Summer is near, which means you’re probably thinking about spending lots of time in the sun. If you’re looking to escape the cold and head to the beach, pool, or anywhere else you might be donning a swimsuit, dealing with your bikini line is undoubtedly on your mind. There aren’t many pleasant options for managing unwanted hair in the area — using a waxing kit can be painful and shaving can trigger razor bumps and sensitivity. Although there are alternatives, such as laser treatments or the (somewhat) less painful sugar wax, they can feel a little daunting for pain-averse people. A great alternative? At-home bikini trimmers.
Bikini trimmers are electric hair removal devices that cut hair without blades touching the skin, minimizing the risk of skin irritations and ingrown hairs. Because they don’t directly glide over the skin, they tend to be a “safer option for those with sensitive skin,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. And best of all, it can be done in less than 10 minutes from the comfort of your own home. Bikini trimmers are also a gift from heaven for anyone with sensitive skin or is prone to ingrown hairs, as trimmers don't actually ever touch the skin; they just hover.
Best Overall
Bushbalm The Francesca
What We Love: It’s water-resistant and rechargeable.
What We Don’t Love: There are no refill blades.
Bushbalm’s Body + Bikini trimmer is a triple threat — it’s waterproof, rechargeable, and boosts a whopping five-hour battery life. Equipped with a USB cord, it’s easy to charge and take on vacation in case you need to do touch-ups before hitting the beach or pool. The fact that you can hop in the shower with it and use it as part of your everything showers is a nice bonus. It has an adjustable guard, so you can use it for three different hair lengths, making it suitable for more than just your bikini line. Consider it your partner-in-crime for your legs and underarms, too.
For Wet/Dry skin: Both | Attachments: Guard, travel bag, cleaning brush, lubricant | Trimming Lengths: 3 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: USB cord
Best Drugstore
Veet Sensitive Precision Beauty Style Hair Removal Electric Trimmer
What We Love: It has a plethora of attachments for different trimming needs.
What We Don’t Love: Depending on how often its used, you can zip through batteries pretty fast.
A great drugstore bikini trimmer option is this one from the trusted brand Veet. It has a total of eight attachments, so there's one for absolutely all our hair needs — there’s a trimmer for the bikini line with two combs, a precision head for the eyebrows and upper lip, and a cleaning brush. The brand also generously provides an AA battery with the purchase. Because it’s compact and waterproof, you can bring it with you and whip it out whenever you need a quick touch-up on your bikini line, your underarm, or your face.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: 2 guards, trimmer, precision head, cap | Trimming Lengths: 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: AA battery
Best Razor and Trimmer
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor with Bikini Trimmer
What We Love: There are multiple replaceable blades inside. It’s also a razor and trimmer built-in-one.
What We Don’t Love: It requires batteries to use.
The Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle is a perfect tool if you’re new to the bikini trimmer world and looking to dive in. Doubling as a razor and a waterproof bikini line trimmer, this device is a classic go-to for people who just want a simple tool they can grab for quick touch-ups in or out of the shower. At an affordable price, this razor comes with an adjustable comb that has four settings you can use to flexibly customize your trim length for a clean look and feel.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Hydrating serum, adjustable combs, razor | Trimming Lengths: 4 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: AAA battery
Best for Sensitive Skin
Panasonic Close Curves Razor ES-WL60-G
What We Love: There are three razors on one shaver to get the closest shave possible.
What We Don’t Love: You only get 35 minutes of battery life per charge.
With a three-blade shaver, the Panasonic Close Curves Razor is perfect if you’re looking for a safe and gentle trim and a shave that hugs your curves. The reusable and rechargeable razor works well against your skin to eliminate irritations and cuts down on waste that’s often created with disposable razors. The device makes it easy to shave and trim in a back-and-forth motion, eliminating razor bumps if you have sensitive skin. It’s versatile, too, as you can use it in your shower or on dry skin.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Cleaning brush, protective cap, charging stand, travel bag | Trimming Lengths: 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: Charging plug
Best Waterproof
Brori Electric Razor
What We Love: It’s easy to hold and offers a close shave without the noise.
What We Don’t Love: The blade is difficult to remove during cleaning.
If you’re looking for a device that makes very little noise, can be used in the shower, and gives you a close shave, go with the Brori Electric Razor. It comes in a fun mint green color (along with other pastel shades) and with three razor blades and an LED light to help you hit blind spots, it won’t disappoint. You can use it beyond your bikini line, and because it comes with a USB charging cord and stand, you won’t have to worry about it dying on you. Feel free to use it on dry skin, wet skin, on the bathroom sink or in the shower, the trimmer can do it all.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Built-in LED light, carrying bag, cleaning brush, guide comb | Trimming Lengths: 1 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: USB charging stand
Best Bikini Trimmer Kit
Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit White/Pink
What We Love: It comes with all the essentials you’ll need for a smooth shave.
