The 12 Best Electric Razors to Prevent Ingrown Hair

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As the weather starts to warm up and we begin trading winter coats for summer sundresses, many of us are reaching for our razors more. Though traditional razors can offer a close shave, they can also cause irritation and ingrown hairs—even when you use shaving cream. If you find that you get constant irritation from shaving no matter what you do, it might be time to consider other options.

Enter: electric razors. Electric razors can be a great alternative to manual razors. “Manual razors cut the hair follicle as the blade passes over the skin surface, in one or a few strokes,” says Dr. Sara Hogan, Dermatologist, Luxe Dermatology Center, Washington D.C. “Manual razors cut hair closer to the skin surface, but also have increased risk of skin irritation, abrasions, and ingrown hairs. Electric razors cut the hair follicle as it passes through moving blades, like a pair of scissors. They do not cut hair as close to the skin, so multiple passes may be needed to feel smooth or clean-shaven. Irritation, abrasions and ingrown can still occur, but less so when compared to manual razors.” Dr. Hogan also notes that manual razors require shaving cream, while electric razors don’t need any shaving cream.

Ahead, find our picks for the best electric razors if you’re considering making the switch, based on dermatologist recommendations and glowing online reviews.

Lady Electric Shaver Series 6000

This Phillips shaver comes with seven different attachments for an ultra-customizable shave. The rounded trimmer surrounding the shaving foil helps ensure the smoothest shave possible by helping the razor glide over skin. It also has a grippy handle that’s optimal for both wet and dry shaving.

Attachments: Trimmer head, trimming combs, skin stretcher cap, soft glide cap, exfoliation glove, and pouch

Amazon review: 4.3/5

Our expert says: “I like this one the best. The round trimmer design causes less skin irritation than other electric razors I have tried. The attachments, which include a skin stretcher cap for longer hair and a trimmer cap for areas needing a closer shave, allow for all parts of the body to comfortably be addressed.” —Dr. Hogan

SatinShave Essential Women’s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver

For just $16, this electric razor is a steal. With an anti-slip grip on the handle and blades that work for all over the body, this razor is battery powered and easy to bring along with you anywhere.

Attachments: None

Amazon review: 4.3/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I was pleasantly surprised by how close this shaver shaves! Impressive! Easy to use and much better for me than a razor. I tend to nick the veins on my legs with a hand razor. So this alleviates that for me. It does collect the hair on the body of the shaver, (probably static electricity) but I just use a Kleenex to wipe it off. I would buy it again. It's small enough that I can pack it on vacation if needed.”

Close Curves Electric Shaver for Women

With four different blades, this electric razor lets you get the closest shave possible. It’s also super easy to use, as it’s designed to shave both backwards and forwards. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can take it in the shower.

Attachments: swimsuit attachment, travel cap, travel pouch, cleaning brush

Amazon review: 4.2/5

Our expert says: “This is a wet and dry shaver that you can actually take into the shower (a lot of electric shavers are not waterproof). The swimsuit attachment is helpful for hard-to-reach areas and the cordless charging stand is nice for travel.” —Dr. Hogan

Silk-épil 9

An epilator is different from a traditional razor. Rather than cutting the hair, it pulls it out by the root. Epilation lasts longer than a typical shave, since it’s grabbing the follicle like a wax would.

Attachments: Trimmer cap, skin contact cap, shaver head, cleaning pouch

Amazon review: 4.4/5

Our expert says: “It has many attachments. And it is pricey. But between the epilator that pulls hairs up and out, the shaver head, the trimmer head, and the massage attachment to increase circulation, this is an all-inclusive product.” —Dr. Hogan

Dual Foil Shaver & Trimmer

This wet and dry shaver is ergonomically shaped to make the shaving process as easy as possible. Two trimmers and two floating cutters help provide an extremely smooth shave.

Attachments: Cleaning brush

Amazon review: 4.2/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “This bargain has a foil head and performs gently and efficiently on dry skin. I like that it is suitable for hair anywhere on my body and I don’t need to stock shaving gel or razor blades.”

Bare Shaver

With titanium-coated blades, this miniature razor is a powerhouse for its size. It has longer blades on the edges that trim longer hair, while the blades in the middle help you get super close to the grain.

Attachments: None

Amazon review: 3.1/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “This shaver is amazing! It cuts super close and has slowed down my regrowth. I have not gotten a single ingrown hair since I started using this. It is a must have for anyone needing serious hair removal!”

