Let’s talk about hair removal. While you certainly don't need to remove the hair that naturally grows on your body, there are plenty of ways to maintain or remove it if you choose to do so. Some options are more permanent (think: using an at-home laser hair removal device), while others are easy to do on your own, like using a regular old razor the next time you shower.
To that effect, you probably already have what you consider to be the best-ever razor that you love to use on a regular basis. Still—allow me to convince you that you need to pick up an electric razor, too. And no, they’re not just meant to be used by men to shave their faces: electric razors can be used to get a closer shave than a traditional razor will, so they’re great to have on hand. But don’t just trust me—I spoke to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a New York City-based dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group, and Caitlin Orszulak, Senior Scientist P&G Grooming—the company behind shaving brands like Gillette—about why electric razors are great tools to keep in your shaving arsenal, as well as how to use them and her favorite picks.
Overview
- Best Overall Electric Razor: Conair Ladies All-In-One Shave & Trim System
- Best Double-Sided Electric Razor: Schick Hydro Silk 5 TrimStyle Women's Razor and Bikini Trimmer
- Best Dermatologist-Recommended Electric Razor: Philips SatinShave Advanced Wet & Dry Women's Rechargeable Electric Shaver
- Best Splurge-Worthy Electric Razor: Meridian The Trimmer
- Best Electric Razor for The Face: Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover for Women
- Best Electric Razor for the Bikini Line: Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Gentle Trimmer
- Best Electric Razor for Your Legs: Finishing Touch Flawless Legs
Why to Use an Electric Razor
Before you buy an electric razor and start using it for yourself, it’s important to know why and when you may want to use one over a traditional manual razor. Ultimately, it depends on the finished look you’re after and the type of electric razor that’s available to you. “Electric razors tend to pull hair up before cutting, making them a little bit more efficient than manual razors, and require fewer additional tools, such as shaving cream,” says Dr. Nazarian, noting that they might be better for those with sensitive skin because they “don’t have as close of a shave as a manual razor,” and that manual razors can cause irritation because the blade is in direct contact with the skin.
Think of it this way: If you’re trimming or shaving an area on your body (Think: shaving your bikini line with a dedicated bikini line trimmer or your underarm area if you don’t normally shave there), an electric razor is your best bet. However, if you’re maintaining a close, smooth shave on your legs, for example, a traditional razor may work better for you.
Where to Use an Electric Razor
“For women, using an electric razor on the pubic area tends to be a popular choice due to the hair in that region being thicker than other places,” says Orszulak. This is because the hair in your pubic area tends to be thicker, coarser, and follow a different curl pattern or texture compared to other hair on your body. Electric razors can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs in that area because the hair isn’t cut as close to the skin.
“An electric razor also can be easier to control the amount of hair you want to remove, which can differ from person to person—some may opt to only trim around the “bikini line” and keep hair everywhere else, in which case an electric razor is a great choice for,” she continues.
Electric razors also are a great option for women who do choose to shave their face and who may not be as comfortable using a traditional razor blade on delicate skin there. “An electric razor is a great solve here [on the face], as it can feel less invasive due to it not having an exposed sharp edge,” says Orszulak, who specifically recommends the Gillette Venus for Facial Hair & Skin Mini Hair Remover for the area thanks to its rotary blade design that leaves your skin feeling smooth and irritation-free," she says.
When to Use an Electric Razor
Dr. Nazarian says that electric razors "can be used on either dry or wet skin, allowing for more flexibility in your routine," she says. However, it's important to note that you'll get a closer shave with manual razors—Dr. Nazarian says that this is because they "have more surface tension as they glide across the skin," while electric razors don't cause the same surface tension. If you’re planning on using an electric razor in the shower, make sure that you buy one that is waterproof.
Keep scrolling to shop for the best electric razors for women. But how did we choose these very products, you ask? Well, the below electric razors come editor-approved in some cases—I love mine—and top-rated, with hundreds of glowing reviews, in others.
Deals on Electric Razors
The Best Electric Razors for Women
Dr. Nazarian recommends this electric razor from Conair because "the hypoallergenic foils are great for sensitive skin, and it has several different trimmers to pretreat even small areas, like upper lip or bikini." Given the over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's clear that shoppers agree. It's battery-operated, comes with several attachments, reviewers say it's painless, and that it causes fewer nicks and bumps. They also note that it doesn't catch your hair as you move over the skin. The brand recommends exfoliating before you go to get the best result.
