When it comes to getting rid of hair, there are plenty of choices out there. But using one of the best epilators for women means you won’t have to do it as often. When you remove hair by the root, it takes about four to six weeks before it grows back.
Using an epilator is kind of like waxing, but it’s less likely to irritate your skin. That’s because it doesn’t pull off the top layer of your skin like waxing does. And with the right attachments, you can take care of even the most sensitive and hard-to-reach areas.
Let’s be real, though. If you’ve never used an epilator before, it’s going to sting a bit at first. But you can make it easier by putting on some numbing cream beforehand. Or just remember that it usually hurts less each time you do it again.
What is an Epilator?
An epilator is a small electric gadget you hold in your hand to get rid of hair on your body and face. It works by pulling out hair from the root, so your skin stays smooth for a while. You can use it on your arms and legs, and some even come with attachments for your underarms and bikini area. There are also special epilators just for your face, perfect for removing hair from places like your cheeks, chin, eyebrows, and upper lip.
How to Choose Right Epilator
If you’re thinking about getting an epilator, there are a few things you’ll want to consider to make sure you pick the right one for you.
First off, there are different types of epilators out there, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs. If you like the idea of using it in the shower, look for a wet and dry epilator. And think about what features are important to you. If you’ve got thick hair, you’ll probably want one with more tweezers and a strong motor. And if you’re mainly using it for your face, there are epilators designed specifically for fine or soft hair.
Now, let’s talk about some key things to think about when you’re shopping for an epilator:
- Areas where you can use: Some epilators come with different attachments for different parts of your body. So, think about where you’ll be using it the most and choose one that fits your needs. For example, if you want to use it on your legs, hands, and underarms, a body epilator like the Braun Silk-épil 5 wet and dry is a great choice. But if you’re mainly looking to get rid of facial hair, you’ll want a facial epilator like the Braun FaceSpa 851.
- Wet vs Dry Epilator: While epilating works fine on dry skin, doing it in the bath or shower can help reduce pain and irritation. That’s because the warm water can release natural pain-relieving hormones called endorphins. So, if you think you’ll want to epilate in the bath, look for a wet and dry epilator like the Braun Silk-épil 5 wet and dry.
- Number of Tweezers: The more tweezers an epilator has, the faster and more efficient it’ll be at pulling out hair. But keep in mind that not all epilators with lots of tweezers are created equal. Look for ones like the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex and SkinSpa 961, which have wider, longer tweezers that can grab even the shortest and finest hairs.
- Attachments: Many epilators come with extra attachments like massage caps or exfoliation brushes. These can help make your skin feel smoother and softer after epilating. So, look for an epilator that comes with all the extras you want.
- Speed settings: Beginners might want to start off with lower speed settings to make the experience less painful. And different parts of your body might need different speed levels. So, look for an epilator that offers different speed settings to give you more control.
- Wired vs wireless: Finally, think about whether you want a corded or cordless epilator. Corded ones offer a consistent source of power, but cordless ones let you epilate anywhere, anytime.
Best Epilators of 2024
Braun Epilator Silk-epil 9 9-579
Braun Silk-epil 9 has a wider epilation head compared to other series, which means it covers larger areas more quickly. That’s a big plus for me because I’m all about efficiency!
The technology behind this device is pretty cool too. It promises up to 4 weeks of smooth skin, which is pretty impressive. And with its Microgrip tweezer, it grabs even the shortest hairs, leaving you with results similar to waxing but without the hassle.
What I really liked about this epilator is that it’s designed for both wet and dry use. So, whether you prefer to epilate in the shower or on dry skin, it’s got you covered. Plus, the pulsating vibrations make the whole process feel extra gentle on your skin.
Another handy feature is the pivoting head, which adapts to the contours of your body for a comfortable experience. And with the shaver head and trimmer cap included, you can use this device for multiple purposes without needing separate tools.
The fact that it’s rechargeable is a huge bonus for me. I hate dealing with cords, so being able to use it cordlessly is a game-changer. And the quick charging time means I don’t have to wait around forever to use it.
Overall, I found the Braun Silk-epil 9-579 to be a great investment. It’s got all the features I need for smooth, hair-free skin, and it’s easy to use. Plus, the added facial brush is a nice bonus for skincare enthusiasts like myself. If you’re in the market for an epilator, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try!
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Philips Beauty Epilator Series 8000
The Phillips Epilator 8000 features a wide head with micro-rigged ceramic discs that grip onto even the finest hairs. This updated version claims to be better at grabbing shorter hairs, making it more effective overall.
