Even with the most popular handheld razor in the world, getting a super-close shave isn’t always easy. For one, making sure your blade of choice is sharp but not overly so is key, and you still might need to make a few passes to remove every hair. While there’s nothing wrong with a one-and-done tool, using one of the best electric razors makes it a breeze to upgrade your body-care routine.
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These devices are easy to handle if you’ve never used an electric razor before. Most are also rechargeable, waterproof, and battery-operated, as well as generally more gentle on the skin than traditional razors. And if you’ve heard that body hair grows back thicker and longer, professionals say it’s just a myth. “Shaving hair doesn’t change its thickness, color, or rate of growth,” board-certified dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson tells Bazaar.
Not sure which removal option is right for you? Keep scrolling for more on the best electric razors customers and experts are raving about, from Meridian’s ceramic full-body trimmer to Finishing Touch Flawless’s travel-friendly touch-up tool.
Pros
Easy to use
Waterproof
Includes globally compatible USB-C charging cable
Cons
Some reviewers say it may take a couple passes to completely remove hair
“I’ve used this best-selling wet or dry trimmer for months, and it’s quickly become one of my tried-and-true favorites,” beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson Davis says of this no-frills razor from Meridian. “The device is extremely easy to use, with or without the included trimmer guards, and uses a set of ceramic blades that minimize nicks and pulls. Plus, it even features a travel lock to prevent it from buzzing in your carry-on if you decide to take it with you on vacation.”
- Best for: a full-body shave
Customer review: “I have been so nervous about trying to tame down there for ages, and this finally made me feel comfortable enough to start! It’s great for both trimming hair I don’t want to shave and as a pre-shave step to make shaving so much easier.” —Claire
Pros
Waterproof
Rechargable
Includes up to five hours of battery life
Cons
Must lubricate blades every two weeks for optimal performance
One stand-out feature of this electric trimmer is its sleek design, which makes it easy to seamlessly shave hard-to-reach spots like the bikini area. The device also includes a trimming guard for expert-level customization.
- Best for: trimming hair in hard-to-reach areas
Customer review: “I use this on my bikini area and it’s amazing. I’ve been using it weekly for almost two months and I don’t think I’ll go back to waxing. It is not as smooth as waxing but cuts pretty close and is a smooth trim. Easy to use, easy to charge, and looks nice. Highly recommend.” —Diane
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Pros
Waterproof
Has an ergonomic design
Includes cleaning brush
Cons
Not ideal for tighter areas, like the armpits
This waterproof electric shaver has five rotating heads and a handle that seamlessly fits in the palm of your hand, making hair removal in or out of the shower easy and comfortable. The device also fully powers up in five hours flat and lasts up to a month on a single charge.
- Best for: quick hair removal
Customer review: “Super easy to use, fits in your hand well, and really quick. Totally recommend.” —Terene
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Rechargable
Features built-in LED light for added visibility
Cons
Can only be used on dry skin
This body razor uses 18-karat gold-plated heads to get rid of unwanted hair without assistance from soap, water, or lotion. Its ergonomic design makes it an excellent choice for both quick touch-ups and more in-depth removal.
- Best for: legs, arms
Customer review: “I’ve tried all of their products, and I’ve had a love hate relationship with most of them, but this one is their best one yet!!! I was upset because the new leg and the new underarm shavers are no good, but this one does it all!!! Cuts all hair types down to a super smooth shave!!” —Anonymous
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Pros
Includes seven accessories
Ergonomic
Cons
May not be ideal for those new to electric razors
Whether you decide to use this ergonomic shaver wet or dry, it’s easy to remove unwanted hair from your legs, underarms, and bikini area in minutes. Its comfortable handle has an antislip grip that comes in handy when shaving in the shower. Plus, the razor’s floating foil makes it a breeze to glide over your body’s curves and contours. The tool also nicely comes with a few helpful accessories, like exfoliation gloves to help prevent ingrown hairs from popping up and a safety cap for the back trimmer.