Pros: Painless to use; Causes fewer nicks and bumps compared to a regular razor; Comes with attachments; Costs less than $40.
Cons: Some reviewers say that it's flimsy.
Customer Review: "Ive owned many trimmers like this over the years and this is by far the best. It operates so smoothly and does NOT catch and pull hairs pr cut you. Excellent value for the money." — Amazon
This 4-blade shaver from Panasonic can be used wet or dry, can remove hair in both directions, and is waterproof. With nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it's clearly a best-seller for a reason. Reviewers note that it's better used on dry skin rather than on wet skin, and that you have to go over the same area more than once to get the best result if you have thicker hair. "This razor DRAMATICALLY reduces the amount of ingrown hairs I get," wrote one glowing review.
Pros: Has four blades; Can be used wet or dry; Waterproof; Can be used in both directions.
Cons: Costs more than $20; You have to go over the same area more than once if you have thicker hair.
Customer Review: "Truly wireless, battery lasted over a month before I needed to recharge it. Love the convenience of no plug because my little one love to pull on wires/chords. Good picture quality, motion alerts and audio. Already ordered another one." — Best Buy
This is me saying that spending $74 on an electric razor (might) be worth it. Available in three colors, this bestseller is made with ceramic blades to handle all types of hair all over the body—but it’s especially helpful for coarse or curly hair. It comes with two guides measuring 3-6mm and 9-12mm, and is waterproof for wet or dry shaving. It’s cordless and rechargeable, with one charge lasting you 90 minutes of use. The ceramic blades are meant to be safer on the skin and lead to less nicks and cuts.
Pros: Made with ceramic blades that are better for your skin; Waterproof; Rechargeable; Cordless; Ergonomic design.
Cons: Costs more than $30.
Customer Review: "Great trimmer with multiple trimming length options. Easy to maneuver and rechargeable!" — Meridian
The name of this product from Finishing Touch says it all: It's made to be used on your legs and does a damn good job of it. The smaller shape fits in the palm of your hand (also making it great for travel) and it's outfitted with an LED light for precise use. Reviewers say that it charges quickly and removes leg hair quickly. They note that it doesn't tug or pull on the hair and have fewer instances of knicking the skin as they go.
Pros: Quiet; Long-lasting battery; Travel-friendly shape; Charges quickly; Reviewers said using this tool was relatively painless.
Cons: Reviewers noted that using it on the parts of the body were more painful than using it on the legs.
Customer Review: : "I didn't expect this to work as well as it does. I have pretty thick hairs, and this gives me nearly a smooth close shave every time.It is easy to hold in your hand and I haven't dropped it once, which is great for hard to reach spots like the back of your legs or thighs.You can charge it too so that is definitely a huge plus side." — Amazon
This electric razor from Philips can be used wet or dry, has a rechargeable battery, and comes with four accessories so you can customize your shaving experience, including a trimming comb, a so-called "soft glide cap" for a closer shave. Reviewers say that it has a long battery life, but others say that it doesn't provide a super close shave when compared to a traditional handheld razor, and they recommend that you would need to follow up with a manual razor if your hair is coarser or thicker.
Pros: Rechargeable; Comes with several accessories; Costs less than $40.
Cons: Works better on wet skin than on dry skin.
Customer Review: "Good razor that holds charge well. Says wet or dry but it works much better on thin, sensitive skin when dry (Underarm and bikini areas)." — Target
Orszulak approves of this versatile little device from Gillette Venus because "you can use it anywhere," she says. "Since you don’t need to use water or shave cream, this is a great product to throw in your bag and use anytime, anywhere." It's also outfitted with a small light on the top that will help you spot and remove even the smallest, finest hairs on your face, and it's small enough to keep in your makeup bag for on-the-go care.
Pros: Small size; Has a light for precise use; Painless to use; Suitable for use on the face.
Cons: Battery-operated.
