Best Epilators For Safe And Efficient Body Hair Removal

The hair removal industry may be young, but it has grown exponentially in the past few years. Massive developments in technology have contributed to this boom, and from here on out, it is only expected to rise.

With over 99% of women using some form of body hair removal technique, there’s a never-ending debate as to which technique is best. Waxing, shaving, depilatory creams, laser hair removal, threading, sugaring; the list is endless.

But if you’re looking for a revolutionary way to take control of your hair removal, then you should seriously consider epilating. Waxing can be messy and expensive in the long run, and shaving only gets rid of hair for a short period of time. With epilating however, you’re essentially using a set of mechanical tweezers to get the best of both worlds.

It’s cheap, it’s clean, and it lasts up to 4 weeks!

However, there are so many epilators available and it can be all too easy to get lost in the information. So that’s why I decided to gather everything I know into this comprehensive guide for you. I’ve drawn up a list of the 10 best epilators on the market, as well as some handy tips on keeping the whole epilating experience safe and easy.

Epilation is a great way to stay hair free, for longer. So what are you waiting for? Your new method of self-care starts here!

Best Epilator Comparison Table

The Top Ten Epilators Review

Braun 9-890 SensoSmart

As the world’s first smart epilator, the Braun 9-890 is a truly impressive device. This product is cordless and comes with seven additional accessories. These include several caps, a shaver head, a pouch, and two trimmers. It’s like buying a complete hair removal toolkit, which is useful for when you want to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

If you’re a little worried about the pain of epilating then you’ll be happy to note that this model is completely waterproof! Epilating in a warm shower allows your skin to soften and your pores open up, making for a less painful plucking action.

If you look closely at the model head, you’ll notice that the 9-890 is equipped with a row of super short tweezers, each capable of targeting hairs as small as 0.5 mm. The Smartlight helps you target these hairs and pluck them out systematically, making sure that you don’t miss a single one!

While epilating is sure to sting, this model takes a few extra steps to make sure it doesn’t need to hurt any more than it should. It comes with a sensitive guard that helps lessen skin irritation as well as a sensor that turns the whole model bright red when it notices you pushing too hard on your skin.

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This model comes with the brand’s usual battery life, which gives around forty minutes of operation after an hour of charging. This is more than enough time for several thorough sessions, so you won’t find yourself going back and forth between your mirror and the charger just to get the job done.

While the 9-890 is a definite step up from its predecessors in many aspects, but it does leave more to be desired in terms of storage. Instead of coming with a soft case or a zippered pouch, this model comes with a basic fabric bag. This may make it difficult to bring the model with you while you travel unless you save up for a better travel bag.

Furthermore, the instructions on handling the different heads are not clear. Make sure to set aside some time to get to know your model before using it, so you don’t get into any accidents while you are switching from one head to another.

Philips Satinelle Essential HP6401

The Philips Satinelle line of products is a crowd favorite. It’s the ideal product to go for if you would like a trustworthy device that has been tried and tested throughout the years.

The HP6401’s epilation head comes armed with twenty-one tweezers as well as an efficiency cap that helps guide the tweezers to the hair area. This device comes with a smaller head than most of its peers, but this does not stop it from doing its job. You may have to do more swipes to get the job done, but the HP6401 is known for its amazing efficiency.

For cleaning and maintenance, the HP6401’s epilation head is washable. All you need to do is rinse it off under lukewarm water for a quick and easy clean. I recommend giving it a quick wash after every use, to prevent any dirt or bacteria from growing in the machine.

In terms of design, I appreciated how this device was built with a rounded shape. This makes it a very comfortable fit in your hand, but small enough to maneuver through the contours of our face or body.

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This model only functions when plugged in, but to make up for this slight disadvantage it comes with an extra long cord that gives you a ton of leeway. With that said, it should be noted that because this is a corded device, it is not waterproof!

One small issue I had with this device was that it does not have a built-in light to help with targeting the stray hairs. It is also a bit noisy, so if you live with other people, then it might not be the ideal option. Regardless, this product is the top choice epilator for good reason. If you don’t mind noise and the lack of light, it’s definitely one of the best epilators at its price point.

Braun Silk-épil 9 9-579

The 9-579 doesn’t pull any punches. Right off the bat, you can see that this model features a wider epilation head compared to other Braun epilators to help remove more hair in one stroke. This, paired with the MicroGrip tweezer technology is sure to make epilating a breeze.

