The 10 best bikini trimmers, according to dermatologists

CNN

5 days ago

If you're looking to upgrade your grooming routine, a bikini trimmer can make all difference, while saving you the pain of waxing and laser hair removal. It can also be a more cost-effective method, since you cut down on repurchasing plastic razors. But electric trimmers can be harder to shop for, since there are a few more features to consider as you're searching.
We spoke to dermatologists to find electric trimmers they recommend for a clean shave of your bikini area. On top of that, we shared some of our own picks and read through product reviews of models from top brands to find even more bikini trimmer options. We're breaking down everything you need to know about adding a bikini trimmer to your routine.
Clio Palmperfect Electric Bikini Trimmer
"This compact, cordless trimmer is ideal for travel and quick touch-ups," Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said. The dual-sided trimmer comes with a foil shaver head, which Garshick said makes it easy to shape and smooth sensitive areas without irritation. She also notes the ceramic blades make it a gentle and versatile option.
Remington Smooth and Silky Body and Bikini Kit
This kit comes with not only a trimmer for shaving but attachments for detailed grooming and exfoliating for a whole body care routine. "It's a solid pick for those looking for a full-body grooming solution on a budget, though [it's] best used on dry skin," Garshick said. It's also cordless, battery-powered and easy to travel with.
Philips Beauty Essential Bikini Trimmer 2000
Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a certified trichologist with a doctorate in biomedical sciences and founder of Alodia, likes this trimmer because it's totally cordless. It's battery-operated so you don't need to worry about charging it either. It's a great option for traveling and easy to store when you're not using it.
Meridian The Original Trimmer
Beauty editor Sophie Shaw shopped this trimmer after it went viral on social media and was quickly won over. She likes that it's easy to use for any area of your body and can be used for both wet and dry shaving. Shaw hasn't noticed any razor burn in the two years she's been using it. She also said that she rarely needs to charge it, which makes it even more convenient.
Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver
Chambers-Harris likes this trimmer because it's adjustable, so it can easily fit your needs. It comes with four attachment heads so you can get a clean shave or just a trim. You can also use the shaver wet or dry, making it a versatile tool in your grooming routine.
Olov Bikini Trimmer
This electric trimmer is designed with ceramic blades that are gentle on the skin. When you're not using it, you can charge it in the included stand until the next time you need it. It's listed as waterproof too, and can be used in the shower. It comes in eight different colors if you want to find something more fun than other standard shavers.
Meridian The Slimmer Trimmer
The Meridian the Original Trimmer we listed above is designed for overall body grooming, while the Slimmer Trimmer was designed specifically for bikini area grooming. Shaw also tested this one and thinks it's great if you're looking for a more travel-friendly trimmer. It features a small LED spotlight for clear vision while you're shaving, and it has the same waterproof design as the Original Trimmer.
Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Electric Razor
The head of this electric razor opens up for easy cleaning after shaving, and it's waterproof and easy to pack if you're heading on a vacation. It comes with one trimmer head and one comb attachment to easily glide through thick hair.
Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer
Philips Norelco makes some of our editors' favorite men's shavers. This rechargeable trimmer can be used by anyone. It's slim, easy to hold and comes with a body comb attachment to make shaving easier. It's IPX7 rated, which makes it a waterproof option for shaving in the shower, though you can use it dry as well.
Pritech Bikini Trimmer
Pritech's trimmer has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon. It's another rechargeable option that's IPX6 waterproof rated, meaning you can easily use it in the shower, but you can also use it to dry shave. Plus, the trimmer comes with a styling comb, a cleaning brush and four protective attachments for different hair lengths. A bikini trimmer is designed to do the same thing as a women's razor and can get you just as clean of a shave. But, there's a bit more to know before using a bikini trimmer compared to your standard razor.