- Best for: hard-to-shave areas, curves
Customer review: “Say goodbye to the scratchy shave from an electric shaver. You can shave up, down, left, right, circles, any old direction you choose without irritation. The pearl tips just glide over your skin. I shaved my most delicate areas without any pinching, scratching, or cuts. Highly recommend to all you sensitive-skinned ladies out there. 100 stars!!” —Anonymous
Pros
Comes with AA battery
Tested by dermatologists
Easy to clean
Cons
May be too small to treat large areas
Here’s a small but mighty electric razor for the face that you can stash in your purse. It’s ideal for removing unwanted brow, chin, or upper-lip hair in a single pass.
- Best for: facial hair
Customer review: “The best part? You can use it on the go. It’s discreet, so now I can take care of my rogue ’stache in the car before a meeting, and no one will ever know. Plus, it doesn’t hurt at all.” —M.B.
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Pros
Rechargable
Cons
Some reviewers say battery life could be better
This wet and dry shaver from Conair uses hypoallergenic foils and floating trimmers that make it a no-brainer to trim your bikini line or underarms. And since the razor is also ergonomic, you can skillfully maneuver it around your curves without even the threat of a nick.
- Best for: shaving your body and face while sticking to a budget
Customer review: “This product was recommended for me. Once I used it, I shared my results and three more people purchased it.” —Angela
Pros
Works wet or dry
Whisper-quiet
Cons
Some reviewers say the device may pull hair
If you’re sensitive to loud noise, look no further than this coveted and quiet tool. The shaver features three blades that make it a no-brainer to trim hair on your arms, legs, back, and bikini line. It also uses a built-in LED light that illuminates any lingering stray hairs on hard-to-reach areas.
- Best for: illuminating hard-to-see areas
Customer review: “This shaver gave me such a perfect close shave! I used to get a Brazilian wax but it became too expensive. Straight razor was terrifying and had razor burns and ingrown hairs. I chose this one to try. So glad I did. I’d use the outside blade first, then go over again in different directions with the middle flat part, which gives an incredible close soft shave with no stubble! I’m very impressed.” —K. Cappello
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Pros
Easy to use
Great for travel
Cons
Battery not included
With nearly a five-star rating on Amazon, this popular cordless trimmer is a hit among beauty enthusiasts. It features razor-thin stainless-steel blades with rounded tips that make it simple to maneuver around sensitive and hard-to-reach areas. The tool also quickly rinses clean under running water for easy cleanup.
- Best for: precise trims, touch-ups, legs, armpits
Customer review: “Never used an electric razor before. Worked great and easy to use. Great for the bikini line for summer.” —Julia
Pros
Comes with three razor blade refills
Features battery-operated hair trimmer
Cons
Doesn’t feature an electric shaver
Not ready to totally ditch your hardworking manual razor? Upgrade to this hybrid shaver, which features a five-blade manual razor enhanced with a hypoallergenic serum and a battery-operated pubic hair trimmer that can be used in and out of the shower.
- Best for: manual shaving and bikini-line trimming
Customer review: “Very happy with my purchase. Both silk trimmer and shaver work very well, and neither irritates my skin.” —Monica R.
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Meet the experts
- Lawrence E. Gibson is a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota.
What’s the best way to use an electric razor?
First, be sure the electric razor is fully charged. For dry shaving, simply run the shaver over clean, dry skin to remove hair. In the shower, you can use shaving cream for added hydration and slip. Again, be sure to read the directions on your product for any additional things to know before shaving.
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Which electric shaver provides the closest shave?
The great thing about electric razors is how they provide a close shave, both in and out of the shower. As for which model to use, it depends on which area of the body you are shaving, although many of the razors listed above can be used on the legs, underarms, bikini line, and even the face. Some do have different attachments for different areas of the body, so be sure to read the directions to ensure you’re using them correctly.
Looking for more Bazaar-approved hair-removal tools?
- The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, According to the Pros
- The Best Razors for Sensitive Skin—Because Everyone Deserves a Close Shave
- The Best Bikini Trimmers for Touch-Ups, Trims, and More
- The Best Dermaplaning Tools for Easy Exfoliation
- The Best Laser Hair-Removal Devices to Shop on Amazon
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.