These Are The Electric Razors WH Editors Would Definitely Buy Again

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair on your body, there are almost too many options. You can get laser hair removal for a more permanent route, and for temporary hair removal there's waxing, sugaring, threading, and of course, shaving. Shaving is a huge category on its own, with different methods and tools that you can try out. The primary choice you have to make is to use an electric or manual razor.

Manual razors use straight blades that are pulled along the skin to cut the hairs. They tend to give a very close shave and can be completely controlled as you use them. Your outcome depends on personal skill and you have to be careful because applying too much pressure or shaving repeatedly over the same area of skin can lead to irritation. You can also easily cut or nick the skin with a manual razor.

Electric razors come in two varieties, known as foil or rotary shavers. Foil razors have long cutting strips covered by a metal foil. The foil has holes in it that allow the hairs to penetrate through so they can be cut by oscillating blades that sit underneath. Rotary shavers have multiple circular cutting heads Rotating blades under the head pull up hairs so they can be cut.

Foil razors tend to be easier to use along areas where there are changes in contours, for example around the ankles or swimsuit. Rotary razors have a larger cutting head, so may be quicker to use when shaving large areas. Because they pull up the skin and hair as part of their cutting mechanism, rotary shavers are potentially more irritating than foil shavers.

"Electric razors are traditionally less irritating because the shave they provide is not as close," Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, tells Women's Health. "Meanwhile, manual razors can result in a closer shave. A closer shave can feel nice but because the surface of our skin is not perfectly smooth it inevitably results in removal of some skin cells. This can lead to visible or microscopic nicks or irritation for some people over time."

One of the biggest challenges with shaving is the risk of ingrown hairs, but neither manual nor electric shaving can guarantee that you won't get them. "Remember that shaving is an interaction between the razor, the skin, and the hair," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, noting that there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of ingrowns.

Dr. Zeichner recommends always using a sharp razor. If you feel any pulling or tugging, it means you should change out your blade. Shaving with a dull razor means that you have to use repeated strokes over the same area to effectively shave the hair, which can irritate your skin. Shave in single strokes in the direction of the hair growth and make sure to clean out the razor regularly. Try to avoid tapping the blades on the sink because it can damage the edge of the blades themselves.

He says if you're shaving with a manual razor, make sure to shave after the shower, when the hair and the skin are soft. A shave gel can further soften the hair and enhance the slide of the razor against the skin.

Meanwhile, electric razors have the advantage of being able to be used without a shave gel. Dr. Zeichner says to make sure that the skin is well hydrated before shaving. Using an electric shaver over dry, irritated skin can make matters worse. The blades of electric razors need to be replaced every year or so. When using an electric shaver, move over the skin slowly to allow for effective cutting as you go. Repeated strokes over the same area of skin increases the likelihood of irritation and ingrown hairs.

If you choose to go with an electric razor, some products can enhance your shave. Dr. Robinson says that the best approach is to avoid fragrance or products known to cause irritation. Shaving creams are traditionally used in manual shaving but are not needed with electric razors, a pro for utilizing these.

"Ensure that the skin is clean using a gentle cleanser prior to using your electric razor and use a light fragrance-free moisturizer following your shave to moisturize the treated area," she says. "I advise patients that they do not need to use a dedicated post-shave or aftercare lotion — a gentle moisturizer is just fine in these areas." Aside from that, Dr. Robinson recommends just making sure to follow any specific instructions on the product package.

Here are some of the best electric razors for you to comfortably shave at home.

If smooth skin is your goal, but you find yourself shaving the same patch of skin so many times you end up with a bumpy, red surface instead, please meet your new best hair removal method—the electric razor.

"A closer shave can feel nice, but because the surface of our skin is not perfectly smooth, it inevitably results in removal of some skin cells," says dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD. “This can lead to visible or microscopic nicks or irritation for some people over time." But DW, an electric razor can help you avoid this.