'Start by cleaning the skin — that helps prevent bacteria from getting into any small nicks or bumps. Then make sure your trimmer is clean,' said Dr. Raman Madan, dermatologist director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health in New York. 'Trim in the direction of hair growth, not against it. After you're done, rinse the area with cool water and moisturize. And don't forget to clean the trimmer afterward so it's ready for next time.'
Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare, notes that you'll want to make sure any razor used on the bikini area is sharp and preferably has more than one blade. This increases the chance of getting a clean shave with the fewest passes of the trimmer.
Shopping for a trimmer over regular razors can feel intimidating, but it can be a simple process once you know what you're looking for. You'll want to note that there are rechargeable and battery-powered options, and having something cordless makes it easy to use.
'It really depends on what you care about most. But in general, you want something with stainless steel blades, because that holds up better to cleaning and rubbing alcohol,' Madan said. He also recommends looking for something that's waterproof so you can use it in the shower. A trimmer that can be used both wet or dry can make it easier for you to shave your bikini area as part of your regular routine.
Madan also suggests looking for a trimmer with adjustable length settings that give you more control. That way, you can trim hair to your preferences and comfort levels.
The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologist Dr. Raman Madan and Laura Schubert, the cofounder and CEO of Fur.
Is using a bikini trimmer better than shaving?
Is using a bikini trimmer better than shaving?
The opinions on this are mixed, but overall, it comes down to personal preference. 'It kind of depends on what you're looking for. Bikini trimmers don't go as close to the skin, which actually helps prevent irritation and those pesky ingrown hairs,' Madan said. 'Shaving, on the other hand, gives you that really smooth finish, but you're more likely to end up with bumps or irritation afterward. So, it's a bit of a trade-off.'
'No grooming routine is 'better' than any other, per se, but trimming is a great option for people who deal with extreme skin sensitivity,' Schubert said. Trimming and shaving can be more gentle than waxing, sugaring or laser hair removal.
How do you prevent ingrown hairs when using a bikini trimmer?
How do you prevent ingrown hairs when using a bikini trimmer?
Ingrown hairs occur when the hair follicle has been forced to grow inward due to shaving or another irritant on the skin. The best way to prevent ingrown hairs, according to the dermatologists we spoke with, is to make sure you're shaving in the same direction your hair grows. 'Going against it — that's when you run into trouble,' Madan said. 'It can push the hair under the skin, and it doesn't grow out properly, which leads to ingrowns.' He recommends going with the grain and taking your time to ensure a smooth shave.
If you do end up with razor bumps, there are ways to get rid of them. Making sure the area has been cleaned and exfoliated ahead of shaving, and using a shaving cream, can help reduce pores from clogging with dead skin cells.
How do you clean a bikini trimmer?
How do you clean a bikini trimmer?
Keeping your bikini trimmer clean can help prevent hair and dead skin buildup on your razor. 'The best thing to do is clean off any hair first — you can rinse the head if it's waterproof,' Madan said. 'Then I usually recommend sterilizing it with rubbing alcohol. Just let it dry out after that. And if you have clipper oil, it's a good idea to use a drop or two to keep the blades from rusting. That's going to help the trimmer last longer.'
If you feel like your trimmer is getting dull or has rusted, it's smart to replace it with a new blade. You want to make sure you're not using a dirty razor blade, especially one with rust, that can cause small infections if you cut yourself shaving.
What should you put on your skin after using a bikini trimmer?
What should you put on your skin after using a bikini trimmer?
Madan said that if your skin feels irritated after trimming, you can use a light hydrocortisone cream. If you don't have that on hand, you can use a gentle moisturizer. He recommends something like CeraVe or Cetaphil. 'You want to keep your skin calm and hydrated,' he said. 'Cool-water rinsing also helps right after trimming.'
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Isfahan Chambers-Harris, trichologist with a doctorate in biomedical sciences and founder of Alodia
Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey
Dr. Raman Madan, dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health in New York
Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare
Laura Schubert, cofounder and CEO of Fur
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine talked to dermatologists to learn about what makes bikini trimmers a better option than standard razors and which ones they recommend.