As you are using this product, you may notice that it vibrates. These pulsating sensations work to numb the pain and induce a gentler hair removal experience. The pivoting head adjusts to the contours of your body to ensure that every last strand of hair is removed.

Once you’re done using this device, cleaning and maintaining it is a simple procedure. Just rinse its epilator head under running water for a minute or two and then dry it off.

Beyond the product itself, one feature I appreciated with this purchase was the sheer number of accessories that came with it. This model comes with a trimmer cap, a skin contact cap, a high-frequency massage cap, a shaver head, a charging stand, and finally a bonus facial brush. This is worth considering because it works in tandem with the epilator to care for your skin. The facial brush is honestly fantastic, it was definitely capable of giving my face a nice deep clean. It’s a good investment to make if you’re epilating your facial area because the plucking action tends to open up pores in your face making you prone to breakouts and acne because it will help clear out your pores prevent any skin problems that might follow treatment.

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You are free to use this product in front of the sink or in the shower. The 9 9-579 is cordless and can churn out over forty minutes’ worth of epilating after an hour of charging.

One small issue I had with this model was that it can get noisy. This can be a turnoff for someone who would prefer a more discreet device. If you can afford to look past this, though, the 9-579 is one of the best epilators out there and you won’t regret buying it.

Another drawback I found while using this product was that it hurts a little more to use compared to other models because of its larger epilator head. Remember to sort out your skincare routine before and after epilating if you plan on purchasing this product because you may get small patches of sore or irritated skin.

Braun Silk-épil 7-880 SensoSmart

The Braun 7-880 is a great starter epilator for people who want to ease themselves into epilating.

It has two main speeds and even on a faster setting; I appreciated how it was gentler than other epilators on the market. This model also has a pulsing red light to let you know whenever you’re pressing on your skin too hard and running the risk of injury.

You can rest assured that you did not sacrifice efficiency for comfort with the 7-880, as it is still capable of pulling out significant swathes of hair in just a few passes.

In terms of battery, I found that the 7-880 seemed to last longer than the industry standard, so I didn’t find myself accidentally running out of charge in the middle of a session. I really appreciated this, especially because this is a cordless-only model and cannot be used while plugged in.

When you buy this epilator, you also get a wide variety of other accessories. These include a shaver as well as a series of special caps for certain areas, such as a skin contact cap, a facial cap, and a sensitive cap. The model itself is equipped with a Smartlight, which helps illuminate the area and bring focus to any fine hairs you might have missed.

While it’s a great epilator in terms of features and design, it is a little heavier than most epilators. This may make it difficult to grasp for long periods of time and make it a little difficult to use around the bikini area. Regardless, the 7-880 is still a solid product that beginners and minimalists alike should consider adding to their personal grooming kit.

Braun Silk-épil 9 9-961V

When you hear the word epilating, you don’t usually associate it with a pleasant sensory experience. However, the 9-961V is here to change that. It comes with three major brush heads to help brush and buff your skin for epilation and it is also equipped with several of Braun’s latest smart technologies in personal grooming.

This device will come with three brushes. The first brush is for deep body massage and comes in mint green; I recommend using this a few hours after epilating to bring back your skin’s natural glow. The second is the gentle body exfoliation brush; this purple attachment is designed to help cleanse the sensitive parts of your body prior to epilating. The last brush is for deep body exfoliation; I found this blue brush head to be particularly useful in cleaning my arms and legs a few hours after epilating, I also noticed that it really helped in reducing ingrown hairs.

The two brushes come with over ten thousand bristles that effectively remove any dead skin cells and help keep your skin super smooth and clear.

Like the other Braun entries on this list, the 9 9-961V comes with a pivoting head and a Smartlight. This goes a long way in helping the device navigate around difficult areas like the crook of your elbow and the back of your knee without missing any hairs. As it works, the pulsating vibrations help mask the pain of tweezing away multiple hairs in a row.

As you may have noticed at this point, the Braun products always come with accessories. The-961V is no exception. It comes with a shaver, a trimmer, and the three brush heads.

This device has dual voltage capabilities, which means it can be used in both Europe and the US. I appreciated this small yet significant feature because I happen to travel a lot, and having an epilator that can work on both sides of the ocean is crucial for my lifestyle!

With that said, this product seems more suited towards areas with thick and coarse hairs. I found it had some difficulty removing some of the finer hairs on my face. If you need an epilator that can swiftly remove hairs on the other parts of your body like the legs or the armpits then this epilator is perfect for you! But if you want something specifically for your face, then you might want to look elsewhere.

