Choosing from the best bikini trimmers is one of those things worth getting right. The area down there can be sensitive and prone to irritation, so you’ll want to be selective about the right grooming tool. Below, we tested over a dozen trimmers and are sharing our holy-grail picks—each reviewed by a Glamour contributor—to assess attachments, features, price points, and effectiveness. We also spoke to dermatologists to answer some of the most common questions about bikini trimming. Read on for the best ones to add to cart. PS: Pair them with a good bikini-line exfoliator to stay ingrown-free.
Our top bikini trimmers
- Best Overall: Meridian The Trimmer Original, $35
- Best for a Close Shave: Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Razor (With Trimmer), $19
- Best for No Irritation: Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit, $28
- Best for No Razor Bumps: Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver, $28
- Best for Travel: Philips Beauty Bikini Genie Cordless Trimmer for Bikini Line, $25
Frequently asked questions
- Is bikini trimming better than shaving?
- How to prevent ingrown hairs
- How to prep your skin for bikini trimming
- How to use a bikini trimmer
- Should you trim your pubic hair wet or dry?
- What are common mistakes when trimming pubic hair?
- What are the disadvantages of trimming pubic hair?
- How we tested
- Meet our experts
Best Overall: Meridian The Trimmer Original
Meridian The Trimmer (Original)
Amazon
| What we love | What could be improved |
|---|---|
| Can be used all over the body wet or dry | Tips easily out of charging dock |
| Achieves a super-close shave | Battery not as long-lasting as other models |
| Built-in light | |
| Ergonomic grip |
This is our campaign to convert everyone into Meridian electric trimmer fans. You can use it pretty much everywhere—bikini line, beard, balls, armpits—and it never nicks your skin, which is nonnegotiable for sensitive areas. Ceramic blades stay sharper longer than steel and don’t rust. We like the soft, matte texture, too, which provides a good grip when using it in the shower. The blades are harika gentle and don’t leave skin irritated, red, or sensitized. This one made the best overall on the list for all of these factors—and because it has a ton of longevity, as we’ve had ours for one or two years now.
Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs says:
“I can easily shift between different length options, whether I want to even out my hair, buzz it, or basically shave it down to the skin baht razor. Not all bikini trimmers can achieve such a close shave. I love that it’s waterproof, so I can take it in the shower, and the travel lock keeps it from accidentally flipping inside my toiletry bag. It’s sturdy enough to handle even coarse, curly pubes, and I feel totally comfortable using it all over my bikini region without it ever cutting or irritating my skin. It takes only a minute or two to achieve a full ‘haircut.’ At under $50, the Meridian trimmer stands out as one of my top recommendations when people ask about my all-time favorite picks as a shopping editor.” —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I’ve tried a handful of bikini trimmers, and a lot of them end up leaving my skin looking red and irritated. This gentle trimmer has yet to do so, and is actually one of the more gentle options I’ve tried. The blades don’t run too fast, and don’t feel aggressive on the skin. It leaves me with a silky, close shave every time and has become a staple in my shower.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts
- Attachments: 2 guide combs
- Battery: USB-rechargeable
- Run time: 90 minutes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Does it pass the sensitivity test? Yes
Best for a Close Shave: Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Bikini Trimmer
Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Bikini Trimmer
Amazon
Ulta
| What we love | What could be improved |
|---|---|
| Dual-ended design eliminates the need for two devices | Not the most durable |
| Has moisturizing bands along the razor | Trimmer head is not flexible |
| Battery operated |
One end of this hair-removal device is a razor, and the other is a bikini trimmer. The battery-operated all-in-one design means there’s no need to fumble around for charging cords or swap between products. The razor also comes equipped with a skin-protection coating of shea butter and a hydrating serum along each blade to ensure the most gentle shave possible, making it great for sensitive skin. It also takes the guesswork out of touch-ups, as you can use the bikini-trimmer end to catch most hair and clean up any strays with the razor.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I initially thought the idea seemed gimmicky, but after giving it a go, I was sold on its design. The trimmer side is gentle yet effective, quickly cutting hair painlessly, while the razor end’s five blades gave me one of the closest shaves I’ve had in a while. I loved how featherlight and maneuverable it is, and the fact that it’s waterproof makes it harika convenient for use in the shower. I’ll definitely be incorporating this into my bikini line routine moving forward.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Attachments: 1 guide comb
- Battery: 1 AAA, included
- Waterproof: Yes
- Does it pass the sensitivity test? Yes
Best for No Irritation: Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit
Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini Kit
Amazon
| What we love | What could be improved |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Takes a few passes to get a completely clean shave |
