Dermatologists say these trimmers are best to use on your bikini area (2025)

While shaving your bikini line is a deeply personal choice (it isn't actually necessary, of course), some people prefer to have hairless skin. Removing that hair can be a little complicated though, especially if you shave with a classic bikini trimmer or women's razor. 'Grooming hair in sensitive bikini areas needs to be strategic,' says board-certified dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD. 'The skin is sensitive in the pubic and groin area, so it's more prone to irritations and ingrown hairs from abrasive or rough devices.'

For this reason, bikini trimmers and bikini-specific razors can be a good alternative to traditional razors for removing unwanted hair while reducing harm to the skin, she says. 'They're also [ideal] for those with super sensitive or eczema-prone skin who are prone to razor burn-like rash,' adds board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD.

In addition to prepping your skin (more on that below), you will also want to make sure you have the right bikini trimmer for your skin. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you shop.

Power source

If you're not going to buy a manual razor, dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, says battery-operated is best. 'When you are working around the sensitive bikini area, the last thing you want is a cord to get in the way,' she explains. You can opt for trimmers that come with rechargeable batteries you can plug in and charge, or others that are powered by (usually) AAA batteries. 'Personally, I already have too many devices that need to be plugged in, so for a bikini trimmer, I’m more likely to opt for a battery-operated version,' Dr. Saedi says.

Read more: Best hair removal creams

Attachments/features

When it comes to attachments and features, Dr. Saedi recommends finding a razor that is personalized to your needs. 'If you are looking for a trimmer that will trim every last hair, look for a version that includes a smaller tip or a rotating head. This can help you clear out any strays.' If you're the type of person who prefers shaving in the shower, Dr. Saedi recommends also opting for a waterproof trimmer. You can also look for devices with an LED light, which helps light up hard-to-see places.

If a manual razor is your preference, you can expect a closer shave but a higher chance of irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you may benefit more from an electric razor with multiple attachments to shave hard-to-reach areas or a manual razor with one blade. Lastly, you can also pick out razors that include different trimming attachments. 'If you are particular on how long or short you like your hair, check out versions with an adjustable trim length to allow you to customize the length of the hair—typically anywhere from one to five millimetres.' Dr. Saedi says.

Weight

Since the bikini area is small and doesn't take too much time to care for, the weight of your razor comes down to personal preference, too, Saedi says. 'However, if you have any concerns about strain on your wrist or joints, a lighter device will be more comfortable.' On the other hand, a weighted razor may come in handy if you prefer shaving with only one pass over the skin. Weighted razors don't require as much manual pressure against the skin to get a close shave.

Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez consulted four dermatologists for their recommendations. We took their choices and put them to the test with the help of editors and an anonymous group of testers to narrow down the 9 best bikini trimmers for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Need help figuring out what to buy? Ahead, find the best trimmers and electric shavers you can shop right now, per expert recommendations.

Sometimes you want a trim without shaving your hair off entirely. With this electric razor from Gillette, you can do just that even without additional attachments. It's waterproof, and the head opens up, which makes cleaning the blade easy. Not to mention, it's on the smaller side, making it a great lightweight tool to take on your next vacation.

'As someone with sensitive skin, the last thing I want is a razor that tugs and pulls on my hair during the removal process,' says Talbert. 'With this razor, I can choose how close of a shave I want, which makes it a lot easier to avoid ingrowns and razor bumps.' While she believes that it's worth buying as is, she wishes it didn't require batteries. She also notes that it overheats from time to time, but still functions as it should.

This budget-friendly razor replaces the need for shaving cream thanks to a conditioning shaving gel bar that surrounds the four blades. The bar contains a moisturising blend of vitamin E and aloe vera, and it's also vegan and hypoallergenic, making it a popular option for people with sensitive skin.

'I’ve never used a razor with such a smooth, clean, close shave,' says assistant love and life editor Addison Aloian. 'It glides over the skin so easily on my legs, armpits, and bikini line—even on the thicker hairs on my body—without any shave gel or soap needed because the head is surrounded by a moisturizing bar with aloe.' She adds that while the build makes it easy to avoid razor burns or cuts, it's still pretty bulky, which can be hard to travel with. It's also worth noting that this razor doesn't have any additional attachments.

Sometimes the use of multi-blade razors can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. (The blades pull at the hair, potentially causing any strand that grows back to get trapped under the surface of the skin.) That's why this single-blade razor is a godsend for those with sensitive skin. Our testers found that it removes hair in just one to two swipes. The fact that it's weighted also eliminates the need to put additional pressure on the skin as you're shaving.

Some users experience less irritation with this razor than others because there's no need to pass over the skin several times for a smooth feel. Another nice feature of this razor: it's made with 100 percent recyclable stainless steel. One thing to note is that the corners of the blades are very sharp, which can increase the chances of getting cuts.

This cordless electric razor allows you to easily (and quietly) eliminate any body hair without causing irritation, sensitivity, or nicks. The high-speed blades can be used anywhere from your arms and legs to your back, armpits, and bikini line.

