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!
Table Of Contents
- Best Epilator Comparison Table
- The Top Ten Epilators Review
- Braun 9-890 SensoSmart
- Philips Satinelle Essential HP6401
- Braun Silk-épil 9 9-579
- Braun Silk-épil 7-880 SensoSmart
- Braun Silk-épil 9 9-961V
- Emjoi AP-18 Tweezer Head Epilator
- Braun Silk-épil 3
- Braun Silk-épil 5 5-280
- Philips Satinelle BRE615
- TOUCHBeauty Painless
- Types Of Epilator
- What To Consider When Choosing An Epilator
- Using An Epilator In 10 Easy Steps
- Cleaning And Maintaining An Epilator In 7 Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Epilator Comparison Table
Model | Run time | Wet & Dry | Notable Feature | Price |
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Braun Series 9-890 SensoSmart | 40 minutes | Yes | Extra body trimmer | Check price |
Philips Satinelle Essential HP6401 | Corded | Dry | 2 Speed settings | Check price |
Braun Silk-épil 9 9-579 Epilator | 40 minutes | Yes | Special facial brush | Check price |
Braun Silk-épil 7-880 SensoSmart | 40 minutes | Yes | Sensitive trimmer cap | Check price |
Braun Silk-épil 9 9-961V Epilator | 40 minutes | Yes | Double facial brush | Check price |
Emjoi AP-18 Tweezer Head Epilator | Corded | Dry | 2 Speed settings | Check price |
Braun Silk-épil 3 Women's Epilator | Corded | Yes | 2 Speed settings | Check price |
Braun Silk-épil 5 5-280 Ladies Shaver | Corded | Yes | Extra shaver head | Check price |
Philips Satinelle BRE615 hair Epilator | 40 minutes | Yes | 2 precision caps | Check price |
TOUCHBeauty Painless Hair Remover | AA battery | Yes | Skin protective comb | Check price |
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.
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.
Get Philips Satinelle HP6401 at Amazon
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.
Get Braun Silk-épil 9-579 at Amazon
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:
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Spring Type
The first epilator ever invented, the EpiLady, operated with a coil spring. It was curved in such a way that the coil would be squeezed tightly on one side and spread apart on the other side. The EpiLady’s motor would rotate this spring, causing it to flex as it is being rotated. This rotation would pick up the hair strands and pull them out through their hair follicles.
These springs were prone to breaking down regularly because they were constantly flexed and unflexed as they worked. As a result, they were sold separately as replacement parts.
Spring type epilators continue to exist today, especially in manual epilators that are designed for the face.
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Rotating Disc Type
This epilator type is strikingly similar to a spring type epilator in terms of design and operation. The only difference is that instead of a coil spring, a series of metal discs would be used instead. This was a controversial design, because of how utterly painful it was! However, most modern epilators incorporate some elements of the rotating disc type epilator in their build. Its invention helped pave the way for the more popular tweezer type epilator, which hurts less and is more efficient at removing hairs at the root.
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Tweezer Type
If the rotating disc type incorporated the use of metal discs, the tweezer type has a series of metal plates on the epilator head. These are mounted on a plastic housing. As the epilator head rotates, the tips of these plates clamp together and then pull apart once per revolution. This is what creates the tweezing effect, as the plates clamp on hair strands and then the motor rotates the plates away from the skin. This plucks the hair away from its root and then discards it once the plates pull apart.
One downside is that depending on the angle and strength of the hair, some strands may break instead of getting plucked.
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Wet Use Type
The wet use type epilator is built in the same way as the tweezer type epilator. The only difference is in the motor. It is built with a rechargeable battery and can be used either wet or dry. This was created out of the demand to have epilators that people could use in the shower, which helps minimize the pain associated with epilating.
Many modern epilators incorporate this kind of design into their devices to help reach out to a wider market.
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:
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How It’s Powered
Would you like to go with a corded model or would you prefer to go cordless? Some may prefer to go with a corded option because it’s connected to a consistent source of power. The downside to a corded model is that you may find it difficult to epilate without getting tangled up in the wires. On the other hand, a cordless epilator will be easier to maneuver around your body. However, it may slowly lose power over the course of a session.
If you’re just starting out and you’re on a budget, I recommend getting an epilator powered by standard batteries because these are usually more affordable.
