The best bikini trimmers for a safe, irritation-free trim every single time

Looking for the best bikini trimmer can feel like a high-stakes endeavor. This would not be a smart area of your beauty routine in which to take a punt on a subpar product. 

However, it is definitely worth the effort as there are so many good things about using a bikini trimmer. Even the best razors for women can leave this sensitive area feeling like a plucked chicken. Trimmers are easy to operate, effective, and when used properly, pain-free. This sets them pretty far apart from bikini waxing and laser hair removal. “Trimmers are good for the bikini area because there is less risk of irritation,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr Debra Jaliman (opens in new tab) MD. “They're also less painful to use than both waxing and epilating, and can help prevent razor burn.” 

Hair removal specialist Rosie Khandwala (opens in new tab) agrees, "The advantage is bikini trimmers can be adjusted to the length of the hair desired to keep the area tidy." Plus, they are unlikely to cause the ingrown hairs that even the best electric razors for women run the risk of from time to time. From clean-shaving clippers to sensitive skin-friendly options, this is our all-time best bikini trimmer hotlist. Plus, we dish out the dos and don'ts of bikini hair removal at home so you can groom with complete confidence.

How we tested the best bikini trimmers

While even the best bikini trimmers usually neaten up a hairy bikini line rather than completely eradicating hair as waxing does, the convenience factor of having your own bikini line shaping tool at home offsets the frequent regrowth. We tried dozens of options to find the best pubic hair shaver for women, testing them wet and dry on various lengths of regrowth, and paying attention to the special features Dr Jaliman advises looking out for, which are: 

• Waterproof: If you shave in the shower, this is a must 
• Cordless: Reaching awkward angles is eminently easier without leads
• Lightweight: Save yourself from achy arms and wrists  
• Customizable: Many of the best bikini trimmers also work on other areas
• Different comb lengths: To tackle various lengths of hair and regrowth

The best bikini trimmers, chosen by our beauty experts

If you're new to bikini trimmers, trust that this one won’t leave you confused or overwhelmed. For starters, it's cordless, so you won’t have to worry about not being able to reach those hard-to-get areas.

Next, thanks to its curved neck and various included attachments, trimming is practically painless, whether you're looking for pubic or facial hair removal. Simply trim hair down with the metal trimming blades before using the shaving head to tame hairs anywhere. An added bonus? This razor attachment can also be used for the legs.

This may be the best bikini trimmer for newbies but it probably isn't the fastest. Be sure to set plenty of time aside when using this razor - it takes several passes to clear an area, so don’t expect a clean and quick trim all in one shot. It's also battery-operated, so you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a spare set of batteries around in case the trimmer stops working. These are small gripes though, all in all, this is a great starter kit, especially for travel.

If your idea of the best bikini trimmer is one that's packed with bonus features, this trimmer won’t leave you disappointed. The built-in LED light successfully illuminates areas when you are shaving, so no stray bikini hairs are left behind. The three-in-one shaving heads are also a delight. The straight blade can be used on legs (great news if you've never quite got the knack of how to wax your legs) while its curved blade can be used for the underarm and bikini line areas, and the floating foil blade keeps stubble to a minimum. 

And if your body hair is on the longer side, not to worry; this bikini trimmer easily neatens straggly hairs up without requiring multiple passes. However, while this bikini trimmer can be easily charged, be advised that its battery life is on the shorter side, which might be irritating if you're planning a full hair removal MOT in one evening. Plus, while it helped keep our stubble in check, it didn't provide a super-close shave as a traditional razor would probably have.  

This trimmer makes cleaning up almost any hair length a total cakewalk. Not only does it offer a hypoallergenic blade and a very generous five options of position settings, but it also reaches all contours of the body including armpit hair, which experts agree is one of the hairs you shouldn't pluck. 

This trimmer also has the added benefit of being able to trim medium to long-sized strands, making it the best pubic hair shaver for women who are a little sporadic with intimate grooming. It also gently removes coarse and thicker-textured hair without tugging or irritation. If that’s not enough to entice you, perhaps its low-maintenance upkeep will. After all, it does come with a brush to keep the unit clean until your next trim. 