Customer Review: "This is a very practical device for you. Easy to carry and use." — Amazon
This trimmer from Gillette Venus is great because it "protects the skin from tug and pull so there is less irritation," says Orszulak. It's designed to specifically fit into the grooves and curves of the bikini line, avoiding nicks, cuts, or burn. It can be used either wet or dry, and has a chordless design for easy use. While gentle on the skin, the blades are specifically designed to work with coarse hair that's common in that area of the body.
Pros: Chordless; Gentle on skin; Good for coarse hair.
Cons: Battery-powered; Not rechargeable.
Customer Review: "This trimmer is a godsend! It's easy to use, lightweight, and doesn't tug at hair. Perfect for the bikini area and delivers a pretty close shave for a trimmer. Definitely recommend!!" — Target
A set of floating, independent cutters and foils make this rechargeable shaver from Conair a lifesaver for hard-to-reach spots like your bikini line or under your arms. Plus, one of the blades pops up for easier bikini line shaving. It can be used both wet and dry, has a chordless design, and comes with an additional cleaning brush so you can get the most out of it. The razor is also ergonomically designed to let you get the closest possible shave.
Pros: Rechargeable, Cordless; Comes with a cleaning brush; Ergonomic design.
Cons: Some reviewers say the battery doesn't last very long per charge.
Customer Review: "This electric wet/dry shaver does a great job shaving legs. Smooth and close with or with out shaving cream. I use it in and out of the shower. Works great! I would buy it again or get it for a gift for a friend." — Walmart
"This is the electric razor that I keep in my shower at all times. It's double-sided, so it's really the only shaving tool I use in a pinch. It's waterproof which is a huge bonus, and comes with one re-fill of the blade so I don't need to run out to buy a new one once I feel the blade getting dull. I'm a bit forgetful when it comes to using shaving cream, so the hydrating serum in the head of the razor is a godsend, especially in the chilly winter months when my skin is on the dryer side. The electric side also provides a close shave, so all I need to do is one pass with the traditional razor head for a smooth finished result." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Pros: Double-sided; Costs less than $20; Waterproof; Editor-recommended.
Cons: Can't replace the battery; Can't be charged.
Customer Review: "The only razor I use. The five blades give you a close shave, without any nicks or cuts even possible. Absolutely the best razor on the market!" — Target
This cordless razor from Philips has racked up over 7,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Shoppers love it for the fact that its head is smaller than some other electric razors on the market making it great for quick, precise hair removal around the bikini line. It can used either wet or dry, has an easy cordless design for in-shower use, and comes with two attachments and a travel-friendly pouch to keep it clean. It’s battery-operated, though, so you’ll need to have those on hand.
Pros: Good for travel; Good for precision; Can be used wet or dry.
Cons: Battery operated.
Customer Review: "Gentle yet effective. They get the job done quickly." — Amazon
If you need an electric razor that you can use while on-the-go, this one from Remington is perfect. Not only has it racked up over 11 thousand five-star reviews on Amazon lately, but those reviews claim that it’s great for sensitive skin, gives a close shave, and is easy to use—all things you need when you’re not showering at your own place. This compact electric razor is cordless, can be used wet or dry, and is battery-operated so you don’t need to pack yet another charger with you.
Pros: Compact size; Can be used wet or dry; good for sensitive skin; gives a close shave.
Cons: Some reviewers say it’s better for the bikini line than the legs.
Customer Review: “This gets a surprisingly close shave for being an electric shaver. I like to use this when it's been too long between normal shaves and it helps save a ton of blades by getting those long hairs that are just a pain. I love that I can use it wet or dry, but I like to use it before getting in the shower since it does make my skin look particularly dry after use. It's also good for those random chin hairs you can't seem to pluck! Overall, it is WELL worth the price and a great purchase.” — Amazon
An LED light isn’t something you would necessarily believe is vital for a great experience with an electric razor, but this pick from Brori is here to prove you wrong. Not only is it designed to give you a close shave thanks to the three-bladed design, but the LED light helps you get even the peskiest, faintest of hairs. It’s also quieter than other devices, is cordless, and can be either wet or dry. It’s rechargeable using an USB cord, too, so you’ll already have one on hand.
Pros: Cordless; Rechargeable; Has an LED light for a closer shave; Quieter than other razors.
Cons: Some reviewers had to go over with a traditional razor for the closest shave.
