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Waxing, shaving, tweezing, and laser. When it comes to hair removal, women have so many options! But, reality check: Waxing can be messy and inconvenient, tweezing takes forever, laser hair removal is just too expensive, and shaving can leave you with cuts on your skin. If none of these methods have worked out for you in the past, it’s time to switch to an epilator!
What is an epilator, you ask? An epilator is the lovechild of waxing and shaving. It’s a handheld electronic device that can pull out hair from the roots. There are facial hair epilators as well as body hair epilators, that come in two varieties— wet and dry. Dry epilators are used on dry skin while wet epilators can be used in the shower. Epilators are made of a bunch of tweezers put together. When the epilator is rolled across the skin, the tweezers pull out hair from the roots. The biggest benefit of an epilator is that it leaves your skin feeling utterly smooth. Moreover, since the hair has been pulled out from the roots, it takes some time to grow back. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?
Read on to learn more about epilators for women’s facial hair as well as body hair.
Epilators vs. Trimmers
People often get confused about the difference between an epilator and a trimmer. After all, they’re both electronic hair removal devices, so the confusion is understandable. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Which is better epilator or a trimmer?”, let’s look at the benefits of using an epilator vs. trimmer for women:
- The fundamental difference between an epilator and a trimmer is that the former plucks out hair from the roots, while a trimmer simply removes the hair growing on the surface of your skin.
- If you’re looking for long-lasting results, it’s better to go for an epilator than a trimmer. Since epilators pull out hair from the roots, the hair takes much longer to grow back. Depending on the speed of your growth, it might take up to 3-5 weeks for the hair to grow back. Trimmers, on the other hand, offer short-term results. Trimmed body hair is likely to grow back in a week.
- If you use a trimmer, it’s possible that the hair might come back thicker and sharper. This problem does not exist with an epilator.
- Unfortunately, using a trimmer can leave the skin feeling rough and pokey. This is because the hair hasn’t been pulled out from its roots, it has simply been cut off from the surface. Epilators, on the other hand, guarantee smooth skin.
- Using a trimmer to get rid of your body hair is a painless process. However, we can’t say the same for an epilator. Since the hair is being removed from the roots, epilators can cause some pain. But, ladies, you know what they say – no pain, no gain!
How To Use An Epilator
If you’re wondering how to use an epilator, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
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Step 1: Pick the right time to epilate your skin. Evenings and nights are the best because, in case of any redness or reaction, your skin can settle overnight.
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Step 2: Pick an appropriate epilator, depending on which part of your body you want to epilate.
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Step 3: Take a shower and make sure to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation will loosen the dreaded ingrown hair.
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Step 4: Place the epilator at a 90-degree angle against your skin. You can also use the other hand to pull the skin and make it tight for easier use of the device.
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Step 5: Gently and slowly move the epilator against your skin. Do not press it against the skin.
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Step 6: If your skin becomes red or irritated, wash it with warm water and moisturize it.
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Step 7: Always clean the epilator after use to avoid the chance of an infection in the future.
Things To Consider While Buying An Epilator
There are several epilators out there and simply buying the top-rated epilator is not always enough. You need to ensure that the model you choose meets your needs for comfort and efficiency. Whether you're looking for a fast and painless hair removal solution or something that’s gentle on sensitive skin, here’s a checklist of things to consider while buying an epilator:
1. Efficiency Cap
The efficiency cap refers to the size of the area covered by the epilator head. A larger cap (wider head) means you can cover more skin areas in a shorter amount of time, which is especially helpful for areas like legs or arms. A narrower cap is ideal for smaller areas like the underarms or bikini line, where precision is necessary.
2. Number of Tweezers
The number of tweezers on the epilator's head directly affects its efficiency. More tweezers (typically between 20 to 72) allow the device to remove more hairs in a single pass, reducing the time needed to epilate large areas.
3. Wet or Dry Usage
Some epilators are designed for wet use, allowing you to use them in the shower or bath. This can make epilation less painful, as warm water helps to open pores and soften hair. A waterproof model is more versatile since it can be used in both wet and dry conditions. Look for a model labelled "wet and dry" if you want this flexibility, especially for sensitive areas.
