10 Best Electric Shavers for Women of 2021 – WWD
If you’ve ever used a disposable razor, you know from experience these drugstore tools can only take you so far. In terms of delivering a silky-smooth finish, their quality and bathroom shelf-life is limited. And while manual razors guarantee a close shave, putting the blade to the skin (especially when said blade becomes dull) puts you at a greater risk for nicks and cuts. Luckily, there are alternative hair removal methods (besides stealing his razor), like waxing, lasering, or, keeping within the DIY family by switching over to an electric shaver.
Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the best electric shavers for women use perforated foil blades that are smooth on the outside and sharp on the inside. By creating a dual-blade effect, these devices allow the hair to become more exposed so you can remove it quickly and deeply from the root, thus delaying hair regrowth and prolonging the time in between your shaves.
According to NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, there are many additional benefits to using an electric razor as far as how the device removes hair from the skin, and this is especially true for those who are prone to ingrown hair growth, King tells WWD. “Ingrown hairs (skin-colored or red bumps that contain a trapped hair growing down into the skin) are more likely to occur when hair is curly, and/or when skin covers the area where hair is growing,” King explains. “Therefore ingrown hairs can be decreased by not shaving closely — for example, use an electric razor rather than a blade so that the hair, even at its shortest, is above the skin surface.”
As far as irritation goes, board-certified Miami dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology, Dr. Stacy Chimento recommends those with particularly sensitive skin also reach for electric shavers as they glide over the skin rather than give you the closest shave possible. “This means less irritation and no chance of cuts, as opposed to blades that scrape and damage your face or skin,” Chimento tells WWD. “To be clear, this does not mean that electric razors have no irritation. However, they are generally easier on sensitive skin.”
How To Shop For Electric Shavers
Foil or Rotary Shavers
There are two types of electric shavers: The first is foil shavers, which Chimento explains are “made with a thin curved metal foil that covers cutting blades.” The second is a rotary shaver which “uses circular blades and has three round heads that work to conform to your skin.” So which is the best electric shaver for women? Chimento tells WWD it really comes down to personal preference — that, and your skin type (i.e. rotary shavers are great for tough skin types or people with coarse beards and usually deliver a closer shave, Chimento says.)
Cord or Cordless Electric Razors
“Cordless razors provide convenience and freedom, however, you may have to charge them frequently,” Chimento tells WWD. “A corded razor will provide you with maximum power at all times, but you may not like having to spin up the cord and set it away.” Bottom line: This is another small detail that could make a big impact on your overall shaving experience.
Battery Life
Unfortunately, with electric razors, battery life is a huge concern so, do your research. “See how long you can use the razor while it is at full charge,” Chimento says. “The longer the battery life, the better.”
Dry or Wet Shave
The best electric razors for women do both. Plus, investing in a dual-action razor will ultimately benefit your skin as using a high-quality shaving cream or gel reduces the risk of skin irritation. King notes, “Some shavers are only suitable for dry shaving, which isn’t a good choice for skin that’s easily irritated. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to keep your shaver fully charged as wet/dry shavers can’t be operated while plugged in. They also require thorough cleaning.”
Cost
One of the perks of using manual razors is that they’re cheaper than women’s electric shavers in terms of cost. Conversely, cheap manual razors can also be (and often are) cheaper in quality. Ergo, if you’re switching over to an electric razor for women, you’re better off making the investment on a premium device.
“You want the razor to last as long as possible since one of the main benefits of an electric razor is not having to purchase disposable components,” celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross of SkinLab tells WWD over email. “Investing in one that delivers results and is long-lasting will be worth the extra money.”
Below, explore the best electric shavers for women that make shaving feel like less of a chore.
1. Philips SatinShave Advanced Women’s Electric Shaver
Best Overall
Made with hypoallergenic flexing foil to gently cater to sensitive skin areas, the Philips SatinShave Advanced Women’s Electric Shaver guarantees a close shave without any cuts, nicks, or irritation. Thanks in large to the device’s slip grip and four interchangeable accessories (including a trimming comb, soft glide cap, and efficiency cap), this top-rated electric razor is perfect for all skin areas, including hard-to-reach places, like the ankles, knees, underarms and bikini line. The foil device features pearl-tip trimmers to provide a closer, even shave without risk of irritation and can be used wet or dry. It also runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which delivers up to one hour of cordless use. And thanks to the battery indicator light that displays when it’s charging and the battery level, you’ll never be surprised by low power mid-treatment.
2. Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-870 Shaver
Best Women’s Electric Shaver for Sensitive Skin
Designed with a micro-grip tweezer technology to deliver 40 tweezers-worth of hair removal, the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-870 device helps you achieve silky-smooth skin and delay hair regrowth. Its ergonomic design and pivoting head allow for expert-level precision, helping you reach every hair without irritating or cutting your skin. The set comes with four attachment heads, including a massage cap to reduce any painful sensations, a trimmer cap for smaller, harder-to-reach areas, and a shaver head for extra sensitive areas. It also includes a Venus Extra Smooth Swirl Razor for additional grooming, while Braun’s SensoSmart technology uses red light to ensure the right amount of pressure is applied as it glides over the skin. The device can be used dry or wet, and the more you use it, the less painful the epilation becomes.
3. Panasonic Electric Shaver for Women
Best for A Full Bikini Area Shave
Not only does this beautiful women’s electric shaver from Panasonic look great on bathroom shelves, but it also delivers that silky-smooth finish you covet without leaving any nicks or scratches behind. Made with ultra-thin, hypoallergenic foil, the Panasonic Electric Shaver for Women has been engineered with a four-blade design to guarantee a precise shave. Its special features include a flexible head that moves with your body to create a close shave, a built-in pop-up trimmer (because small details matter), and a 5-length bikini comb attachment to help groom and shape your more sensitive areas. It’s also worth noting the razor is suitable for either dry or wet shaves and comes cordless (though 12 hours of charge only yields 21 minutes of use), making it one of the more travel-friendly options on this list. Amazon reviewers rave this electric shaver is “life-changing” and a “lifesaver,” especially for those who either hate shaving or are looking for a Brazilian-style shave in the comfort of their own home.
4. Schick Hydro Silk Perfect Finish Trimmer
Best for Facial Hair
A must-have in every grooming routine, the Schick Hydro Silk Perfect Finish Trimmer offers an extremely precise and close shave for your brow hair, facial hair, and bikini line. The electric shaver is an 8-in-1 device, featuring multipurpose attachment ends that include a face trimmer, an eyebrow comb and trimmer, a bikini trimmer and comb, a touch-up disposable razor, and a cleaning brush. Each purchase also comes with a beauty pouch to store it all. Note: This device is battery-operated, so you’ll want to have AA batteries at the ready should its power fizzle out. It’s also worth highlighting that this little but mighty electric shaver can be used in and outside the shower, depending on your preference.
5. Brori Electric Razor for Women
Best Battery Life
Boasting a sleek design and smart green hue, the Brori Electric Razor for Women is stocked with three high-speed, incredibly sharp razor blade made with hypoallergenic, 3D floating foil stainless steel that allows it to effortlessly and precisely shave your arms, underarms, legs, and bikini line. This workhorse is suitable for both wet and dry usage, and also has an LED light feature that illuminates your skin as it shaves to ensure you’ve gotten every hair. It sounds impressive because it is, especially when you consider Brori’s Electric Razor is a low-noise device (anyone who loathes that constant humming sound will love this pick). What’s more, this electric shaver is cordless and charges via USB (plug it directly into the wall or sit it on its station). One full charge yields a whopping 60 minutes of shave time (a significant amount compared to other models), so it’s an especially great option for frequent travelers.
6. Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver
Best Women’s Electric Shaver for Travel
Compactly sized and perfect for travel, the Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver is a three-blade electric razor that delivers a precise and close shave, thanks to its angled head and dual-trimmer design. Offering both wet and dry capabilities, its cordless and battery-operated functionality makes it ideal for quick touch-ups and fast shaving when you’re on the move. The unit even comes with a loop to hang it in the shower. Given its sleek design and high quality, it’s no wonder Amazon reviewers can’t get enough of this slightly more miniaturized electric razor. One reviewer dubbed Remington’s device “hair removal magic,” while another commented “so glad I took a chance on this inexpensive gem.”
