Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why trust us?
It’s time to upgrade from your disposable razor.
When it comes to hair removal, there are almost too many options between lasers, waxing, sugaring, threading, and of course, the easiest at-home option: shaving. The latter is a huge category on its own, including both manual and electric razors.
Manual razors use straight blades that are pulled along the skin to cut the hairs. They tend to give a very close shave, but applying too much pressure or shaving repeatedly over the same area can lead to irritation, nicks, and cuts.
"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, Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, tells Women's Health. “This can lead to visible or microscopic nicks or irritation for some people over time."
Here's where electric razors come in: "Electric razors are traditionally less irritating because the shave they provide is not as close," says Dr. Robinson. They're also arguably the more sustainable option and can be used without a shave gel.
Here are 10 of the best electric razors (in no particular order) based on reviews, effectiveness, and affordability. Each requires minimal effort and will leave your skin feeling extra smooth.
If you're looking for a cost-effective electric razor that gets the job done, here ya go. This is a foil razor that hugs your curves, especially your armpits and around your bikini area. It's totally waterproof so you can bring it into the shower with you.
A cute, compact razor is perfect for travel. It has a pretty impressive battery life, with two hours of charging giving you up to 100 minutes of shave time (not that you want to take that long!). Plus, it's easily chargeable on-the-go, thanks to the USB cord.
The classic Philips electric razor comes with four different accessories to ensure that you can shave safely, even in the tightest contours of your legs and underarms. It also includes a bikini trimmer attachment for those hard-to-reach spots.
A favorite of beauty editors and consumers alike, it 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 tweezers in its motor to provide a super close shave that keeps your skin smooth for weeks at a time. (Plus, it comes with a bonus Venus razor!).
Instead of taking a razor to your face for any hairs that pop up here and there, this Dermaflash device for at-home dermaplaning is a solid substitute. It helps gently exfoliate your skin by sloughing away dead skin and peach fuzz, leaving behind a super smooth canvas for makeup and skincare.
If you're the kind of person who prefers a quick and easy shave, (which, who isn't?!) this is the electric razor for you. It easily glides across your wet or dry skin without the help of any product.
For the people out there who are prone to missing a spot, this electric razor can give you a hand. It has an LED light to guide your shave in the right direction, and a super quiet motor too.
Bargain hunters, here's your pick: Toss this one in your shopping cart and then your bag for quick, simple touch-ups.
This adorable battery-operated shaver is ideal for wet or dry shaving. Its dual clipper blade is gentle on your skin and easy to use.
With up to five hours of battery life and a USB cord for charging, this sleek, waterproof trimmer removes hair quickly and quietly. It also comes with blade lubricant and a pre-wax shave guard making it easy to use on sensitive areas.
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 these best practices for a smooth shave every time.
Make sure your skin is well hydrated before shaving, because using an electric razor over dry, irritated skin can make matters worse, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Dr. Robinson adds that you should also use a gentle cleaner prior to shaving. She says it’s best to avoid fragrance or products known to cause irritation immediately before and after shaving.
……and in the direction of the hair growth, says Dr. Zeichner. Repeated strokes over the same area increases the likelihood of irritation and ingrown hairs.
Clean out that electric razor regularly.
But, avoid tapping the blades on the sink because it can damage the edge of the blades themselves.
"[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 to use a dedicated post-shave or aftercare lotion—a gentle moisturizer is just fine in these areas."
Aside from all that, Dr. Robinson recommends just making sure to follow any specific instructions on the product package — in other words, you should actually read the directions!