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Byrdie / Alli Waataja
It’s no secret that hair removal can be a frustrating, irritating (literally and figuratively), and costly experience. Regardless of the method you chose, there are bound to be pros and cons. And if you choose to shave, then you’re likely familiar with razor bumps, burning, and irritation. The good news is razor designs have come a long way in recent years, and there are plenty of great options on the market that deliver smooth results without many of the irritating side effects. Licensed esthetician, Jodi Shays, recommends opting for a high-quality razor with disposable blades for getting the closest, smoothest shave, “This way, you’ll never use a dull razor blade.”
So, we put dozens of the most popular and highly rated razors to the test by having a group of testers take one razor home and use it in place of their go-to option. Each one was evaluated based on the performance of the blade and lubrication strips, the grip and handle, overall efficacy, and the skin’s look and feel. Ahead, find the best razors tested by Byrdie.
Best Overall
Joy Razor Handle and 2 Blade Refill Cartridges
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Walmart
Blades are sharp and don’t dull after a few uses
Razor comes with two refill blades
Handle has silicone grip which makes it comfortable and easy to hold and maneuver
Provides incredibly smooth shave
Affordably priced
Nothing
The best razors are sharp, easy to maneuver, have an easy-to-hold grip, and are affordable, and this one checks every box. While not the cheapest option we tested, it comes pretty close—and given that it’s extremely high-quality and comes with refill blades, we think the value is fantastic. It features five blades, a lubricant strip, and non-slip handle, and an ergonomic design.
Our tester raved about her experience using it, noting that the sharp blades were designed in a way that prevented her from cutting herself, something she often struggles with. She also adored the silicone texture of the handle, claiming it helped her to grip the razor and not have to worry about dropping it. It allowed her to get a close, incredibly smooth shave that minimized bumps, especially under her arms, making it a product she highly recommends.
Handle Material: Plastic, silicone | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 5
Price at time of publish: $
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Byrdie / Caitlyn Martyn
What Our Testers Say
“My legs feel so smooth! I also noticed my underarms feeling less bumpy, which I attribute to the lack of friction. I think the smoothness of the glide really helped prevent irritation and razor bumps from forming!” —Caitlyn Martyn, Commerce Writer
Best Overall Runner-Up
Billie Razor Starter Kit
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Amazon
Blades achieve close shave
Curved handle is easy to grip
Lubrication stripes provide a lot of glide
Kit comes with a razor handle, two blades, and a magnetic holder
Replaceable head is easy to swap, so much so that it tends to pop off
If you’ve done any research in the razor category, then chances are you’ve heard of Billie or seen their ultra-popular advertisements and products somewhere along your journey. And according to our tester (plus some of our editors), the brand is popular for good reason—their razor is excellent. It features five blades, a rubberized and curved handle that’s easy to grip, and lubrication stripes that make gliding it across the skin effortless.
In terms of the shave it provided, our tester with sensitive skin said it was great—it didn’t cause the usual bumps or irritation she gets, and it effectively removed hair in various parts of the body. She also appreciated that although she kept it in a wet environment over the course of the test, it didn’t rust, and the lubrication strips remained intact. Her one con is that while she appreciates the fact that it features a replaceable head, it seems to not be securely attached, which leads to it popping off from time to time.
Handle Material: Resin, rubber | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 4
Price at time of publish: $10
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Byrdie / Elena Garcia
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Byrdie / Elena Garcia
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Byrdie / Elena Garcia
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Byrdie / Elena Garcia
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Best Affordable
Flamingo Razor
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Flamingo
Weighted, coated handle is easy to grip
Blades provide a smooth shave
Ergonomic design is easy to use and aesthetically pleasing
Lubrication stips fade after a few uses
For less than $10, this chic, high-quality razor gets the job done. It has five sharp blades, a lubrication strip, and an excellent handle that’s weighted and coated to ensure it’s easy to hold and maneuver across the skin. If you struggle with shaky hands, the weighted component could be really beneficial for you.
Our tester with easily irritated skin said that this razor created a very smooth shave the first several times she used it, but the lubricating strip and blades did fade a bit over time, leading to a bit of friction. However, she explained that during the period that the blades remained sharp, her results were more smooth than usual. And considering that refill blades from the brand cost no more than $2, we think this razor is still a great option at a budget-friendly price.
Handle Material: Weighted plastic, non-slip grip | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 5
Price at time of publish: $8
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Byrdie / Avery Stone
Best Splurge
Oui the People The Single Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
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Oui the People
Single blade creates a very smooth finish
Weighted handle with indentations makes it easy to grip
Is gentle and effective on sensitive skin
Comes with 10 replacement blades
Swapping out the blade can take some learning and takes longer than other options
There’s no denying that this is expensive for a manual razor, but hear us out—we think it’s worth it. The stainless steel design has a nice weight to it which makes it easy to grip, the single blade is gentle and highly effective, even on sensitive skin, and the razor comes with 10 replacement blades, adding to the value.