Emjoi AP-18 Tweezer Head Epilator 

One glance at the Emjoi AP-18 is all you need to know that it’s been built and designed to make an impact. From its dark red body to the intimidating set of tweezers on its head, it packs a visual and functional punch. This is the model to go for if you are already an experienced epilator user and would like to try a uniquely effective device from an up and coming brand.

The Emjoi AP-18 has seventy-two tweezer heads that are calibrated to remove hairs as quickly and as comfortably as possible. If you look closely at these heads, you’ll notice that there’s a pattern to how they’re laid out. There is one fixed tweezer disc, followed by two that open and close. All of this functions in tandem with the brand’s unique design to do twice the work with half the effort.

In terms of smart technology, this device comes with a Silver Ion technology which works to lessen the risk of infection and ingrown hairs. This is incredibly useful if you’re prone to breaking out after an epilating session!

Despite the Emjoi AP-18’s raw power and intimidating form, it’s user-friendly and very easy to use. When you buy this epilator, you also get a carrying bag, a cord, a cleaning brush, an exfoliating pad, and a manual as well. I also appreciated how there weren’t too many unnecessary accessories that came with this epilator and that they chose to focus on the basics.

One small drawback I found with this device is that it does not come with a built-in light to help with epilating. You may end up missing some stray hairs as you work. To prevent this, make sure to start in a well-lit room, and have another source of light on hand that you can move around as you work.

Another issue I had with the Emjoi AP-18 is the material used for its internal build. This product’s drive gear is made out of plastic; it wears out easily and if the device comes into contact with longer hairs or your clothes, it instantly eats away with a loud grinding noise. This extra material could instantly damage its delicate interiors. If this happens, immediately turn the device off and unplug it. Slowly rotate the blades and the fabric threads will come out. Overall, the Emjoi AP-18 is still a great option to consider if you want a powerful epilator with a different approach to smart technology.

Braun Silk-épil 3

Don’t let its size fool you. The Braun 3 still comes packed with all the features of its regular-sized counterparts despite its compact build. This is the model to go for if you are a frequent traveler and are looking for an epilator that can keep up with your lifestyle.

This device is equipped with twenty tweezers on its epilation head and comes with two speed settings. Even though it has fewer tweezers than most, I appreciated how close it could get to the skin so it could root out the hairs without pulling or scraping at the skin itself.

If you’re in a hurry the Braun 3 has two speed settings that can work with your pace. With that said, I personally recommend setting aside some time to epilate because you may accidentally miss stray hairs if you are rushing through the process.

The Braun 3 does not come with any attachments. This is an advantage for people who don’t want to carry too many additional machines with them on the go. In addition, you can definitely bring this device along with you on your travels because it was built with dual voltage.

This device adapts to your epilating needs. It can be used wet or dry and is built with a pair of massage rollers to take away some of the discomfort as you are working. It also comes with the brand’s Smartlight feature, which you can use to check if you’ve missed any stray hairs.

If there were a few things I could change with the product, it would be the motor and the cord. I find that the motor can be too loud and it can be distracting. The cord could also be made a bit longer to help reach some of the trickier spots on your body.

Despite these small setbacks, the Braun 3 is a top choice for those who are worried about skin irritation. It is dermatologically recommended and proven to work well on sensitive skin.

Braun Silk-épil 5 5-280

The Braun 5 5-280 made this list because it is capable of giving an incredibly powerful and reliable performance every single session. It prides itself on being an epilator that you can use uninterrupted, so you can make the most out of your work.

This device comes with a cooling glove, which numbs your skin before you start epilating, you can also use it to provide a soothing sensation after. This, paired with massage rollers, helps make epilation as comfortable as it can possibly be.

This model is equipped with forty tweezers that can remove hairs as short as 0.5 mm. It actually manages to capture hairs that waxing does not, and keeps your skin hair-free for up to four weeks. Another neat thing I found with this device is that over time, with the massage rollers and cooling gloves, the initial pain of epilating soon wore off, and I was able to epilate completely painlessly!

In addition to the epilator itself, this product also comes with an efficiency cap, a shaver head, and a trimmer cap for depilation. The device is also fully washable and waterproof!

Because this model strikes a balance between efficient epilating and soothing skincare, I would say that this is probably the absolute best epilator for women. With this product, you won’t find yourself compromising between keeping your skin blemish-free and removing every last hair!

