Fiona McKim
Among the many options on the market, the best bikini trimmers are those that come with an ergonomic design that yields a pain-free experience. Having spent years trying to find my ideal tool, I know all too well what a considered purchase this is. The last thing you want is a sub-par product that makes hair removal a hassle by snagging or causing irritation. But it’s not like you can try these tools before you buy, or return them once you have done so. So how do you pinpoint those that perform best?
As pubic hair is coarser than hair elsewhere on the body, these devices need enough power and an advanced design to be able to remove it cleanly, as discomfort and ingrown hairs are inevitable if not. Managing expectations is important here, too – you're never going to get as close a shave as the best razors, but the convenience and comfort these handy the best of these devices can offer are well worth the spend.
“[Trimmers] are good for the bikini area because there is less risk of irritation,” confirms board-certified dermatologist Dr Debra Jaliman MD. “They're also less painful to use than both waxing and epilating and can help prevent razor burn.”
Fortunately, team woman&home has tested more than 20 bikini trimmers over the years – and revisited a number of tools for this list of the best – whittling that number down to the top six featured in this guide. Here's what you need to know before buying – including how to choose a bikini trimmer – to find your perfect match...
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The best bikini trimmers, tried and tested
Reviewed by: Kerrie Hughes
RRP: £27.99 | Features: Shower safe, battery operated
I was pleasantly surprised by this bikini trimmer from Philips. You get quite a lot for your money here, with two heads for precision and close shaving, which I found to be really effective. It is a more labour-intensive process – I used the small trimming head for the first pass – but going over the area again with the precision head as a second step is really worth it.
The device is shower-safe, however, as it's battery operated I decided not to use it for a wet shave. It is easy to hold and manoeuvre around the area, while the head is big enough to cover a good area but small enough to be precise. I did have concerns that the battery wouldn't last particularly long, but I have used it multiple times and it shows no signs of slowing down on that front.
The device gives as close a shave as you're going to get from a bikini trimmer and has never caused me any irritation. The set comes with a small brush for cleaning the device, as well as a handy storage pouch to keep everything safe and discreetly stored.
Pros
- Great results
- Reasonable price
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Takes several passes to trim
Reviewed by: Kerrie Hughes
RRP: £39.99 | Features: Shower safe, rechargeable
If you've got a little more budget to put towards the best bikini trimmer, the Philips Lady Shaver Series 6000 is an excellent option. Its rounded trimmer tips and skin stretcher cap provide a gentle shaving experience that doesn't result in any scratches or cuts; I found the shaver easy to use and comfortable to hold, making it easy to reach all areas of the body. The floating foil maintains close contact with the skin for a smooth shave and it's versatile, being designed for both wet and dry use.
This tool also comes with a soft glide cap and exfoliation glove for added convenience. The only downside is its battery life, which provides up to 40 minutes of cordless use and takes a while to charge. But overall, I was impressed by this easy-to-use option that provides a comfortable shave, making it suitable for sensitive areas and one of the best lady shavers for intimate areas.
Pros
- Most comfortable user experience of those featured here
- Yields a smooth shave
- Fairly chic design
- Shower safe
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Limited battery life
Reviewed by: Kerrie Hughes
RRP: £119.99 | Features: Shower safe, rechargeable, epilator and bikini trimmer bundle
If you're looking for a device that does a bit of everything – bikini trimming, shaving, epilation, skin exfoliation and massage – this Braun tool is a great option with four customisable heads. It also comes with a small bikini styler, which, is hands down, my favourite trimmer of all. It might look simple, but it's really all you need and gives a really close, quick shave if you are in a hurry.
I'll be honest, this device does looks a bit scary at first, particularly if you're new to epilation, and the process takes a bit of getting used to. I'd be lying if I said using it on this sensitive area wasn't uncomfortable, but its design and attachments make it as pain-free as possible. The large head covers a big area and, while the massage roller makes it more comfortable, I saw some redness and soreness after. However, this was expected but settled really quickly – and the more I use it, the less affected the area becomes as it acclimatises. And as epilating pulls the hair from the root, I was hair-free for far longer than with a trimmer.
Pros
- Excellent bikini styler
- Trimmer and epilator in one; can leave you hair-free for longer
Cons
- User experience takes some getting used to
Reviewed by: Kerrie Hughes, Fiona McKim
RRP: £30 | Features: Shower safe, USB chargeable
I love the overall design of Magnitone's mini lady shaver; it's fun and stands out from all the other traditional bikini trimmers. This shape makes it really easy to hold, however the wide head wasn't the best design for precision shaving. That said, this meant I could cover a larger area and therefore the whole process took less time.
I have used this in the shower a few times, and it gives a nice clean trim and shave using the head and trimming edges. However, I did find it tugged my skin a couple of times, but this is a minor gripe due to the trimmer being much wider than other, more precise offerings. It gave a pain and irritation-free shave between the two features, though didn't result in the area being completely clean, despite a couple of passes.
