Buying guide for Best women’s electric shavers
If you want silky, smooth legs and underarms – and you’re tired of the nicks and razor burn often caused by manual razors – it’s time to consider an electric shaver. These handy devices make shaving a breeze, and they’re much easier on your skin than most disposable and reusable razors.
Choosing the right women’s electric shaver can be a bit hairy, however. With so many brands and models to choose from, how do you know which electric shaver is right for you? Luckily, we’re here to help.
At BestReviews, we want to be the first place you turn when seeking product recommendations and helpful buying guides. We don’t accept free products or manufacturer perks in exchange for a good review. Instead, we perform our own research, gather advice from experts in the field, and listen to feedback from owners of the product in question. That lets us give you the kind of accurate, unbiased, and useful information you need.
Why use an electric razor?
Perhaps you’re debating whether to make the switch from a disposable or reusable shaver to an electric shaver. Below, we outline the pros and cons of each shaving method.
Disposable or reusable razors
These render a close shave, and they’re typically quite inexpensive. There’s no need to charge them before use, and they are convenient for travel or your gym bag.
On the downside, you’ll need to toss your disposable razors (or replace the blades on a reusable shaver) after every few uses. This adds up to considerable expense and waste over a year.
You’ll also need to use shaving foam or gel, and you’re far likelier to get razor burn, bumps, nicks, and cuts from a manual shaver than you are from an electric shaver.
For your safety
Don’t share your electric razor with anyone else. Although the risk is small, there is a chance of transmitting infectious germs in this way.
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Electric shavers
These don’t render quite as close a shave as manual razors do, but they are far less likely to irritate or damage your skin, and they do provide a fairly close shave.
While the initial purchase price is higher, you save money overall compared to disposable or reusable blades.
You won’t need to bother with shaving cream or gel; you don’t even need to wet your legs or get into the shower to defuzz. And if you shave frequently, you’ll appreciate the quick, easy use of an electric razor. On the downside, you do have to charge the razor or change its batteries as needed.
We look at a lot of foil shavers in our research. These shavers have rotating blades underneath a thin strip of metal that cut hair.
We look at rotary shavers in our search for the best women’s electric shavers, but we note that most rotary shavers on today’s market are designed for men.
Some electric shavers can be used when wet; others can only be used when dry. We investigate each product and note whether it can be fully immersed in water.
We consider the ergonomics of each razor on our research list, keeping an eye out for comfort and maneuverability.
Consumers with sensitive skin want a razor that will be gentle on their skin. We think about this when evaluating products, noting which shavers are best for people with sensitive skin.
Since most electric shavers run on battery power, we place high value on shavers with a low-battery warning.
We appreciate quality electric shavers that come with an automatic shutoff feature. Once the razor is fully charged, the shaver turns off, which helps prevent battery damage.
Some electric shavers are designed for specific body parts, whereas others can be used on all body parts. We think about the intended purpose of each women’s electric shaver.
We research the battery life of each electric shaver. Batteries should last at least 30 minutes. Some last up to 90 minutes
Many of the top women’s electric shavers come with a carrying case to keep the shaver protected. We appreciate brands that include this helpful extra.
The two basic types of electric razors
Two basic types of electric razors exist on the market: foil and rotary. This applies to both women’s and men’s electric razors.
Foil shavers
Most women’s electric shavers are foil shavers. These devices have several rotating blades underneath a thin strip of metal mesh. As you glide the razor over your legs or other body parts, hairs poke through the mesh and are snipped away.
Foil-type shavers give a reasonably close shave.
Rotary shavers
These are the most common type designed for men, although there are also women’s models. They have three to five round “heads” covering rotating blades. The heads have some flexibility, allowing them to smoothly glide over your body’s contours.
Rotary-style electric razors don’t generally shave quite as closely as foil shavers, however.
Expert Tip
At least once per week, clean your shaver thoroughly. Remove the blade cover, and use the device’s cleaning brush or a small paintbrush to sweep away bits of hair or skin flakes.
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Questions to answer before choosing an electric shaver
Answering the following questions will bring you closer to choosing the best electric shaver for your needs.
Do you want a corded or cordless electric shaver?
Electric shavers with cords keep you tethered to one spot while you shave, but they don’t require batteries or lose power during use, nor is there downtime while the razor recharges.
Cordless shavers are convenient if you want to shave away from an electrical outlet, but you’ll find yourself recharging the batteries on a fairly regular basis.
Did you know?
There’s no need to press down hard when shaving with an electric razor. Gentle pressure and slow, even movements do the best job without giving you nicks or skin irritation.
