What are the best bikini trimmers for body hair removal?

Bikini hair removal can feel like a delicate topic of conversation, whether you're dealing with a few wisps or something that requires some serious taming.

IPL devices might be out of your budget. Waxing and epilating can prove too painful, while shaving may lead to razor burn or ingrown hairs. That's why bikini trimmers might be a preferred choice for many. While they don't remove hair from the root, they cut it so close that it's barely visible. Gentle and pain-free, they avoid the irritation and ingrown hairs and leave the skin feeling silky smooth.

According to Dr. Clare Anyiam-Osigwe, BEM - Allergist, Author, Dermatologist, and Filmmaker - bikini trimmers are more than just a convenience tool: "They're designed for precision and gentleness in intimate areas, reducing the risk of nicks or allergies."

Bikini trimmers come in various models and modes. Some may have a precision head for shaping, while others may offer a variety of trim lengths to pick from.

Best bikini trimmers, at a glance

Best overall: Philips BRT383/15 BikiniGenie Trimmer, £22 | Read review
Best travel: Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini, £8 | Read review
Wet and dry: Fanhee Lady Shaver, £19 | Read review
Avoiding irritation: LADYSPOT™ Bikini Trimmer, £24 | Read review
Multi-use: Wahl Trimmer, £13 | Read review
For beginners: Gillette Venus Pubic Hair & Skin Body Gentle Trimmer, £19 | Read review

As for power sources, you may prefer a rechargeable model or find a battery-operated device is easier to travel with. Bonus features may also include LED lights to shine a spotlight on shorter hairs, as well as gel-infused blades to reduce irritation, and angled shapes to contour to the shape of your body.

But, which one is the best one for you and your needs?

Here are a few points you may want to consider before purchasing your bikini trimmer:

Price point: Bikini trimmers are actually a more cost-effective tool compared to at-home IPL devices or even epilators. There are plenty of affordable options on the market, with some less than £10.
Power source: If a trimmer is rechargeable, check to see how many minutes of run-time a full charge will give. If it's battery-operated, see if customer reviews give an indication to the lifespan of the batteries. You don't want to be replacing them every few weeks!
Extra features: While trimming can be great for grooming, many customers may want the option to shave too. A lot of models offer multiple heads - so you can achieve your desired finish. Dr. Clare explains the importance of guard selection: "Use adjustable guards (3mm–5mm) for a tidy look, or go bare with caution—especially if you have reactive skin.”
Wet or dry use: Some trimmers are suitable for use in the shower, which may be more convenient for your hair-removal routine. Always check the product description before purchasing and don't let a dry-only model get wet. Dr. Clare emphasises the hygiene benefits: "Waterproof models allow thorough cleaning, reducing bacterial build-up and allergic reactions."

Best bikini trimmers, our roundup

1

Best overall bikini trimmer

Philips BRT383/15 BikiniGenie Trimmer, £22

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What we like

Good price point
Portable design
Expert endorsed
Wet and dry styling

What we don't like

May not be powerful enough for some

Key specs

Price on writing: £22 | Type: Cordless | Use: Wet and dry | Power source: Battery operated | Modes: Shave and trim

Our verdict

This clever device offers a 2-in-1 solution, letting you trim and shave to get your desired style. The two trimmers give you a choice of cutting hair down to 3mm or 5mm length, while the shaving attachment will achieve silky smooth skin.

You can use it on your arms and legs, as well as intimate areas like the bikini line. It's also fully portable for ease and you can use it for both wet and dry styling.

Dr. Clare's professional endorsement speaks volumes: "Philips BikiniGenie BRT383/15 – compact, washable, and safe for sensitive skin."

One drawback noted by customers is that, unlike many similarly priced beard trimmers, this model runs on batteries rather than being rechargeable. Even so, glowing customer reviews suggest it's a worthwhile buy.

Buy now from Amazon

2

Best travel bikini trimmer

Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini, £8

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Boots

What we like

Good product for budget
Five-blade razor offers close shave

What we don't like

Not long lasting

Key specs

Price on writing: £8 | Type: Cordless | Use: Wet and dry | Power source: Battery operated | Modes: Shave and trim

Our verdict

For less than £10, the Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer and Razor is helpful tool that delivers impressive functionality on a budget.

The dual-ended design offers a trimmer on one side with four lengths, as well as a five-blade razor for the closest shave - so you can tailor it to suit your desired finish.

For sensitive skin types, the blades are also surrounded by a gel-infused Hyaluronic Acid, which works to nourish and avoid irritation - especially in sensitive areas. Plus, the portable design is great for on the go. Some customers did note that the device loses power over time, so it may not be the most durable design. But for the price, we say it's still great value.

Buy now from Amazon

3

Best wet and dry bikini trimmer

Fanhee Lady Shaver, £19

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Full charge offers two hours of operation
Designed for full body use
Affordable price
Painless

What we don't like

Might miss short hairs

Key specs

Price on writing: £19 | Type: Cordless | Use: Wet and dry | Power source: Rechargeable | Modes: Shave and trim

Our verdict

This trimmer from Fanhee has 4.5 stars on Amazon, and it’s hard to find fault. The sleek and stylish tool looks great, plus the ceramic blades are designed to remove hair without tugging - and the glowing reviews seem to confirm it’s pain-free.