4. Pain Reduction Features
Pain reduction features are particularly beneficial for beginners. The best epilators for women come with massaging rollers that gently stimulate the skin to reduce discomfort. Cooling gloves or soothing attachments can also help reduce irritation and soothe the skin after epilation. For sensitive skin, look for an epilator that offers a gentle mode or low-speed setting to minimise discomfort.
5. Battery Life And Cords
Battery life is a crucial factor, especially for cordless models. If you plan to use the epilator in the shower or need to cover a large area, a longer battery life ensures you don’t run out of power midway through. Some epilators come with quick charge capabilities, allowing for fast recharging when you're in a hurry. Corded models can be a good alternative for longer sessions, providing uninterrupted power.
6. Speed Settings
Multiple speed settings are essential because they give you control over the epilation process. For sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms, a lower speed setting can reduce pain and prevent skin irritation. On the other hand, higher speed settings are ideal for large areas, like the legs, as they allow for faster hair removal.
7. Attachments
Look for epilators that come with specialized attachments. For example, a bikini trimmer head or precision cap can help you target delicate areas like the bikini line or face. Exfoliating caps or shaving heads are other useful features, giving you the option to trim or exfoliate the skin, helping to prevent ingrown hairs. Some models even offer a facial epilator attachment for fine facial hair removal.
8. Noise Level
Noise level is an often-overlooked feature but can significantly impact your experience. Some epilators can be quite loud and may make the experience feel more intense or uncomfortable. If you’re sensitive to sound or prefer a quieter device, look for models that advertise lower noise levels or quieter motors, ensuring a more peaceful epilation session.
Best Epilators For Women
Explore these top-rated epilators with pros and cons to help you make the right choice.
1. Mini Bestie
The Braun Face Electric Mini Hair Remover will totally eradicate the need for painful facial threading appointments at the salon. This best facial hair epilator can be used on your cheeks, chin, and upper lip. Thanks to the special protective foil, this epilator causes less irritation. This face epilator is also super travel-friendly. It’s compact, easy to carry around, and battery-operated so you don’t have to run around in search of a plug point.
Pros: Smart light catches the shortest of hair.
Cons: Mini epilator can only be used on facial hair.
2. All In One Solution
The Philips BRE285/00 Compact Epilator is an epilator, exfoliator, bikini trimmer, and shaver – all in one. This multitasker will ensure that you never have to worry about changing your Friday evening outfit from a cute LBD to pants instead because you missed your salon appointment. It also comes with a unique built-in light to make it easier to use on the legs, arms, and underarms.
Pros: Removable and washable epilation head makes cleaning a breeze.
Cons: This epilator is corded, so you need to stay near a plug point to use.
3. Portable Salon
The Agaro Facial Hair Remover is the best portable salon you could ever own. It removes hair effectively and gives a pain-free experience, thanks to its round shaver head and stainless steel blade. Use it around the cheeks, forehead, upper lips, or chin for seamless hair removal.
Pros: It is rechargeable and works for 90 minutes on a full charge.
Cons: Users say that it does not catch super short hair and peach fuzz.
4. Long Lasting Results
One of the most technologically advanced and effective epilators, the Remington Ep7500 5-In-1 Corded Epilator makes use of superior ProPulse technology that works its magic by using light to heat hair follicles. This obstructs the hair growth cycle and prevents the follicles from re-emerging. This hair epilator is easy to use, gentle on the skin, and guarantees long-lasting results for up to 4 weeks.
Pros: Comes with 5 handy attachments – Ultimate contour cap, massage cap, detail cap, shaver head, and bikini comb.
Cons: The corded device doesn’t make it ideal for use on the go.
5. Permanent Removal
The Signaxo Wave IPL Laser Hair Removal Machine has a unique light energy that prevents the hair from growing back with 9,99,999 flashes. The thing about hair removal is that you’ve got to go slow and trust the proceses. If you follow the treatment regime, you can say goodbye to prickly legs and underarms forever.