A big selling point, aside from its reasonable price, is the battery life on this device; it promises 100 minutes of use with each charge, and while I haven't counted the hours, I do know I have used it for months without having to plug it in.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Shower safe
- Reasonably priced
- Compact and pretty design
Cons
- Not the best tool for a clean shave
Reviewed by: Kerrie Hughes
RRP: £69.99 | Features: Shower safe, battery operated
Panasonic's Body & Bikini Kit is without a doubt one of the best bikini trimmers for different hair types. The range of attachments and the high-speed motor mean it can tackle both volume and thickness easily. I used this particular tool after a month's worth of growth, switching between the trimmer attachment, which gave a gentle shave, and the bikini shaver and comb, which offered precision hair removal without irritation.
Lightweight and waterproof, this device's design makes it really easy to get into difficult, more sensitive areas delicately. I really like the fact that you can easily trim your bikini line quickly with the default head, but that the extra attention to that area with the other attachments means you can get a closer shave should you have more time. It comes complete with a handy storage pouch too, to keep all the attachments and device discreet and safe. The only downside I found to this was the battery life wasn't as good as some of the other tools that made it on to this best list.
Pros
- Offers precision shave; gets into tougher spots easily
- Handy storage pouch
Cons
- You can get better battery life elsewhere
Reviewed by: Kerrie Hughes
RRP: £16.50 | Features: Shower safe, battery operated
Yes, a multi-tasking product that marries a traditional razor with a bikini trimmer does exist. This dual-ended product from Wilkinson Sword pairs a five-blade moisture-strip razor with a battery-powered bikini trimmer, making clean-up super easy and stubble a thing of the past. (Not to mention the 2-in-1 design gives it some money-saving appeal, too.) Fans of a time-saving two-in-one tool also don't have to worry about irritation rearing its ugly head whenever they reach for this trimmer, as that nifty built-in hyaluronic acid moisture strip did its job of smoothing as we went along.
We also found the waterproof bikini trimmer to be another treat; it's equipped with four different length options for trimming, so you can keep hair as neat and tidy as you like. If you want to get all of your shaving done in one shot, minimise your shower clutter and give yourself extra peace of mind during shaving, we think this razor-bikini trimmer duo will make your upkeep much more straightforward.
Pros
- Multi-tasking, dual-ended design
Cons
- Button has to be continuously pressed while shaving
How we tested the best bikini trimmers
A selection of bikini trimmers we tested for this guide
To pinpoint those that are truly the best bikini trimmer for women, we drew on our past experience testing dozens of different tools, as well as putting new-to-us trimmers through their paces. We used them both wet and dry and on various lengths of regrowth. As well as noting factors like price and the overall design, as well as how easy we found each device to use, we also paid attention to the special features that Dr Jaliman advises looking out for, which covered the following.
- Waterproof designs: If you prefer to shave in the shower, this is a must – but not all bikini trimmers are waterproof, so make sure to check a potential purchase is before you buy. A lot of products these days can be used on either wet or dry skin, while others are designed for in-shower use but should not be fully submerged under water. Waterproof tools usually cost slightly more, but offer more flexibility over where and how you shave.
- Cordless options: Most bikini trimmers are cordless now, as the very nature of the device demands they be easy to hold and use – which is far easier without any wires.
- Lightweight design: It may sound obvious, but the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy device that's uncomfortable to hold while removing hair from such a sensitive area. Luckily, many modern designs are lightweight and therefore comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Customisability: Many of the best bikini trimmers can also be used on other areas of the body – which is great as you get more for your money. Just ensure that, if you are buying a bikini trimmer predominantly for that area, that it includes attachments and power you need to get through coarse pubic hair.
- Different comb lengths: These are handy to tackle various lengths of hair and regrowth.
The tools that made our final edit above ticked many, if not all, of these boxes to offer a comfortable and convenient trimming experience. Devices with built-in safety features also scored highly, while those that included options for other hair removal methods, such as epilation heads and razors, got bonus points.
How to choose the best bikini line hair remover
Choosing the right tool really comes down to your personal preference, as each of the common methods of pubic hair removal – trimming, shaving, waxing and laser – all have 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, senior skin therapist at Vie Derma, explains. "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 get you as long-lasting results as waxing, or the 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 adds.
How to trim your bikini line safely
- Exfoliate first: It’s a good idea to do some skin smoothing a couple of days before trimming the area. You could use a traditional physical scrub or one 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. A word of warning: don’t exfoliate on the same day as trimming as this can cause irritation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Moisturise: Once you're finished trimming, be sure to apply a generous layer of your favourite and best body moisturiser. This will not only soften the skin, it will also reduce the chances of ingrown hairs.
Our expert panel
Kerrie Hughes is the Editor of woman&home (digital). For seven years previously she was editor of Future’s world-leading design title Creative Bloq, and has written for titles including T3, Coach and Fit&Well on a wide range of lifestyle topics. She often tests beauty products and was the main reviewer for this guide.
Fiona McKim has been part of the woman&home beauty team for more than a decade. During that time her work has included interviewing countless experts, reporting from backstage at Fashion Week and judging the woman&home Beauty Awards. An expert beauty tester who has tested dozens – if not hundreds – of tools over the years, she also shared insights for this guide to the best bikini trimmers.
Dr Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York with decades of experience. She shared insights into the benefits of bikini trimmers for this guide.
Aimee Harper is a senior skin therapist and clinic manager at Vie Aesthetics in London. As part of this guide, she shared insights to help you choose the best bikini trimmer for you.