At first, our tester was slightly intimidated by the setup of the razor, explaining that it’s different from other designs on the market and actually putting in the singular blade takes some getting used to. You need to unscrew the head of the razor to input the blade, which can be a bit confusing at first and slightly more time-consuming than other options. But once she mastered it, she adored her experience with this product. She explained that the singular blade created a precise, close shave and didn’t cause bumps, cuts, or other irritation on her sensitive skin. If you’re in the market for a razor with a handle that you won’t need to replace, that provides a close shave, and that creates impressively smooth results, we highly recommend this one.
Handle Material: Stainless steel | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 2
Price at time of publish: $85
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Byrdie / Avery Stone
What Our Testers Say
“It glides over the skin and leaves a very smooth finish. For example, one time, I shaved one leg with this razor and the other with a more traditional competitor, and the finish was smoother with this one.” —Avery Stone, Associate Commerce Editorial Director
Best Facial Razor
Tweezerman Facial Razor
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Target
Blade is sharp and sturdy
Weighted handle makes it easy to maneuver on the face
Provides an extremely close shave
Handle could be more ergonomic to allow for a better grip
Blade is so sharp that it can be slightly irritating on sensitive skin
If you have peach fuzz or hair growth on your face that you want to get rid of, and shaving is your hair removal method of choice, we highly recommend opting for a razor that was created specifically for the face. This one is very highly rated, so we’re not surprised that our tester had a really positive experience with it.
She explained that because the blade is extremely sharp, she had to be extra careful, but it worked beautifully to thoroughly remove hair. While she didn’t find the handle to be the most ergonomic in terms of shape, the weighted component made it easy to use. After removing the hair, her skin was left looking and feeling soft—it provided an extremely close shave.
It’s worth noting that while many facial razors are meant to be used on clean, dry skin, the brand recommends using this one on moisturized skin or while washing your face. This can help to prevent irritation.
Handle Material: Metal | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1
Price at time of publish: $19
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Riyana Straetker
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Byrdie / Riyana Straetker
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Byrdie / Riyana Straetker
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What Our Testers Say
“My skin feels very smooth and soft. It's definitely the "closest" shave I've gotten on my face thus far.” —Riyana Straetker, Product Tester
Best Bikini Line Trimmer
Panasonic Bikini Shaper and Trimmer ES246AC
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Amazon
Clipper head is adjustable to achieve desired level of trim
Design is small and easy to hold
Works quickly and effectively
Not waterproof
If you tend to grow your hair out a bit longer before removing it, opting for a trimmer is a great choice, as it makes removing longer hair easier than it would be with a razor. This affordable trimmer is compact and easy to hold, adjustable so you can customize your level of trim, and gets the job done quickly.
Along with appreciating the small design and the affordability, our tester liked how quickly and accurately it removed her hair. While it doesn’t provide as close of a shave compared to using a razor—this is the nature of trimmers—she said she was really pleased with the results. Her skin felt pretty smooth, and it didn’t create irritation.
One thing to note is that it’s not waterproof, so be careful not to submerge it in water or use it in the shower.
Handle Material: Metal | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1
Price at time of publish: $14
Best Electric
Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer
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Bush Balm
Comes with guard and can be adjusted to three settings
Design is easy to hold and control
Can be used to trim and create a close shave
Comes with a lubricant, cleansing brush, and a rechargeable battery
Waterproof
Can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin
This trimmer is a fantastic option if you’re looking to trim the hair in your bikini area, underarms, and really anywhere that you want to get rid of longer, thick hairs. This one can be used to trim, groom, or remove body hair, and it comes with a guard that can be used to achieve different levels of trimming. It’s also waterproof, has up to five hours of battery life, and comes with a USB cord for charging.
Our tester was hesitant about using this product because she had never used an electric trimmer before, but she was really happy with her experience and pleased with how easy it was to use. It gave her a close shave when she didn’t attach the guard, and she didn’t notice any razor bumps or ingrown hairs after use.
While this trimmer didn’t cut or scratch our tester, some online reviewers say they struggled with that a bit. We recommend applying minimal pressure and starting in the least sensitive area until you get used to using the tool.