Best Electric Razor For Women

"Electric razors are traditionally less irritating because the shave they provide is not as close," says Dr. Robinson. Lasers, waxing, sugaring, and threading are all great options for hair removal if you've got the time (and the coin), but if professional-level silky smooth skin at-home is what you're after, the answer is electric.

Over the past year, Women's Health editors have been testing popular electric razors to determine which 10 are worth the investment. Ultimately, we found that the Schick Hydro Silk Trimstyle Bikini Razor was the best in design due to its five-blade razor and dual-sidedness that allows for a super close shave. Meanwhile, the Remington Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver delivers on quality for quick touch-ups while being budget- and travel-friendly. Read on to see our other winners from our testing process.

What to consider

With the multitude of options available, there are a couple of features to consider the next time you're in the market for a fresh shave:

Blades

In this case, it's not necessarily "more is better." According to dermatologist Lauren Ploch, MD, more blades can sometimes increase irritation. On the other hand, fewer blades mean more passing over the skin, which can also cause irritation. It's all about finding a happy medium that works for you. This may take some testing, so remember to try out your razor on a small patch of skin to see how you react before going all in.

Design

In addition to how well the razor feels and fits in your hand (this is an underrated necessity!), consider whether it will shave wet or dry. Not all electric razors can be used in the shower, Dr. Ploch points out. So, if you're a shower shaver, make sure to grab something waterproof and cordless.

You also want to make sure your razor head can contour to your body's curves, especially when you're targeting areas like the bikini line, underarms, toes, and even legs. Some of the razors on this list, like the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 Flex, can uniquely adapt to the body's curves with their rotating heads.

Battery Life

If a razor is rechargeable (big plus already), make sure to check out how long it takes to charge and how long a charge lasts. If you don't want to deal with a cord or annoying charge time, some of the options on this list—hi, Philips Series 5000 Electric Facial Hair Remover—are battery-powered, which may be more convenient while traveling.

Attachments

Some razors come with trimmers, blade guides, and changeable blade heads for different areas of the body. If you're looking for more of a Swiss army knife-type, aka a multi-tool situation, take a look at the available attachments. Then, see if those are compatible with the parts of your body you want to tackle.

Maintenance

If your electric razor is complicated to clean, let's be real—you're not going to do it. (You really should, but more on that later.) Make sure the maintenance instructions seem easy enough for you to follow them regularly. The Philips Series 5000 Electric Facial Hair Remover is the perfect example of an electric razor that's easy to clean, as the head can easily be removed so you can dump shaved hair and dead skin cells straight into the garbage.

Warranty

Believe it or not, many razors have a warranty, so if you're unsatisfied with your purchase, you can most likely return it for a longer period than you might think. Most razors on this list have a 30-day warranty, which gives you ample time for testing.

How we selected

Our team tests a wide range of products and services to provide our readers with reliable, honest, and trustworthy information. It's our belief that our readers deserve the best, which is why our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our very own editors. For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated electric razors. Our team also consulted four dermatologists, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 10 best electric razors for a wide range of needs and preferences.

So, ready to get the closest shave of your life? Look no further than these editor-tested and expert-approved electric razors for women, below.

Close Curves Electric Razor

If you're looking for a cost-effective electric razor that gets the job done, here ya go. This three-blade foil razor hugs your curves, using ultra-thin outer foils for an easy back-and-forth motion. "I have super thick, coarse, black hair all over my body (TMI?) due to my Indian roots, and it makes shaving a huge chore that I never look forward to," says contributor Neha Tandon. She adds that she was shocked at how quickly and effectively it removed her hair.

Tandon also adds that the design made it super easy to remove hair, regardless of the location. BTW, this razor is totally waterproof, so you can bring it into the shower with you or shave dry if you're short on time.

Shop More: Best Face Razors For Women

Lady Shaver Series 6000

The different blades of the Philips electric razor are designed to target specific areas of your body. This one comes with four attachments to ensure that you can shave safely, even in the tightest contours of your legs and underarms. Whether you shave wet or dry, the ergonomic handle design will make sure nothing slips through your fingers.

