Experts Love These Electric Razors for a Smooth, Clean Shave
Even for the most sensitive skin.
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If there’s a summer equivalent of Mariah Carey’s Christmas signal, “It’s time,” it’s probably the buzz of an electric razor. Since the sun is shining and our winter coats and boots will soon be replaced with bikinis and flip-flops, it’s likely that you're already thinking about all the ways to achieve smooth, hairless skin. Traditional razors or hair removal creams may work to get a clean shave, but they can often cause irritation, ingrown hairs, scratches, or cuts.
Electric razors, on the other hand, provide a quicker, more comfortable hair removal experience, making them perfect for sensitive skin—even though it might take a bit more time to see results. “Manual razors cut hair closer to the skin surface, but also have increased risk of skin irritation, abrasions, and ingrown hairs,” says Dr. Sara Hogan, dermatologist at the Luxe Dermatology Center in Washington D.C. “Electric razors cut the hair follicle as it passes through moving blades, like a pair of scissors. They do not cut hair as close to the skin, so multiple passes may be needed to feel smooth or clean-shaven. Irritation, abrasions, and ingrown can still occur, but less so when compared to manual razors.”
Best Budget Electric Razor
Philips Beauty SatinShave Essential Women’s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver
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Below we rounded up the top 10 electric razors on the market according to experts, ELLE editors and customer reviews. So, if you’re ready to show a little bit of skin this summer and don't want to worry about stubble or unsightly irritation or ingrown hair bumps, these razors are a worthwhile option to try out. Keep scrolling to see our selections.
Philips Beauty Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000
Pros
- Rounded trimmer aids in a smoother shave
Cons
- Some say it takes a long time to charge
This Phillips shaver comes with seven different attachments for an ultra-customizable shave. The rounded trimmer surrounding the shaving foil helps ensure the smoothest shave possible by helping the razor glide over skin. It also has a grippy handle that’s optimal for both wet and dry shaving.
Attachments: Trimmer head, trimming combs, skin stretcher cap, soft glide cap, exfoliation glove, and pouch
Amazon review: 4.3/5
Our expert says: “I like this one the best. The round trimmer design causes less skin irritation than other electric razors I have tried. The attachments, which include a skin stretcher cap for longer hair and a trimmer cap for areas needing a closer shave, allow for all parts of the body to comfortably be addressed.” —Dr. Hogan
Philips Beauty SatinShave Essential Women’s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver
Pros
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Some reviewers say it loses charge quickly
For just $16, this electric razor is a steal. With an anti-slip grip on the handle and blades that work for all over the body, this razor is battery powered and easy to bring along with you anywhere.
Attachments: None
Amazon review: 4.3/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I was pleasantly surprised by how close this shaver shaves! Impressive! Easy to use and much better for me than a razor. I tend to nick the veins on my legs with a hand razor. So this alleviates that for me. It does collect the hair on the body of the shaver, (probably static electricity) but I just use a Kleenex to wipe it off. I would buy it again. It's small enough that I can pack it on vacation if needed.”
Panasonic Close Curves Electric Shaver for Women
Pros
- Four blades ensure a close shave
Cons
- Some say it has a short battery life
With four different blades, this electric razor lets you get the closest shave possible. It’s also super easy to use, as it’s designed to shave both backwards and forwards. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can take it in the shower.
Attachments: Bikini attachment, travel cap, travel pouch, cleaning brush
Amazon review: 4.2/5
Our expert says: “This is a wet and dry shaver that you can actually take into the shower (a lot of electric shavers are not waterproof). The bikini attachment is helpful for hard-to-reach areas and the cordless charging stand is nice for travel.” —Dr. Hogan
With titanium-coated blades, this miniature razor is a powerhouse for its size. It has longer blades on the edges that trim longer hair, while the blades in the middle help you get super close to the grain.
Attachments: None
Amazon review: 3.1/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shaver is amazing! It cuts super close and has slowed down my regrowth. I have not gotten a single ingrown hair since I started using this. It is a must have for anyone needing serious hair removal!”
Finishing Touch Flawless Legs
Pros
- Easy to maneuver in hard to reach areas
Cons
- Reviewers say that it takes time to get skin completely smooth
Designed to fit in the palm of your hand, this four-headed razor can get hair in even the most hard-to-reach areas. Use it on your ankles, knees, and even your bikini area. LED lights help illuminate your skin so that you can see exactly where you’re shaving.