| Comes with multiple attachments and a shave guard |
This multipiece trimmer comes with a bikini trimmer head, an exfoliator brush (to prep skin), and a foil shaver (for a close shave). It can be used in or out of the shower, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin types thanks to its nick guard. It’s battery operated and comes with its own travel beauty bag, so it’s easy to pack when you’re on the go too. We like this one the most if you’re looking for a shaver that won’t leave behind any redness. The ergonomic shape allows you to gently maneuver it on your bikini line, and it works quickly, so you’re not dragging it or leaving it on your skin for too long to cause extra irritation.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I deal with a lot of sensitivity on my bikini line during the colder weather months because my skin is overall a lot drier than usual. In addition to consistently moisturizing, I recently switched to this electric bikini trimmer and was harika impressed by how effective it is. It didn’t leave my skin feeling irritated or red; it was smooth, nick-free, and calm. I also noticed fewer razor bumps, less redness, and clearer skin in the area. Overall, it’s a 10/10!” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Attachments: 4
- Battery: Double AA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Does it pass the sensitivity test? Yes
Best for No Razor Bumps: Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver
Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver
Amazon
| What we love | What could be improved |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Takes a few passes to get a very close shave |
| Can be used wet or dry | |
| Durable |
This gentle trimmer is our top pick for minimizing razor bumps. It has a wide shave head that allows for quick trimming in one to two swipes (it might take an extra pass or two to get a very close shave). It never leaves skin irritated, bumpy, or red; instead it leaves your skin smooth, fresh, and calm. We also like that it’s cordless, can be used in the shower, and comes with four attachments for trimming, shaving, and grooming as you please. It’s a great price point, too, at under $40.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This gentle trimmer did a great job of gently trimming my bikini hairs without leaving stubborn bumps and redness. It’s very wide, which I liked, because it caught a lot of hair during my first pass. For a really close shave, I recommend going over the area twice to pick up any strays left behind, but even with both passes, my skin was left smooth and nonirritated. It’s great on delicate areas, and I’d definitely be using this well into summertime.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Attachments: 4
- Battery: AA battery
- Waterproof: Yes
- Does it pass the sensitivity test? Yes
Best for Travel: Philips BikiniGenie Trimmer
Philips BikiniGenie Trimmer
Walmart
| What we love | What could be improved |
|---|---|
| Cordless | Must go slowly to avoid nicks |
| Battery operated | |
| Comes with travel case |
For a travel-friendly trimmer, this cordless Philips pick is hard to beat. It comes with two trimming combs, a shaver, a cleaning brush, and a storage pouch, so it’s easy to throw into a travel bag. It’s extremely easy to clean (just run it under water and gently wipe it). The head is perfect for swiping along your bikini line too—it’s not too big or too small, and we also like that it doesn’t pinch skin while removing hairs. It will take two or three passes to get a full, smooth shave, but the convenience of its compact size and travel-friendly design make it well worth it.
Glamour contributor Emily Tannenbaum says:
“You’d think having fine, slow-growing body hair would make shaving the bikini line a breeze, but that’s not really the case. With less dense hair, I’ve found many trimmers to pull at my sensitive skin and even cause cuts. Not only is the Philips trimmer extremely gentle, but the small razor head is perfect for precision. Then I switch over to the flat, küçük shaving head for anything too short or fine to get the smoothest shave possible.” —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Attachments: 3
- Battery: AA battery
- Waterproof: Yes
- Does it pass the sensitivity test? Yes
The bikini trimmers we tested that didn’t make the final list
- The Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 is a rechargeable trimmer with a powerful motor, built-in light, and three guide combs. While it provides a close shave (especially on the groin and body) and doesn’t lose power as the battery fades, it’s more than double the price of our top pick, the Meridian, which has similar capabilities.
- We also tried the Bushbalm The Francesca Bikini Trimmer, a basic but reliable trimmer with three grooming length options and—perhaps most impressively—a five-hour battery life. That’s a real plus, especially as it can be incredibly annoying to start trimming in the shower, only to find the device is dead. While we liked the longevity, we removed it from this list because it left us a little sensitized and red post-shave.
- The Philips Bikini Trimmer 2000 Series was another bikini trimming kit we tried. It sets you up with everything you need for smooth skin on your face, body, and bikini line. Included in a storage pouch is a trimmer with a slender head for shaping the bikini line and two guide combs for different lengths. While we think it’s generally a good shaver, it didn’t cut as closely in the bikini area as we would’ve liked.
