Women’s razors: a shaving guide

Our editors have independently selected these items because we believe you will enjoy and might like them at these prices. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices and availability are correct at time of posting. Learn more about Shop TODAY.

Summer is in full swing – and with it comes outdoor social activities like swimming, running, and camping, which means you’re probably showing more skin and might want to shed unwanted hair (well. whether it’s up to you to decide if you do). This is where a sharp women’s razor and shaving cream come in handy. Unlike other forms of hair removal like waxing, sugar, and laser hair removal, shaving is a relatively painless and quick option, especially when you’re in a hurry.

Of course, you are not medically required to wax your body or facial hair. In fact, it might be beneficial to skip shaving if you have active infections – like warts and herpes – or pseudofolliculitis of the beard, which is inflammation and scarring caused by ingrown hairs, previously told us. certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, in our guide to razor burns and ingrown hairs.

To help inform your home shaving experience, we consulted with doctors for their expert advice on razor use and common shaving misconceptions. We’ve also rounded up some top rated women’s razors from reputable retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and more.

Related: Dermatologists Break Down Everything You Need To Know About Vitamin C, Share Their Favorite Serums.

How to shave, according to doctors

Buying a good razor is only part of the equation. Dermatologists we spoke to also suggested that you do a few key things every time you shave:

1. Before you shave, make sure your body is moist to help soften your skin and hair, Certified Dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD.

2. Apply your favorite shaving cream To create a “thin barrier” between your skin and the razor blade, certified dermatologist William Huang, MD, already told us in our guide to shaving creams.

3. Shave in the direction of hair growth, using short strokes to avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs, Shirazi said.

4. Rinse the razor after each stroke to help prevent product build-up between shaves, Shirazi added.

5. After you finished your shave, Shirazi recommended drying your razor and store it in a dry place to prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast.

Related: Six Dermatologists Comment on the Effectiveness of Azelaic Acid in Skin Care Products. Medical experts also recommend their favorite azelaic acid products.

The best razors for women

Beyond shopping at popular retailers like Ulta, Walgreens, and CVS, you can also order women’s razors directly from brands like Flamingo, OUI the People, and Athena Club.

Best women’s razor overall: BIC

BIC Premium Shaving Razor Set

These vibrating disposable razors for women took first place in our roundup because of their functional characteristics. Beyond their impressive rating, the razor heads feature multiple blades and lubricating strips infused with tranquilizers aloe vera and moisturizer Vitamin E. They have an average rating of 4.7 stars out of nearly 17,420 reviews on Amazon.

BIC Premium Shaving Razor Set

BIC Premium Shaving Razor Set $ ​​7.74 at Amazon

The most affordable women’s razor: Schick

Schick ST2 disposable razors

At nearly 50 cents apiece, this 24-pack disposable women’s razors is the most affordable option on our list. The relatively thin razor heads are fitted with twin blades and the razor has a padded handle. Schick’s razors have averaged 4.6 stars out of nearly 260 reviews on Amazon.

Schick ST2 disposable razors

• Schick ST2 Disposable Razors $ 11.95 at Amazon

• Schick ST2 Disposable Razors $ 16.34 at Walmart

Best women’s razor for sensitive skin: Gillette Venus

Gillette Venus Sensitive Disposable Women’s Razors

Sporting an ergonomic handle with padding to place your finger, this pivoting shaver head features three blades and a moisture-wicking strip to help the razor glide along your body. This Gillette Venus Six Pack Women’s Razor has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of over 10,570 reviews on Amazon. The brand recommends replacing your disposable razor after eight uses.

Gillette Venus Sensitive Disposable Women’s Razors

Gillette Venus Sensitive Disposable Razors for Women $ 11.44 at Amazon

Best Reusable Women’s Razor: Billie

Billie the Razor Starter Kit

Shopping collaborator Megan Muessen praised Billie’s razor, noting that it doesn’t cause razor burns and “leaves a nice waxy glow” on her skin. In his experience, it provides “the closer shave”. Billie claims her razor head includes five nickel-free razor blades and coal soap to help the razor glide over the skin.

Billie the Razor Starter Kit

Billie The Razor Starter Kit $ 9.00 at Billie

Best women’s razor suitable for travel: Alleyoop

Alleyoop all-in-one portable shaver

As you prepare for your summer travel plans, you might want to toss this set of compact razors in your suitcase. The circular device includes different compartments that house your razor, two spare razor cartridges, a refillable spray bottle and a Shea Butter hydration bar. It’s available in two colors – Dusty Pink and Navy – and has received an average rating of 4.7 stars out of over 20 reviews on Alleyoop.

Alleyoop all-in-one portable shaver

• Alleyoop All-in-One Portable Shaver $ 16.00 at Ulta

• Alleyoop all-in-one portable razor $ 16.00 at alleyoop

Best women’s razor for the face: Tinkle

Tinkle eyebrow razor

This set is the best-selling eyebrow trimmer on Amazon and it received an average rating of 4.8 stars out of over 24,500 reviews on the retailer’s site. You can use these razors to groom your eyebrows between salon appointments and remove unwanted peach fluff on your face. They have a stainless steel metal blade and come with a protective coating.

Tinkle eyebrow razor

Tinkle Eyebrow Razor $ 6.95 at Amazon

Related: What Is Retinol? Doctors break down everything you need to know about the popular skin care ingredient, including benefits, side effects, myths, and more.

Myths of hair removal, debunked

We spoke to a medical expert to clarify common misconceptions about hair removal.

• Shaving does not regrow thicker hair, according to certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “When you shave, the hairs are cut at a blunt angle – it gives the appearance of dark hair, when in reality the hair is just cut in a cross section,” he said.

• Waxing also does not result in the regrowth of thinner hair. “When you epilate, a new hair will form and initially looks thinner, but over time it would become just as thick as before and would not be any different from what it would be if it were shaved,” explained Zeichner.

Related: Besides being great gifts to consider for Mother’s Day, lighted makeup mirrors can help keep your eyes from straining while you get ready.

Learn about the latest NBC News recommendations and buying guides, and download the NBC News app for comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.