7. Philips Bikiniperfect Advanced Bikini Trimmer Kit
Best Bikini Trimmer
The bikini area can be tough to tackle. This is mostly due to the fact that the skin is hyper-sensitive, making it extra prone to nicks and scrapes. Enter the Philips Bikiniperfect Advanced Bikini Trimmer Kit: a micro-shaver equipped with four trimming attachments that can reach hairs as short as .6 millimeters. Grooming your bikini line feels less like a chore with this device’s irritation-resistant, stubble-removing blades and precision comb that features five length settings. What’s also cool (and a little confusing) about this electric razor for women is it can also be used to reshape and define your brows. To reiterate, its specialty is removing hair down there, but it doubles as a trimmer for stubble on your face, too. Do with that what you will.
8. Conair Satiny Smooth Precision Trimmer
Another women’s electric razor created for easy touch-ups, whether they be on the face or body, the Conair Satiny Smooth Precision Trimmer helps remove unwanted hair from the upper lip, eyebrows, chin, bikini line, and more. Its all-in-one, lithium ion-powered design comes with a wide blade for full face and body trimming, as well as a nose/ear attachment for the more meticulous, hard-to-reach spots. The shaver also comes with two eyebrow combs to really make sure no hair is out of place. As far as whether or not the shaver is waterproof, users warn against getting the device wet. Rather, your best bet is to use it on dry skin and clean it with a small brush.
9. Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit
A hair trimmer and exfoliator all-in-one, the Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit features three attachment heads that create your silkiest, smoothest skin ever. Designed for speedy touch-ups around the body and bikini line, the device comes with a few different accessories to make a quick process even quicker on a time crunch. For example, the multi-faceted exfoliator head buffs away dead skin cells and preps the skin for shaving, while the hypoallergenic foil shaver head offers a closer trim. Its body trimmer glides over skin for swift, but accurate touch-ups while an adjustable length guide allows you to completely customize the experience. The device is suitable for in and out of the shower treatments and is powered by a single AA battery.
10. Finishing Touch Flawless Body Shaver and Trimmer
Adding a touch of luxe to your grooming routine with its 18K gold finish, the Finishing Touch Flawless Body Shaver and Trimmer is as aesthetically pleasing as it is highly functional. With its safety guard in place, the dry shaver delicately handles sensitive skin areas while delivering the utmost precision and closeness. An ideal shaver for hard-to-reach and easy-to-nick places such as the knees, ankles, underarms, and bikini line, it’s equipped with an LED light feature so you can see where you’re shaving. The device also comes with multiple trimmer attachments for touch-ups around various parts of the body. It runs on a rechargeable battery and comes cordless for travel convenience.
How To Use An Electric Shaver
It’s important to review how to use an electric shaver, because the process is a bit different than a disposable. To achieve the best results and truly reduce irritation while using an electric shaver, prepping your skin is essential. In fact, King recommends reserving a solid 10 minutes (at least) of prep time prior to shaving in order to properly soften the outer layer of skin. If you’re using a dry electric shaver, make sure to moisten your skin with warm water so that your hair is easier to shave. For those enlisting the help of a wet electric shaver, cover your legs in shaving cream to prevent friction between the razor and your skin.
When it comes time to remove hair, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jessie Cheung recommends applying “gentle pressure with the razor while holding your skin taut.” For a closer shave, glide the razor against the grain, Cheung continues, adding that if you have a foil shaver it’s best to move in short, back and forth strokes. If you have a rotary head, she says, “move in slow circles.”
Post-shave, make sure to follow up with a soothing and hydrating body lotion to calm your skin and lock in moisture. It’s also important to abide by some best practices beyond shaving days. This includes regularly moisturizing the skin and regular exfoliation.
Lastly, clean your electric razor. This can be done by simply rinsing it with warm, soapy water (keeping your fingers away from the blade as much as possible). Any remaining residue can be wiped clean with rubbing alcohol, King says.
With good care, blades of electric razors can last for months. However, Chimento tells WWD it’s hard to give an exact timeframe for when to replace your electric razor because it ultimately depends on how thick your hair is and how often you use your razor. “You should replace electric cutters and razor heads about once every 12 months,” Chimento estimates. “Make sure to look over your foil and blades to make sure there is not any noticeable wear to avoid more significant issues.”