Two small issues I had with this device was the noise levels and durability. Over time, the 5 5-280 becomes louder whenever you use it. A large part of this can be attributed to the wear and tear of its plastic interiors. So make sure to maintain the device by regularly giving it a deep clean to keep the epilator in top shape.

Philips Satinelle BRE615

This sleek Satinelle model comes from a line of renowned epilators and is a great choice for people who want a reliable epilator with a few intuitive features.

The BRE615 is equipped with thirty-two discs made from a unique ceramic material made to grip hair strands better. All this is mounted on a 30mm extra wide epilation head. I appreciated how the increased number of tweezers, as well as the wide build, meant that I could cover more space in less time.

This model also comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is an industry standard for personal grooming devices, so you know you’re in good hands with this product in terms of power. When it comes to charging time, the BRE615 can be fully charged within 3 hours, and a blinking indicator keeps you updated on its charging status.

As you are working, the device has a built-in light you can use to keep better track of your progress. This is helpful, especially if you plan on using your epilator on large parts of your body such as your arms and legs. This device is also fully waterproof, which means you can use it in a warm shower to minimize the pain.

On that note, the epilator head is fully washable, which makes it easier to clean and maintain your device, thereby extending its lifespan. This model also comes with a facial cap, delicate area cap, and a storage pouch.

If I could change one thing about this model, I would make it a bit faster. While it is capable of covering more area with its wide epilator head, it can be a little bit too painful in certain places because it has a difficult time gripping all the hairs and pulling them off. Even with this small setback, the BRE615 is a solid choice for anyone who wants a model that’s reliable and efficient.

TOUCHBeauty Painless

The last model to make this list is from a relatively new company on the market. The TOUCHBeauty Painless, armed with toothed steel blades and a wide epilation head, functions as both a shaver, trimmer, and an epilator rolled into one.

It is built with a unique dual-function cutter head. This means that as the epilator tweezes, the toothed blade trims longer hairs, and the outer net foil shaves shorter ones. This triple action device ensures that you always get the most out of every use. To add to the number of ways it can trim, this device comes with a cover that combs and trims at the same time. This lets you shave longer hairs and avoid the risk of pinching or pulling it out.

The TOUCHBeauty Painless is completely waterproof, so you are free to use it in the shower and then clean it with running water. This model also makes a fantastic traveling companion! It’s small enough to fit into your handbag and comes with a pouch of its own.

Despite its size, this device’s epilator head is quite wide and can remove more hairs in fewer strokes. I appreciate how this gets the job done in a faster and more efficient manner.

If I could change one thing about this epilator, it would be its exterior. I found it a bit difficult to keep hold of this device tightly because it was not constructed with a rubberized exterior or ridges. This may make it difficult to use in the shower as it can get slippery when wet.

Overall, I like how the TOUCHBeauty Painless can dish out multiple functions without the added bulk of accessories or heads. This device can be used on any part of the body and it is easy to clean. Lastly, it’s comfortable, efficient, and durable. Definitely a worthwhile addition to your grooming kit.

Types Of Epilator

While epilators haven’t been around for a long time, there have already been a ton of developments in regards to their build, their functions, and their operations. Today’s epilators come with a wide variety of different capabilities that differ from brand to brand. Here’s a quick look at some of the different types that we’ve encountered since its invention:

What To Consider When Choosing An Epilator

The ideal epilator is probably going to vary quite a bit based on lifestyle and usage. Before you start looking at options, it’s best to have some idea of what features you’re looking for so you can narrow down the search.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Using An Epilator In 10 Easy Steps

Learning how to use an epilator may seem daunting at first. Just think of it as a set of tweezers operating simultaneously. Here’s a quick checklist you can follow to ace your session:

Step 1: Choose An Epilator That Suits Your Needs

Maybe you have sensitive skin or you travel frequently. Or you would prefer a cordless model so you can work in the shower. You have to fully analyze your needs and personal preferences before deciding on buying an epilator so that you can make the most out of your investment. Ideally, the model you buy should be a stable grooming companion for more than a year.

Step 2: Consider Buying Additional Accessories

You may need additional accessories to help get the job done. This may include trimmers, different epilating heads, or shavers. While you can choose to buy these individually, some epilators come with small toolkits of their own so you won’t have to go through the hassle of looking for them yourself. Make sure to store all your additional accessories in a dry and accessible place.

