The 16 Expert-Approved Razors for the Smoothest Shave Possible
Including trusted razors for sensitive skin, facial hair, and your bikini line.
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If you’ve chosen to remove any or all of your body hair, you’ll know it can feel like navigating a landmine. Yes, we have more options than ever before–creams, waxing, lasers–but sometimes, nothing beats a good shave. The instant satisfaction is incomparable, but the irritation, ingrown hairs, and nicks are something I can definitely live without.
Even though some of us have been shaving for quite a while now, it still can feel impossible to find a razor that truly works for us. Here, we talked to dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal and hanni founder Leslie Tessler to find out how to find the best razor, and yes, how to actually shave.
What causes irritation when shaving?
If you can’t figure out why your regular shaving routine isn’t working for you, there are some hacks to make it easier–and less irritating. “With any razor, pushing too much on the skin causes friction and, for many, results in irritation, in-growns, and razor burn,” says Tessler. Using a gentler pressure or heavier razor is a great way to instantly make shaving less of a pain. Using a proper hydrating barrier between your blade and your skin is another good technique. “Lubricated strips on razors also lubricate your skin as you shave, so you are less likely to cut yourself,” says Dr. Lal. If your razor doesn’t have built-in lubrication strips, find an incredible shaving cream.
How often should you change your razor blades?
While you might not want to hear it, changing your razor head frequently is a must if you’re trying to get a clean, close shave. “Not only are dull blades less likely to deliver a smooth shave, from a hygienic perspective, but it’s also an absolute nightmare,” says Tessler. “Our recommendation is to switch your blades every two weeks for optimal performance.”
How do you find the best razor?
It all depends on your end goal for shaving. “When choosing a razor, it is important to think of three things: multiple blades, a lubricated strip, and a flexible head,” says Dr. Lal. While multiple blades might not be the best choice for people with sensitive skin, they can be an easy, quick way for the average shaver to get a close shave. Tessler's three crucial categories for a great razor are fewer bells and whistles, quality materials, and great design.
Here, find our picks for the 16 best razors for every situation—ones that you can wield with confidence that they’ll leave your skin smoother and softer (and not totally irritated).
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
Even if you’re shaving in a hurry, you can be assured that this razor won’t leave you with stinging nicks. It’s created with five blades and a hydrating serum that makes it easier to get a super close shave for a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey
For anyone with very sensitive skin, opting for a single-bladed razor like this one will save you from uncomfortable rashes and razor burn. Like the name says, this razor has a great weight to it, meaning you don’t need to push down so hard to get a close shave.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Sometimes there’s truly nothing that gives the same smoothness as well as a multi-bladed, serum-infused razor. This razor is also hypoallergenic, so even people with sensitive skin can use it.
BIC Silky Touch Women's Twin Blade Disposable Razor
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
If you’re a frequent traveler who can’t cart around a fancy razor in your to-go bag, opting for a one-time use, disposable razor might be for you. While it’s not the most environmentally friendly option, if that’s the route to choose, you can’t go wrong with BIC’s packet of disposable razors.
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
You’ll be amazed at how smooth your makeup lays when you’ve removed all the peach fuzz from your face. These facial razors make it easy to work around the curves of your face, creating the perfect base for your foundation.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
If you’ve ever struggled to shave around your kneecaps, you’re not alone. This razor has a great swivel head that allows you to get into those nooks and crannies without irritating your skin.
Pros
- Smooth shave
Cons
- Pricey
Anyone who gifts me this razor is getting a massive thank you card. Not only is the razor itself great for a super close shave, but it’s beautifully manufactured, transforming an annoying task into eye candy.
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
Shiseido’s facial razor gently tackles those uninvited peach fuzz pop-ups with ease. It’s tiny, so it can safely remove hair from your upper lip, sideburns, and other hard-to-reach places.
Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be suited for coarse hair
The moisture strip surrounding the blades is formulated with aloe and activates when it's wet to protect the skin and keep it hydrated for a seamless glide.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Special-use only
Alleyoop somehow managed to fit everything you need for an impromptu shave session into this easy-to-grip pink disc. Spin the wheel at its center to reveal a spray bottle (that you can fill with water), a moisture bar (to help soften skin for a closer shave), and, of course, a three-blade razor. Whether you’re traveling and need an easy-to-pack razor or catch a glimpse of a patch of hair on your leg that you missed during your once-over in the shower, this all-in-one beauty tool’s got you.
Pros
- Easy grip
Cons
- May not be suited for very sensitive skin
The Skintimate Spark Razor deserves applause for its unique, ergonomic design, which includes a cartridge release button found at the end of its handle (so swapping your razorblade out feels like a pen-click) and no-slip rubber-coating—an essential for when you’re performing heroics to shave those hard to reach areas.
Gillette Venus Venus For Pubic Hair and Skin Razor
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey
Gillette Venus’s latest launch is specifically designed to address the struggles of shaving your most sensitive areas. “It is well known that pubic area injuries from grooming products primarily involve razors, so it is super important to use the right razor, practice safe techniques, and use the right products during and after shaving,” says dermatologist Sheila Farhang, M.D. She likes the Venus For Pubic Hair and Skin Razor because of the protection bar that runs beneath its blades. “The new Irritation Defense means the blades remove hair while barely touching the skin.”
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey
This single-blade razor was designed for those with curly, thick hair. The blade safely removes hair to prevent ingrown hair and cuts. Plus, the rose gold hue looks great in your bathroom.
Pros
- Refills available
Cons
- Not always smoothest shave
Billie, “The unicorn of razors,” makes shaving much easier. The Razor Starter kit comes with one razor and Billie will deliver refillable razors depending on the shipment frequency you choose.
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor with Bikini Trimmer
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Can be difficult to use
With the Schick Hydro Silm razor, you can shave your legs and trim your bikini section in the same session.
Pros
- Quick results
Cons
- Pricey
Repurchasing a razor every few months can become costly. Invest in a rechargeable electronic razor that can last the test of time.
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