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Do you want a wet/dry combination razor?
Some women’s razors are wet/dry, meaning you can use them to shave dry skin or take them in the shower or bath. For many women, shaving wet skin is a more comfortable experience. Be aware, however, that not every wet/dry electric razor is fully immersible. In fact, some are merely water-resistant – not waterproof – so check your razor’s instructions before taking it into the bathtub.
"When shaving with a foil-type razor, glide the shaver in up-and-down motions. If you are shaving with a rotary-head razor, move the device in small circles."
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Do you want a shaver designed for a specific body part, or do you want a multi-purpose shaver?
Some women’s shavers are specifically designed for use on one part of the body – usually the legs or bikini line. But many women’s shavers are designed for use wherever you need them – legs, underarms, bikini line, or another place you want to remove hair. Many multi-use shavers have a small pop-up blade for use on delicate areas such as the bikini line or armpits.
Expert Tip
If you’re shaving your bikini line, first use scissors to clip the hair as short as possible. After shaving, apply a soothing toner, not a thick moisturizer, to ward off bumps or razor burn.
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Electric shaver features to consider
Some common features you’ll encounter as you shop for an electric shaver include the following.
Low-battery warning
A low-battery warning lets you know when it’s time to recharge your shaver.
Automatic charge shut-off
This feature shuts the charge off once the battery reaches full power, thus preventing damage to the battery.
Caution
While a bit of shaving cream or gel before using your shaver in the shower is fine, never moisturize or use oil on your legs before shaving. Doing so could clog your electric shaver’s blades.
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Pop-up trimmer
This small attachment makes it easy to shave delicate or curved areas such as the bikini line or underarms.
Ergonomic design
Your shaver should be comfortable to hold and easy to use, even when it’s wet. An ergonomic design conforms to both your hand and your body, letting the razor glide easily without tiring your hand or wrist.
Expert Tip
While shaving, hold the razor at a right angle to your skin. This allows the blades to make full contact so you get a closer shave.
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Battery life
No one wants to be halfway through a shave when the battery runs out. Razors with longer battery life give you enough time to finish your shaving routine.
Cleaning brush
This handy tool makes it easy to clean the head and blades of your razor.
Case
If you want to travel with your electric shaver, you’ll appreciate a carrying case.
Did you know?
One big benefit of electric razors over disposable or reusable shavers: there is far less chance of developing ingrown hairs afterward.
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Tips for getting a close shave with an electric razor
No one wants to end up with stubble or razor burn after a shave. The following tips will help you get the smooth results you desire.
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Start by washing the area you’ll be shaving. Shaving over sweaty or dirty skin increases the risk of infection or irritation.
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Gently exfoliate your legs – or whatever area of skin you plan on shaving – with a washcloth or loofah. By removing dead skin cells first, you’ll get a closer shave, and your skin will look smoother and healthier.
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Shave against hair growth. Generally, this means you should move the razor in upward swipes on your legs, up and out on your underarms, and up and toward the sides of your bikini line.
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You might need to run the shaver over the same area a couple of times, but don’t go much beyond that to avoid irritation.
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If shaving in the shower, rinse your legs when you’re finished. If shaving dry, wipe them with a slightly damp towel when you’re done.
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Apply a gentle moisturizer to your skin to soothe any minor irritation or dry spots.
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Wipe your razor clean. If it’s wet, allow it to dry completely before storing it.
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Recharge your shaver’s batteries as needed.
FAQ
Q. How much do electric shavers cost?
A. Most quality women’s electric shavers cost between $15 and $25.
Q. Will an electric shaver irritate my skin?
A. An electric shaver is less likely to cut and/or nick your skin than a rotary razor. Still, it is possible that your skin could become irritated after shaving with an electric shaver. Follow the tips prescribed above to minimize your chance of skin irritation. Exfoliating and immersing the skin before shaving can help, as can the application of a soothing cream or ointment after the fact.
Q. What is the difference between a woman’s electric shaver and a man’s electric shaver?
A. The differences lie more in the design than the technology of the razors. The head of a woman’s electric shaver may have a slightly larger or rounder design in order to tackle large, curved areas such as the legs and bikini line. An electric razor designed for men may have more blades packed closely together, presumably because beard stubble is thicker and more stubborn.
As a woman, you could definitely use a men’s electric shaver if you wanted to, but you may have a slightly easier experience if you were to use a shaver designed specifically for your body and your needs.
Q. Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?
A. Many believe that shaving makes hair grow back thicker, but that isn't really the case. Cutting a hair gives the end more surface area than uncut hair, which can make it feel more course as it grows out.
