TL;DR
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.
It’s no secret that hair removal can be a frustrating, irritating (literally and figuratively), and costly experience. Regardless of your chosen method, there are bound to be pros and cons. If you prefer to shave, you’re likely familiar with razor bumps, burning, and other forms of skin irritation. The good news is that razor designs have come a long way in recent years, and plenty of great options deliver smooth results minus the common irritating side effects. Licensed esthetician Jodi Shays recommends high-quality razors with disposable blades for the closest, smoothest shave. “This way, you’ll never use a dull razor blade,” she explains.
With that intel in mind, we tested dozens of the most popular and highly rated razors by having a group of testers take one razor home and use it instead of their go-to option. They evaluated each based on blade and lubrication strip performance, grip and handle, overall efficacy, and the skin’s look and feel after usage. Finally, we combined this insight with guidance from two experienced estheticians before naming these options the best razors.
Best Overall
Joy Razor
Blades are sharp and don’t dull after a few uses
Razor comes with two refill blades
Handle has a silicone grip which makes it comfortable and easy to hold and maneuver
Provides incredibly smooth shave
Some reviewers got shaving nicks
Handle Material: Plastic, silicone | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 5
The best razors are sharp, simple 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, a non-slip handle, and an ergonomic design.
Our tester, Caitlyn, 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. The razor also allowed her to get a close, incredibly smooth shave that minimized bumps, especially under her arms, making it a product she highly recommends.
Caitlyn | Joy Razor Tester
“My legs feel so smooth! I also noticed my underarms feeling less bumpy, which I attribute to the lack of friction,” she says. “I think the smoothness of the glide really helped prevent irritation and razor bumps from forming.”
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Billie Razor Starter Kit
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
Handle Material: Resin, rubber | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 4
The chances are you’ve heard of Billie or seen its ultra-popular advertisements and products. According to our tester, Elena (plus some of our editors), the brand lives up to the hype—its 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, Elena said it was great on her sensitive skin—it didn’t cause the usual bumps or irritation she gets, and it effectively removed hair from various parts of the body. She also appreciated that it didn’t rust during the test, despite the fact she kept it in a wet environment. Even the lubrication strips remained intact. Elena’s one con is that the replaceable head doesn’t seem to securely attach to the razor body, which leads to it popping off from time to time.
Best Affordable
Flamingo Razor
Weighted, coated handle is easy to grip
Blades provide a smooth shave
Ergonomic design is easy to use and aesthetically pleasin
Lubrication stips fade after a few uses
Handle Material: Weighted plastic, non-slip grip | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 5
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 can be really beneficial for you.
Our tester, Avery, has easily irritated skin and said this razor created a very smooth shave the first several times she used it, although 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. 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.
Best Splurge
Oui the People The Single
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 practice and takes longer than other options
Handle Material: Stainless steel | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 2
There’s no denying this is expensive for a manual razor, but hear us out—we think it’s worth it. The weighty, stainless steel design is easy to grip, and the single blade is gentle yet highly effective—even on sensitive skin. Plus, the razor comes with 10 value-added replacement blades.
At first, our tester, Avery, was slightly intimidated by the setup of the razor, explaining that it’s different from other designs on the market. 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 Avery 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 looking 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.
Avery | Oui the People The Single Razor Tester
“It glides over the skin and leaves a very smooth finish,” she says. “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.”
Best Facial Razor
Tweezerman Facial Razor
Weighted handle makes it easy to maneuver on the face
Provides an extremely close shave
Blade is sharp and sturdy
Handle could be more ergonomic to allow for a better grip
Blade is so sharp that it can be slightly irritating on sensitive skin
Handle Material: Metal | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1
If you have peach fuzz or hair growth on your face that you want to get rid of, and shaving (aka dermaplaning) is your hair removal method of choice, we highly recommend opting for a razor that was created specifically for the face.
Our tester, Riyana, 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, Riyana’s skin was left looking and feeling soft.
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.
Riyana | Tweezerman Facial Razor Tester
“My skin feels very smooth and soft. It's definitely the ’closest’ shave I’ve gotten on my face thus far.”
Best Electric
Bushbalm The Francesca
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
Handle Material: Plastic | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1
This trimmer is a fantastic option for the hair in your bikini area, underarms, and really anywhere that you want to get rid of longer, thicker hairs. It can be used to trim, groom, or remove body hair, and it comes with a guard that can be used to achieve different trimming levels. 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 testing it on a less sensitive area until you get used to using the tool.
Best Kit
Athena Club Razor Kit
Kit comes with high-quality handle, two razor cartridges, and a magnetic hook for storage in the shower
Sharp blades provide a very close shave
Weighted handle with non-slip grip makes it easy to hold
Affordably priced
Lubricated strip doesn’t add much moisture
Super sharp blade needs to be used with shaving cream or lubricant
Handle Material: Aluminum base, silicone handle | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: 9
Razor kits are nice because they take the hassle out of constantly having to repurchase new razors or blades. This one is 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, Roxanne, 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 led to drier skin and the need for more moisturization afterward. She also noted that the lubricating 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 no hair left behind. Considering how affordable the kit is and how effective the razor is, we can’t recommend this one enough.
