Hair removal is a personal choice, but many women prefer epilating with electric razor rather than wax or wax. The benefits of epilation include a long-lasting softness, as epilators remove hair from the root – but the method is also a bit painful.
If you are reading this page, maybe it’s because you’re worrying about the degree of pain. But quietly, when we tested the epilators, we were surprised to find a big difference in the levels of pain felt – especially thanks to some companies that created specific accessories to help relieve pain. Well, we’re here to answer some of your key epilator questions!
Table of Contents
How to choose the Epilator
What is the purpose?
It might seem obvious, but with the advent of many epilators on the market, able to offer many different options, this consideration must be the first to be made, as well as the most important. It is very easy to get distracted by thinking that you need to pay more for this or that extra feature, and forget – possibly – what you were looking for in the first place.
Why should I buy an Epilator?
Smooth skin longer! You might be tempted by rumors that say the epilators leave the skin smooth longer than using the razor, and it’s true. Some epilators claim to leave the skin smooth for up to four weeks, but how long it will last depends largely on how quickly your hair grows back. Flexibility! Unlike wax, many epilators allow you to ” work ” on your skin, whether it is wet or dry.
You might be discouraged by the idea of pain. But keep in mind that many epilators have ” lids ” (attachments that are placed over the epilator head) that are designed to remove hair more gently.
Depilating: Where? So, what do you want to use your epilator for?
Do you just want to shave your legs, or do you want to use it all over your body, for example: on your arms, underarms, groin, etc.?
The reason why I ask is that there are some epilators, mostly from the cheapest part on the market, which are recommended only for the legs – so be careful and check the box, to make sure you’re not disappointed.
If you are using it for the first time, your legs are a good place to start, as epilating can be a painful thing and requires some habit.
Epilator models
Rotating epilator with spiral thread
The spring model has springs that are twisted together or separately, so that when used, the springs catch the hair and pull it away. As these springs are continually bent, they tend to break often. Even in this case, don’t worry, because the springs can be bought separately, and you can change them whenever you prefer.
Epilator with rotating disk
It uses the same technique as the first, but instead of using springs, it uses rotating discs.
Epilator with Multiple Tweezers
Considered to be the most modern epilator. This model has saucers that are not really diskettes. When the epilator head rotates, these plates move together and at a distance with each turn. Then, as they approach the skin, they pull the hair away and release it when the saucers separate from the skin.
There are no abysmal differences between these models, so I will not debate to find one better than another: they all work, and the choice of one model over another is only a personal choice.
Features to consider before buying
Multi functional?
Would you like your device to have more than one function? There is a range of different functions, included with various epilators to make them a more attractive option, which will be explained in more detail later. A common feature is the addition of a razor head, to give the epilator a dual function.
This leads to obvious advantages; no need to keep two devices and save space, especially when traveling. If you opt for a dual epilator, make sure that the head is of good quality, with a good finisher and a good comb, that have not been added by the manufacturer only to induce you to buy the product at a higher price.
Budget
The budget is one of the most important considerations, how much do you need to spend, to have a good-quality product?
Epilators can cost from $17 up to $170 but you can make good purchases at a reasonable price. Those that cost between $20 and $30 generally have less tweezers – so the epilation process takes longer. They also usually have fewer lids / attachments designed for different areas and for more delicate epilations. There are many choices if you are thinking of spending around $40.
When you spend more it is more likely to find an epilator that can be used in the shower or bath, or even when your skin is dry (and in addition they will have more lids for more flexible hair removal).
In any case, the rule of thumb says that, unexpectedly, if you want an epilator that does a good job, it is advisable to aim for the best you can afford. It doesn’t help much, I know, but hopefully the information below will help you establish your priorities.
Number of Tweezers
In short, epilators work in the same way as manual tweezers you use every day, but are able to remove more hairs at a time very quickly. So, the more tweezers the head has, the faster the hair removal process in large areas.
That’s why, when you’re considering what to buy, you need to think about the number of tweezers in relation to the part of the body you want to go to epilate.
The heads can have from 9/10 tweezers (for delicate areas of the face) up to 72, offered by the model Emjoi AP-18 Emagine Dual Opposed Tweezer Head Epilator, which is the maximum that we have found, at the moment, on the market. I think it is also worthwhile to mention that the more a head has an epilator, the more pain it feels, but being faster, it naturally lasts less – so here is your compromise!
Use it wet or dry?
Another decision to make depends on whether you want to use your dry epilator or want the option that allows you to use it in the shower. Of course, if you want the option to use it in water, you will need to choose a wireless and rechargeable epilator.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using a water depilator:
ADVANTAGES :
- CONVENIENCE : Use in shower or bath, as part of your Routine.
- MORE COMFORTABLE: Can be used with normal shower gels, creams and bubble bath for a relaxing effect.
