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title: "The Gillette Heated Razor [Review] - Sharpologist"
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> **Original source:** https://sharpologist.com/gillette-heated-razor/?utm_source=openai

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![](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190606_170107_850-720x540.jpg)

\[Updated April, 2022.  Purchase links are affiliate.\] Gillette through their GilletteLabs division and [The Art Of Shaving](https://sharpologist.com/go/taos/) has introduced a razor that heats up for your shave.  I bought a [Gillette Heated Razor](https://sharpologist.com/go/heated-razor/) to try for myself.

The GilletteLabs Heated Razor made its first appearance in a [crowdfunding campaign](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-heated-razor-by-gillettelabs-sold-out#/).  With all the financial resources Procter and Gamble have at their disposal it’s difficult for me to believe they “needed” a crowdfunding campaign.  But they did meet their funding goal (in fact, surpassing it 5X).

The razor is available from [The Art Of Shaving](https://sharpologist.com/go/heated-razor/) website, the Gillette website, and other sources with a price of US $150.  From the sales pages:

_**Features:**_

-   _Instant heat at the touch of a button. The warming bar heats up in less than a second._
-   _Adjustable temperature between two levels of heat for optimal comfort._
-   _Intelligent Heat Control System – Four intelligent heat sensors consistently maintain even warmth through each shaving stroke._
-   _5 blades for incredible comfort. Includes 2 cartridges of Gillette’s best blades._

_**Benefits:**_

-   _FlexDisc technology contours to your facial features to ensure contact with the warming bar on every stroke._
-   _Wireless magnetic charging ensures the heated razor is ready when you are – up to 6 shaves from a single charge, depending on usage. (Charging base must be plugged in)_
-   _Premium Grade aluminum zinc handle adds an air of sophistication to the razor’s overall look and feel._
-   _Fully waterproof design ensures you can use it in the sink or the shower._

## The Razor Handle And Charging Dock

The GilletteLabs Heated Razor handle is described as a “premium-grade, aluminum zinc handle.”  It’s about 5.5 inches from the base of the handle to the cartridge connector (about 6.25 inches with cartridge) and it weighs about 2.6oz (75 grams) with cartridge and battery.  I was a bit surprised when I weighed the razor because it “feels” heavier.  And I think the razor’s balance is actually quite good–it feels comfortable and secure in my hand.

The Heated Razor’s heat has to come from somewhere, and in this case it’s from a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery inside the handle.  By the way, the handle is sealed and “100% waterproof” according to the sales literature so you can run it under water or use it in the shower, but the instruction sheet that comes with the razor cautions it “**must not be cleaned in a dishwasher!**” (emphasis theirs).

So if the razor is sealed, how does the battery get charged?  With “[inductive coupling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_coupling),” that’s how (you know how some smartphones charge by just laying it down on top of a charging pad?  Same concept).  The razor stands upright on the dock with magnets to hold it in place (you’ll want to keep this thing away from other things that may be magnetically sensitive) and the power indicators slowly pulse on and off to indicate charging.

![](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/IMG_20190606_170107_850-2-720x540.jpg)

Speaking of heat, there are two heat settings available: the “low” setting (the power indicator glows yellow) is about 110 degrees Fahrenheit and the “high” setting (power indicator glows orange) is about 120° F.  I preferred the “high” setting but YMMV….

## The Cartridge

Although the razor and blade cartridge clearly takes its inspiration from the Gillette Fusion, in that the cartridge has five blades (with a trimmer blade in the back) and handle has a FlexBall-like side pivot (in addition to the usual front-facing pivot), it is NOT a standard Fusion cartridge.  The head design has been modified to accommodate the razor’s heating element and it uses a completely different cartridge/handle mounting scheme.

Like the Gillette Fusion ProShield cartridge and the more recent [Gillette Fusion SkinGuard](https://sharpologist.com/the-gillette-skinguard-razor) cartridge, the Heated Razor cartridge features “before and after” lubrication strips.

Replacement cartridges are [available online](https://geni.us/heated_razor_carts) and in some “brick and mortar” sources: a pack of eight count is about US $50.

## My Shaving Experience With The Gillette Heated Razor

Since the Gillette Heated Razor is promoted by (and I [bought it](https://sharpologist.com/go/heated-razor/) from) The Art Of Shaving I decided to give this razor its maiden shave with a lathering shave cream, using a shave brush.  I prepped with a shower then lathered up as I normally would.  Since my face was already warm from the prep and I had warm(-ish) lather from the brush and cream, I felt very little heat from the razor itself during the shave.  Further, the razor cartridge’s lubrication strip interacted with the cream in an odd way, producing “tendrils” of cream as I shaved and a bit of a “sloppy track” on my face.

But the _result_ of the shave was quite good: an easy, “darn fine shave” (DFS).

For my next shave with the heated razor I tried a good niche’ brush-less cream: Nancy Boy (“Replenishing” version).  Again prepping with a shower before shaving but with a room temperature lather, I did notice more of the heating effect from the razor (and a better “track” on the face as well).  A “DFS” shave was easily achievable but getting to that “baby’s butt smooth” (BBS) level was still elusive, even with five blades and two pivots.  Maybe the cartridge design is a little milder than a Fusion?

On the following shave I did not shave immediately after showering but instead did a minimal face prep: a quick wash with a pre-shave soap then again lathering with Nancy Boy (I thought about using Gillette PURE shave cream–since discontinued–but ultimately decided not to because I figured someone who spent the money on the razor would not “cheap out” on a mass market cream.  But [Gillette’s Plant Kind shave cream](https://sharpologist.com/gillette-planet-kind-shave-cream/) would work well, too).  This time the razor’s heating effect was more noticeable and, yes, even pleasant.  Once again an easy DFS but “baby’s butt smooth” (BBS) took a little more work.

OK, I’m realizing that the best results from this razor may come from the thinnest possible lubrication and minimal skin prep.  So my next shaves with the GilletteLabs Heated Razor were with shave oil: I tried Pacific Shaving’s [Natural Shave Oil](https://amzn.to/2WZQ8I0) and Village Barber [Shaving Oil](https://www.villagebarber.com/products/shaving-oil).

Ah haaaa….  _Now_ I’m getting somewhere.

The heating effect of the razor was much more pronounced and getting that BBS shave feel was easier to achieve.

There are two cartridges included with the razor.  After several months of use these cartridges seem to last slightly longer than a “regular” Gillette Fusion cartridge.  However “your mileage may vary” depending on your individual circumstances.

## Conclusion

Pricing of the razor and replacement cartridges aside, I think this razor does represent some interesting technological applications.

If you’re a shaver who practices good preparation and uses lathering shave cream or soap with a shave brush I think you may not find much  additional benefit in the GilletteLabs Heated Razor.  Similarly, if you use a thick brushless shaving product that “insulates” the razor’s heat bar from the skin, you may experience less of the heating effect that this razor provides.

If you use a thin lubrication product, like a gel or an oil on (relatively) cool skin, you will be much more likely to enjoy the feeling of the GilletteLabs Heated Razor.  You can get it at [The Art Of Shaving website](https://sharpologist.com/go/heated-razor/) and [other sources](https://geni.us/g_heatedrazor).