Getting rid of unwanted hair in delicate and sensitive areas can be an irritating process for your skin and your bank balance. A monthly bikini wax can set you back around £25 a pop, and potent depilatory creams can be harsh on the skin, leading to bumps and rashes. And while it may be tempting to use the same device you shave your legs with or reach for a razor, neither tool is specifically designed for the job. Enter the bikini trimmer: a compact device that trims hair in tricky-to-reach parts while being gentle on your skin.
Smaller and slimmer than an electric shaver and significantly more comfortable to use than an epilator, a bikini trimmer is a great way to keep unruly hairs in check. It can also easily be popped into a toiletry bag or your hand luggage for on-the-go grooming. They tend to come with attachments to cut hair to different lengths, depending on whether you’re looking for a uniform trim or a close shave, and some offer a precision head for shaping and contouring.
We’ve put together a few questions to consider when choosing the best bikini trimmer to suit your needs and budget. Read our handy buying guide below or skip ahead to see which models made the cut in our pick of the best bikini trimmers.
READ NEXT:The best hair-removal epilators from £30
How to choose the best bikini trimmer for you
How much do I need to spend?
While epilators and electric shavers can cost upwards of £50, you can add a bikini trimmer to your home-grooming kit for around £20. Basic battery-powered models can be picked up for less than £15 or you can pay a bit more for features such as rechargeable batteries and the ability to use it in the shower.
What’s the difference between “wet and dry” and “dry” bikini trimmers?
Bikini trimmers tend to work best on dry skin, but wet and dry models can be used in the shower too, adding a little more flexibility to your personal pruning routine. Neither tool can be fully submerged in water, but the wet-and-dry trimmers can be cleaned under running water rather than just being wiped clean.
What other features should I look out for?
Most bikini trimmers come with multiple heads and combs to trim hair to different lengths. It’s unlikely you’ll need a huge range of attachments unless you want to change your style frequently. A comb for uniform cutting and a precision head for shaping are handy additions, but you probably won’t use anything beyond that. A protective cap and a brush can help to keep things clean and tidy (especially if you’re buying a model that can’t be washed under a running tap), and a drawstring bag is a useful extra for when you’re travelling.
The best bikini trimmers to buy
1. Veet Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler: Best budget bikini trimmer
Price when reviewed:£24 | Buy now from Boots
If you don’t want to spend a huge amount, this budget appliance does a decent job for the price. As the name suggests, it’s designed for sensitive skin: the blades won’t actually touch the surface of your skin when it’s in motion, so there’s no danger of any nicks or cuts. It can’t be used in the shower, so it doesn’t offer as much flexibility as other models. However, it does come with three different comb-head attachments to trim to lengths between 2mm and 20mm, as well as a small two-sided head for eyebrow shaping (which is also the best option for close bikini-line shaves and hard-to-reach areas). You’ll need both hands to switch it on via a twisting mechanism, so it’s a little fiddly if you’re holding a mirror, and the batteries don’t seem to last very long. However, it’s a solid budget buy that’s small, effective and easy to transport in the included drawstring bag.
Key specs – Cutting range: 2-20mm; Charging method: 1 x AA battery (included); Wet/dry use: Dry only
2. Philips BikiniGenie Bikini Trimmer BRT383/15: Best for smooth shaves
Price when reviewed:£25 | Buy now from Boots
Philips is a safe bet when it comes to grooming gadgets, and this practical product works well for neat trims and smooth shaves. It comes with two click-on combs for uniform trimming at 3mm and 5mm, but the mini shaving head is your best bet for a bare shave, trimming to 0mm. It can be used in and out of the shower, and its compact design won’t take up much space in your bathroom cabinet or hand luggage. The mini shaving head is pretty powerful, but, while the included attachments are easy to swap in and out, they’re not hugely effective. It comes with a small pouch and a cleaning brush, and is fitted with an AA battery so you can use it straight away.
Key specs – Cutting range: 0-5mm; Charging method: 1 x AA battery (included); Wet/dry use: Wet and dry
3. Remington BKT4000 Cordless Electric Bikini Trimmer: Best for battery life
Price when reviewed:£20 | Buy now from Argos
This nifty little device is fitted with a rechargeable battery with a quoted battery life of 60 minutes per charge, so you shouldn’t have to fiddle around with replacements (it’s surprising how quickly batteries can drain in similar models). It works in and out of the shower, so you can be flexible about when are where you use it, and it’s washable rather than just wipe-clean. As long as it’s fully charged, it won’t nick the skin (if it’s running at a slower speed there’s a tendency for it to snag), and it can be used with or without the comb attachments that cut between 2mm and 4mm. It’s easy to store and transport using the included pouch and it also comes with a cleaning brush to keep things clean.
Key specs – Cutting range: 0.2-4mm; Charging method: Rechargeable battery; Quoted battery life: 60 minutes; Wet/dry use: Wet and dry
4. Braun Silk-Epil Bikini Styler: Best for travelling
Price when reviewed:£20 | Buy now from Argos
This compact, lightweight device is easy to store and to travel with using the included drawstring bag. It comes with two combs for cutting hair to a uniform length of 5mm or 8mm, and a precision head for creating lines and contours; it can be used without the attachments for a clean shave. It’s fitted with an AAA battery, so it’s ready to go straight from the box, although the battery can drain pretty quickly. Because of its slim shape, it’s perfect for popping into your toiletry bag. However, it’s best for occasional trims rather than constant use, and you’ll need to remember to travel with spare batteries to ensure you have enough power.
Key specs – Cutting range: 0-8mm; Charging method: 1 x AAA battery (included); Wet/dry use: Dry only
5. Wahl Ladies Personal Trimmer: Most versatile bikini trimmer
Price when reviewed:£15 | Buy now from Boots
This hardworking device is designed by Wahl, a company that knows a thing or two about neat and tidy trimming having invented the first electric hair clipper back in 1919. Fitted with high-carbon steel blades, it’s powerful (if a little noisy) and comes with a reassuring three-year warranty. The four comb and head attachments can cut hair to varying lengths between 0.5mm and 13mm, and the storage stand, cleaning brush and blade oil are useful extras. It’s a little wider than similar tools on this list, but this means it can also be used on legs and other body parts.
Key specs – Cutting range: 0.5-13mm; Charging method: 2 x AA batteries (included); Quoted battery life: 60 minutes; Wet/dry use: Dry only