Best Bikini Trimmer
Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver
2-in-1 bikini trimmer and shaver
Can be used wet or dry
Gentle blades designed for bikini area
Portable and travel-friendly
Requires one AA battery for operation
Handle Material: Metal and hard plastic | Number of Blades: 4 | Color Options: 1
When preparing to groom your bikini area, you might consider waxing vs. shaving. If you opt to shave, you want a razor that’s easy to use, offering maximum control over the body’s contours while also being ultra gentle. This Panasonic option ticks all the right boxes. Two head attachments allow for trimming and shaving pubic hair, and a skin guard attachment ensures you don’t accidentally nick yourself in the process. The body of the trimmer is lightweight but robust, and the fact that it’s waterproof means you can use it in the shower as well as dry, depending on what you prefer.
With over 11,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this is clearly a popular razor. A common complaint among reviewers, however, is that it requires one AA battery to operate rather than coming with its own charger. But given its effectiveness and travel-friendly size, it’s a small inconvenience we can overlook.
Best for Long-Lasting Hair Removal
Lumi Silky Skin Bundle
Comes with an IPL for permanent hair reduction
Five-direction, flexible head
Waterproof and rechargeable
Ergonomic design
Permanent hair reduction takes time
IPL requires contrast between skin and hair colors to work
Handle Material: Metal and hard plastic | Number of Blades: N/A | Color Options: 1
What if you could not only get a super close shave but actually reduce, or even eliminate, the need for shaving over time? That’s the goal of this silky skin bundle, which combines Rose Skin Co.’s 4D razor with an IPL handset by Lumi.
Firstly, the razor (which you can also purchase separately for $49) is genius. It features five rotating shaving heads that glide effortlessly across your skin and around even the tricky-to-shave curves, making it suitable to use on virtually any part of the body. Five hours of charge will get you around a month of use, and the blades stay sharp for up to six months. Rose Gold Co. says its 4D razor is the perfect close-shave precursor to IPL, AKA intense pulsed light hair removal, which is where the second device in this bundle comes in.
Similar to a laser hair removal device, Lumi’s handheld IPL targets hair roots and destroys them with pulsed light, providing certified results in 12 weeks or less. It also comes with a 90-day guarantee, so you can return it if needed. One downside: IPL requires contrast between skin and hair to work, so if you have pale skin and light hair, or a deep skin tone and dark hair, it might not be for you.
Comes with five heads for head-to-toe grooming
Hypoallergenic foil prevents irritation
Easy to grip and clean
Rechargeable
Doesn’t provide a super-close shave at first
Handle Material: Metal and hard plastic | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 1
Real talk: Hair removal can be a seriously laborious process, especially for those of us with thicker hair types. This smart tool from Conair aims to tackle every area of the body and face, so you can consolidate all your various grooming tools into just this one. Five head options allow you to target larger areas, like the legs or underarms, as well as smaller areas that need a more precise approach, like the nose or eyebrows. It can be used dry or in the shower, and its non-slip handle makes it easy to maneuver while wet.
Some reviewers say that it’s hard to get a close shave, but Conair counters that it may take a few weeks for your skin and hair to adjust. Once they do, you’ll get the silky-smooth results you’re after.
Best for Ingrown Hairs
Zero Waste MVMT Single Blade Safety Razor
Helps prevent ingrown hairs
Sustainable option
Elegant design
Includes 10x replacement blades and a travel pouch
Takes practice to gain confidence
Handle Material: Brass handle, zinc alloy head | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: 2
If your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side, and you’re prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs, a single-blade safety razor might be the solution for you. Fewer blades mean fewer passes over the skin, thus less opportunity for irritation. But that doesn’t mean you compromise on the smooth finish; with a little practice, a single-blade razor delivers a satisfyingly close shave.
This option from sustainable brand Zero Waste MVMT has a brass handle and zinc alloy head that won't rust or corrode, so it will stand the test of time. When the blade needs changing, just switch it out for one of the 10 replacement blades included with your purchase. This one also gets bonus points for being so damn pretty.
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.
- Handle: Razor handles can be made of plastic, aluminum, steel, or another type of metal and often have rubberized components for a better grip. Shays says a razor’s grip is important 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.
- Additional Features: Some razors have additional features that may be important, such as a lubricating strip, an ergonomic head, or multiple replacement blades.
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. 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.
Esme Benjamin is a freelance writer, editor, and podcaster based in New York. She began writing and editing for the Byrdie commerce team in 2023. As a wellness expert, she has a particular interest in naturally derived beauty ingredients and the intersection of beauty rituals and self-care.
For this story, contributors spoke to the following experts:
- 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.