Attachments: None
Amazon review: 4.4/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I just tried this shaver for the first time and I am pondering the hours and hours spent shaving my legs over my lifetime. I could have added weeks on my life if I had one of these when I was younger and hairier! It is fast, efficient and easy to use. I’m buying them for gifts going forward.”
Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver
Pros
- Easy to take with you traveling
Cons
- Not good for close shaves
This cordless, on-the-go shaver is the perfect thing to keep in your bag for quick touch-ups or bring with you when you travel. Three blades help ensure a smooth shave, and it can be used both wet or dry.
Attachments: None
Amazon review: 4.1/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “It is best if your hair is longer, for it does not perform its best on stubble. I mostly use it for my legs when the hair is grown out from a couple of weeks and it cuts it down to the skin. it’s perfect if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to do a close shave!”
brori Electric Razor for Women
Pros
- Customizable for every body part
Cons
- Some reviewers say it loses charge quickly
This razor has a straight blade for larger body parts like arms and legs, a curved blade for underarms and the bikini area, and a floating foil for getting rid of stubble. It also has an LED light to guide your shave, and can be used wet or dry.
Attachments: Cleaning brush
Amazon review: 3.9/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “I promise you if you use it properly you will get optimal results. This is the only razor I ever purchased (and I purchased a lot) that did not give me as many razor bumps as some others do.”
Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning and Peach Fuzz Removal
Pros
- Removes peach fuzz and dead skin on the face
Cons
- Pricey
If you like dermaplaning your face but don’t love using a straight razor, the Dermaflash ensures that you can remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells without being too rough. This easy-to-use hair removal device gives you professional-quality dermaplaning results at home.
Attachments: None
Dermaflash review: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’m a big fan of dermaplaning at home, but I always manage to nick my face when I use a straight razor. This device takes out all of the guesswork and gives the same results without risking any safety.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE Beauty Editor
BaBylissPRO FXONE GOLDFX All Metal Double Foil Shaver
Pros
- Long battery life
Cons
- Pricey
If you want an electric razor that won’t lose battery quickly, this one’s battery life lasts for up to three hours. The foil head pivots as you shave, making it extremely easy to use.
Attachments: one battery can be used for every Babyliss shaver.
Amazon review: 3.8/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “My electric shavers have to be able to do a minimum of 30 shaves a day. I’m looking for power, I’m looking for battery life, I’m looking for the closest shave next to a straight razor as possible. This electric shaver is amazing.”
Pros
- Helps prevent ingrown hair
Cons
- Pricey
Bevel blades are made to repel dirt, oil, and buildup, which in turn helps prevent ingrown hairs. The blade is adjustable, so you’re able to customize your shave by turning a dial.
Attachments: None, adjustable blade
Bevel review: 5/5
A Bevel reviewer says: “I love Bevel! Best products on the market. Unmatched quality!”
What are the benefits and drawbacks of electric razors?
Instead of shaving hair against the skin, electric razors cut the hair like scissors. “This can sometimes be a safer option by potentially minimizing cuts and irritation of the skin,” says Dr. Karen Chinonso Kagha, MD FAAD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles. “Electric razors are often a good choice for people with sensitive skin or those prone to ingrown hairs.”
While electric razors are better to use on sensitive skin and to prevent ingrown hairs, there are still factors to consider when deciding if you want to use one. “Since the hair is not shaved as closely with an electric razor, shaving may need to occur more frequently,” says Dr. Hogan. “Electric razors are more expensive than manual razors, bulkier to pack for travel, and can be more difficult to use for trimming in certain areas of the body.”
How do you use an electric razor?
First, start with cleansed skin. With most electric razors, you can shave wet or dry. “If using a dry razor, towel dry, apply soft pressure and pass the razor over the skin,” says Dr. Kagha. “Electric razor systems are either rotary or foil, with most electric razors designed for women being foil. With rotary electric razors, the razor is moved in a circular motion to obtain the closest shave. For foil electric razors, the razor is passed in a back-and-forth motion.”
Dr. DiAnne Davis, a dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas, says that it’s best to shave in the direction of your hair, rather than going against the grain. This will prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
Meet the experts
Dr. Sara Hogan, Dermatologist, Luxe Dermatology Center, Washington D.C.
Dr. Karen Chinonso Kagha, Dermatologist, Beverly Hills
Dr. DiAnne Davis, Dermatologist, Dallas, TX
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed dermatologists to find the best electric razors.
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