In testing, it proved to be effective on all areas of the body, though multiple passes may be needed depending on hair length and thickness. It can be used both wet and dry, with a slight advantage in comfort when used in the bath or shower.
Phillips recommends holding the epilator at a 90° angle to the skin for optimal results. It offers two speed settings, though they don’t seem to differ significantly in performance. A small LED light helps to spot stray hairs, especially in dimly lit areas.
The Epilator 8000 is cordless and rechargeable, with a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge. It comes with a skin stretcher for easier use and a cover to narrow its reach for sensitive areas like the bikini line.
In addition to the epilator, the kit includes various accessories such as a shaving head, trimmer, and rotating pumice stone. While some accessories like the shaving head proved useful, others like the brush head were less effective, especially for facial use.
Overall, the Phillips Epilator 8000 offers fast and easy hair removal with minimal discomfort. Its long battery life and portability make it suitable for travel. Despite some shortcomings with certain accessories, it remains a highly recommended choice for hair removal needs.
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Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 910
The Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 910 is a handy tool for removing unwanted facial hair without the hassle of shaving or waxing. Its compact design makes it perfect for targeting small areas like between the eyebrows and above the upper lip. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, and we found it to be relatively painless compared to other methods.
However, it may cause some redness and bumps, especially for those with sensitive skin. While the results may not last significantly longer than waxing, it can remove shorter hairs that waxing might miss. Plus, it comes with a cleansing brush for gentle exfoliation before epilating.
Overall, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick and effective way to remove facial hair without shaving or waxing.
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Panasonic ES-EL7A-P epilator
The Panasonic ES-EL7A-P epilator is pretty unique compared to others. First off, it’s got a flexible head, which is not something you see often in epilators. Plus, you can use it in the shower, which is super convenient. And it’s designed to work on every part of your body, even the bikini line.
The standout feature of this epilator is its 60 tweezers. Most similar ones have around 45, so it’s top of the line in terms of tweezing power. It’s also sleek and ergonomic, so it’s comfortable to hold. However, the battery life is a bit shorter compared to other models. You get 30 minutes of use from a full hour of charging.
I’ve used it all over, and it works great. It even handles short and fine hairs, though it might take a couple of passes. The battery lasts long enough for me to do both legs, and it charges up quickly too. Plus, it has a handy LED light to help you spot any stray hairs.
On the downside, it’s not suitable for facial hair, so you’ll need a different product for that. And the cap of the epilator can sometimes fall off if you’re applying too much pressure or using it at different angles, especially in the armpits. And it doesn’t work well on sweaty or sticky skin, so make sure you’re all dried off before using it. Overall, though, it’s a solid choice for all your hair removal needs!
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Conair Full Body Epilator
The Conair Total Body Epilator offers a convenient, cordless solution for hair removal. Its lightweight and handheld design make it easy to use, especially on areas like the legs and forearms. With 40 tweezers and two speed settings, it effectively removes hair, and we found that with regular use, hair growth was slower compared to shaving.
While the device emits a loud sound that may be slightly irritating, it’s surprisingly gentle on the skin. Despite some initial discomfort, the pain was bearable and didn’t cause irritation.
Overall, the Conair Total Body Epilator is a practical option for those seeking efficient hair removal without the need for shaving.
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How to Use an Epilator Without Pain
Here are some simple steps to make using an epilator less painful:
- Relax: Before you start, try to relax your body and mind. You can do some yoga, meditation, or just listen to calming music to calm down.
- Avoid Caffeine: Stay away from caffeine and other stimulants for at least six hours before using the epilator. This helps keep you calm.
- Breathe: Take slow, deep breaths to calm your body. Exhale more than you inhale to activate your body’s relaxation response.
- Use Water: Taking a hot shower or bath before epilating can help reduce pain. Make sure your epilator is waterproof if you choose this method.
- Pinch Method: Pinch your skin and epilate the hair on the top. Move your fingers along and keep pinching new areas to epilate.
- Topical Creams: Use creams with ingredients like camphor, menthol, or peppermint to create a numbing sensation on your skin.
- Prepare Your Skin: Wax or shave the area first, then wait for the hair to grow to about 1/8 inch before epilating.
- Pull Skin Taut: Stretch your skin as you epilate to make the process faster and reduce pain.
- Consider Your Menstrual Cycle: If your menstrual cycle affects your pain levels, choose a time when you’re less sensitive to pain.
- Use Pain Relief Creams: Apply lidocaine creams before epilating to numb the area. You can also take OTC pain medications like Tylenol before starting.
- Ice Your Skin: After epilating, use ice or an ice pack to reduce inflammation and pain.
