10 Best Razors for Women for the Smoothest, Closest Shave Ever (2024)

Minimize shower time with a razor that 89% of our testers agreed was best at shaving hair in one pass. The GH Beauty Award winner also earned a perfect score for maneuvering around hard-to-reach areas. "I like that it got around my knees and ankles well and gave me no razor burn," one tester reported. The five-blade razor comes with a silicone handle for easy gripping while its skin guard comes coated in hyaluronic acid that aims to hydrate as you go. The only potential drawback if you're used to a lightweight razor: One tester found it on the heavier side.

Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Five | Features: Aluminum handle coated with non-slip silicone and a hyaluronic acid serum strip

Uniquely designed with a ball to allow the razor to twist side to side and pivot more easily, this refillable option from Gillette performed very well in our testing. It was able to maneuver around tricky areas with ease: All testers agreed that it glided over skin easily, and nearly every tester said that it easily moved around difficult areas such as knees and ankles. Some even could shave less frequently when using this razor, with one tester sharing that they liked "the super close shave and the fact that I shaved less often yet still had smooth skin." The blade has a gel/lotion band around it for smooth lubrication, but some testers found that it became sticky; make sure to change the cartridge often to avoid that.

Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Five | Features: Twisting handle and a water-activated moisturizing ribbon

With a rubbery ergonomic handle and a patented "Irritation Defense Bar," this razor puts you in control of your shave. One of our testers calls it a "real game-changer, especially for delicate areas." She found that it easily sliced through both fine and coarse hair and left her skin feeling smooth. "Usually, I dread shaving, as it always results in redness and irritation, but with this one, I've had no issues," she adds. "The razor is so gentle that I barely felt anything." Some online reviewers say it doesn't shave super close to the skin, so you might not get the closest shave with this one.

Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Four | Features: Ergonomic handle and irritation defense bar

For just around $10, you can get this razor plus three additional refill blades. A great deal, it also performed well in Lab testing, earning the highest score among all razors (disposable and reusable) for gliding over skin easily, not irritating skin, avoiding nicks and providing long-lasting smoothness. It features a pivoting head that testers found maneuvered easily. One tester said that they would "continue using it for sure," also noting that it was comfortable to hold and didn't need to go over areas more than once to remove hair. Note that some testers shared that the razor feels a little "flimsy" or "wobbly" in their hands.

Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Four | Features: Aloe and vitamin E conditioning strip

Taking the top spot in Lab testing for refillable razors, this Schick two-in-one razor and bikini trimmer was a favorite among testers. Earning the highest scores for easily maneuvering around difficult areas and providing a close shave, users don't have to take multiple passes to fully remove hair, making it great for thicker, coarser hair. This waterproof multitasker scored highly for ease of use as well, and one tester shared that it is a "must-have razor. It provides a smooth shave experience." Take note that the trimmer is battery-powered, and though one is provided, you will need to put in a new one once it dies.

Type of razor: Cartridge and electric razor | Blades: Five | Features: Battery-powered bikini trimmer

Sweep away dead skin cells with Schick's refillable face razor tool. The GH 2022 Beauty Award Winner safely and effectively removed thick facial hair for smoother feeling skin, with no nicks or cuts experienced, based on Lab expert evaluations. “Maneuvering it around my face felt natural, and it removed my fuzz with ease and without irritation," said one tester. A few online reviewers noted that there's a bit of a learning curve that comes with it — ease into use as it may take a few tries to get the hang of it.

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Type of razor: Facial razor | Blades: Not listed | Features: Metal handle

If you prefer an electric shaver to a traditional razor, try out this one. GH Beauty Lab testers loved it on their armpits, with one saying it gave them the "closest shave ever in my underarm area." Great for those who have sensitive skin, it can be used on dry skin without razor burn or irritation. However, testers did find it a little difficult to use since it doesn't have a pivoting head and had to pass over their legs multiple times to fully remove hair.