Pros: Offers permanent removal by preventing hair growth and is suitable for all skin types.
Cons: The price is in the higher range for epilators and is definitely an investment.
6. Beginner Friendly
If you’ve never used an epilator before, it can be a little intimidating. You obviously don’t want to hurt yourself in the process of hair removal. At the same time, if you never give it a shot, you’ll never really know how epilators work. Well, for all the beginners in the house, this Braun epilator is just the perfect stepping stone. With its anti-slip grip, smart light, multiple speed settings, and a high-frequency massage cap, this epilator is super easy to use. You can use it on your legs, arms, underarms, and bikini area.
Pros: Easy to use and perfect for beginners.
Cons: Users reported slight pain during the first few uses.
7. Best Of Both Worlds
As seen on Shark Tank, the Winston Rechargeable 2-in-1 Body Epilator and Body Shaver has 32 hair removal tweezers and a limit cover for your safety. It can be used on the arms, legs, stomach, back, and intimate areas.
Pros: Fast-type C charging to allow for quick use.
Cons: Users say the blades are short and take longer to effectively remove hair.
8. Small But Mighty
The lipstick-sized Bombae Facial Hair Mini Trimmer is easy to carry and will become your best friend while travelling. It is great for quick touch-ups on the go and glides easily to remove hair from your forehead, chin, and upper lips.
Pros: Hypoallergenic blades ensure there is no redness or irritation on the face.
Cons: The device is small and works only for upto 30 minutes.
9. Painless And Effective
Painless, Quick and Effective – the Signaxo Flow IPL Laser Hair Removal Machine promises up to 92.5% hair reduction after 8 weeks of treatment. It has 5 speed adjustment levels and an LED screen to make hair removal super easy.
Pros: Promises to replace shaving routine over time.
Cons: Users found that the shape of the device makes it difficult to hold.
10. Dermatologically Tested
The SEMINO Dazzle IPL Laser Hair Removal Machine utilises Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to inhibit the regeneration of hair follicles. It promises to visibly reduce hair growth within 13 weeks.
Pros: The device is dermatologically tested – an attestment to its safety.
Cons: Does not provide instant results.
Parting Thoughts
Epilators remove hair from the root, giving longer-lasting smoothness than trimmers. Look for an epilator with a wide efficiency cap, multiple speed settings, and a waterproof design for use in the shower. Features like pain reduction and multiple attachments for sensitive areas are also worth considering when picking the best epilator for women. You should also consider your needs and choose between facial or body epilators. Battery life, cords, and noise levels are also factors worth looking at while looking at top-rated epilators.
FAQs On Epilators For Women
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Is it safe to epilate pubic hair?
Yes, it is safe to use an epilator to get rid of pubic hair provided you use the right device. Pick an epilator that is meant to get rid of the hair on your bikini area. Do not use a facial epilator as it is built for fine hair. It is better to epilate the bikini area than shave it with a razor or a trimmer as the former will give you long-lasting and smooth results by pulling out hair from the roots.
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What should you not do after epilating?
Epilation aftercare is of utmost importance. Here are some pointers to keep in mind after epilating:
- Resist the temptation of touching your skin immediately after epilating, especially with dirty hands as this can lead to infection.
- If you experience mild redness or irritation after epilating, just let it be. This is common and your skin will settle down after a few hours. If the irritation is too much, then you can opt for a cold compress or apply aloe vera gel.
- Make sure to moisturise your skin after epilating.
- Cleaning the epilator once you’re done using it is very important. Get rid of the lingering hairs and wash it properly.
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Is it best to epilate wet or dry?
Epilating wet is a better option as it reduces pain and makes it easier to clean up. However, epilating dry is said to be a more efficient method of hair removal.
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Can I use an epilator in the shower?
Many epilators are waterproof, allowing them to be used in the shower for added comfort and convenience.
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How often should I use an epilator?
The frequency of using an epilator depends on your hair growth. On average, you can use an epilator every 2-4 weeks for smooth skin.