What We Don’t Love: There is no charger; it only uses batteries.
With three attachments and a travel pouch, Remington’s Smooth & Silky Women’s Body and Bikini Grooming Kit is a force. Before you trim, use the exfoliator attachment for easy scrubbing that will expertly prep your skin. The body trimmer attachment is perfect for quick touch-ups, while the foil shaver is ideal for spots that need more attention with close and comfortable trimming. You can use the trimmer in wet or dry situations, making it more readily accessible no matter the situation you are in.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Foil shaver, rotating exfoliator, adjustable length guide, travel bag | Trimming Lengths: 4 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: AA battery
Best for Thick Hair
Meridian The Trimmer
What We Love: The trimmer offers a really close shave, regardless of the hair type and the area you’re treating.
What We Don’t Love: It’s easy to clean, but it’s difficult to get fine hair out of the razor.
Meridian Grooming’s trimmer is pricey, but it’s worth it for the cuts and nicks it’ll help you avoid. It’s equipped to tackle all kinds of hair – from fine and straight to coarse and curly. With this powerhouse of a device, you won’t have to worry about the uncomfortable pulling or snagging that often comes with trimming your bikini line. That means razor burn and uncomfortable bumps won’t be part of the equation. The trimmer comes equipped with two adjustable guide combs, a handy cleaning brush, and a USB charger.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: 2 adjustable guide combs, cleaning brush | Trimming Lengths: 5 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: USB-C charging cable
Best for Close Shave
Finishing Touch Flawless Bikini Hair Remover & Trimmer
What We Love: It’s compact, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.
What We Don’t Love: It’s for dry shaves only and can’t be used in the shower.
Not only is the Finishing Touch Flawless Bikini Shaver great for a close shave, but for travel and last-minute touch-ups as well. Weekends away might require sudden trims when the group decides on a spontaneous dip in the ocean. Sneak into the bathroom and pull out this tiny, compact dry shaver that’s so discreet you can use it just about anywhere, any time.
The angled head features one razor that can get to those hard-to-reach crevices otherwise too small for a large shaver. An LED light spotlights the way while the hypoallergenic trimmer ensures the skin remains unharmed.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Dry | Attachments: LED light, adjustable head, protective cap | Trimming Lengths: 1 | Waterproof: No | Power Source: AAA battery
Best for Brazilian
Fur Skincare Fur Trimmer Cordless Electric Razor
What We Love: There are several customization options, thanks to its four trimmer lengths.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not particularly travel-friendly.
Fur has made a career out of caring for body hair, and that includes pesky ingrown hairs and down-there lady hairs. The Fur Trimmer is exactly the bikini trimmer you want for a Brazilian treatment. It has four trimmer lengths and a three-blade system so that you can customize your look. These features also allow for a more sped-up and smooth session as well. Perfect for both a dry trim or the shower, with or without a shaving cream, and both larger and smaller surfaces. It comes with its charging station and let’s be honest, it looks so aesthetic that you won’t feel embarrassed keeping it on your bathroom counter as decoration.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: LED light, storage bag, charging adapter | Trimming Lengths: 4 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: USB charging station
Best Rechargeable Trimmer
Olov Electric Groin Hair Trimmer
What We Love: It comes with both a charging dock and a travel-friendly USB charger.
What We Don’t Love: Due to the larger blade, it may be difficult to get to smaller areas.
Not only does this option come with a charging dock that can continuously charge the trimmer, but a travel-friendly USB charging cable that directly plugs into the trimmer as well. This way, you don’t need to worry about packing the whole dock while on the go. Once fully charged, the device gives 90 minutes of continuous power, which is more than enough time even if you worked through every single hairy body part. Good to use wet and dry, the Olov Electric trimmer comes with two adjustable trimming guards, so you really can get through different areas, like underarms, with this device.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Nose trimmer, 2 guards | Trimming Lengths: 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: Dock, USB cord
Best Trimmer with Guard
Happy Curves Smoothie Bikini Trimmer
What We Love: The customization capabilities are a huge plus.
What We Don’t Love: It may be difficult to reach smaller areas, like down and back there.
A trim guard attaches itself over the blades and protects the hairs from getting cut too short or too long, keeping everything an even length. It also blocks the blades from directly touching the skin and therefore is safer to use. The Happy Curves Smoothie Bikini Trimmer comes with two adjustable guards, one that provides a one to five-millimeter shave and another for a seven to 11-millimeter shave. A foil head attachment is available for a close shave if you wish for a smoother texture. Personally, we love the cute pastel color options available, making the whole experience a little more fun.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Foil head, 2 guards, trimming head | Trimming Lengths: 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Best for Small Areas
Wahl Clean and Confident Cordless Battery Detail Trimmer
What We Love: It comes with one AAA battery already included.
