave cream over the areas with hair and ensure it’s covered. If your beard tends to grow in thickly, or if it’s been a while since you’ve shaved, first use a beard trimmer to shorten the hair so your razor can get the job done.

How to Avoid Razor Bumps

Every man will need to find the best tools that help prevent razor bumps and razor burn, because your skin and hair are unique. Here are a few common tips that help many people.

• Shave in the direction your hair grows. This prevents razor burn, reduces the chances of bumps and reduces the chance of ingrown hairs.
• Always use a high-quality shaving product. Cheap grooming products will likely increase the risk of razor bumps, nicks and cuts.
• Avoid using body soaps or standard soap bars on your face. Instead, use a salicylic acid cleanser or other gentle exfoliant to remove bacteria or other growth on the skin. This ensures there are fewer irritations to your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes razor bumps on black men?

Black men typically have thick, curly hair that curves around and can burrow into the skin, causing ingrown hairs. This creates an inflammatory reaction in the body and can result in razor bumps, infections, keloid scarring or discoloration. But let’s be clear on one thing: It’s not your fault if you’re dealing with curly, ingrown hairs.

Keeping your beard trimmed and neat can help prevent razor bumps and other side effects.

What’s the best shaving cream for black men?

The best shaving cream for black men is the Blu Atlas Shave Cream. Add a little luxury to your life with a smooth, creamy shave cream that makes caring for your beard easy. Ready for a super-close shave that avoids all those nicks and cuts? Apply shaving cream over your beard and get ready for a hair-free day.