Not only does this razor come in a gorgeous sage green finish, but it also comes with a cleaning brush so you can keep it fresh between uses. The ceramic blade provides a long-lasting shave and reduces the chances of irritation—something our users with sensitive skin love.

This dual-ended shower must-have is a standard razor (with skin-hydrating properties) and a bikini trimmer in one—which makes it perfect for travel, as you’ll only need one tool instead of two. Beyond that, the bikini trimmer has four settings that make it easier to customize your results.

Gomez is also a huge fan of this razor. 'Honestly, if I could only have one razor on hand, it'd be this one. I love that it's an all-in-one tool that allows me to trim my hair down, and then flip it to the razor side to get a close shave.' The razor's blades are disposable, so you can swap them out once you think they're dull, which Gomez says happens a little too quickly. 'My only caveat with this razor is that in order for it to be effective on my coarser hair, I need to swap out the blades often. I probably get about two uses with each before it's time to dish it.' Still, it's a staple in her bathroom cabinet, Gomez says.

If you want a barely-there shave with a super lightweight razor, try the Gillette Venus Grooming Razor, which Aloian is also a fan of. 'Venus razors are a classic for a reason—I've been using them for years,' she says. "They provide a clean shave and have great cushioning on them, and you can't beat the price point."

The razor was tested by a dermatologist and gynaecologist, too, so you know you're in good hands. It has a rubber-like grip so you can feel in control while shaving, and a small head that makes it easy to get into the nooks and crannies of your pubic area. While Aloian loves it, another one of our other testers says she feels neutral about it, since shaving with it felt a little more time consuming to her than with other razors. 'It worked on my coarser hair, but it took a few tries to really get that hairless, smooth feel.'

• Dendy Engelman, MD, is a dermatologist based in New York City.
• Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specialises in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.
  

Here are the dos and don’ts of at-home bikini hair removal, followed by the best tools for the job, depending on your specific needs and goals.

Never dry shave.

Always use shaving cream, gel, or 'at least water,' says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City. She adds that doing so 'greatly reduces the chances of razor burn and irritation.' Find a cream-based shaving cream that, when applied to the skin, softens the hair and follicles so that when a razor goes over the skin, there is less irritation.

If you’re prone to razor bumps and irritation, exfoliate first.

Though shaving indeed exfoliates, those prone to irritation will benefit from exfoliating before shaving. 'It ensures that the hair can cleanly come out and will smooth skin texture, buffing away dirt that may be clogging your pores and causing inflammation,' Dr. Engelman explains. While it might sound a bit odd, using your facial products—be it a cleanser, toner, or peel—on your bikini region before shaving can be a great help, but there are also slightly more site-specific solutions.

Shave in one direction.

'Shaving in all directions increases the chance of razor bumps, irritation, and even ingrown hairs,' Dr. Engelman says. Her advice? 'Shave in the direction in which your hair grows. Shaving against hair growth gives you a closer shave, but the blunt-tipped end of hairs can grow back into the skin rather than up and out.' Don’t use a dull razor, either. 'A dull razor is more likely to cut you than a new, sharper razor,' Dr. Engelman explains. If you shave every day, the general rule of thumb is to change your razor every two weeks; if you shave every other day, you should change your blade every three weeks.

Remember to moisturize after shaving.

'It softens the hair and hair follicle, as well as the skin, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs,' Dr. Engelman notes. Your usual body moisturizer will do the trick, but if you feel like treating your bikini line to a little extra something special, try an aftershave balm. If you cut yourself or have post-shave irritation, Dr. Engelman recommends a standard facial toner. 'Look for formulas with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like aloe, witch hazel, allantoin, or willow bark,' she says.

If the idea of using a trimmer over a razor makes you sceptical, know that it's the better option. 'Bikini trimmers are very safe to use,' says Dr. Penzi. 'Rather than razors that cut at or below the skin surface, trimmers cut the hair above the skin surface. This lowers the risk of cutting yourself or introducing potential infection.'

When it comes to shaving, board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, says that the most important (and often overlooked) part of bikini hair removal is how you prep your skin, as well as how thorough your aftercare routine is. First, start by prepping your skin with an anti-bacterial wash. If you experience flakiness or buildup, Dr. Penzi suggests exfoliating.

Once you've cleansed and rinsed the area, start trimming in the direction that your hair grows. Just make sure that your trimmer is compatible with either dry or wet skin, depending on how you'd like to use it.

After trimming, Dr. Penzi recommends applying a fragrance- and oil-free lotion or cream to help prevent dryness or irritation. 'If you're especially prone to ingrown or irritation, see your dermatologist, who can prescribe you either a prescription antibacterial or anti-inflammatory lotion that can help combat these issues,' she says.

• The best eye creams for wrinkles our team has been loving
• Charlotte Tilbury Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery review
• The best dry shampoos to get you from sweat sesh to desk in no time at all