Step 3: Exfoliate The Area A Day Before

I cannot stress how important exfoliating is for your skin. It helps soften the skin, remove dead skin cells and dirt, and open pores prior to epilating. This helps make the process easier, faster, and safer. It is best to exfoliate about 24-hours before you epilate because if you choose to epilate immediately after you exfoliate, your skin may be too raw and you may end up causing intense skin irritation.

Step 4: Find The Right Location For You

Start on the right foot by finding the right location for epilating. Settle in a well-lit space with an outlet nearby and a table for any accessories you may need while you are epilating. If you are using the epilator in the shower, make sure that you position yourself well so that you won’t be at risk of slipping.

Step 5: Angle The Epilator To Your Skin

While the industry standard is to hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle to your skin, some epilators work best at different angles. It is best to check the instruction manual beforehand to make sure that you have the placement right. This step may take some practice, but it is crucial to master because the angle plays a big part in how well the device captures and pulls at hair strands.

Step 6: Hold Your Skin Taut

Stretch your skin as tight as possible before you use the epilator. This is to make sure that the device captures the hair strand and not any folds of skin. In turn, it prevents the risk of injury and minimizes the pain that comes with epilating. If you are epilating in areas you can only reach with one hand, like your underarms, it may be best to find a friend to help you with the job.

Step 7: Work Against The Direction Of Hair Growth

Always work against the direction of your hair growth. This helps the machine pick up the strands of hair and pluck it off seamlessly. One common issue with epilators is that they may sometimes snag on hair strands, which leads to a broken strand instead of a cleanly-plucked one—that’s how you get ingrown hairs! You should set aside some time to analyze the way your hair grows so that when you’re ready to begin, you already have a path mapped out in your head.

Step 8: Take It Slow

Epilating is just a series of tweezers pulling out as much hair as possible, so if you’re in a rush and you want to just mow through the entire area carelessly, then you may end up missing large swathes of hair. It’s important to take it slow when epilating, so as much as possible you should plan ahead and set aside a good amount of time to commit yourself to the activity.

Step 9: Moisturize Your Skin Afterwards

Once you’re done epilating a certain area, immediately follow up with a moisturizer. I recommend using products with witch hazel, aloe vera, or tea tree oil because these ingredients have soothing and healing properties. It helps restore your skin’s natural hydration balance, leaving it smooth and protected.

Step 10: Clean Your Epilator

Once you’re done taking care of your skin, it’s time to take care of your device. You won’t need to do a deep clean after every use, but it’s important that you brush off any stray hairs and then give it a quick rinse under warm water. This slows down the growth of harmful bacteria on the device and keeps your machine functional for longer.

Cleaning And Maintaining An Epilator In 7 Steps

In the long run, your epilator will begin accumulating discarded hair, dirt, and bacteria. So it’s important that you set aside some time once a month to do a deep clean. Here’s how to get the job done:

How The Epilator Came To Be

The first electronic hair removal device was called the Epilady. It was made by an Israeli-based company in 1986. Even though it was known for being quite painful, the Epilady became an international success and it completely changed the hair removal industry.

After this, the first disc-operated epilator hit the market ten years later. It was called Discrette. This eliminated a significant amount of the pain associated with mechanized tweezing because the rotating discs and the high-velocity movement pull the hairs out immediately.

From there, several companies have entered the market space and continue to develop innovative solutions of their own. These can include specific builds and designs for certain parts of the body, such as the face, arms, and legs. It could also include new smart technologies with different functions, such as antimicrobial properties, further pain reduction, and wide epilation coverage. All these new developments contribute to make epilators a more popular hair removal alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

We get daily emails from people interested in buying epilators, so we’ve compiled 11 of our most frequently asked questions below. Be sure to read these carefully so you understand the ins and outs before buying an epilator for yourself!

Conclusion

There are a variety of hair removal methods on the market, but epilators definitely stand out. While they are usually associated with pain and discomfort, they have grown to become a great alternative to waxing and shaving. The new devices have features that minimize the pain, and work quickly and efficiently to completely rid any area of unwanted hair!

So, once you’ve picked the best epilator for your needs, you’ll find that the learning curve isn’t very steep and that the pain of epilating is well worth it. Overall, epilating is a great way to stay hair-free, and buying an epilator can be a fantastic investment for your personal grooming. I hope this guide has helped you get a better understanding of what epilators are, how you can use them, and which model would suit you best.