Handle Material: Plastic | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1
Price at time of publish: $65
Best Kit
Athena Club Razor Kit
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Athena Club
Sharp blades provide a very close shave
Kit comes with high-quality handle, two razor cartridges, and a magnetic hook for storage in the shower
Weighted handle with non-slip grip makes it easy to hold
Affordably priced
Lubrication strip doesn’t add much moisture
Super sharp blade needs to be used with shaving cream or lubricant
Razor kits are nice because they take the hassle out of constantly having to repurchase new razors or blades. We love this one because it’s super affordable, comes with refill blades and a magnetic hook for storage, and the razor itself allows for an incredibly close shave. It also comes in tons of adorable colors, which is an added bonus!
As for the performance, our tester had a lot of positive things to say about it. First, the blades are extremely sharp and create a very close shave. She appreciated this, though she did note that she believes the intensity of the shave lead to more dry skin than usual. Just be sure to moisturize after shaving to combat this. She also noted that the lubricating strip, which is a hyaluronic acid serum strip, didn’t do much in terms of helping the razor glide, and she highly recommends using a shaving cream with this razor. In combination with shaving cream, she loved the results, saying her skin felt incredibly smooth and there was absolutely no hair left behind. Considering how affordable the kit is and how effective the razor is, we can’t recommend this one enough.
Handle Material: Aluminum base, silicone handle | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 9
Price at time of publish: $9
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Byrdie / Roxanne Allen
Final Verdict
Our most-loved women’s razor is the Joy Razor. It’s affordable, features sharp blades and a sturdy handle, and yields incredibly smooth results. If you want to splurge on one that will last you for the long haul, you can’t go wrong with the Oui the People The Single Sensitive Skin Razor. But if you’re in need of a razor specifically to remove hair on your face, we recommend the Tweezerman Facial Razor.
How We Tested
After reading the manufacturing directions on the package of the product they tested, each tester used their razor at home at least twice a week in the areas they like to shave over the course of two weeks. Throughout the process, they evaluated their razor based on performance of the blade and lubrication strips, the grip and handle, overall efficacy, and the skin’s look and feel. Those that scored the highest appear on this list.
Other Options We Tested
Leaf The Leaf Razor
Though this weighted razor is chic and has an easy-to-grip handle, our tester found that she was more prone to cuts and irritation when using this one as compared to her usual go-to razor.
Schick HydroTrim Razor
This dual-ended razor and trimmer is absolutely innovative but our tester found that the shape of the tool felt awkward to hold and maneuver, and she said that the trimmer pinched her skin a bit.
Truly Life Shaver Starter Razor
We love that this cute pink razor has a flex-grip handle for adaptability, but our tester explained that the blades weren’t super sharp, and they were really difficult to clean after each swipe, making the process of saving challenging and time-consuming.
Meet the Expert
- Joshua Ross is an esthetician and celebrity facialist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. He is also the founder of SkinLab, a Los Angeles beauty boutique offering a range of cosmetic services for the face and body.
- Jodi Shays has been a licensed esthetician in California for 20 years. She is the owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa in Culver City, which offers treatments from waxing, facials, tanning, and more.
What to Look for When Buying a Razor
Number of Blades
You’ll find that razors come with anywhere from one to six blades, and while a certain number isn’t necessarily better or worse, there are some things to consider. Generally, razors with more blades tend to cover larger surface areas and get a close shave quickly. With several blades, the first one pulls the hair back, and the rest cut the hair and shave the skin, which can lead to ingrown hairs and irritation if you have really sensitive skin. Single blades tend to cut the hair without shaving the skin, which is usually less irritating. Just beware when using a single-blade razor; it can take some practice to avoid cutting yourself. If you have sensitive skin and want to invest in a razor with a singular blade, go for the Oui the People The Single Sensitive Skin Razor.
Handle
Razor handles can be made of plastic, aluminum, steel, or another type of metal and often have rubberized components for a better grip. The grip of a razor is important, says Jodi Shays, as this will prevent it from slipping out of your hands while shaving, which can result in nicking the skin. She adds that an ergonomic handle is ideal, as it'll feel more comfortable in your hand while reducing strain at various angles. Better still, look for a razor with a weighted handle for ultimate balance and control—this will also be super helpful if you have shaky hands. Our favorite razor with a weighted handle is Oui the People The Single Sensitive Skin Razor, or the Flamingo Razor for a more affordable option. If you prefer to buy a kit that comes with a razor featuring a weighted handle, go for the Athena Club The Razor Kit.
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Theresa Holland is a commerce copywriter specializing in lifestyle, wellness, and beauty. She considered numerous models from various brands, ultimately choosing options with high-quality designs and multiple notable features. We also tried some of the top-rated razors, our testers taking note of how close of a shave they produced as well as how well they prevented nicks, cuts, bumps, and ingrown hairs. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan-favorite razors plus esthetician-recommended picks to create this list.
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