There's nothing worse than trying to get a close, smooth shave and ending up with a bevy of angry, ingrown hairs and bumps. Unfortunately, it's happened to all of us at one point or another. The good news is you can avoid razor burns and nasty ingrown hairs caused by hair removal by using the right razor.
There are tons of "women's" razors out there, but don't let the name trip you up—women's razors are typically designed to cover a larger area (like legs) and are made to be used in the shower. That doesn't mean, however, that you can't use any razor that works for you to shave any part of your body. My favorite razor is actually labeled as a "men's" razor. There are plenty of things to consider when looking for a razor that shaves body hair—think number of blades, how easy it is to use, and of course, cost. I tested different razors and spoke to experts to get the lowdown on the best razors out there.
What should I look for in a razor?
While many people often think that a higher number of blades means a better razor, that's not always the case. "It is especially important to use a sharp razor that will get the job done in the fewest number of strokes possible," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist. "The more blades the razor has does not always mean the razor is better. When people are prone to razor burns or irritation, increasing the number of blades can lead to more friction and more chances of irritation." Garshick also recommends looking for a razor with an ergonomically designed handle that's easy to use. If you have sensitive skin, she notes that a lubricating strip might help minimize friction.
How often should I replace my razor blades and why?
It's important to switch out dull razor blades, as a dull blade is more likely to cause ingrown hairs or razor burn. "In general, disposable razor blades should be replaced about every five to ten shaves," says Dr. Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist. "Dull blades will not yield as close a shave and also carry a higher risk of nicking the skin."
How can I avoid ingrown hairs and get the closest shave possible?
Before you shave, Marcus recommends exfoliating skin with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. This will remove dead skin cells and ensure your razor is only shaving your hair, not getting clogged with dead skin.
After exfoliating, Garshick recommends cleansing the skin with a gentle cleanser. "[This will] wash away the dirt and reduce the chance of infection, and make sure skin and hairs are damp, which helps to soften the hairs and reduce the friction between the blade and the skin," she explains. Use a lubricating shaving cream or gel as you shave, and always shave in the direction of hair growth.
It's also important to maintain your razor blades. "Make sure to regularly clean your razor and avoid one that has already become dull," says Garshick. Change out the blades often to ensure a close, smooth shave every time. After you're done shaving, Garshick and Marcus recommend moisturizing your skin, which also helps reduce the chance of irritation and ingrown hairs.
Keep reading to find our vetted list of the best razors for women.
Best Overall Razor for Women:
This is the most easily maneuverable razor head imaginable. The pivoting head sits on a ball, which gives it the highest range of motion out of all razors on this list. Five blades and a moisture ribbon made with vitamin E help make sure your skin stays soft.
Pros: Easy to maneuver, wide range of motion, five blades
Cons: Handle may be hard to grip
Customer review: "These razors are great. Not only do they cut closely while leaving my legs razor rash free, [but] they leave my legs feeling extra smooth. I will never buy another type of razor again."
Best Razor for Preventing Ingrown Hair:
If you've never used a single-blade razor before, let me warn you: there is a bit of a learning curve. I had to watch a Youtube video for how to put this razor together, and my first experience shaving with it resulted in a few nicks on my skin as I was applying too much pressure (it's perfectly weighted with the right amount of pressure needed, so any additional pressure is too much). Once you get the hang of this razor, however, it gives you a wildly close shave with absolutely no ingrown hairs or razor burn.
Pros: More sustainable, blades stay sharper for longer, prevents ingrown
Cons: Learning curve, heavy, pricey
Customer review: "If you're struggling with razor burns and ingrown hairs for years like I have, this will be a godsend for you! I've seen ads for this razor for a very long time, and I always doubted it until I was tired of not wearing tank tops in the summer or bikini bottoms and tired of trying everything but this razor! I immediately felt how smooth it was and did not see any immediate razor burn in my bikini area or underarms. Makes me sad that women are advertised that 3-4 blades help with the closest shave as that is the complete opposite. This product is truly freeing for me, and I now look forward to shaving!"
