Best Women's Electric Shavers

Is an electric shaver right for me?

An electric shaver lifts hair and then cuts it using small blades that quickly move back and forth. Electric shavers are generally more suited to people who want to painlessly remove unwanted hair, and don’t mind shaving rather than pulling their body hair from the root.

So, how does using an electric shaver stack up against other hair removal methods?

What to look for in a women's electric shaver

Intended use

Often electric shavers (as well as women's hair trimmers) will be designed for a specific area of the body, so you should think about where you want to shave. Sometimes shavers for legs (as well as arms and underarms) will come with different attachments that make it easier to shave more sensitive areas, such as the bikini zone.

Here are some of the different areas that you can use an electric shaver for.

• Legs, arms, and underarms. Most ladies electric shavers are designed for use on legs, arms, and underarms, and will have a wider shaving head to make shaving these larger areas more efficient.
• Bikini area. Shavers for the bikini line and zone usually have a small cutting head. You can also get bikini trimmers that let you style your pubic area.
• Face. Facial hair removers or shavers are often small and tube-shaped, and when marketed towards women, are generally more suited to shaving peach fuzz and softer hairs rather than the dense, thick beards that shavers marketed towards men are suited for. Sometimes these shavers also have a nose hair trimmer attachment.

Rotary vs. foil electric shavers

Foil shavers pull hair beneath a foil mesh screen and then cut them with angled blades. Most women’s electric shavers are foil shavers, as these tend to be better at cutting fine hair and can often achieve a closer shave.

Rotary shavers use 2 or 3 rotating circular blades to cut the hair. They’re often more efficient than foil shavers, as they have a larger shaver head surface area and so can get the job done quicker. They can also better follow the contours of your body than foil shavers, however they’re more likely to cause irritation.

Wet and dry use

Some shavers are waterproof and can be used in the bath or shower. While wet and dry shavers may be pricier, they’re valuable to have if you use shaving cream or foam or if you like the convenience of shaving and showering simultaneously.

While you should look for an ergonomic design regardless of whether it’s a wet or dry shaver, grip is especially important if you’re going to be taking a shaver into the bath or shower with you. Look for a textured, anti-slip grip so that you don’t keep dropping your machine mid-shave.

Features

These features can make using your shaver easier to use and can help you better achieve the look you want.

• Trimmer attachment: A trimmer attachment lets you trim, rather than shave, your body hair - this is particularly useful for those who just want to shorten hairs around their bikini area. Some shavers also have multiple combs so you can trim your hair to different lengths.
• Detail trimmer: A detail trimmer lets you trim hair with more precision, making it perfect for grooming more difficult areas or styling the bikini zone.
• Flexible blades: These glide more easily over the contours of your body, allowing you to consistently achieve a clean shave.
• Battery indicator: This lets you know how much charge you have left on the shaver, so you can plan accordingly and not be left hanging mid-shave with a flat device.
• Hypoallergenic blades: Most electric shaver blades are stainless steel, which has hypoallergenic properties. However, if you have particularly sensitive skin, you can also look for hypoallergenic blades that are specially designed to limit skin irritation.
• Cleaning brush: This lets you easily brush away hair and dead skin from your shaver’s blades.

Battery life

Check a shaver’s battery life to see whether you’ll be able to get through the areas you want to groom in one go - the last thing you want is to have to charge your device halfway through a shave.

There are plenty of shavers on the market that have at least an hour of shaving time with a full charge. Some brands will boast a long battery life, but it’s a good idea to check ladies electric shaver reviews to see how true these claims are.

Cleaning and maintenance

Ensure you check the product manual of a shaver you’re considering buying to see whether the cleaning instructions are compatible with your routine and lifestyle.

Wet and dry shavers are generally easier to clean because they can be washed under running water, however they also usually get a lot messier because they can be used with shaving creams.

Price

Electric razors for women can range anywhere from $20 to around $150 and upwards. If you’re in the market for a hair trimmer without any shaving capabilities, you should expect to fork out less; trimmers usually cost between $20 to $40.

Ensure you also check the warranty of a shaver before you buy it - most reputable brands should offer at least a 1-year warranty. Checking predicted ongoing costs (such as how often you should buy a shaver replacement head) will also help you determine whether a shaver is right for your budget.

Tips for when you shave

• Wash the area you want to shave beforehand. This helps get rid of dirt, oil, and pollutants, which will help you achieve a cleaner shave.
• Moisturise well after using your electric shaver. This will help replenish the moisture and natural oils you lose from the surface of your skin when you drag your shaver across it.
• Clean your electric shaver after every use. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to ensure your shaver is kept in tip top condition so it can last longer and keep giving you a smooth shave.

The bottom line

Using an electric shaver is a convenient, pain-free way to get rid of the hair that you don’t want. If you think it suits your routine and fits in with your own personal preferences, then reading reviews and thinking about what you’d like your machine to do for you will help you find a lady shaver that meets all your grooming needs.