15 Top-Rated Bikini Trimmers You’ll Need This Summer

There’s so much conflicting advice around removing body hair. Is shaving with a razor an underrated classic? Should you be wary of ingrown hairs? Is laser hair removal the wave of the future or will you end up with scarring? Waxing: friend or foe? And if the hairy area in question is located in your nether regions, the advice only gets more confusing. To help offer some clarity, we enlisted the help of dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, to break down some important information on one hair removal unsung hero: the bikini trimmer.

Are bikini trimmers safe to use?

“Bikini trimming is not as easy as it looks,” says Dr. Lal. “I often see patients for razor bumps, burns, hyperpigmentation, and even scarring.” But that doesn’t mean they’re not safe to use—it just means that prep is very important.

How should you use a bikini trimmer?

“I always recommend using an antibacterial cleanser such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine before trimming to prevent skin infections and irritation,” says Dr. Lal. “I recommend trimming with the grain of the hair and not against it. The hair in this location is curly and kinky, and if you trim against the hair grain, the hairs can grow into the skin and cause bumps and irritation.” Post-care is also very important. “Moisturize after shaving to keep the skin moist and reduce post-trimming irritation and dryness. Beware of heavily scented lotions which may further burn and irritate the dry skin after trimming.”

Are bikini trimmers safe for sensitive skin?

“Bikini trimmers are great for patients with sensitive skin and are a great alternative to shaving and chemical depilatory agents,” says Dr. Lal. If your skin is sensitive and you want to be as safe as possible, “I usually recommend also using a spacer to avoid a super close trim, which can lead to inadvertent cuts.”

So if you’re ready to try a new form of hair removal, here are nine bikini trimmers with incredible ratings and reviews, all available on Amazon.