Flawless Legs

Designed to fit in the palm of your hand, this four-headed razor can get hair in even the most hard-to-reach areas. Use it on your ankles, knees, and even your swimsuit area. LED lights help illuminate your skin so that you can see exactly where you’re shaving.

Attachments: None

Amazon review: 4.4/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I just tried this shaver for the first time and I am pondering the hours and hours spent shaving my legs over my lifetime. I could have added weeks on my life if I had one of these when I was younger and hairier! It is fast, efficient and easy to use. I’m buying them for gifts going forward.”

Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver

This cordless, on-the-go shaver is the perfect thing to keep in your bag for quick touch-ups or bring with you when you travel. Three blades help ensure a smooth shave, and it can be used both wet or dry.

Attachments: None

Amazon review: 4.1/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “It is best if your hair is longer, for it does not perform its best on stubble. I mostly use it for my legs when the hair is grown out from a couple of weeks and it cuts it down to the skin. it’s perfect if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to do a close shave!”

Electric Razor for Women

This razor has a straight blade for larger body parts like arms and legs, a curved blade for underarms and the swimsuit area, and a floating foil for getting rid of stubble. It also has an LED light to guide your shave, and can be used wet or dry.

Attachments: Cleaning brush

Amazon review: 3.9/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “I promise you if you use it properly you will get optimal results. This is the only razor I ever purchased (and I purchased a lot) that did not give me as many razor bumps as some others do.”

Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning and Peach Fuzz Removal

If you like dermaplaning your face but don’t love using a straight razor, the Dermaflash ensures that you can remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells without being too rough. This easy-to-use hair removal device gives you professional-quality dermaplaning results at home.

Attachments: None

Dermaflash review: 4.7/5

An ELLE editor says: “I’m a big fan of dermaplaning at home, but I always manage to nick my face when I use a straight razor. This device takes out all of the guesswork and gives the same results without risking any safety.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE Beauty Editor

FXONE GOLDFX All Metal Double Foil Shaver

If you want an electric razor that won’t lose battery quickly, this one’s battery life lasts for up to three hours. The foil head pivots as you shave, making it extremely easy to use.

Attachments: one battery can be used for every Babyliss shaver.

Amazon review: 3.8/5

An Amazon reviewer says: “My electric shavers have to be able to do a minimum of 30 shaves a day. I’m looking for power, I’m looking for battery life, I’m looking for the closest shave next to a straight razor as possible. This electric shaver is amazing.”

Trimmer Lite Lightweight

Bevel blades are made to repel dirt, oil, and buildup, which in turn helps prevent ingrown hairs. The blade is adjustable, so you’re able to customize your shave by turning a dial.

Attachments: None, adjustable blade

Bevel review: 5/5

A Bevel reviewer says: “I love Bevel! Best products on the market. Unmatched quality!”

What are the benefits and drawbacks of electric razors?

Instead of shaving hair against the skin, electric razors cut the hair like scissors. “This can sometimes be a safer option by potentially minimizing cuts and irritation of the skin,” says Dr. Karen Chinonso Kagha, MD FAAD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles. “Electric razors are often a good choice for people with sensitive skin or those prone to ingrown hairs.”

While electric razors are better to use on sensitive skin and to prevent ingrown hairs, there are still factors to consider when deciding if you want to use one. “Since the hair is not shaved as closely with an electric razor, shaving may need to occur more frequently,” says Dr. Hogan. “Electric razors are more expensive than manual razors, bulkier to pack for travel, and can be more difficult to use for trimming in certain areas of the body.”

How do you use an electric razor?

First, start with cleansed skin. With most electric razors, you can shave wet or dry. “If using a dry razor, towel dry, apply soft pressure and pass the razor over the skin,” says Dr. Kagha. “Electric razor systems are either rotary or foil, with most electric razors designed for women being foil. With rotary electric razors, the razor is moved in a circular motion to obtain the closest shave. For foil electric razors, the razor is passed in a back-and-forth motion.”

Dr. DiAnne Davis, a dermatologist based in Dallas, Texas, says that it’s best to shave in the direction of your hair, rather than going against the grain. This will prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.

Meet the experts

Dr. Sara Hogan, Dermatologist, Luxe Dermatology Center, Washington D.C.

Dr. Karen Chinonso Kagha, Dermatologist, Beverly Hills

Dr. DiAnne Davis, Dermatologist, Dallas, TX

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed dermatologists to find the best electric razors.

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