The 3-in-1 design lets you trim and shave on your body and bikini area, plus there’s an attachment for stubborn nose hairs.

The portable design is great for convenience, plus a full charge offers two-hours of run time. More than enough for even the biggest of hair removal projects! It’s suitable for wet and dry use and easy to clean.

One downside is that some customers claimed it missed short hairs, so you may have to go back over a stubborn area a few times. But with 120 hours of run time, you certainly won’t run out of charge.

Buy now from Amazon

Related: Best epilators, a guide

4

Best for avoiding irritation

LADYSPOT™ Bikini Trimmer, £24

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Uses skin-protective tech to avoid cuts and nicks
Hypoallergenic ceramic blades
90-minute run time

What we don't like

Customers complain water makes it less powerful

Key specs

Price on writing: £24 | Type: Cordless | Use: Wet and dry | Power source: USB rechargeable | Modes: Shave and trim

Our verdict

This trimmer from LADYSPOT™ is highly acclaimed on Amazon for its ease of use and pain-free operation. It uses ceramic blades, which are gentler on the skin than traditional metal ones, and they have a round edge for smoother gliding.

The materials are hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of infection too, plus the design has a 45° angle tilt for a close shave that contours to your body's shape.

It’s water-resistant, however some customers claimed rinsing the head made the motor less powerful.

Buy now from Amazon

5

Best multi-use bikini trimmer

Wahl Trimmer, £13

Buy now from Amazon

What we like

Comes with an array of combs and trim attachments for use all over body
Affordable price

What we don't like

Not suitable for wet use

Key specs

Price on writing: £13 | Type: Cordless | Use: Dry | Power source: Battery operated | Modes: Shave and trim

Our verdict

The Wahl Trimmer for women is such a versatile tool to achieve your desired finish. It's equipped with an adjustable comb offering five length settings, as well as three additional trim attachments for precision.

Whether you want to tidy up your bikini line or legs, it's safe to use all over. It's lightweight and easy to handle, making it great for beginners.

Plus, it comes with a blade oil to nourish the skin and reduce the risk of irritation. However, it’s worth noting that this trimmer isn’t suitable for wet use, so if you prefer hair removal in the shower, it may not be the best match.

Buy now from Amazon

6

Best bikini trimmer for beginners

Gillette Venus Pubic Hair & Skin Body Gentle Trimmer, £19

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Boots Buy now from Gillette

What we like

Comes with an array of combs and trim attachments for use all over body
Affordable price

What we don't like

Gentle design may be too gentle for some

Key specs

Price on writing: £19 | Type: Cordless | Use: Wet and dry | Power source: Battery operated | Modes: Shave and trim

Our verdict

The small and portable design of this Gillette trimmer makes it perfect for on the go or travel. It’s great for newbies too, as you can use it in and out of the shower, and it’s lightweight and really easy to handle.

It’s designed to be gentle on the skin and remove hair effectively without painful tugging. The head opens for easy cleaning and the various trimmer heads allow you to achieve a close shave or subtle crop.

Some users noted that while the gentle design is great for avoiding nicks, it may not be as powerful as other models.

Buy now from Amazon

What is a bikini trimmer?

A bikini trimmer is a grooming tool that can trim the hair around the bikini line. While it doesn't remove the hair from the root, it can be cut very short, so the strands are barely visible. Plus, it's a gentler choice for sensitive skin.

How do you use a bikini trimmer safely?

Dr. Clare provides crucial safety advice: "Trim in the direction of hair growth on dry skin, exfoliate before and apply an aloe-based balm after."

Some bikini trimmers are suitable for wet use but always check the product description. You can use them all on dry skin, but make sure the area is clean first to reduce the risk of infection.

Choose your preferred length and gently glide across the area. If you're nervous, you could try experimenting on a tougher area of skin, such as your lower legs or arms, first.

Use short and gentle motions, avoiding too much pressure, and rinse the trimmer head after each use.

Can I use a bikini trimmer on wet skin?

A lot of bikini trimmers are designed for use in the shower, but it's important to check the product description and make sure it's suitable for wet and dry use. As Dr. Clare notes, "Absolutely—waterproof models allow thorough cleaning, reducing bacterial build-up and allergic reactions."

Essential aftercare when using a bikini trimmer

Post-trimming care is crucial for preventing irritation. Dr. Clare recommends: "Apply a tea tree or chamomile-infused serum and wear loose cotton underwear for 24 hours."

Is it better to shave or trim your bikini area?

It is all about personal preference. Shaving is quick and can leave the skin feeling smooth, but it can also result in razor burn or ingrown hairs.

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk, such as warming up the skin to open up the pores and shaving in the direction of the hair.

Trimming is a pain-free option and great if you prefer a more natural finish.

About the expert

Dr Clare Anyiam-Osigwe, BEM - Allergist, Author and Dermatologist - is a multi-award-winning wellness expert.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products and services that are designed to make parents’ lives easier.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.