However, because this trimmer’s motor works slowly, you’ll have to be patient while using it. It can require several passes to completely clear an area - we used it on a lazy Sunday when we had some time to spare. 

If you find yourself riddled with razor burn and irritation after shaving your bikini area, this sensitive skin-safe razor is definitely the answer to your prayers - its irritation defense bar and blades guarantee a smooth shave without any nicks or bumps.

Aside from its protective benefits, we were pleasantly surprised by the Venus Bikini Trimmer's shaving capabilities, which are equally impressive. It can reach tough-to-reach spots in intimate areas without irritating or pulling at your hair. Since it also contains two replacement heads, you won’t have to worry about stubble coming back full force in the short term at least. 

However, this razor isn’t for everyone. It has a small blade count so may not provide a super close shave if that's what you want. Additionally, this renders it unsuitable for body shaving. And if you're on the lookout for something electric that doesn't need replacement heads or refills, obviously look elsewhere. But since sensitive skin-safe bikini trimmers are hard to find, this razor made top marks in our books, particularly in keeping dreaded razor burn at bay.

Searching for a travel-sized bikini trimmer you can bring on your well-deserved vacay? Look no further. This charming, compact little trimmer kit fits nicely inside your suitcase and is the best bikini trimmer to bring on any holiday away.

Though its smaller size isn’t its only advantage; this trimmer’s attachments keep your bikini area - plus face, legs, and hairline - in tiptop shape. But that’s not all. We loved the included exfoliating attachment, which was up there with the best body exfoliators in ensuring any dead and rough skin was sloughed off, resulting in zero ingrown hairs and a smoother, silkier feel.  

At the same time, this trimmer isn’t for everyone. It may not provide a close enough shave like a traditional razor, and also not clean up areas in one pass. However, because of its added extras and its easy-to-carry size, it’s definitely the bikini trimmer to have on hand if you’re proudly part of a frequent flyer program. 

Looking for a product that marries a traditional razor and a bikini trimmer? You’re in luck, as this dual-sided product pairs a moisture-strip five-blade razor with a battery-powered bikini trimmer to make cleanup super easy and stubble a thing of the past.

Fans of a time-saving two-in-one (guilty) won’t have to worry about irritation rearing its ugly head whenever you reach for this trimmer, as that nifty built-in hypoallergenic moisture strip did its job hydrating as we went along. Its curve-sensing blades came in handy when navigating around the bikini line. The waterproof bikini trimmer itself is another treat: It offers three length options for trimming, so you can keep the hair down there as neat and tidy as you like.

Though this product isn’t without some drawbacks: It's not replaceable, and to use it correctly you have to hold down the button as you shave, which can feel tricky at certain angles. However, if you are looking to get all of your shaving done in one shot - not to mention minimize your shower clutter and give yourself extra peace of mind during shaving - this razor-bikini trimmer duo will definitely make your upkeep, a whole lot easier. 

This sleek and nifty device not only looks the part, but it acts it too. The two-blade precision rotary blades move over the skin smoothly to remove hairs quickly and painlessly for a close, comfortable shave. What’s more, the device itself is small and light to carry, making it the perfect travel companion for when you want to remove hairs on the go. 

Contrary to the usual shaving advice, this tool can also be used without shaving gel and water. Simply place the blade against your skin and move it in small circular motions to instantly remove hair. Once you’re done with the blade, turn it counterclockwise and lift it off before replacing it with a new one. 

We love the design of this device and how it delivers a close shave without irritation. The only factor to consider is that it’s battery-operated, so if you do take it away with you, be sure to pack some spare batteries. 

This 3-in-1 electronic device removes unwanted hair from the body (bikini-line, arms, legs, and underarms) as well as the face (cheeks, lips, and chin). Complete with three head attachments, use the rotary attachment for a close shave on fine hairs. Use the trimmer attachment along with the adjustable comb on larger surface areas. And finally, there’s the eyebrow attachment which helps you master how to shape eyebrows and define straggly arches in seconds. 

