Which epilators are best?
When it comes to getting smooth, hairless skin, there are many options, but not all of them are ideal. If you find waxing, shaving and bleaching inconvenient, irritating or just plain messy, an epilator might be the perfect solution.
An epilator is a small electronic device that removes hair by pulling it out from the root. It can be painful at first, but that decreases with use over time. The result does limit hair regrowth and, in some instances, can prevent it from growing back at all.
There are different types of epilators. Skin type and personal preference will go far in determining which model is best for you, but the top pick is the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030 with Flexible Head.
What to know before you buy an epilator
Benefits an epilator
Aside from convenience and cleanliness, epilators can better limit hair regrowth than waxing or shaving. They remove the top layer of skin, so they’re gentler than other hair-removal options and can result in smoother skin. Keep in mind that you can also bring them with you wherever you go.
Types of epilators
- Rotating spring: This was the original model, and it was the most painful, as the rotating springs that pulled out hair would often break or jam.
- Rotating disc: A step up from the rotating springs, this option uses rotating discs for the same function.
- Tweezer: Today, most epilators on the market contain small tweezer-like devices that grasp and pull out hairs. This is less painful and much more effective at removing smaller hairs.
What to look for in a quality epilator
Number of tweezers
The more tweezers a model has, the more effective and quicker it works. The number of tweezers can range from 20 to 72.
Attachments
Not every part of the body is as easily accessible, and some require a more gentle touch, which is where attachments are great. They can be extremely helpful, and some models come with attachments designed specifically for certain body parts. Some models also come with an exfoliating brush that can help remove dry skin and limit the occurrence of ingrown hairs.
Additional functions
You want to look for models that have a pivoting head that can easily adjust to the contours of your body. Light can help you identify and remove smaller, finer hairs and multiple speeds to control the power flow better.
Wet epilators
There is no getting around the fact that the process is painful at first, but some people have found that epilators designed to work on wet skin instead of dry were actually less painful.
Cord and cordless options
Battery-powered epilators are more mobile and convenient, but they aren’t always as powerful as the models you plug in.
How much you can expect to spend on an epilator
An epilator can range from $30-$150, depending on the features and benefits offered with each device.
Epilator FAQ
What are the side effects of using an epilator?
A. Overall, using an epilator is a safe option, but minor side effects may occur, including soreness, ingrown hairs, redness or bumps. In most cases, these side effects will heal relatively quickly on their own. Consistent, correct use of the epilator should limit the aftereffects.
How often should I use an epilator?
A. Hairs grow in different cycles, so during the first week of use, you will need to use the epilator three times to catch all the hairs in different parts of their growth cycles. In the second and third weeks, you will probably need to epilate once per week. As you continue to use it, your hair regrowth will decrease, and then you will only need to use it every couple of weeks.
Will using an epilator permanently remove hair?
A. Epilation is not a permanent solution to hair growth. However, it should decrease the production of new hair over time, as the follicle is frequently damaged during the plucking process. This leads to the regrowth of fine hair, no regrowth at all.
What are the best epilators to buy?
Top epilator
Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030 with Flexible Head
What you need to know: This is a top-of-the-line epilator, loaded with beneficial features, including the ability to use it underwater and a virtually painless experience.
What you’ll love: This updated version of Braun’s epilator features a new ergonomic anti-slip design to help remove hair in hard-to-reach places. Other new bonus features include an exfoliating brush, 40 micro-grip long and wide tweezers and SensoSmart technology to ensure you are using just the right amount of pressure.
What you should consider: This is a pricey model, so you should make sure an epilator is the right hair removal choice for you before investing in this product.
Top epilator for the money
Philips Beauty Satinelle Essential Corded Epilator
What you need to know: This budget-friendly, easy-to-pack epilator will keep you smooth for weeks.
What you’ll love: This epilator offers two speeds to grab both thick and thin hairs for personalized treatment of each area of your body. The sensitive cap included is a great option to remove hairs in your more delicate areas.
What you should consider: Customers have mentioned that this epilator is not as successful at removing very short hairs.
Worth checking out
Braun Epilator Silk-épil 5 5-810 Epilator
What you need to know: This gentle epilator for newbies provides 100% hair removal to help provide long-lasting, smooth skin.
What you’ll love: The massage cap offers high-frequency and pulsing vibrations to minimize pain, while the 28 micro grip tweezers remove hair as short as a grain of sand. This process offers ideal hair removal in even the most difficult-to-reach areas.
What you should consider: Some customers have mentioned that the instructions were a bit complicated for first-time epilator users.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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