What We Don’t Love: The head can’t be angled.
Let’s get into the crooks and crannies now, shall we? Those hard-to-reach areas? Those tiny spaces that need a small precision blade? You’re going to want to grab this Wahl Detail Trimmer. The small head makes it easy to get into those areas which a bigger trimmer might not. The slim wand also makes it easy to throw into any toiletry bag before going on vacation. When you’re done with those areas, you can give it a quick clean and touch up on your brows and upper lip as well, if you’re not already using a dermaplaning tool.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Dry | Attachments: Guard, cap | Trimming Lengths: 2 | Waterproof: No | Power Source: AAA battery
Best for Touch-Ups
Clio Palmperfect Pro Series Bikini Trimmer
What We Love: It comes with a foil shave for a smoother clean cut.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not waterproof, but it can be used on wet skin.
POV: You have five minutes left before you have to head out. Your makeup is on point, the outfit is ready. Then you notice a few stray hairs on your upper lip — or worse, you forgot to trim your bikini line and the party is at the beach. It’s time to grab this quick bikini trimmer for touch-ups. For the bikini line, you grab the trimmer head and corresponding guard to quickly cut off long hairs. Next, you could switch this versatile little trimmer to the foil shave for a closer cut and take a quick pass across your upper lip if that's your vibe. (We love a multi-use tool. )That’s it. That’s all. You’re done and good to go.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Trimmer, foil shave, guard | Trimming Lengths: 3 | Waterproof: No | Power Source: AA battery
Best for Dry Shave
Conair All-in-One Personal Groomer
What We Love: It comes with a soft bristle to exfoliate and prep the skin beforehand.
What We Don’t Love: It does not come with any batteries, so make sure you have this on hand.
Theoretically, this Conair All-in-One Personal Groomer can be used on both wet and dry skin. But we picked this piece specifically for dry skin because it comes with a soft bristle that exfoliates and preps the skin beforehand, ensuring that your dry skin is in perfect condition for a trim. This helps to prevent ingrown hairs, and you won’t feel any tugging or pricking during the trim session. With three interchangeable attachments (exfoliating brush, foil shaver, trimmer), you can really customize the experience and look to your liking. Just remember to have some AA batteries at hand as this does not come with any.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Exfoliating brush, foil shaver, trimmer | Trimming Lengths: 3 | Waterproof: No | Power Source: AA battery
Best for Wet Shave
Gillette Venus Gentle Trimmer for Pubic Hair & Skin
What We Love: It can be used in and out of the shower.
What We Don’t Love: You’ll have to keep buying new batteries.
If you’d rather get all your grooming done in one place (aka the shower), then you’ll want a bikini trimmer that’s waterproof and can go over wet skin. Trusted brand Venus created an Intimate Grooming Electric Razor that can be used in and out of the shower, on wet and on dry skin. So whether you’re doing your everything-shower or needing a quick touch up, this is the tool to use. Specifically designed for thicker hair (which usually is the case for hair down there), the blade claims to be tug and pain-free. It also already comes with one AA battery included, but make sure you have a few backup ones available for when it runs out.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Both | Attachments: Trimmer head | Trimming Lengths: 1 | Waterproof: Yes | Power Source: AA batteries
Best for Women
Finishing Touch Flawless Nu Razor Electric Razor
What We Love: It’s small, portable, and easy to use anytime, anywhere.
What We Don’t Love: The styling options and trim lengths are very limited.
This Finishing Touch Flawless Nu Razor is the closest thing you’ll get to a two-in-one razor and trimmer product. The safety guard ensures your skin remains unharmed while tiny little razors snip snap the hairs right off the surface. It even comes with a safety guard for more sensitive areas (like down there), but the head is small enough to get a good precision shave if you wish to use it on your face. The best part is that it’s portable, and because it’s a dry shave, you can literally pull it out while in the car for a very quick touch-up.
For Wet/Dry Skin: Dry | Attachments: Guard | Trimming Lengths: 1 | Waterproof: No | Power Source: USB cord
What to Keep in Mind
- Trimmer vs. Razor: Still not sure which to opt for? In order to choose, let’s first define the differences between the two. According to Dr. Garshick, “Bikini trimmers use floating blades that help to shorten the hairs, unlike razors which shave the hairs and may pull at the skin”. Trimmers are less likely to cause ingrown hairs, she explains, so anyone prone to this skin condition may prefer a bikini trimmer. If you have an adjustable trimmer, you can choose the length of hair that the trimmer will snip.
