Even with the most popular handheld razor in your shower rotation, getting a super-close shave isn’t always easy. Whether you’re looking to go fully hairless or take a little off, using one of the best electric razors makes removal a no-brainer. Along with their high-powered capabilities, what sets these tools apart from their manual counterparts is versatility.
Featured in this article:
Most electric razors are not only easy to use but also rechargeable, waterproof, and typically more gentle on skin than traditional razors. Plus, the idea that body hair grows back thicker and longer after using one of these devices is just a myth, according to professionals. “Shaving hair doesn’t change its thickness, color, or rate of growth,” dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson tells Bazaar.
If you’re ready to give your standard razor the 2.0 upgrade treatment, keep scrolling to see the best electric razors customers and experts prefer, from Meridian’s ceramic full-body trimmer to RoseSkinCo.’s ergonomic 4D shaver.
Pros
Waterproof
Features an ergonomic design
Great battery life
Cons
May not be ideal for more compact areas
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: a close shave
Customer review: “Super easy to use, fits in your hand well, and really quick. Totally recommend.” —Terene
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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
If you’re looking for a no-frills electric razor, add this one from the experts at Meridian to your shopping cart. “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 the popular tool. “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, the trimmer even features a travel lock to prevent it from buzzing in your carry-on if you decide to take it with you on vacation. And if you prefer using a smaller shaving head, we suggest trying out the brand’s recently released Slimmer Trimmer.
- 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
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 in 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.” —K. Cappello
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Easy to use
Great for travel
Cons
Battery not included
With nearly a five-star rating on Amazon, this popular cordless trimmer is clearly 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
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Includes AA battery
Easy to clean
Cons
Can only be used on the face
Here’s a small but mighty electric razor you can stash in your purse to get rid of any lingering peach fuzz. The handy device also includes a smart light to help you easily target your chin, upper lip, and more.
- 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.
Pros
Waterproof
Rechargable
Features interchangeable head
Cons
May be too sharp for novice shavers
Counter-worthy aesthetics aside, Olov’s popular trimmer is simple, in the best sense, and a solid choice for any shaver. The rechargeable tool includes two blade guards, an epilator-style head for facial-hair removal, and a cleaning brush to dust hairs away from the ceramic blade when you’re done.
- Best for: bikini line or face
Customer review: “Just got this thing and I couldn’t be happier! The blades are incredibly sharp, and the cut is smooth and precise, with no pulling or irritation.” —Chaco
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
Waterproof
Includes an almond oil strip to soothe irritation
Cons
Some users say it’s not a single-pass shaver
Here’s a top-rated favorite with a dual-sided trimmer from Remington that makes it a breeze to remove unwanted body hair. Its four blades are hypoallergenic and waterproof, and can be used with or without shaving gel depending on your preference.
- Best for: legs
Customer review: “Gives a surprisingly close shave. Definitely not like a razor, but in a jam this works amazingly. Close enough and no water/soap needed.” —Dustin L.
Meet the experts
- Lawrence E. Gibson is a board-certified dermatologist and professor of dermatology at the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Looking for more Bazaar-approved hair-removal tools?
- The Best Bikini Trimmers for Touch-Ups, Trims, and More
- The Best Razors for Sensitive Skin—Because Everyone Deserves a Close Shave
- The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, According to the Pros
- The Best Facial Laser Hair Removal Devices to Shop Now
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
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, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.