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Whether It’s Waterproof
If you’re new to epilating and you have a bigger budget, I recommend going for an epilator that can be used for both wet and dry sessions. While dry use is more effective at pulling out hairs, wet use is considerably less painful because warm water helps relax the skin.
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The Number Of Tweezers
If you take a close look at any epilator head, you’ll notice that they’re all equipped with rows of tweezers. Some epilators come with only one pair of tweezers, while other modern models come with as much as seventy-two.
The number of tweezers affect the speed of epilation and the amount of pain you can expect to go through. You can go for more tweezers so you can finish your sessions faster at the expense of your comfort, or you can go for less tweezers so you can take your time with epilating.
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The Areas You Need Epilated
Epilators can be used almost anywhere on the body. They can remove hair on your arms, legs, face, underarms, and bikini area. As such, you need to consider where you’ll be using it because not all epilators are created equal. For example; if you’re going to be epilating a sensitive area like your pubic area, you’re going to want to opt for a cordless and waterproof model to ensure that the process is as painless as possible. Conversely, if you’re going to be epilating your legs, you should focus on efficiency and durability.
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Exfoliating Brushes For Ingrown Hair
Even if you’re a pro at using epilators, ingrown hairs are still a concern. They are often unsightly and can cause skin irritation if left untreated. Thankfully, some models come equipped with a switchable exfoliating brush to help keep your skin blemish-free.
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Speed Settings You Can Work With
How do speed settings affect your session? Depending on your type of hair, you may find it more convenient to go for an epilator that can deliver different levels of speed.
Also, as you continue to epilate, the structure and appearance of your hair will change dramatically. Different speed settings will help you keep up with your hair even when it’s changed in size and texture.
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Your Own Price Point
Most of the epilators we examined range from forty to one hundred dollars. While the price of a model isn’t the only thing you need to examine when you’re shopping for one, the more expensive ones usually come with additional features and capabilities. If they’re from a prominent brand, you can be sure that you’ll be investing in a durable model with strong performance.
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The Amount Of Noise You’re Okay With
Epilators can be noisy when they’re operated. They can be as noisy as any electric razor, and this can be off-putting to some. If you are living with other people or if you travel around a lot, you may want to look for epilators that don’t put out quite so much noise.
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:
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Disassemble The Epilator
Most epilators can be disassembled into two parts: its body and its epilator head. This can usually be done by pressing two buttons on the side. If you aren’t sure how it’s done or if you don’t see these two buttons, keep the instruction manual on hand or run a quick search online.
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Use The Cleaning Brush
All epilators, regardless of whether they come with accessories or not, come with a cleaning brush. However, if you don’t have one or if you lost yours, you can use a toothbrush instead. Use this to brush away any loose hairs on the epilator head.
First, remove the cap and brush off any hairs that are stuck on it. Next, tilt the epilator upside down to loosen any hairs that may have stuck inside. After that, brush the epilator head itself. As you are brushing the head, manually turn the tweezer heads so that the tweezers open and close. This will make it easier to reach any hidden hairs.
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Use Compressed Air
It may not be enough to just brush away at the machinery. Some hairs may have found their way into the nooks and crannies of the gear. One of the more difficult areas to clean in an epilator is its wheel. Use a can of compressed air to dislodge any hairs that have wedged themselves underneath the wheel.
If you don’t have a can of compressed air on hand, blowing on the epilator head or using a hairdryer are good alternatives.
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Rinse The Head Under Water
Once you’re certain that you have removed all the hairs, gently rinse the epilator head under warm water. This removes the traces of dirt and other foreign substances on your device. Manually rotate the epilator head so you are sure that you’ve removed all these other nuisances.
Some devices come with detachable heads and these can be cleaned under running water. Double check with the instruction manual to make sure you don’t accidentally damage your epilator with water.
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Sanitize The Head
To finish off the remnants of dirt and other harmful bacteria, take a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Use this to wipe off the tweezers individually. If you skip this step, the buildup of other substances could damage your skin and cause infections.
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Dry The Machine
Once you’re done with washing and sanitizing, shake off the cap and head. This helps the remaining water droplets drip out of the device. Take a clean towel and then dry it off. To finish the job completely, leave these parts out until they are completely dried. This will usually take a day, so it’s best to start cleaning your epilator in the morning because it will dry faster under the sun.
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Reassemble The Machine
Reattach the cap, epilator head, and the body. Now you’re all finished! Your epilator is as good as new and is ready for the next session.
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.
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