Customer Review: “Waited to review until I had had it awhile. It's been 6 months. Still loving it. I wanted a more environmentally friendly option than razors for shaving. This shaver charges quick, shaves close and cleans easy. It can be a bit slippery if you use it in the shower but otherwise a wonderful thing to have in your beauty arsenal. It does take some getting used to on how to hold it appropriately for shaving different areas, and I have nicked myself once or twice but that just proves it's sharp. The light on it is crucial for me to get a close shave. Will say if you're looking for a totally silky smooth shave you may want to follow up with a razor. I would say this gives a 1 day old shave but that's preferred for me to avoid sensitive skin flare up. Overall very impressed and at the price point, would absolutely invest in a backup one.”
This tool uses three floating blades for a super close, painless shave every time you use it. It can be used either wet or dry and comes with a travel pouch for on-the-go use. It has a cordless design and one charge warrants 35 minutes of continuous use. Available in two colors (lime green or lavender), it’s beloved by reviewers who claim it’s given them the closest shave while still being gentle on the skin. It’s recommended to be used in most areas of the body like on the legs, in the bikini area, and under the armpits and it has a pop-up trimmer for longer or unruly hair.
Pros: Can be used on most areas of the body; Cordless design; Long-lasting battery; Top-rated; Has a pop-up trimmer.
Cons: Some reviewers say the attachments are hard to remove and clean.
Customer Review: "This thing is honestly pretty great. I hate shaving my legs, takes so long and kills my back. This makes it a lot easier to get a nice, easy shave. The adjustable blades make it easy to chip away at the thicker-haired areas and the normal setting is great for the legs. Waterproof is really nice, very easy to clean too which is nice in comparison to other trimmers I've used. It obviously doesn't give a completely smooth shave, you'll still need to use a razor if you want those shiny, smooth legs, but this is great if you just want to LOOK like you have shaved legs, also makes using a razor a lot easier. My only real complaint is that it's quite loud, but it's not a big deal at all. Overall pretty great trimmer!" — Amazon
What Are The Different Types of Electric Razors?
As with most beauty tools on the market these days, there are different options for you to choose from. For electric razors specifically, that means that you can pick from one of three common types: rotary, foil, and single-blade razors. Ahead, Orszulak quickly breaks down exactly what each style is and how they work.
- Rotary: “This will have blades that spin in a circular direction,” She says. “There are usually multiple rotating blades, which are covered by a circular foil, on a single head; these may be able to follow contours of the face more easily vs. a foil shaver.”
- Foil: “The cutting blades are covered with thin sheets of metal foil, essentially acting like a cage over the sharp blades,” Orszulak tells me about this kind of razor. “The “cage”—foil—protects the skin from coming into direct contact with the sharp blades. As the shaver moves over the skin, the foil can lift hairs and direct them to the blades.”
- Single-Blade: Single-blade trimmers “will have a guard that remains stationary, contacting skin while a cutting blade oscillates left and right above it, cutting the hairs being fed into the blades,” says Orszulak
Meet The Expert
Dr. Rachel Nazarian joins Schweiger Dermatology after years of practicing various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, general dermatology and dermatologic surgery.Dr. Nazarian has written many published articles in medical journals as well as widely respected dermatology textbooks, such as Treatment of Skin Disease. Dr. Nazarian serves as a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, where she completed her dermatology residency. While completing her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Nazarian was awarded a grant from the Women’s Dermatology Society. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Caitlin joined P&G in September 2009, becoming a member of the Venus Blades & Razor R&D team. Over the last fourteen years, Caitlin has been involved in the development of multiple female projects including Venus Quench, Venus & Olay, Venus Embrace Sensitive, Venus Swirl, and Venus Platinum. In the last two years, she has broadened her scope to also include Gillette Innovation, focused on improving the wet shaving experience for men. Specifically, she has spent much of her time focused on claims innovation and strategy. She works to ensure products come to market with compelling claims and visuals that are rooted in robust consumer and technical data. Her role allows her to stay very close to the consumer which has ultimately resulted in a sound understanding of habits and practices in the grooming category. She is located at the South Boston Manufacturing Center, also known as the Gillette World Shaving Headquarters. This site has been the technical center for developing and manufacturing the newest wet shaving technology platforms, using state of the art proprietary technology since 1903. Caitlin studied at James Madison University in Virginia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
