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Let's be clear: You certainly don't have to, but shaving your face is utterly normal. Some women prefer facial shaving, or "dermaplaning," to nix upper lip hair, get rid of peach fuzz, shape eyebrows or exfoliate dead skin, which can result in a much smoother makeup and skincare application, per Alexis Pfropper, a licensed esthetician in Punta Gordon, Florida. "It's a quick and affordable hair removal method that can be done at home," she adds.
Our top picks:
While there are tons of ways to remove facial hair (body razors, electric razors and multi-blade razors, included), we cut through the clutter by consulting dermatologists, estheticians and our beauty experts within the Good Housekeeping Institute for their top face razor picks. That spans budget-friendly disposable razors that don't skimp on quality to electric razors that provide an impressively close shave (and in speedy timing).
All skin types are fine candidates for facial shaving, according to Peterson Pierre, M.D., a dermatologist in Westlake Village, California, and you can shave as often as you need as long as skin isn't irritated. Just note that if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you want to be extra careful to avoid any irritation.
Below, find the best face razors for women, plus dermatologists and estheticians weighed in on frequently asked questions, including myths like whether shaving facial hair makes it grow back darker and thicker.
1
BEST OVERALL FACE RAZOR
Finishing Touch Painless Hair Remover
Pros
- Built-in light illuminates targeted area
- Works quickly
- No skin prep or rinsing required
Cons
- Not as detailed instructions
Touting more than 140,000 reviews, this electric face razor gets a lot of hype for being tiny but mighty. Its compact size gives you a better grip for curving along the contours of the face. All it takes: Simply switch on the device to activate the spinning head and light, then gently press it against your skin.
A GH editor added it to her daily skincare regimen and says it's painless and non-irritating even on sensitive skin. She also swears it trims down on time while giving an impressively close shave sans nicking. Amazon shoppers felt similarly but wished for more detailed instructions on when/how often to empty the chamber that holds the trimmings.
Pros
- Great bargain
- Doesn't cause irritation
Cons
- Not meant to last
Shape eyebrows and remove dark upper lip hair with the GH-editor and esthetician-favorite. Pfropper appreciates their "precision and versatility in shaping eyebrows." One of our staffers adds: "They're affordable and come in a pack of six, but I still get a lot of use out of one razor." You receive two packs of three razors, and each comes with its own protective blade cover.
A makeup artist left a review calling it a great tool to help her achieve flawless makeup application since it removes dead skin and peach fuzz. And she's noticed no irritation on her sensitive skin with the razors. While shoppers found that they lasted several uses, know that they're disposable and will become dull with each use.
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3
Best Face Razor Subscription
Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit
Pros
- Easy to get replacement blades
- Wider head for fewer passes
- Curved handle
Cons
- More difficult to reach tighter crevices
Amazon's Choice and GH editor-favorite Billie razor service comes with a starter kit of a razor handle and two refill cartridges. The refillable razor features a curved handle that's easy to hold and a wide blade head that covers more surface area. You'll never have to worry about running out of blades for this one — the brand will send you new blades in monthly increments as you please.
One of our editors recently got their hands on the Billie. "I really appreciate the angled head — it makes it so much easier (and safer) to remove fuzz around my mouth. Plus, I love the super cute design." Just keep in mind that because it has a wider head, you may sacrifice precision when it comes to shaping eyebrows and tighter crevices.
4
Best Face Razor for Eyebrows
Schick Silk Touch-Up Facial Razor
Pros
- Great value
- Works quickly
- Protective cover allows you to safely shape eyebrows
Cons
- Doesn't leave skin as soft feeling
Amazon's #1 best-selling face razor hails from top-tested razor brand Schick and touts a 4.6-star rating from 180,000 reviews. Pfopper names it a favorite because of its "high-quality blade and a built-in guard to prevent nicks and cuts while exfoliating the skin." That tiny opening is particularly helpful when touching up eyebrows.
Users online marvel that shaving takes mere minutes and that the razors provide a close shave. While many agree it takes an excellent whack at dermaplaning, several recommend following up with a toner and a face moisturizer for softer results.
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Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Non-irritating shave
Cons
- Not as economical
GH Beauty Lab experts found that Schick's disposable razor performed better than most refillable razors during testing. Consumer testers liked the pivoting head and the fact that the handle was easy to hold, allowing for total control around hard-to-reach areas.
Testers reported seeing long-lasting smoothness after using it, along with "no irritation, whatsoever." Otherwise, an online shopper reiterated that you're getting a disposable razor: "Some other disposables I have been able to get another use out of, but these I trash after each use."
Pros
- Small head makes for better control
- Great for travel
- Affordable price
Cons
- Takes practice
These bargain About Face eyebrow shapers feature a shorter razor head compared to similar brands, which provide more control with each stroke. Many fans of the discontinued Noxema razors turn to this alternative because they find that the Kai razors perform almost exactly alike. Overall, the razors are very lightweight and great for travel.
"This [razor] is tiny and fits well in my makeup bag," one reviewer says. "Totally recommend it to make your face silky smooth for easy makeup and sunscreen application!" Quite a few shoppers found the mini razor had a pretty sharp cut, so exercise a lighter hand.
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7
Best Face Razor for Dermaplaning
StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Face Exfoliating Tool
Pros
- Easy to use
- Creates a smooth base for makeup
Cons
- Expensive
This sleek dermaplaning tool from Stacked Skincare was created to bring a professional hair removal and exfoliating treatment into your own home. The easy-to-hold aluminum handle and large blade surface allows you to safely remove peach fuzz and dead skin using small, gentle strokes. Shoppers enjoyed the way makeup and skincare looked afterward.
"The dermaplaning replacement tool may be a bit pricey, but it's undeniably worth the investment," attests one reviewer. "It does an exceptional job of removing all the unwanted fuzz from my face, leaving my skin smoother than ever. It's become an essential part of my skincare routine, and the results make it well worth the cost."
8
Best Double-Edged Face Razor
Bevel Safety Razor for Men
Pros
- Great for coarse hair types
- Less likely to cause irritation or bumps
Cons
- Pricey upfront cost
The double-edged blades on Bevel's safety razor are designed to prevent irritation and bumps on skin, while effectively removing even the most coarse, curly hairs. It is a pricey option, but is meant to be used many times and thanks to its sustainable design, it can be recycled when you are done with it.
"As a woman who was accustomed to using plastic razors, I had to get used to the weight of this shaver, but it is worth every penny," shares one Amazon reviewer. "I haven't had a razor bump since I started using this razor and my skin doesn't feel irritated after using it."
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Pros
- Easy to clean
- Leaves skin feeling smooth
Cons
- Blade refills may be hard to change
Tweezerman's stainless steel straight razor feels like a pro tool, thanks to its weight and precision when shaving your face. Its stainless steel material makes it easier to sanitize in between uses. Heidi Prather, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, appreciates the elegant, simple reusable handle with replaceable blades. A customer liked that she "can use alcohol to disinfect it thoroughly, plus be able to use the same blade numerous times," unlike other razors.
Many reviewers agreed that it had a solid weight without being too heavy to handle. Plus, it leaves skin feeling "soft and silky" and allows "makeup to go on perfectly," another user shared. The most notable con shoppers raised, however, was trouble with changing the blades.
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Hair comes off easily
Cons
- Tricky blade replacement
The divot in the center of the handle makes Sephora's metal razor easy to use and comfortable when wielding, meaning no awkward grip or sore hand afterward. Once the stainless steel blade dulls, you can order a pack of six refills for just $10.
Sephora users like the heft of the handle, with one commenting that "the sleek design is very nice to grip" and it has "an even blade that’s sturdy." It's worth flagging that shoppers left quite a few comments about the tricky blade replacement — proceed with caution when swapping since it does not come with instructions.
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11
Best Electric Face Razor for Dermplaning
DERMAFLASH Luxe+ Kit
Pros
- DIY dermaplaning solution
- Gentle on skin
Cons
- Costly upfront
If you want a facial razor with all the bells and whistles, Dermflash is worth the splurge. The kit comes with four razor heads and a gel that preps skin for shaving. Its "sonic technology" and thin razor edge is designed to glide across skin without nicking. Per the brand, it helps reveal more radiant-looking skin. "Dermaflash Electric Face Shaver is a fool proof way to remove excess hair without the fear of nicking the skin," says Rachel Lozina, a licensed esthetician in Oyster Bay, New York. Dr. Prather seconds this recommendation!
