We Tested Dozens Of Electric Razors. These 10 Left Us Silky-Smooth With No Irritation. (2024)

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

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.

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, bikini 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.

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.

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 bikini 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.

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.

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 bikini 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 bikini area and offers a close, clean, and comfy shaving experience.

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.

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.

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 bikini 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

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