Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
My interest in hair removal started in elementary school when I snuck into my mom's medicine cabinet, and dragged her razor across my leg like I was coloring with my favorite box of markers. Needless to say, I've learned the right way to shave since then (namely to apply shaving cream and gently glide my razor against the grain with light pressure).
I've had a lot of help perfecting my technique—as a beauty editor with eight years of testing experience, I have access to advice from best dermatologists and aestheticians. Yet, no matter how on-point my new shaving technique is now, most women's razors never get my legs quite as smooth. And other hair removal methods are super painful, ripping strands out at the root. Ouch!
But then, I upgraded to electric razors—and I've never turned back.
Best Electric Razors For Women
"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 Dr. Caroline Robinson, MD. "This can lead to microscopic nicks and irritation."An electric razor can help avoid this. They're typically less sensitizing, says Dr. Robinson, because the shave they provide is not as close." At-home laser hair removal devices, waxing, sugaring, and threading are all great options for hair removal if you've got the time (and the coin), but if silky-smooth sans irritation 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 seven are worth the investment. Ultimately, we found that the Philips Beauty Series was the best multi-use product 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. In fact, a larger amount of blades can sometimes increase irritation, says dermatologist Lauren Ploch, MD. On the other hand, fewer blades mean more passing over the skin, which can also cause irritation. It's 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 consideration), think about 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 Panasonic Close Curves Electric Razor, 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, 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.
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 myself, 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.
Ready for smooth, bump-free skin? Look no further than these editor-tested and expert-approved electric razors for women, below.
Pros
The flexible head makes it easy to shave in creased areas- You can swap it out with the facial brush and body massager
- Can be used wet or dry with minimal pain or discomfort
Cons
- The carrying case can be difficult to close
- There's a slight learning curve to perfect your usage technique
A favorite of our editors, this hair removal device hits all of the targets we're looking for when buying an electric razor. For starters, it literally has 40 micro-grip tweezers in its motor to provide a super close shave (even closer than waxing), keeping your skin smooth for weeks at a time. While that might seem intimidating, it upgraded my in-shower shaving routine in a major way.
I can hit even the trickiest spots on my body. From my underarms and belly down to my ankles, this electric razor has me covered quite literally from head to toe. And with an impressive 50-minute runtime I can eliminate all of my unwanted hair with this device at least a couple of times before recharging it for just an hour. I also appreciate that it's lightweight but not flimsy like it'll slip out of my grip. Plus, I love that it's waterproof so we can shave in the shower without worrying about our new razor cranking out mid-shave.
An upgrade from the original Braun model, the more expensive but higher-tech Flex comes with a flexible head (hence, the name) that can uniquely adapt to my body's curves and contours—even the complicated corners of my bikini line. In addition to the epilator, the bundle also comes with a body exfoliation brush, skin contact cap for additional comfort, 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 Women's Health assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon.
She also 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.
Read more: Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
Key Specs
| Blades | 40 tweezers |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 50 minutes |
| Charge Time | 1 hour |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Attachments | Massage pad, epilator, shaver |
| Best For | Face, bikini, underarms, legs |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Pros
- It comes with an exfoliator glove, skin stretch cap, soft glide cap, and trimming comb
- You can use it on wet or dry skin without irritation
- It's versatile for the money
Cons
- Testers say it's noisier than other options on the market
Philips recently upgraded their Lady Shaver Series 6000—and we love the changes. It still features a 10-hour recharge and floating foil that glides across the skin, but now you're paying a bit extra for seven instead of four accessories. We feel strongly that the extra $10 is so worth the upgrade.
The different blades of the Philips electric razor are designed to target specific areas of your body, like the more compact bikini trimmer comb and head versus the larger trimming comb for your legs. Regardless of which attachment you employ, they all 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. For this reason, we think the Philips—at just $60—is an incredible value. There are other, less expensive options on our list, but they're not quite as versatile in terms of where you can use them, so that's why this one took the top value spot.
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.
Key Specs
| Blades | 3 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 40 minutes |
| Charge Time | 10 hours |
| Waterproof | No |
| Attachments | Trimming comb, exfoliation glove, skin stretcher cap, soft glide cap, cleaning brush, pouch, USB-A charging cord |
| Best For | Legs, underarms, body |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- It has a hypoallergenic head that won't irritate skin
- It's budget-friendly and still delivers a clean shave
Cons
- The circular head makes it ideal for face shaving only
It can be nerve-wrecking to take an epilator or electric razor to the face, but this compact model 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 (just don't use anything with too many active ingredients right after as that can cause sensitivity).