Best Razor for Travel:
Anyone who has summer travels planned should get this razor immediately. It's super compact, which is not only adorable but also makes it easy to throw in a carry-on bag. The thick gel strips are water activated and essentially act as an on-the-go shaving cream for lubrication while you shave. Plus, even though they're tiny, they're still easy to use.
Pros: Easy to travel with, no shaving cream required
Cons: Travel-specific, only three blades
Customer review: "I really like this mini razor. It does have a case to put it in too. It's small enough that you can carry it in your purse, which is really nice."
Best Moisturizing Razor:
Outfitted with four blades and a thick moisturizing bar to keep the skin as moisturized as possible while you shave, this razor is perfect for anyone with more sensitive skin (and completely nixes any need for shaving cream). The moisturizing bar is infused with aloe vera to calm and soothe the skin while you shave. The head tilts up and down for easy maneuvering.
Pros: No need for shaving cream, four blades
Cons: Slightly bulky
Customer review: "My legs easily get razor burn, and this is the first razor that has eliminated it. Despite its bulky appearance, it shaves well on knees, behind knees, and all other tricky places. I am constantly forgetting to buy or bring shave cream, so this razor makes it super easy to be prepared."
Best Razor for Tricky Areas:
Made with a metal handle, coated blade made to mimic diamonds, and a lubricating strip to help make sure shaves are as smooth as possible. This razor is specifically designed to glide over a body's contours, so it's great for any tough-to-reach areas.
Pros: Easy to maneuver, five blades, a lubricating strip
Cons: Some may find it slippery
Customer review: "The first time I used it, I was amazed. It got all the stray hairs on my legs, around my ankles and knees. My legs were so smooth and hairless. It didn't disappoint ever."
Best Budget Razor:
This kit comes with everything you could possibly need. It has a magnetic hook that uses adhesive to stick in your shower, two razor blades, and the razor itself, all for $10. Five blades infused with shea butter and hyaluronic acid help ensure a clean shave.
Pros: Budget-friendly, five blades
Cons: No lubricating strip
Customer review: "I'm really impressed with this razor. It's the best I've ever used, and I love how affordable it is while still being high-quality."
Best Razor for Sensitive Skin:
One of the best things about this razor is how easily the five-blade head pivots both side to side and up and down, so you can reach every area of your body. It's also infused with a hypoallergenic hydrating serum made with aloe, shea butter, and coconut oil, and the innovative curved handle is easy to hold, even in the slipperiest shower.
Pros: Good for sensitive skin, hydrating strip, pivots, five blades
Cons: Might be a bit bulky for some
Customer review: "I have very sensitive skin that gets itchy and red when shaving with certain razors, even when I use shaving cream and more so in certain areas. This was very soothing against my skin."
Best Razor for the Closest Shave:
I started using this razor years ago in lieu of traditional women's razors, and I've never looked back. This "men's" razor gives the closest shave possible, and is great for hard-to-reach areas like the bikini line. Five blades and a lubricating strip help ensure the smoothest, silkiest skin after use.
Pros: Easy to maneuver, five blades, lubricating strip
Cons: Not made specifically for shaving body hair
Customer review: "These razors are amazing! These are the only razors I'll ever use. Leaves my skin so smooth and soft after each shave!"
Best Smoothing Razor:
I was surprised by how much I liked the Billie razor the first time I tried it—it provides an incredibly smooth shave thanks to aloe shave strips and a five-blade razor head. The shave you get from Billie razors is almost so smooth that it feels unreal, but it's unparalleled for the price.
Pros: Easy to maneuver, surrounded by aloe-infused shaving soap
Cons: Moisture strip can get sticky
Customer review: "Love this brand so much! My favorite razor. [I] love that it is five blades and is so smooth on my skin. [It's] also super cute and amazing price point!"
Best Dermaplane:
Once I started dermaplaning my face, I've never turned back. This is my favorite tool for the closest, smoothest dermaplane. It works so well to take off peach fuzz and dead skin, and the surgical stainless steel blade is sharp enough that you only need one pass. My skin looks more radiant every time I use it.
Pros: Removes hair in one pass
Cons: Only for facial hair, pricey, sharp
Customer review: "Professional grade. Way better than the cheap dermablades. Feels like a professional dermaplane treatment as it gets every piece of dead skin and peach fuzz off."
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