WH commerce editor Jasmine Gomez says she's prone to razor bumps no matter how gently she shaves, but this product is a game-changer. "This electric shaver has helped minimize my bumps," she says, adding that it trims her coarser body hair without tugging or leading to irritation.

Epilator Silk-épil 9

A favorite of our editors and testers alike, this hair removal device comes with two different heads—one for shaving and one for trimming, so you can hit even the trickiest spots on your body.

It literally has 40 micro-grip tweezers in its motor to provide a super close shave (even closer than waxing) that keeps your skin smooth for weeks at a time. While that might seem intimidating, WH associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner says it revolutionized her in-shower shaving routine.

"Efficient on the underarms, swimsuit area, legs, and face, I prefer the Braun over my average razor as it removes the entire hair follicle versus just shaving the top of it," she says. As a result, the hair takes longer to grow back, which means no more daily shaving.

Side note: this product tends to sell out fast. While it does get restocked quickly, you can opt for another version of the same product. This upgraded Braun Epilator comes with more attachments for a slightly higher price.

Series 5000 Electric Facial Hair Remover

It can be nerve-wrecking to take an epilator or electric razor to the face, but this compact buy was made just for that. It's designed with a 360-degree hypoallergenic head with self-sharpening blades, an LED light, and a built-in mirror so that you can conveniently see and remove even the smallest facial hairs.

"I love this face shaver when I'm having one of those all-out spa nights," says Wohlner. She notes that, when paired with a liquid exfoliant and a hydrating face mask, the results are truly out of this world. Pro tip: try using it before your skincare routine if you want your products to really penetrate the skin for a major glow.

Epilator Silk-épil 9 Flex

An upgrade from the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9, the more expensive but higher-tech Flex comes with a flexible head that can uniquely adapt to your body's curves and contours—even the complicated corners of your swimsuit line.

In addition to the epilator, the bundle also comes with a facial brush, body massage head, and more—definitely a bargain. "The face and body brushes are especially useful, and I love how you can interchange the heads depending on what type of cleansing you want to do," says WH assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon.

She notes that the light included on the device, which the brand calls a "smartlight," makes it a great option for those who like dimmer lighting while showering but still want to see what they're doing. At the same time, there's a bit of a learning curve with the razor and epilator, so this may be best for those who have tried other electric razors in the past.

Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device

This Dermaflash device for at-home dermaplaning is a solid razor substitute for your face. It helps gently exfoliate your skin by sloughing away dead skin and peach fuzz, leaving behind a super smooth canvas for makeup and skincare.

WH contributor Naydeline Mejia says she saw results after just one use. "My face is visibly smoother and feels soft," she says. "I feel like after applying my makeup in the morning, the products sit on my face more evenly."

You can use this razor once a week if you want glowing skin. And DW, it comes with four (!!) extra blades and a skin prep cleanser, so you don't have to worry about stocking up on that separately.

Hydro Silk Trimstyle swimsuit Razor

A space-friendly option, this dual-sided hair removal tool is great for both trimming and shaving. One side is a trimmer that's perfect for the swimsuit area, and the other side holds a five-blade razor. McMahon is a longtime fan of the Schick razor because it's affordable, compact, and the battery is long-lasting.

The most unique aspect of this razor is that it's infused with a moisturizing serum that keeps the skin hydrated for up to two hours after you're done shaving. "I've never had any problem with razor burn or accidental ouchies while using it," says McMahon. She also adds that it's super ideal for your swimsuit area and offers a close, clean, and comfy shaving experience.

Electric Razor

For the people out there who are prone to missing a spot, this electric razor can give you a hand. "I have had this razor for a while now, and it has never cut me, even when my skin is having a bad flare up," says one user.

Others appreciate that it has an LED light to guide your shave in the right direction and a super quiet motor, too. It's also completely waterproof, so shaving in the shower and cleaning out any hair and shave gel from the blades won't be an issue. One thing to note: testers say the battery doesn't last super long, so it's best to recharge it after each use.

Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver

Bargain hunters, here's your pick: Toss this extremely travel-friendly razor in your shopping cart and then your bag for quick, simple touch-ups. Most testers say that it does a great job for the price.

This dual trimmer lifts and guides the blades for smooth results whether you're shaving wet or dry. Some users note that it seems to work best when the hair is longer, so it may not be ideal for targeting stubble. Despite being battery-powered, users are shocked by how durable it is. And yep, this little shaver is super lightweight to carry.

Venus Intimate Electric Razor

This razor can be used both inside and outside the shower, no matter your hair type. It's ideal for thick, coarser hair, though. Anyone who's shaved knows hair removal can get messy, but the head on this shaver opens up for easy rinsing, too.

WH editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert is pleased by how beginner-friendly the Gillette razor is. "The instructions are so clear and easy to follow, which made my experience a breeze," she says. Talbert also notes that the device is relatively small and very easy to get a secure grip on. Still, she notes that the device heats up quickly, which may be something to keep in mind if you're going for a longer shave sesh. It also isn't rechargeable, so you'll have to buy batteries once it dies out.

What should I keep in mind when using an electric razor?

If you struggle with bumps and irritation, an electric razor might be your new best friend. Of course, you still need to make sure you use that electric razor properly. Dermatologists say you should follow the below best practices for a smooth shave every time.

Start with hydrated skin

Make sure your skin is well hydrated before shaving because using an electric razor over dry, irritated skin can make matters worse, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. Dr. Robinson adds that you should also use a gentle cleanser prior to shaving. And, avoid fragrance or products known to cause irritation immediately before and after shaving, she says.

Shave in single strokes

Plus, do so in the direction of the hair growth, says Dr. Zeichner. Repeated strokes over the same area increase the likelihood of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Moisturize again

"Use a light, fragrance-free moisturizer following your shave to hydrate the treated area," Dr. Robinson says. "I advise patients that they do not need a dedicated post-shave or aftercare lotion—a gentle moisturizer is just fine in these areas."

Aside from that, Dr. Robinson recommends making sure you follow any specific instructions on the product package—in other words, you should actually read the directions.

Do electric razors shave as close as a blade (or manual one)?

At the end of the day, everyone's going to have their personal preference, and it's not worth splitting hairs if you prefer one type of razor over another.

That being said, if your skin is prone to irritation, it might be time to ditch the traditional razor. With an electric razor, you’re not scraping against the skin really hard like a razor does, says dermatologist Cameron Rokhsar, MD. This means that you won't see a lot of the cuts and burns that sometimes result from a manual blade, explains Dr. Rokhsar.

There are also areas of the body that might be better suited to shave with an electric razor. "Most women's electric razors are designed for our curvy areas," says Dr. Ploch. "I prefer electric razors around the ankles because manual razors cut this area easily."

Can you shave your pubic hair with an electric razor?

Absolutely. Besides following the advice above, Dr. Ploch recommends starting with a trimming razor blade to clean things up a little before switching to a regular razor blade after. "Shaving a swimsuit line that hasn't been pre-trimmed can dull a razor quickly," she explains.

How should I clean my electric razor?

Keeping your electric razor clean is incredibly important, says Dr. Rokhsar. Many derms will recommend changing a manual razor every time you shave, but you can't do that with an electric one, which makes running the blades under warm water after use a crucial step. This will keep it free of hair, shaving cream, and other residues.

Dr. Rokhsar also recommends swiping over the blades and the outside of the razor with a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton ball regularly. "Especially if it sits in your bathroom moisture, bacteria will accumulate on the blades," he says. "It's an easy entry point for bacteria to go down the hair follicle." That's a big no-no if you want to stay free of irritation or infection.

Meet the experts

• Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

• Dr. Lauren Ploch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Georgia and South Carolina

• Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

Shop other beauty tools for women

At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices | LED Light Therapy Face Masks | At-Home Waxing Kits | swimsuit Trimmers And Shavers | Derma Rollers | Microcurrent Devices

You Might Also Like

• Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream

• These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals