Guide to Epilating and Why You Should Ditch Razors and Waxes

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Guide to Epilating

Use this guide to learn about the benefits of epilating as a method of hair removal. It’s my preferred method for whole-body hair removal.

My friend introduced me to epilating back in 2009 and I’ve been using it ever since. I’ve had the same epilator for over 9 years and only spent $60. 

Over time it’s cheaper than other hair removal methods and can be done quickly in the privacy of your own home.

In this post, we’ll go over what an epilator is and how to use it.

What is an Epilator?

An epilator is a small handheld electrical device that removes hair by the roots. It’s a hair-plucking machine that uses spring coils, discs, and/or metallic or ceramic tweezer plates on a spinning barrel.

When the epilator is traced against hair, it extracts multiple hairs by the root at once. The process is very quick, but it does take some getting used to.

What is Epilation Hair Removal?

The term “epilating” is a term that refers to any hair removal from under the surface of the skin, not just by using an electronic epilator. Waxing and sugaring are also forms of epilation. Epilators make hair removal quick, easy and are used by both men and women.

Most people use it to remove hair from the legs, arms, face, bikini area, and back, but you can use it on any area of the body. Unlike waxing, using an epilator doesn’t disturb the skin and thus causes less irritation.

Once hair is removed at the roots, it takes days or even weeks to grow back. Most epilator users will have hair-free and smooth skin longer than shaving hair removal methods. 

Benefits of Epilating

1. Epilation provides longer lasting smoothness

With epilation, you get smooth skin that can last up to 2 weeks. By removing hair from the root, the hair takes longer to grow back than removal with surface methods such as shaving and creams. Plus, when it does grow back, it’s much softer and finer than before. 

When you use hair removal methods that pull the whole hair out by the roots, it takes much longer for hair to reappear than with shaving and depilatory creams. One epilator session can provide smooth, hairless skin for days or even weeks.

2. Epilation can be done at home and is easy to master

Epilation is very easy to master and can be done in the privacy and comfort of your own home. I perfected using an epilator after my second session. If you’ve been going to a professional for hair removal, you might be excited to learn that you can get the same benefits using an epilator at home. Fewer trips to the salon mean more time for other activities AND more money in your pocket. And you get to enjoy the benefits of not having to undress in front of a total stranger. 

3. Epilation takes less time than other methods

Epilation, depending on how much body hair you want to remove, can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. It can be done by yourself whenever and wherever it is most convenient for you. My legs tend to take 5 minutes and armpits around 3-4 minutes. The initial session might take a bit of time as you become accustomed to the tool. Eventually, the process becomes quick and easy and will only take a few minutes of your day.

4. Epilation is cheaper than other methods

All you need for epilation is an epilator, an electrical outlet, and time. That’s it! Epilators can range from $30 to $150.

The benefit is that it will last for years! You have no other costs for hair removal until the machine needs to be replaced, which can take years and even decades.

5. Epilation is gentle

Unlike waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams, epilation doesn’t usually affect the skin since you are gripping the hairs from above the skin. This means you’re less likely to have skin irritation, rashes, and breakouts.

With every epilation session, the discomfort you may have felt the session prior decreases noticeably. 

6. Epilation helps reduce the amount of hair that grows back

When hairs are removed at the root, they will grow back softer and thinner. Hair will grow back at different speeds, depending on what growth cycle they are in.

Some hair will even become dormant after a session. With every session, there will be less hair to remove.

7. Epilation is convenient

Most epilators are the size of electric razors or smaller. They can easily be stowed away in your vanity and brought out for use within seconds.

They fit in small places and are great for traveling with. It’s usually much easier to travel with an epilator than a razor, shaving cream, ointments, and more.

8. Epilating is a LOW WASTE method of hair removal

There is nothing to buy regularly or to throw away with epilation. It’s as Earth-friendly as you can get when it comes to hair removal.

Recommended Epilator Models and Brands

As with the best epilator, the best brand is also dependent on your personal needs. Braun is one of the best-selling epilator brands currently. Emjoi and Epliady are two companies that specialize in making epilators. Panasonic, Philips, and Remington are also brands with quality epilators.

#1 Epilady Duo Corded Dual Head

Epilady was created in 1985 and revolutionized the beauty industry. Epilady is known as the most trusted brand in epilation.

I have had my Epilady for over 6 years. It’s compact, hand-held, travels well, and is super easy to use.

They range from $30-$60 and are the most compact design compared to other brands.

Buy Epilady on Amazon.

#2 Panasonic ES-ED90-P Wet/Dry Epilator and Shaver

This epilator is awesome because it has six attachments that turn it into shaver, pedicure buffer and more. It also comes in three fun colors and is highly rated.

Buy Panasonic on Amazon.

#3 Philips Satinelle Essential HP6401 Epilator

This epilator by Philips does the job and is pretty affordable. It comes with a small pouch and even transforms into a shaver. For under $30, you can’t go wrong.

This model would also makes a great starter epilator.

Buy the Philips epilator on Amazon.

#4 Braun Silk-épil 7 7-561 Epilator

Braun makes an awesome epilator kit that has everything you need. Braun is also usually more expensive of more self-care electronic brands.

Buy Braun on Amazon.

#5 Emjoi Soft Caress Epilator

Emjoi is a brand that’s on par with Epilady. I love the curved handle of the epilator. It also comes with a loofah to massage out any ingrown hairs.

Buy the Emjoi epilator on Amazon.

Other Epilation Questions

1. Do epilators work well?

Epilation works very well. Epilators are like tweezers on steroids. Twenty or more plates work at the same time, grabbing hairs and pulling them out at the root.

Many epilators can pull out hairs shorter than a millimeter. This makes them very effective for hair removal. As you continue to epilate, hairs will grow back much thinner or even stop growing over time.

2. Can you use an epilator on your face?

You can use an epilator on your face, but I highly recommend using a model that is specifically made to remove facial hair. Both men and women can remove facial hair using an epilator.

Just make sure to use an epilator that is recommended for facial hair. Some epilators should never be applied to the face.

3. Do epilators work on the bikini area?

Yes! The bikini area is a more sensitive area so be mindful of removing hair from there. Take a break if you need to.

If the pain is tolerable, epilating is a great option for the bikini area because it can be done in private in your own home, keeping the hair removal process discreet. 

Don’t forget to use a towel underneath your body to catch fallen hairs when epilating. 

4. Do epilators hurt?

Initially, epilators will hurt a lot. You will get used to it over time if you stick to it. If you are super sensitive to pain, epilators might not be a good option for you.

You can try epilating tougher parts of your body and slowly trying out more sensitive areas as you get used to the process.

5. Does epilation hurt more than waxing?

It really depends on a person’s pain tolerance. For some women, epilating hurts more than waxing. For others, it is the exact opposite.

Here’s what you can do to test out if epilating will hurt. Grab a tweezer and quickly remove some hair from a sensitive area on your body, such as the ankles or top of the big toe. That is a good indicator of how epilating feels, but it will be much faster.

With epilating, you’ll feel the pain of hair removal longer. Waxing just rips everything out at once.

Epilating takes a little more time since you have to move the epilator up and down multiple times before all your hair is removed. I got used to the sensation of epilating by my third attempt.

6. Should I use an epilator?

Is your current hair removal method lacking? Does waxing and/or shaving irritate your skin? Is it hard to find time to shave? Then epilating can be worth a try!

Epilating works best for women who want to limit hair removal to once or twice a week and those who aren’t afraid of a little discomfort in the name of beauty and overall convenience.

7. Should I epilate before or after a shower?

People have often asked us, “Do epilators work best before or after showers?” And we strongly recommend showering prior to epilating. 

A warm shower will open up your pores and moisten your skin, preparing it for hair removal. We recommend exfoliating in the shower with a loofa or exfoliating cloth prior to and after epilating to prevent ingrown hairs.

For optimal results, exfoliate a day before epilating and take a warm bath or shower a few minutes prior to epilating.

8. What is the difference between wet and dry epilators?

Dry epilators generally cost less and are for use outside of the tub (no contact with water). They need to be kept dry or will likely stop working.

Wet epilators, on the other hand, are designed to be waterproof and can be used in the shower or tub.

They are also easier to clean. Dry epilators usually must be cleaned with a dry brush or towel, while wet epilators can be cleaned with water and even soap.

9. How long does an epilator machine last?

The life of an epilator ranges depending on the model, the manner in which it is used, and the amount of use it gets. Epilators are meant to last a long time. I’ve had mine for 12 years with normal wear.

Higher-quality models can last much longer if you take care of them well. Always follow the manufacturer’s use and maintenance instructions to lengthen the life of your epilator.

Most epilators will have a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. This will cover any defects that may come up for the length of the warranty. If your epilator has defects or fails within the time frame of the warranty, you can usually just send it back via mail, and the manufacturer will either repair or replace it at no additional cost!

Before purchasing a new epilator (or any electronic one for that matter), read the description well to make sure it comes with a warranty.

How to Use an Epilator to Remove Hair

Step 1: Always start by reading the instruction manual for your device. Every epilator works differently and it’s best to do exactly what the manufacturer tells you to do.

Step 2: Clean and exfoliate your skin while opening your pores with a warm bath or shower. If you are using a dry epilator, you will need to dry yourself off before epilating. If you have a wet/dry epilator, you can epilate while in the shower.

Step 3: Make sure your epilator is charged (if rechargeable) or plugged in. Press the on button to test if the epilator works. You should see the barrel of tweezers spinning and making a whirring noise. Turn it off for now.

Step 4: If you’re epilating outside the tub, lay a towel down over the area where you are epilating so that it catches the extracted hair. I tend to epilate in my bed while sitting on a towel or sheet. Find a comfortable seat that you can remain in for 8-15 minutes while you epilate.

Step 5: Grab your epilator and turn it on. Hold your skin taut as you move the epilator over it in a slow up-and-down, and side-to-side motion. You should experience your hair being plucked as the epilator moves across your body.

Do not be afraid to gently press the epilator against your skin. It will not pull your skin unless the skin in that area is loose. You should be mindful if you’re epilating in the crotch area. 

Take breaks and feel your skin with your fingers to make sure it is smooth and that the hair has been completely removed.

Step 6: When you’re done epilating, clean your epilator per manufacturer instructions and properly put it away. Apply a soothing cream or lotion to help with any irritation.

When irritation subsides, you can exfoliate again to prevent ingrown hairs. We typically exfoliate when showering.

I use a eucalyptus spearmint lotion to soothe my skin.

Step 7: Make sure you continue to exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs. I recommend exfoliating every 1-2 days using a loofah or exfoliation cloth.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide was helpful for you! An epilator will certainly revolutionize your hair removal practice. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to send us a message.

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