When you want velvety-smooth skin in an instant, shaving is usually your best option for easy, salon-free hair removal. But let’s be honest: Shaving can be a stressful experience, thanks in part to the constant concern that you might end up with a few nicks and cuts along the way. And when you’ve got somewhere to be in a few minutes (hello, last-minute date night), there’s no time to waste worrying about shaving-induced gashes on your legs and other super sensitive areas.

The key to ensuring a close, long-lasting shave? Finding the right razor that’s functional and effective. The best razors for women bring together the best of both worlds — seamlessly transitioning from legs to underarms to the bikini line while also eliminating every single bit of hair, right down to the razor’s edge.

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Good razors for women feature ergonomic handles and rotating heads, making them true multipurpose hair removing tools. And many new razor designs have built-in moisture ribbons and serums to promote smoothness, softness and hydration for your skin.

The Different Types of Razors for Women

Women’s razors are typically made for the body, although there are face shavers available that are intended to remove facial hair. Meanwhile, most men’s razors are actually designed for the face or beard region.

Since women’s razors are tailored for body parts and shaving thinner hair, they often feature a more rounded head to work around certain curves and contours, like the armpit or back of a knee. As for men’s razors, their more angular heads are designed to optimally cut through thick facial hair and are best for the edges, like the jawline.

Both men and women’s razors include anywhere from one to six blades.

What to Look for in the Best Razors for Women

When shopping for a razor, women should prioritize the quality and quantity of the blade(s), along with their skin condition. “Single blades give you a smooth shave with less friction,” says Jasmine Lewis, licensed esthetician and founder of Vie Beauty. “Multi-blades can lead to more ingrowns and razor burns.”

It’s also important to consider the differences between manual razors and electric razors for women. Manual razors allow you to get the closest shave possible and are usually cheaper than electric razors. However, electric razors are convenient and fast, and you don’t necessarily have to apply shaving cream or prep your skin before shaving.

“Simply grab your electric razor, make sure you are dry, and you will get a smooth, close shave,” says Annie Gonzalez, board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. “There are also electric razors you can use under wet conditions, so you have that option if you prefer to shave in the shower. Electric razors cut hair more slowly than manual razors to avoid cutting skin. In other words, you can achieve a close, good shave without irritation, cuts or nicks.”

The Best Ways for Women to Shave With a Razor

According to Brooke Jackson, a board-certified dermatologist and author of “Skincare for Runners: Tips and Tricks for the Everyday Athlete,” there are a few best practices when it comes to shaving with razors or bikini razors.

Do not shave dry skin. “If you shave in the shower, a warm shower will hydrate hairs and allow them to stand up, giving you the ability to get a closer shave,” Jackson says.
Shave with a new sharp, clean blade and change blades whenever they start to get dull.
Shave using a shave cream or gel so the blade will glide easily. You can also use your hair conditioner in a pinch.
Shave down or up, never sideways, and be sure to pull skin taut to achieve a smooth shave.
Avoid shaving any body part that’s already irritated.
Don’t go over the same area more than once.
Let your razor dry before next use. “Do not put a cap on a wet razor as that will increase the chance of bacterial growth,” Jackson says. “Warm shower plus moisture plus a closed container equals trouble.”

How to Prep Skin Before Shaving With a Razor

Prior to shaving, spend about ten minutes in warm water to help soften the outer layer of skin, making it easier to remove hair and decreasing the risk of razor burn, advises Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

“It’s also helpful to gently and lightly exfoliate with a warm, wet washcloth or a gentle moisturizing scrub, like Dove’s gentle exfoliating body wash,” King says. “It includes gentle exfoliants to help wash away dead skin, which helps to release any ingrown hairs stuck under the surface of dead skin prior to shaving.”

How to Achieve Silky Smooth Skin After Shaving

Exfoliate your skin after shaving or use an aftershave to help prevent ingrown hairs or razor burn. Then, apply a hydrating lotion or oil, such as vitamin E oil. You can also apply a cool compress after shaving to reduce inflammation and relieve irritation. If your skin gets irritated from fragrance, check that product’s ingredients list.

“Search for products that do not contain alcohol, as a high level of alcohol in products may cause the skin to feel dry or itchy,” says Gonzalez. “Make sure to moisturize after shaving. If you do not moisturize after shaving, the skin will be dry, which often leads to itching.”

Ahead, check out the 12 best razors for women to shop right now.

Billie Razor Starter Kit

Best Razor for Legs

This razor has blades that are nickel-free and rust-proof, which is helpful if you always forget to dry off your razor after each use. Additionally, it features a cushion of charcoal soap that works like a soft skin buffer, while simultaneously cleansing and removing hair. The ergonomic, slip-proof rubber handle helps you reach any spot with ease, and the magnetic shower holder makes for the ideal shower storage solution.

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Billie The Razor Starter Kit $10 Buy Now

Athena Club Razor Kit

Best Razor for Pubic Area

Jackson is a fan of this handy kit, which is available in an array of hues for a cute touch. Each kit comes with two five-blade cartridges, one ergonomic razor handle and one magnetic hook for easy storage. “You may need to change blades more frequently as pubic hair is more coarse,” Jackson advises. “Or consider laser hair removal — it can be life changing.”

