Dermatologists Say These Are the Absolute *Best* Facial Razors for Women

Don’t be fooled: We all sport facial hair. Usually, the follicles adorning our faces produce what’s called villus hair, or fine, wispy hair that’s light in color. (Street name: peach fuzz.)

But some women do experience facial hair that’s thicker or darker, says Hadley King, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Excess facial hair in women might run in the family, or a hormone imbalance (say, PCOS or menopause) may cause villus hair to morph into a thick, dark terminal hair.

Ready to get rid of it? There are plenty of ways to do it (waxing, tweezing, epilating creams), but shaving is one strategy that doesn’t get taken as seriously for women as it should. For one, it’s a lot easier on your skin (if you do it right), as creams, tweezing, and electrolysis can be irritating or even traumatize the skin, says Austin-based board-certified dermatologist Adam Mamelak, M.D. Plus, “laser hair removal can be expensive.”

Don’t fret: Shaving won’t change the thickness, color, or growth rate of your facial hair. “Some people might feel a coarse or ‘stubbly’ blunt hair tip left behind after shaving that might be thicker or darker looking, but this resolves as the hair grows out,” says Dr. Mamelak.

How to shave your face safely

Choose the right razor: Straight-edge razors are the best for peach fuzz. “If used properly, they also offer exfoliating benefits by removing dead cells from the surface of the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

If your hair is dense, consider using a men’s multi-blade razor. “Razors for the legs are typically designed with extra-large lubricating strips and may be bulky for the face,” says Dr. Zeichner. Electric razors or vibrating blades are usually used on dry skin, and may be the best option if yours is sensitive or acne-prone.

Prep your face: Wash your face using a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities and soften the hairs. “This will help reduce friction between the blade and the skin,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. Pat your skin dry, then apply a thin layer of moisturizer to set the hairs in place for the razor.

Shave in the direction of hair growth: Using a clean, sharp blade, hold the skin taut and use light, short strokes, holding the blade at roughly a 45-degree angle. “Many believe that shaving in an upward direction minimizes potential pull or tension on the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This may be preferred because it minimizes potential future sagging.”

Clean off your razor every two to three strokes to make sure there’s no hair in the blade. Don’t go over any area more than once, and don’t use on areas of the face where the skin appears broken or irritated.

Avoid harsh ingredients post-shave: “Within five minutes of shaving, I recommend applying an aftershave moisturizing lotion to help repair the skin barrier and minimize the risk of developing irritation,” says Dr. Zeichner. Steer clear of harsh active ingredients immediately after shaving (say, retinol), as it can burn or sting if there are any microscopic cuts or micro-injuries to the skin, says Dr. Garshick.

Now that you know how to shave your face safely, you need the best tools to do it. Below, the best facial razors for women: