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Your pubic area is sensitive and deserves the best, so you should always choose only the finest hair removal options for optimal results. While bikini season may be over, it's still important to keep things nice and groomed down there (although letting your hair do its thing is totally valid option). Waxing and sugaring manage to get the hair out from its root, but some level of pain is always involved. Plus, those methods, along with shaving, aren’t foolproof against ingrown hairs that cause irritation and unwanted hyperpigmentation. A word to the wise: trying out a bikini trimmer just might be one of the best things you’ll ever do for your bikini area.
“Shaving to the skin level quite often irritates hair follicles beneath the skin, causing post-shave itchiness. Bikini trimmers, on the other hand, are not meant to give as close a shave,” explains Anna Ermolaeva, the senior consumer marketing manager of Philips. In other words, these devices help get hair as short as possible without actually touching the skin, preventing ingrown hairs. As a result, “bikini trimmers are great for patients with sensitive skin and are a great alternative to shaving and chemical depilatory agents,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal.
Our top picks for the best bikini trimmers in 2024
Bikini trimmers won’t get rid of all of your hair like shaving or waxing might, but they are ideal for getting everything neat and under control. Plus, there’s nothing quite like not having to fret about ingrowns, accidental nicks, or painful laser hair removal appointments. We combed through the internet, read through hundreds of customer reviewers, and interviewed two experts to find the 14 best bikini trimmers for quick and painless hair removal.
Pros
- Cordless and easily portable
Cons
- There can be a slight learning curve
If you’re running out of space in your bathroom and want something compact, simple, and multi-purpose, we highly recommend looking into this device. “The bikini and pen trimmers are designed to precisely trim delicate areas, from your bikini line to your face. The bikini trimmer’s rounded tips help avoid nicks and cuts, and its ergonomic handle allows for a firm and comfortable grip,” explains Ermolaeva. Another huge plus is that it’s cordless, so you can pretty much reach any spot on your face and body without accidentally ripping the plug out of its socket.
Attachments: Bikini trimmer, precision trimmer
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says, “I really like this product. It works well. I haven’t had any issues nicking myself on accident even without the shave guard. It gets a closer shave as a good alternative to fully shaving or waxing, which is too irritating for my skin.”
Pros
- Built-in LED light
- Three-blade design
Cons
- May need multiple passes
Briori’s electric trimmer is specially designed to target hair on multiple body areas. There’s a curved blade for trimming hair on hard-to-reach areas like the groin and underarms, a straight blade for use on arms and legs, and a foil for shaving any residual hairs along the way. The device is rechargeable and includes an LED light for precision, too.
Attachments: Trimmer
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I am very happy with this electric razor. It’s much better quality than I expected it to be. It has two sides that can be used for trimming and then [a] middle section that is the close [shave] razor. There is also a light that lights up where you are shaving. It charges with a USB port.”
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Pros
- Reduces ingrown hairs
Cons
- Sharp blades can cut
Whether you want a slight trim or a close shave, this set from Conair has all the attachments you need in a nifty set. This trimmer uses sharp, Japanese stainless steel blades, which means a closer shave with less abrasion.
Attachments: Trimmer, guide comb, shaver attachment
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love this trimmer and shave set. I use it every day and I get no ingrown hairs anymore. I love how it has two attachments and I can get a super close shave. The battery also lasts a long time, so I can travel with it.”
Pros
- User-friendly
Cons
- Pricey
Although this trimmer is technically designed for men, some female reviewers say they use it, mentioning that it offers a close shave without nicking or irritating sensitive skin. The waterproof design has replaceable ceramic blades, an adjustable guide with two settings, and an LED light to help you see what you’re doing better. Plus, it’s rechargeable and comes with a cleaning brush.
Attachments: Guide comb
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Literally a woman who bought it for my own use. I’m sick of women’s razors leaving bumps and ingrowns. I bought the Lawn Mower for my boyfriend a few years back, and he still loves his. As a woman, save yourself the hassle and buy a man’s groin trimmer. For men, y’all got yourself a good thing.”
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Pros
- Can be used on wet skin
Cons
- May need a few passes for thicker hairs
With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this is one of Amazon’s most popular bikini trimmers. It’s designed to be used both in and out of the shower and comes with three attachments for trimming hair to various lengths.
Attachments: Shaver head, trimmer, two comb guides
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s cordless, comes with a couple [of] razor sizes, easily fits into your hand, and can be used wet or dry. I absolutely LOVE this product! I’ve had mine for two years now, and it’s just starting to dull. It works great for all types of hair. It also is a great winter razor for those who don’t like shaving during the winter months. I’ll be rebuying this product.”
Pros
- Can be used on wet or dry skin
Cons
- Reviewers note they had to use a guard
Shaving in the shower is super efficient, especially if you’re in a rush. OLOV’s bikini trimmer is completely waterproof, and it’s intended to operate effectively on wet skin. Once you’re done, just prop the trimmer into its charging dock, and you’re all set.
Attachments: Replaceable ceramic blade heads, USB recharge dock, nose trimmer head
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Great all around trimmer. I was unsure how waterproof it would be, but it sits in the shower every day and is still running like the day I got it. Battery lasts a long time, and I haven’t gotten nicked once regardless of what angle I'm using it at. 10/10 would recommend.”
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Pros
- Good battery life
Cons
- Pricey
No matter your experience level with trimmers, this versatile model should have you covered. It comes with a replaceable ceramic blade and two adjustable attachments to ease you into the process. According to the brand, it’s even gentle enough to be used on the face (just make sure to properly sanitize it first). Other perks include a waterproof build and up to 90 minutes of battery life.
Attachments: Two guide combs
Meridian rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Meridian reviewer says: “Love this thing. It’s so much better than shaving—[it] saves a lot of time in the shower and doesn’t leave me with nicks or razor bumps. Highly recommend.”
Pros
- Can be used in shower
Cons
- Pricey
In addition to featuring an adjustable guard for achieving three different lengths, Bushbalm’s waterproof trimmer is built to offer up to five hours of battery life on a single charge. It also comes with a cleaning brush and lubricant to tidy the device.
Attachments: Guide comb
Bushbalm rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Bushbalm reviewer says: “Love it! I love how soft the texture of my hair is after using this—very easy to use and safe. I used it dry, but I’ll try it in the shower next time.”
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Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Not rechargeable
Offering four attachments, this compact, battery-operated style is made to work for all hair types, especially those with sensitive skin. Additionally, it should be safe to use in the shower and comes with a skin guard to protect against nicks.
Attachments: Shaver, trimmer, bikini comb, skin guard
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I used to wax, but it’s getting pricey at where I live now. So I switched to shaving and was not happy with both the process and the result. It nicked my skin, I always had ingrowns somehow, and I can’t stand the itchy feeling any more. I read someone’s review about this and decided to try and happy I did. SO EASY TO USE, almost foolproof, and the result is very clean, no nicking the skin, and it doesn't feel itchy. Would recommend it to others.”
Pros
- On the affordable side
Cons
- May need multiple passes
- Must be cleaned thoroughly
Gillette may be known for its high-performing razors, but its bikini trimmer deserves a round of applause, too. The device works well in and out of the shower and provides a removable guard to prevent accidental cuts. Thick hair is no problem for the trimmer, and you can get an even smoother shave by using the included exfoliator.
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a great little razor. It works great, and I have not had to replace any batteries since I purchased it. It gets a really close shave and doesn’t leave any irritation. Definitely a purchase I recommend.”
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Pros
- Doesn't leave bumps on skin
Cons
- Not many online reviews
You wouldn’t think a trimmer would be beautiful enough to sit on your top shelf, but this one from Marlowe certainly is. And even though this product is marketed towards men, it works well for women, too. Whether you opt for the black or sand color, it expertly and comfortably removes hair without tugging.
Attachments: Two comb lengths
Marlowe rating: 3/5 stars
A Marlowe reviewer says: “This trimmer is a 10 out of 10! The quality of [the] shave that I got is unmatched. As a Black man it is hard to shave with any type of razors, electric or not, due to our facial hair is curly. This razor left me with absolutely no bumps and had a smooth clean shave. Highly recommend. Get one ASAP.”
Pros
- Rechargeable
- Water-resistant
- Replaceable heads
Cons
- Pricey
- May take multiple passes
This cordless trimmer features four different trimmer lengths and a triple-blade system—the perfect formula for a close shave anywhere you need it. Like many of the brand’s other products, you need not fear ingrown hairs when you have this device on your side.
Fur Rating: 4/5 stars
A Fur reviewer says: “I was looking for an alternative to shaving my bikini area with a razor because I kept getting razor bumps no matter the method I used. So I ordered this, and it has made my life so much easier. While it isn’t the completely smooth shave of a razor, it has almost completely eliminated my razor bumps.”
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Pros
- Battery-operated
- Compact
Cons
- May need multiple passes
The bikini area can be difficult to see and navigate, which is where this pick’s LED light comes in. It lights the way so that you can take care of every single hair. The device is battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about lengthy charging sessions, and it offers a bonus trimming attachment.
Attachments: Guide comb
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is the best personal shaver I’ve ever used, and I’ve used a lot. This doesn’t pull or tug on hair, and despite me almost trying to catch or cut my skin, it simply will not. Much more expensive, name-brand shavers have cut me and this one refuses to harm me or irritate my skin or hair follicles. I have not had any razor burn issues, and my skin isn’t dried out at all after using it. I’ve used this trimmer everywhere for almost two months now, and there are no signs of dullness in the trimmer nor battery. I’m genuinely very impressed with it. I can use this everywhere on my body with precision and ease. It doesn’t get your skin silky smooth, but if you’re looking to just trim your bikini area, arm hair, sideburns, toes, and armpits (my husband had even used it on his nose hairs in a pinch when his trimmer broke), this is the one for you. The light is extremely helpful, and I thought the angle to be strange at first, but I find it makes it easier to reach places.”
Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean
- Batteries not included
The bikini line is a given, but you can use this trimmer everywhere else, too. Its two blades have rounded tips, making for a comfortable and painless shave. Furthermore, it’s easy to grip, so it won’t slip out of your hand in the shower.
Attachments: Guide comb
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This thing is amazing. I used to shave my vulva/pubic hair with a razor, and no matter what I did, I got razor burn/bumps. I decided to try this because I was at my wit’s end. I love it. I never tried trimming before because I thought it would still leave hair pretty long. I thought, ‘what’s the point of trimming if the hair will still be there?’ But you can trim so much shorter than I thought. This trimmer gets very close to a close shave. You still get smooth skin, and the hair is very, very short. No bumps! No rinsing off the razor after every stroke. No shaving cream. It literally takes five minutes (maybe less) for me to trim my pubic hair.”
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified and celebrity dermatologist. He is currently the Director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Anna Ermolaeva is the senior consumer marketing manager of Philips.
Are bikini trimmers safe to use?
“Bikini trimming is not as easy as it looks,” says Dr. Lal. “I often see patients for razor bumps, burns, hyperpigmentation, and even scarring.” But that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, it just means that prep is very important, and it’s crucial to learn exactly how they should be used. “When used correctly, bikini trimmers are safe and can generally be used on all skin types, including sensitive or delicate skin. For sensitive areas, I always recommend choosing a trimmer specifically designed to minimize the risk of irritation, like one with rounded tips,” adds Ermolaeva.
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How should you use a bikini trimmer?
“I always recommend using an antibacterial cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine before trimming to prevent skin infections and irritation,” says Dr. Lal. “I recommend trimming with the grain of the hair and not against it. The hair in this location is curly and kinky, and if you trim against the hair grain, the hairs can grow into the skin and cause bumps and irritation.” Additionally, Ermolaeva advises gently stretching out the skin while you shave “so the hairs stand up and are easily reached,” she says. “Do not move the trimmer too fast, and make gentle movements,” she says.
How should you treat your skin after trimming?
After you’re done, rinse the skin, pat the area dry and apply a gentle moisturizer if needed. “Moisturizing after shaving keeps the skin moist and reduces post-trimming irritation and dryness,” advises Dr. Lal. “Beware of heavily scented lotions, which may further burn and irritate the dry skin after trimming.”
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How often can you use a bikini trimmer?
According to Ermolaeva, “You can use a bikini trimmer as often as you’d like,” she says. Unlike waxing, you don’t have to wait until the hair grows back to a certain length. However, Ermolaeva does recommend washing and cleaning the device as often as possible to prevent debris and hair from gunking up your tool.
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.com editors and contributors spoke with a dermatologist and a hair removal expert about the benefits of bikini trimmers and how to safely use them. These authors also poured over reviews for dozens of top-rated bikini trimmers, evaluating each on their features offered and customer feedback.
Sam Peters
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoysunpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.