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Athena Club The Razor Kit $9 Buy Now

Gillette Venus Sensitive Deluxe Smooth Razor

Best Razors for Women With Sensitive Skin

This razor has a special moisture strip with aloe for a gentle shave and is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It has a five-blade razor that provides a smooth shave without irritation. “I personally love the smooth sensitive razor from Gillette Venus,” says Taylor Worden, celebrity esthetician and founder of Taylor Worden Skin. “Always with sensitive skin, you should use shaving cream and change your blade often, or have a razor that has a moisturizing strip on the blade.”

Gillette Venus Sensitive Deluxe Smooth Razor $19.99 Buy Now

Schick Hydro Silk Touch-up Razor Set

Best Razors for Face

These three facial razors help remove fine hairs from sensitive facial areas, including the upper lip, chin cheeks and eyebrows. They’re perfect for quick, last-minute touch-ups before you head out the door. Plus, you can also use them as an exfoliation tool to reveal a smoother, more glowing complexion.

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Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Razor Set $7 $3 Buy Now

Philips Satinshave Electric Shaver

Best Razor for Bikini Area

The bikini area requires extra care, which is why this shaver from Philips is a dermatologist favorite. It effortlessly moves across all skin areas to achieve a smooth, close shave. Its hypoallergenic flexing foil blades feature peal tip trimmers for a safe at-home hair removal experience, working to prevent irritation, razor burn and nicks. With a one-hour rechargeable cordless function, you can move freely without worrying about a battery suddenly dying and needing to be replaced.

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Philips Satinshave Electric Shaver $49 $34 Buy Now

Panasonic Electric Shaver

Best Razor for Armpits

Armpit hairs can be stubborn little things, so you need a razor that’s sharp enough for a super-precise shave yet delicate in dealing with that sensitive underarm skin. This shaver comes with three ultra-sharp blades that follow curves and contours with ease, offering a comfortable and quick shave. This two-in-one shaver and trimmer works as an electric wet-dry razor, so it can also be used on the legs, arms and bikini area.

panasonic, best razors for women

Panasonic Electric Shaver $29 $19 Buy Now

Gillette Fusion 5 Men’s Razor

Best Men’s Razor for Women

“This one is great for women, too,” Gonzalez says. “You’re almost guaranteed a close shave and a longer, lingering fresh-shaved feeling, since men’s razors are precisely designed to cut and groom coarse, thick facial hair. The blades also tend to last longer before getting dull — possibly because they’re more tightly-packed.”

Gillette Fusion 5 Men’s Razor

Gillette Fusion 5 Men’s Razor $17 Buy Now

Gillette Venus Platinum Extra Smooth

Best Ergonomic Razor for Women

With a water-activated moisture ribbon, this razor is easy to grasp and ideal for dry, sensitive skin. “Look for a razor with multiple blades to disperse the pressure, and for a pivoting head that will adjust to all your body’s curves,” says King. “And, look for soothing strips to help protect the skin and an ergonomic handle that fits your hand.”

Gillette Venus Platinum Extra Smooth

Gillette Venus Platinum Extra Smooth $22 Buy Now

Well Kept Safety Razor

Best Single-Blade Razor

Single-blade razors tend to come with the reputation of being a bit fancy, and this one is no different. Made from solid brass (and no plastic), this single-blade razor has a double-edge platinum blade that offers a precise shave every time. With this eco-friendly alternative, you can still use your preferred shaving cream or gel. The handle has expertly placed grips, ensuring peak functionality.

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Well Kept Safety Razor $82 Buy Now

Solimo 5-Blade Razor

Best Affordable Razor for Sensitive Skin

This razor contains a lubricating strip with a sensitive skin formula made out of botanical oils, delivering an extra moisturizing experience. The botanical oils help the razor glide over the skin for a smooth shave. And at under $10, it’s a bargain that’s tough to beat.

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Solimo 5-Blade Razor $17.90 $18 Buy Now

Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor

Best Shaver/Trimmer Combo

This two-in-one shaver and trimmer includes a flexible five-blade razor that moves along your body intuitively, offering a super close and even shave. Another selling point? Its built-in, four-setting trimmer, which takes all the guesswork out of bikini hair maintenance. For added TLC, it features a moisturizing ribbon that works to pamper and hydrate skin for up to two hours after shaving.

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Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor $19 Buy Now

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The 12 Best Razors for Women That Leave Your Skin Velvety-Soft

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The Different Types of Razors for Women

What to Look for in the Best Razors for Women

The Best Ways for Women to Shave With a Razor

How to Prep Skin Before Shaving With a Razor

How to Achieve Silky Smooth Skin After Shaving

Billie Razor Starter Kit

Athena Club Razor Kit

Gillette Venus Sensitive Deluxe Smooth Razor

Schick Hydro Silk Touch-up Razor Set

Philips Satinshave Electric Shaver

Panasonic Electric Shaver

Gillette Fusion 5 Men’s Razor

Gillette Venus Platinum Extra Smooth

Well Kept Safety Razor

Solimo 5-Blade Razor

Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor

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