If you are tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking your unwanted hair, you may have considered buying an epilator. An epilator is a device that uses rotating tweezers to pull out hair from the root, leaving your skin smooth and hairless for weeks. Sounds great, right? But before you rush to buy one, you may have some questions: Which epilator is the best? Do epilators hurt? How do I use an epilator? Don’t worry, I’m here to answer them for you. As a long-time epilator user, I have tried many different brands and models, and I have experienced the joys and pains of epilating. In this article, I will share with you my honest opinions and tips on how to choose and use an epilator.
Which epilator is the best
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different epilators may suit different people and preferences. However, based on my personal experience and research, I have found some factors that can help you decide which epilator is the best for you:
- Power: The power of an epilator determines how fast and effective it can remove hair. Generally speaking, corded epilators are more powerful than cordless ones, but they are less convenient and portable. Cordless epilators can be used in wet or dry conditions, but they need to be charged regularly. Some cordless epilators can also be used while plugged in, which is a nice feature to have.
- Tweezers: The number and quality of tweezers on an epilator affect how many hairs it can grab at once and how smoothly it can glide over the skin. More tweezers usually mean faster and more thorough hair removal, but they may also cause more pain and irritation. The shape and material of the tweezers also matter, as some are designed to be more gentle and durable than others.
- Speed: The speed of an epilator refers to how fast the tweezers rotate. Most epilators have at least two speed settings: low and high. Low speed is good for sensitive areas or beginners, as it reduces the pain and discomfort. High speed is good for coarse or thick hair or experienced users, as it saves time and improves efficiency.
- Attachments: Some epilators come with various attachments that can enhance their performance or versatility. For example, some attachments can help you trim or shave your hair before or after epilating, some can help you massage or exfoliate your skin to prevent ingrown hairs or reduce pain, some can help you target specific areas like the face or bikini line. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to look for an epilator that has the attachments you want.
Based on these factors, I have tried several popular epilators on the market, and here are my top three picks:
- Panasonic Cordless Shaver Epilator for Women: This is my favorite epilator so far. It has a powerful battery that lasts for 40 minutes and can be used while charging. It has 60 hypoallergenic tweezers that are gentle on the skin and effective on the hair. It has three speed settings that can be adjusted according to your comfort level. It also comes with six attachments that can help you shave, trim, exfoliate, massage, and target different areas of your body.
- Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-985: This is another great epilator that has many features and accessories. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts for 50 minutes and can be used in wet or dry conditions. It has 40 micro-grip tweezers that are designed to catch even the shortest hairs. It has two speed settings that can be changed with a simple button. It also comes with 13 attachments that can help you shave, trim, exfoliate, massage, tone, cleanse, and target different areas of your body.
- Remington Smooth & Silky Total Coverage Epilator: This is a budget-friendly epilator that still delivers good results. It has a corded design that ensures consistent power and performance. It has 40 tweezers that can remove hair as short as 0.5 mm. It has two speed settings that can be switched with a slide button. It also comes with a cleaning brush and a storage pouch.
Do epilators hurt
The short answer is yes, epilators do hurt. After all, they are pulling out your hair from the root, which is bound to cause some pain and discomfort. However, the pain level varies from person to person, and from area to area. Some people may find epilating unbearable, while others may find it tolerable or even enjoyable. Some areas may be more sensitive and painful than others, such as the face, underarms, or bikini line.
The good news is that the pain can be reduced or managed with some tips and tricks:
- Prepare your skin: Before epilating, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. Trim or shave your hair to a length of about 2-5 mm, as longer hair can cause more pain and tugging.
- Choose the right time: Epilate when you are relaxed and comfortable, preferably in the evening or after a warm bath or shower, as this can help open up your pores and soften your hair. Avoid epilating when you are on your period, as this can make your skin more sensitive and irritable.
- Use the right technique: Hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle to your skin and move it slowly and steadily in the direction of hair growth. Do not press too hard or go over the same area too many times, as this can cause more pain and irritation. Stretch your skin with your other hand to make it taut and smooth, as this can help the epilator glide better and catch more hairs.
- Apply some soothing products: After epilating, apply some cold water, ice, or aloe vera gel to your skin to calm it down and reduce inflammation. Avoid using alcohol-based products, as they can dry out your skin and cause more irritation. Moisturize your skin with a gentle lotion or cream to keep it hydrated and soft.
- Be consistent: The more you epilate, the less painful it will become. This is because your hair will grow back thinner and weaker over time, making it easier to remove. Your skin will also get used to the sensation of epilating and become less sensitive. Try to epilate every 2-4 weeks to maintain smooth and hairless skin.
How do I use an epilator
Using an epilator is not very complicated, but it does require some practice and patience. Here are some steps on how to use an epilator:
- Choose an epilator that suits your needs and preferences. Consider the factors mentioned above, such as power, tweezers, speed, and attachments.
- Charge or plug in your epilator according to its instructions. Make sure it has enough battery or power for your session.
- Prepare your skin by following the tips mentioned above, such as cleaning, exfoliating, trimming, or shaving your hair.
- Choose a speed setting that you are comfortable with. Start with the lowest speed if you are a beginner or have sensitive skin.
- Choose an attachment that matches the area you want to epilate. For example, use a facial cap for your face, a precision cap for your bikini line, or a massage cap for your legs.
- Hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle to your skin and move it slowly and steadily in the direction of hair growth. Do not press too hard or go over the same area too many times.
- Stretch your skin with your other hand to make it taut and smooth.
- Apply some soothing products after epilating, such as cold water, ice, aloe vera gel, or moisturizer.
- Clean and store your epilator properly after each use. Remove any hair or debris from the tweezers with a cleaning brush or water (if it is waterproof). Dry it thoroughly before putting it back in its case or pouch.
Epilating is a great way to achieve smooth and hairless skin for weeks without spending too much time or money on shaving or waxing. However, it also comes with some drawbacks, such as pain and irritation. To choose the best epilator for you, you need to consider several factors, such as power, tweezers, speed, and attachments. To reduce the pain of epilating, you need to prepare your skin properly, choose the right time and technique, and apply some soothing products afterwards. To use an epilator correctly, you need to follow some simple steps, such as charging or plugging in your epilator, choosing a speed setting and an attachment, holding the epilator at a 90-degree angle to your skin, moving it slowly and steadily in the direction of hair growth, stretching your skin with your other hand to make it taut and smooth, applying some soothing products after epilating, cleaning and storing your epilator properly after each use.