As for the number of blades, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi recommends “at least two for the majority of people, and three if you are prone to irritation and/or ingrown hairs.” The higher the number of blades, “the more efficient the trimming process,” she explains.
- Trim Lengths: If you desire more creative control over how short you want the hair to be cut, then we recommend opting for a trimmer with multiple trim lengths. These options come with guards that can be adjusted and block the space between the skin and the blade at your desired length. This way, you can change the look of your underarm hair versus your bikini line and get more usage out of your bikini trimmer.
- Features: Many of today’s top bikini trimmers offer a range of helpful features. Some, but not all, are waterproof, allowing you to trim while in the shower. It’s important to pay attention to this distinction before you make a purchase as you don’t want to accidentally carry a non-waterproof electric device into the water stream. Some models also come with safety attachments, various comb heads for different trimming results, and LED lights for improved visibility.
- Water Resistance: The nice difference between a razor and a trimmer is that you can go water-free with a trimmer. That being said, if you prefer to accomplish everything in one go under the shower, there are plenty of water-resistant options on this list that allow you to take your trimmer into the shower. Do not accidentally take your non-water-resistant trimmer into the shower as it can be a hazard.
- Skin Type: According to both Dr. Penzi and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, bikini trimmers are safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. “Trimmers cut the hair straight across, unlike shaving, and usually have built-in safety features like rounded blades or guards to prevent nicks and irritation,” says Dr. Penzi. To boot, Dr. Shokeen adds that “they are easier on those with sensitive skin because no products or irritants are necessarily applied in order to use a trimmer.”
Your Questions, Answered
Are bikini trimmers safe to use?
Overall, bikini trimmers are safe to use, but according to Dr. Garshick, if they’re not used correctly, they can contribute to cuts, ingrown hairs, scarring, and skin irritation.
Trimmers are less likely to cause ingrown hairs compared to using razors and shaving cream, but it’s still a possibility. “Given the skin in the groin area is particularly delicate and sensitive, any injury to the hair can lead to potential hyperpigmentation or scarring,” says Dr. Garshick. “That said, trimmers are considered a good option for those with sensitive skin.”
How should you use a bikini trimmer?
Before you get started, check whether the trimmer is water-resistant to determine whether it can be used in the shower or not. If it is not waterproof, you’ll need to use it outside of the shower, although board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano says it’s best to trim the bikini line right after sudsing up to make sure the area is clean and the hairs are softened, which makes them easier to shave down. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, swap your cleanser for a salicylic- or glycolic acid-based exfoliant to remove any dead skin cells and gunk from the area.
If it is waterproof, you’re free to use it in the shower, although you should still follow the same cleansing steps outlined above before trimming.
The best way to use a bikini trimmer, according to Dr. Garshick, is to hold the skin taut with one hand while trimming with the other to allow for a more consistent and comfortable shave. Also, make sure you shave in the direction of the hair to prevent razor burn or ingrown hairs. Lastly, make sure to change the razor every two to three weeks.
How should you treat your skin after using a bikini trimmer?
“It's important to moisturize your skin immediately after using a bikini trimmer,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky. “This helps to protect the skin barrier, reduce the risk of razor burn, and decrease the risk of irritation.” She recommends using a fragrance-free lotion or cream that is labeled as non-comedogenic, which will moisturize skin without clogging pores.
Does trimming pubic hair make it prickly?
Bikini trimmers typically do leave some stubble since they do not shave as close to the skin as traditional razors do, says Dr. Zubritsky. Trimmers don't remove the hair entirely — they just cut the hair down to a shorter length. If you're looking for a completely smooth option, consider using an epilator, waxing, or trying laser hair removal for the best results.
Should you trim your bikini line wet or dry?
“This absolutely depends on the type of trimmer you use,” says Dr. Shokeen. “Some are designed for wet skin and others may be designed for dry skin with an LED to support visualization of hair. It is always important to read the instructions for the razor you choose and go with the grain never against it!”
How do you prep skin before using a bikini trimmer?
Start by cleaning and drying (if the trimmer requires a dry shave) the areas to remove any oils or lotions,” recommends Dr. Shokeen. For those prone to infection or irritation, “it can be helpful to use an antibacterial cleanser, such as one containing benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine, or povidone iodine,” chimes in Dr. Garshick.
Why Shop With Us
Alexis Benveniste is a freelance writer and editor with more than eight years of experience reporting on beauty and culture. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with over three years of experience covering fashion and beauty, and contributed to this article as well. To discover the best bikini trimmers out there and the best way to use them, they interviewed board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Marisa Garshick, Dr. Mamina Turegano, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, Dr. Lauren Penzi, and Dr. Divya Shokeen.
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