| Blades | N/A |
|---|---|
| Runtime | N/A |
| Charge Time | Battery-operated |
| Waterproof | No |
| Attachments | Razor, mirror, protective cap, cleaning brush, AA battery |
| Best For | Upper lip, chin, cheeks |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Pros
- It's extremely affordable, and it provides a smooth shave
- The shape of the device makes it easy to control mid-shave
Cons
- The device isn't rechargeable, so prepare to spend money on disposable batteries
- Not durable enough for daily, consistent use
Looking to stay silky=smooth on vacay? Then click "add to cart" on this extremely travel-friendly razor and then toss it in your carry-on for quick, simple touch-ups. It's compact, so it won't take up precious room in your cosmetic bag (you could even stash it in your office drawer to ensure that you're hair-free for any impromptu after-work activities like happy hours and date nights). And yep, this little shaver is super lightweight to carry which is always a win.
Despite being battery-powered, you'll be shocked by how durable it is compared to something cheaper. This dual trimmer lifts and guides the blades for smooth results whether you're shaving wet or dry. It does a great job for the price, but you might notice that it seems to work best when the hair is longer, so it may not be ideal for targeting stubble. (It's totally NBD though because you can just shave less often and ultimate who doesn't love that?)
It's also not waterproof of durable for daily, consistent use so you wouldn't want to consider this your primary hair remover, but for a quick trip—brilliant!
Key Specs
| Blades | 3 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | N/A |
| Charge Time | Battery-operated |
| Waterproof | No |
| Attachments | None |
| Best For | Touch-ups |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- The LED light makes it easier to see the hair you want to remove
- It can be used on dry or wet skin without causing cuts
Cons
- Having three blades requires a few passes to get a smooth result
New to the electric razor game? We've got you covered with this beginner-friendly option from Brori. This model features a bright light to illuminate event the tiniest hairs on your body. It's the sole option on our list featuring a unique LED light that illuminates your skin to guide your shave in the right direction, which is away from the grain (aka, the opposite direction of hair growth).
For the people out there who are prone to missing a spot, this electric razor can give you a hand. It also has a super quiet motor and is completely waterproof, so shaving in the shower and cleaning out any hair and shave gel from the blades won't be an issue.
The only real downside with this electric razor is that the battery doesn't last super long, so it's best to recharge it after each use, which is why this just barely nabbed our "Best Value" prize. But its ease of use makes it a worthy addition to our compendium.
Key Specs
| Blades | 3 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Attachments | None |
| Best For | Back, legs, arms, underarms, bikini area |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Best For The Bikini Area
Gillette Venus Intimate Electric Razor
Now 26% Off
Pros
- There are only three control options, making it beginner-friendly
- The area near the blade is slimmer, making it easier to use near the bikini area
Cons
- It's on the louder side, so expect a decent amount of noise
This razor, which is specifically designed for the bikini area, 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.
I tried this razor and think it's pretty sweet, especially when cleaning up my bikini line. At first I was nervous that my longer hairs would get caught in the razor (it's winter, please let me live), but I was pleasantly surprised that was a nonissue. It actually gets down quite low, especially when I don't use the comb attachment.
I enjoyed my bikini line shaving experience enough to use it on this device underarms and that's when I realized heats up relatively 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.
Key Specs
| Blades | 1 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | N/A |
| Charge Time | Battery-operated |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Attachments | Shave guard |
| Best For | Bikini area |
| Warranty | 30 days |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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
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
And please, 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 manual ones?
At the end of the day, everyone's going to have their personal preference, and it's not worth, ahem, 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 bikini line that hasn't been pre-trimmed can dull a razor quickly," she explains.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
Our team of editors follow Dr. Rokhsar's advice and it hasn't lead us astray. And despite evaluating some of these razors for close to a year, we are pleased that we haven't noticed any rusting after using the alcohol-soaked cotton ball .
Another tip is to actually read and follow the maintenance instructions of your device. (Admittedly, we threw ours away since we've been using these for several months and like to keep the limited space of our beauty closet as streamlined as possible.) You can also prioritize using devices like the Philips Series 5000 Electric Facial Hair Remover 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.
Shop More Beauty Tools
At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices | LED Face Masks | At-Home Waxing Kits | Bikini Trimmers And Shavers | Derma Rollers | Microcurrent Devices | Best Dermaplaning Tools
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
Expert consulted:Joshua Zeichner, M.D.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an associate professor and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is one of the country's key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea and is an expert in cosmeceuticals and skincare. As an educator, Dr. Zeichner trains residents and medical students and regularly lectures to international audiences at the major dermatology meetings. His work has been published in top peer-reviewed dermatology journals and he has consistently been voted by his peers to New York Magazine's Best Doctors and New York City Super Doctors in the New York Times Magazine.