Type of razor: Electric razor | Blades: Four | Features: Includes a bikini comb

Razor sharp, indeed. Oui the People's razor offers a nice, clean shave. Ideal for more advanced razor users, our experts say there's a learning curve to using this weighty razor, and it takes time to ace it. But once you've perfected it, the razor will effectively remove leg hair with an impressively close shave. "I like how smooth my skin [felt] after shaving, and it takes longer for new hair to show up," said one tester. The razor also earned high scores for gliding easily over skin without irritation. Made from stainless steel, it's more sustainable than other razors that are designed from disposable plastics, so though it's pricey, it can be reused multiple times. However, a few testers had trouble assembling this and the lack of holder meant that some stored it outside of the shower to prevent rusting.

Type of razor: Stainless steel safety razor | Blades: Not listed | Features: Weighted and angled

Billie can be your one-stop shop for hair removal. Upon your first order, you'll find a durable razor in the color of your choice, two refill cartridges and a magnetic holder for your shower. From then on, you'll get four five-blade cartridges as you need. In our evaluations, 100% of testers agreed that the Billie razor excelled at shaving closer than other razors they tried. It was also a top choice for hair removal in the leg and pubic area and got extra points for not irritating skin. Its aloe-infused strip moisturizes skin in the razor's wake, but if not left on its magnetic holder, can stick to other objects once dried down. For more details, check out our complete Billie razor review.

Type of razor: Refillable razor | Blades: Five | Features: Magnetic holder and aloe moisturizer

Navigate around skin, even the bikini area, with ease thanks to this reusable razor handle with a pivoting head. Overall, our testers praised it for its easy trip over skin, and it earned the highest score in our roundup of razors for removing hair from the bikini line. Its sturdy bamboo handle offers a luxurious feel while its pack of four blades, though sold separately, won't nick your skin. "I appreciate that the handle seems long-lasting, therefore, better for the environment, and the overall look is more stylish in my shower," says one tester. Keep in mind, though, that the razor doesn't come with a blade cover and when wet, the handle can become slippery at times — so store it safely.

Type of razor: Cartridge razor | Blades: Not listed | Features: Bamboo holder

✔️ Number of blades: No matter if you prefer refillable or disposable, make sure the razor is multi-bladed. "Single-blade disposables are likelier to drag against the skin," says New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist Neal Schultz, M.D. For that reason, refillable and disposable razors that have three to five blades in the head are the best razors when it comes to hair removal, grip comfort and maneuverability.

✔️ Maintenance: Besides using a good razor, a smooth and long-lasting shave depends on how you take care of your razor, regardless if it's refillable or disposable. It's important to replace your razors as soon as the blades dull or you feel discomfort to achieve an optimal shave. Subscriptions like Billie cover this for you without a second thought. For the best results, post-shave, rinse off your razor and store it in a clean, dry space to avoid microbial growth. After about five to seven shaves, toss the old blades to prevent irritation.

Sometimes a good shave is just as much about the preparation and technique in addition to using the right tools. According to Vancouver-based board-certified dermatologist Monica Li, M.D., and former Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., these are the shaving skincare steps you should take to get your best shave:

✔️ Wet skin to help soften hair. This makes it easier for the blade to glide across. For a manual razor, Dr. Li advises never to shave on dry skin because it can increase the risk of irritation and cuts, which is why shaving in the shower or near the end of a bath is prime time.

✔️ Use shaving cream, gel or a warm compresses. Doing so prompts a smoother shave and support optimal hair removal. For peak softness, Dr. Li recommends letting the product sit on the skin for a few minutes.

✔️ Don't shave too hastily. Moving the razor over your skin too quickly can cause irritation, cuts and bumps, notes Aral. You'll have to pass over the same area multiple times which can add to irritation.

✔️ Always shave with the grain of the hair. Otherwise, the tapered ends of just-shaved hair can poke back into the skin and cause ingrown hairs. Avoid stretching the skin completely taut when shaving, Dr. Li adds.

✔️ Splash skin with cool water after a shave to reduce potential skin irritation. Dr. Li also recommends moisturizing to keep cleanly shaven skin hydrated and smooth.

• Bikini trimmers
• Epilators
• Waxing at-home kits
• IPL devices
• At-home laser hair removal tools