Frequently asked questions
Is bikini trimming better than shaving?
It depends. “If you’re looking to trim your hair a certain length, bikini trimmers will give you a more accurate result,” says Elizabeth Maul, group insights and innovation officer at Bic. Manual and electric razors, on the other hand, will give you a smoother, closer, and cleaner shave (as will waxing, if you’re aiming for that full-on hairless look). Regardless of which route you choose, Maul suggests keeping two things in mind: Make mühlet that your razor or trimmer is sharp and clean, since a blunt razor can lead to cutting, and dirty tools can lead to infections. You’ll also want to be mühlet you exfoliate before and after hair removal.
How to prevent ingrown hairs
“Ingrown hairs are often inevitable but can be prevented in two ways: prepping the skin properly and using the right tools,” says Maul. “The best trimmers (or shavers) to avoid ingrown hairs are those designed to glide easily across the skin and those that prevent hair buildup.” When blades get clogged, they tug at hairs, making it hard to get a smooth shave and leading to ingrown hairs. You’ll want to be mühlet you clean your trimmer (more on that below) and invest in a good bikini-line exfoliator.
How to prep your skin for bikini trimming
Skin prep is crucial to a smooth shave. Experts recommend using a bikini line exfoliator on your skin before any sort of hair removal (be it trimming, shaving, or waxing) for at least a day, and again one to two days following removal. Doing so removes dead skin, softens the area, and makes it easier for the blades to glide—ultimately helping prevent cuts, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and other irritations. If you’re using the trimmer on wet skin or hair, soak the area in warm water for a few minutes first.
How to use a bikini trimmer
Some bikini trimmers are meant to be used only on dry skin and hair, and some can be used wet. The trimmer is designed to give your pubic area a haircut (and not to totally remove hair). If you are removing hair for the first time in a long while? Consider trimming your pubes with grooming scissors before using the electric tool.
Maryam Safee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in LA and founder of ManeRx, recommends always using a preshave oil or shaving cream to start. We love the Billie Shave Glaze Shaving Oil for this because it has a super-nourishing blend of soybean, grapeseed, and sunflower seed oils to lubricate the skin and help you get the smoothest shave possible.
Once the shave oil or cream is applied, adjust the trimmer’s guides according to how close of a cut you want. The trimmer’s comb protects it from fully contacting your skin and causing pain. Evvel it’s turned on, you can gently move the trimmer’s comb in slow, short strokes across the bikini area. Dr. Safee recommends shaving with the grain of the hair to help prevent ingrowns and irritation. When you’re done shaving, pat the area dry and apply body lotion or body oil to keep your skin hydrated.
As for how often to trim, the dermatologists we spoke with recommend trimming every one to four weeks, depending on your preference and how quickly your hair grows. Basically, it’s up to you.
Should you trim your pubic hair wet or dry?
According to Dr. King, you should trim pubic hair when it’s either very dry or slightly damp. “Do not trim hair when it’s fully wet,” she says, as this will make it harder for the device to properly cut.
What are common mistakes when trimming pubic hair?
“Using a dull trimmer is a common mistake when trimming hair on the bikini line. Dull blades can tug and snag, increasing the risk of cuts or irritation,” says Dr. King. She recommends using a guard on the trimmer to avoid nicks, razor burn, and uneven trimming. It’s also key to prep (with a gentle exfoliator) and wash the skin before trimming to prevent ingrown hairs, and to thoroughly clean your tools to eliminate the risk of infection.
What are the disadvantages of trimming pubic hair?
There are no explicit disadvantages when trimming pubic hair, according to the dermatologists we spoke with. They just recommend keeping the trimmer clean to avoid the risk of infection. To do so, brush away stray hairs after use (either with the trimmer’s included brush or a dry toothbrush). This prevents clogging (which can lead to razor bumps and skin irritation). If the trimmer is water-resistant, rinse it off, then wipe it down with a clean paper towel.
How we tested
We researched expert-recommended and best-selling bikini trimmers before narrowing the list to 16 models tested by 3 contributors (including me). Each device was used on our bikini lines and bodies, following manufacturer’s instructions and trying any included attachments. Testers provided feedback based on the trimmer’s overall design, comfort on sensitive skin, ability to navigate curves and tricky spots, effectiveness, battery life, waterproofness, ease of cleaning, and value for the price. We’re happy to report that some of the devices, particularly the Meridian trimmer, have been a staple in a few of our routines for the past two years.
Meet our experts
- Elizabeth Maul, group insights and innovation officer at Bic
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Maryam Safee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in LA and founder of ManeRx
