Epilation is a method of hair removal that involves removing each hair, right from its root. The process is similar to waxing, only epilation doesn’t pull your skin. What’s more, the best epilators out there can grab even the tiniest of hairs, so you don’t have to endure that awkward growing-out phase in-between waxes.
“An epilation device removes body hair directly from the follicle to give you smooth skin for up to four weeks,” explains Dr. Sturnham. As the hair is removed from the root, you can get rid of shorter hairs more effectively than other hair-removal methods.
Does epilating hurt?
The number-one question: is epilating painful? When you think about it, you’re essentially pulling multiple hairs out simultaneously, right from the root. So depending on your pain threshold, there may be some discomfort. (Don’t panic though – you’re unlikely to be screaming into a pillow.)
What’s more, the pain tends to decrease each time you epilate. “It’s best advised to epilate in warm water to make it a more comfortable experience. The warmth of the water releases endorphins which helps to reduce any discomfort or irritation. If you’ve tweezed or waxed, it’s a similar feeling,” says Dr. Sturnham.
How long does epilating last?
“Epilation offers a long-term hair removal solution that, if used both regularly and correctly, can last up to four weeks,” says Dr. Sturnham. So, that’s a good deal longer than the rusty razor that’s lingering at the back of your shower, and around the same time as a good wax.
As a general rule, depilatory creams and razors will keep your legs stubble-free for the shortest amount of time, as they only remove the hair from above the skin. An epilator removes each hair right from the root, meaning you’ll have a couple more weeks before your legs begin to bristle.
After something even more long-lasting? You need to consider IPL hair removal. Sensitive soul? Maybe it’s the electric shaver for you.
What are the benefits of epilating?
Ok, apart from the obvious – super-smooth legs for weeks – there are so many benefits to epilating. Firstly, if you’re prone to shaving rashes, nicks and cuts, the epilator is your friend. You can kiss goodbye to those tiny paper-cut shaving wounds that never seem to stop bleeding.
Secondly, epilating is so much more cost-effective than that regular wax appointment. Sure, many of the best epilators sit in the triple-figure arena, but once you’ve cancelled a couple of intimate hours with your therapist, your new device will have paid for itself.
The best epilators to buy now
Confused by all the jargon-packed epilators on the market? We can hardly blame you. But you can un-furrow that brow now, because we’ve done all the research for you. Here, you can shop the best epilators and achieve the silkiest skin of your life.
” />
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
1
Best epilator deal to bag now
Braun Complete Silk-Epil 9 Beauty Set
1
Best epilator deal to bag now
Braun Complete Silk-Epil 9 Beauty Set
Now 50% Off
In our humble opinion, this is the biggest and best epilator you can invest in right now.
The Braun Beauty Set contains a high-spec epilator alongside every single add-on you could possibly need, including a facial cleansing brush and massage attachments.
Braun’s most advanced Silk-épil device is impressive in so many ways. Firstly, there’s the wider-than-usual head and in-built light that ensure you can grab and remove every hair (even the ones you can’t see in natural light).
The pivoting head makes awkward areas easier to reach, while the gentle vibrating setting reduces any pain. This one can be used on both wet and dry skin, and there’s even an attachment to transform it into an electric shaver.
2
Best all-round epilator
Braun Silk-épil 5 5-820 Epilator for Women
2
Best all-round epilator
Braun Silk-épil 5 5-820 Epilator for Women
Now 50% Off
With an epilator attachment, electric shaver head and cleansing facial brush attachment, Braun’s Silk-épil 5 is a great all-rounder for that Sunday-night self-care session.
The epilator has ‘micro-grip tweezer technology’ that allows for easy removal of hairs as short as a grain of sand (cool, huh?) Oh, and the kit comes with a treatment massage head and bikini trimmer, guaranteeing serious precision when it comes to preening your bikini line.
3
Best epilator for your face
Braun FaceSpa Pro 911 Facial Epilator
3
Best epilator for your face
Braun FaceSpa Pro 911 Facial Epilator
Now 13% Off
This is the most impressive face epilator on the market right now. The slender handle allows for precision tweezing, while the additional attachments mean you can perform an entire salon-standard facial at home.
Use the deep-cleansing brush head to sweep away dead skin cells and oil, before massaging in your favourite serum using the toning vibrational wand.
4
Best epilator for a spa night
Philips Epilator Series 8000
4
Best epilator for a spa night
Philips Epilator Series 8000
A very advanced option, the Philips 8000 wet and dry epilator uses unique rounded tweezer heads to grab even the smallest of hairs, meaning you get the smoothest results possible. There’s an in-built light and it’s cordless, so a cinch to use.
It comes with everything from an exfoliating brush to a bikini trimmer and a special attachment for sensitive areas. There’s even a rotating foot file head to help you achieve the perfect pedicure.
5
Best epilator for your bikini line
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
5
Best epilator for your bikini line
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
Now 20% Off
Let’s face it, removing hair on the bikini line is fraught with problems. The area is more prone to issues, like shaving rashes and ingrown hairs – thanks to friction from your underwear. In terms of intimate body hair, it can be really tricky to know which hair removal option to go for.
You may think that epilating your bikini line is only for the brave, but this Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 9002 goes a long way to making it as painless as possible. The flexible head really gets into those hard-to-reach spots, and the row of 40 tweezers (yes, really) grabs onto those short hairs that even your wax would let slip.
Still a bit panicky? We’d recommend following Dr. Sturnham’s advice and de-fuzzing your bikini line in warm water to reduce the pain. Luckily, this epilator is completely waterproof, so it can come into the shower with you.
But if you still want to leave it to good ol’ fashioned shaving for those particularly *ahem* sensitive spots, this epilator is equipped with a changeable shaver and trimmer head, too. Best of both worlds.
6
best epilator for precision
Remington EP7500 5-in-1 Corded Epilator
6
best epilator for precision
Remington EP7500 5-in-1 Corded Epilator
Now 15% Off
This epilator proves that silky-smooth skin ‘needn’t cost half your monthly salary. Equipped with many attachments (five, to be exact), this budget pocket rocket can be used to de-fuzz your bikini line, underarms and legs – there’s even a diddy detail head so no rogue hair survives.
Two speed settings and a precision light ensures an even result that’ll give your go-to salon a run for its money. Talk about bang for your buck.
7
Best budget epilator
Braun Silk-épil 3 3-410 Epilator
7
Best budget epilator
Braun Silk-épil 3 3-410 Epilator
Now 11% Off
We get it: epilators are definitely an investment. But in the long run, they will probably work out cheaper than a lifetime of razors. If you just want to dip your toe (or leg) into the epilating arena and are looking for a cheaper alternative, this Silk-épil 3-410 might be just the thing.
Ringing in at under £40, this 20-tweezer epilator is ideal for beginners. Despite being on the cheaper side, it is still a well-established name and comes with all the attachments you could need; a shaver head, a trimmer head and a cleaning brush.
There is one downside: it isn’t rechargeable so has to stay plugged into the wall. The bright side is that this means no charging breaks – so you can get it all over in one go.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below