- FLEXIBILITY: Can be used both wet and dry.
- WIRELESS: Can be used easily anywhere.
DISADVANTAGES :
- LESS EFFICIENCY: Generally speaking, epilators are more efficient when used dry, and cleaning up an area becomes faster.
- RECHARGEABLE: You need to remember to keep the batteries charged and there is a possibility that the batteries will discharge before they are finished.
- COST: The cheaper epilators are only for dry use, so you’ll need to spend a little more.
Design
There are different designs to consider, such as ergonomic bodies, with various shapes and handles. Some are bigger and heavier than others, while some have softer, thinner handles. The images below show some examples of epilator In this case it is only a matter of personal preference, but keep in mind.
However, in which parts of the body you want to use the epilator and how easy they are to reach. For example, chubby epilators may not be good for the groin area, even if adapted with a particular head. You need to tilt the epilator to a 90° angle, keeping it firmly in place, this will help you if you choose one that is comfortable in your hand.
Lid for the cover
Most epilators will come with one or more lids, which are attachments added to the epilator’s head, depending on which part of the body you are going to wax.
Commonly, there will be a cover for sensitive areas, to be used for the armpits and groin, and if the epilator is designed for facial use, there may be a face cover. These are used to cover parts of the head in order to reduce the number of tweezers in use.
This makes the process less painful for more sensitive areas, while at the same time increasing accuracy. There is also an efficiency lid, which helps you get the correct angle for optimal results. Some also have massage lids. They are designed to make the process more comfortable, using rollers that help stretch and vibrate the skin while shaving.
Light
Some depilators have an internal light, positioned so as to illuminate the hairs in the area you are going to wax. This can help you see the hair better; some that may be flattened against the skin or particularly fine, so that they can be depilated efficiently without having to return to the same area several times.
Dual Speed
All epilators designed to be used throughout the body have a dual speed function – slower for more gentle epilation in more sensitive areas, and faster for efficient coverage in larger and less sensitive areas. Battery-operated facial depilators have only one speed.
For multiple purposes
Some epilators have multiple purposes, such as shaving, with several interchangeable heads that offer different uses:
Facial cleansing / exfoliating brush
This addition is very useful; exfoliating first, and between one epilation and another, with the epilator, it is very important to help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, one of the most common side effects given by the use of any method involving hair removal from the root.
Included as an optional head, it has the advantage of ensuring you get the best use from your epilator, giving your skin an exfoliation and deep cleansing.
Generally speaking, once you start to shave regularly, it is unlikely that you need to shave in less than fifteen days (it also depends, of course, on the area and on individual growth).
Some epilators are sold with a separate exfoliating brush, as an extra addition, but I personally think that those with the interchangeable head are the most convenient, especially when traveling.
Foot pad (callus removal)
Another useful addition: if you want to get the best out of your device. The ones I saw to have a rotating head with a rough surface to remove calluses and hard skin from the feet (usually in the front of the foot and in the heel).
They are efficient, and you have to be careful to use them awkwardly – handle them gently, a little at a time. The one in the figure on the right is taken from the Panasonic ES-ED90-p wet / dry epilator, which I recently reviewed and which impressed me a lot.
Extra
Transport / storage case
From simple cases with laces to sturdy zippered cases (similar to a pen case), many depilatories include this addition. They are very useful when traveling, especially if your device has various accessories: in this case, it will also be useful to keep them all together.
Exfoliating brush
As mentioned above, some epilators feature a separate exfoliating brush, as an extra adjunct, such as the Philips Satin Soft Epilator.
Probably this thing is a bonus, but I personally think that the best model is the one provided with an attack for the head separated from the epilator.
It’s easy to buy an exfoliating brush of your choice, if you want it: so, unless that epilator model is your favorite, I wouldn’t necessarily feel influenced by this thing.
Mirror
The Braun FaceSpa facial epilator, not only has an exfoliating head, but also includes a compact lighted mirror, including a zippered carrying case. I would say that these are all useful features, but again, it shouldn’t be a big deal.
The kit is sold at a higher price, compared to other facial epilators, but in this case, the epilator also has unique design features. (Strangely, it can be used for the area between the eyebrows, with care).
Refrigerant Bag
Epilation can be painful, because it is a process that removes hair from the root, pulling it away quickly. Furthermore, if you are using an epilator for the first time, the session may last longer and cause more pain.
To alleviate pain, some epilators come with specific accessories such as a cooler bag: a small bag with some gel that you will have to put in the fridge or freezer before starting the depilatory process, and a glove with a hole to put in this bag with the gel: with the glove, you will go to massage the skin area, and then you can start to shave.
To conclude
I think what I really want to say in all this is that the extra additions are good if you see them a bit like a bonus, but the main thing you have to look at, because you’ll need them, is for your epilator to have a comfortable and functional design.
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