This do-it-all tool is the best bikini trimmer for women who want to remove hairs from top to toe and who want the choice to trim to a specific desired length. The device can be used cordless once the battery is full, running for 60 minutes, which should allow enough time to rid your entire body of hair. Considering its reasonable price tag, this tool is up there with one of the best that we’ve tried. 

If you're looking for a bikini trimmer that offers more control, this dual-headed model from Braun is a great option. The two combs (5mm and 8mm) mean it's easier to get the right length and the slim T-shaped head offers a more precise trim. We also found it a handy device for catching stray eyebrow hairs or chin hairs.

This is a great option for beginners as it's super easy to use and won't irritate the skin. We found the device offered a gentle trim, so would it recommend for more sensitive skin. Bear in mind that this trimmer isn't as powerful as other models, so you may need to go over the area a few times. 

There are ongoing costs due to this trimmer being battery operated, but with such a reasonable cost for the trimmer itself, that's not a big drawback. Plus, reviewers claim this model will last for years and years, praising it as a reliable choice.

This rechargeable hair trimmer is a good all-rounder for removing hair from the whole body, with a separate attachment for the bikini line. It boasts an attractive (if slightly bulkier) design with multiple colorways - we tried out the classic white. 

The trimmer comes with a trio of metal-plated trimming heads that cater to different parts of the body - for facial hair removal creating a neat brow shape and bikini or underarm trimming - and have been designed with sensitive skin in mind. Using the trimmer was pain-free, without any irritation, and the comb-guard that allows you to alter the trimming length easily. 

The biggest draw of this device is its 90-minutes of use with each charge, which is ample time to remove any unwanted body hair and then some. This model also offers a really close shave so it's unlikely you'll need to go over the areas multiple times, and spins 300 times per second so that it removes even the finest of hairs. We found this so speedy and convenient it would certainly be a great option for people who are always on the go. 

How to trim your bikini line safely

1. Exfoliate first

It’s a good idea to start some skin smoothing a couple of days before trimming the area. You could use a traditional scrub or even body lotion with skincare acids. Why? Number one, exfoliating removes excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. And number two, it can also lift the hairs so they’re not lying flat to help achieve a smoother shave. Word of warning: don’t exfoliate on the same day as trimming as this can cause irritation. 

2. Never dry shave

If you use a bikini trimmer or razor on dry skin, there’s no slip and slide which can result in razor burn, nicks, and cuts as well as a stinging sensation. Shaving gels and creams are designed to prep your skin for a seamless shave without any irritation. 

3. Work in one direction

Do not, we repeat, do NOT trim the hairs in all directions. If you do, there’s a high chance you will irritate the skin, cause razor bumps and even increase the chance of ingrown hairs. Instead, trim the hairs in the same direction that the hair grows.

4. Moisturize after

After you're finished trimming, be sure to apply a generous layer of your favorite body moisturizer. This will not only soften the skin but will reduce the chances of ingrown hairs. 

5. Replace your razor head

For a clean, smooth shave, replace your tool regularly. Trimming or shaving with a dull blade is more likely to cut and irritate the skin. As a general rule of thumb, replace your blade every two to three weeks (depending on how often you shave). 

What hair removal is best for pubic area?

It really comes down to personal preference, with each of the common methods of pubic hair removal - trimming, shaving, waxing, and laser - all holding their own merits. While using a bikini trimmer is quick, easy, and pain-free, the end result is more of a tidy-up rather than full hair removal. 

"Trimmers are great for shaping the hair you do have, whereas shaving or waxing is more useful to remove hair altogether," Aimee Piper (opens in new tab), senior skin therapist at Vie Derma, told us. "If you are looking for a smooth, clean result the use of a trimmer might not be the way to go as you do not get as much of a clean finish compared to shaving or waxing." 

Using a bikini trimmer or razor also won't give the longer-lasting results of waxing, or even longer-lasting results of laser. "With trimming, shaving (and sometimes even waxing) you are still likely to see stubble and regrowth after a few days, which is why laser hair removal is a really great option if you are looking to get rid of unwanted hair for good," Piper continued.