Reviewers appreciated its stealthy job of gently removing peach fuzz and dead skin. One reviewer says she was able to significantly decrease her visits to the esthetician. Note that the instructions prompt you to switch out the blades with each use in order to have the sharpest blade each time, which some reviewers find inconvenient.
How we chose the best face razors for women
The GH Institute works with consumers, dermatologists, beauty editors and industry experts to find the top-performing beauty finds on the market. While our GH Beauty Lab scientists haven't done formal testing on facial razors, we have tested hair removal devices and methods of all kinds, from best razors to top-rated epilators and at-home wax kits — so our pros know what makes a great hair removal product. We included a mix of top-performing brands, editor favorites and highly-rated options from consumer reviewers.
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What to consider when buying face razors for women
To find the most effective tools for facial hair removal, here are tips from dermatologists, estheticians and our in-house pros.
✔️ Multiple razor blades. "Look for a razor with multiple blades because that will allow you to cut more hairs with less strokes and less irritation," says Dr. Pierre. This is especially useful for thick facial hair, but "if you are dealing with peach fuzz, the simplest blades are sufficient," says Aral.
✔️ Decide which blade suits your needs.
- For peach fuzz and fine hair: A razor with a single, smaller blade is ideal for gentle and precise removal without irritating, according to Pfropper.
- For eyebrow shaping: Opt for a razor with a smaller, angled blade that allows precise shaping and detailing around the eyebrows, says both Pfropper and Lozina.
- For coarse hair: Look for razors with multiple blades or a larger blade size to effectively remove thicker or coarser hair with fewer strokes, per Pfropper.
- For sensitive skin: Razors with hypoallergenic blades and built-in skin guards work to minimize irritation and provide a comfortable shaving experience, says Pfropper. Avoid multi-blades that repetitively glide across skin, adds Lozina.
Do dermatologists recommend shaving your face?
Shaving one's face is totally fine! "Women can also use dermaplaning, which is a form of exfoliating dead skin cells that also helps gets rid of peach fuzz," says Merry Thornton, PA-C, a board-certified dermatology physician assistant in New Canaan, CT.
If your skin is extremely sensitive, it might cause some redness or irritation. You also wouldn’t want to do it on areas with an active infection such as cold sores or cystic acne, adds Thornton.
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Is shaving your face the same as dermaplaning?
Not technically. Often used interchangeably with face razor shaving, dermaplaning refers to a skincare treatment performed by a skincare professional.
Lozina says dermplaning involves a razor blade with a round edge. "[It] is used in an up and down motion to remove hair and dead skin. It's much more precise and removes much more skin than a traditional razor," she says. "Whereas, a traditional shaving razor is one, two or three blades in a row with a guard and is used in only one direction, against the hair."
Dr. Prather adds: "Shaving and dermaplaning both remove the fine vellus hairs or 'peach fuzz' on our skin, as well as other thicker or more coarse hair." The methods vary slightly but both aim to promote smoother skin and enhance absorption of skincare products, says Pfropper.
Will shaving facial hair make it grow back darker and thicker?
Don't worry: Despite the rumors, shaving your face will not make hair grow back thicker or darker. "The razor cuts the hair about mid-shaft, at its thickest portion," Dr. Pierre explains. "So when it grows in, it might appear to be thicker, but the hair diameter itself actually doesn't change and neither does the color."
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Regularly consulting GH Beauty Lab experts for their best razor picks, Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin covers beauty topics spanning makeup, skincare and haircare. She interviewed dermatologists for their tips on shopping the best women's facial razors as well as how to safely shave with them. Beauty Editor Dori Price, who regularly contributes to GH's stories within the beauty realm, previously worked on this guide, adding fresh picks and commentary.
Jacqueline Saguin
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
Dori Price
Contributing Beauty Editor
Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.