The Best Epilator

Buying Guide

Over the years, there have been many innovations in the field of hair removal. Shaving has remained a way to quickly and painlessly remove hair for a temporary period. Depilatory creams came about in the 1800s, becoming widely popular in the 1900s in the form of a product called Nair. But in the ’80s, a product came along that promised to revolutionize hair removal. It was called an epilator and was popularized in the U.S. by the Epilady brand.

Today, many women turn to waxing as a more long-term alternative to shaving. Like waxing, epilators remove hair from the roots for longer-lasting removal. But epilators are still around, and they’ve evolved over the years. Today’s generation of epilating women has also come up with tips to help make the process less painful, such as waxing first, then using epilators to take care of new hair growth from that point forward. Some have also found that taking a warm bath can drop the pain factor by more than half.

You can also create a better experience by choosing the right epilator. Today’s models are built to be more efficient, reducing the time you’ll spend removing the hair. Look for an epilator with a wider head and the ability to cover a larger area at once. This will make it more like getting a wax and less like tweezing each hair individually.

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to consider an epilator designed to reduce irritation. Some epilators feature hydrating heads to keep moisture on the skin during removal. A waterproof model will also let you enjoy your hair removal in the recommended bath, keeping your skin hydrated and your skin warm.

Safety is another concern when using a hair-removal process. Some epilators have antimicrobial tweezers that provide an additional layer of protection against infection. You’ll also want to look out for epilators that get a little too warm during the hair removal process since spending too much time in one area can harm your skin.

Making sure you get those smaller hairs can be tough, so some epilators build in lights to give you a better view of what you’re doing. You’ll also find epilators with tweezers designed specifically to grip smaller hairs. The build of some epilators will come into play, too, since some more perfectly conform to the contours of the body.

• Ingrown hair can be a problem with any epilator. Look for an epilator that has specially-designed “lifting fingers” that grab those flatter, shorter hairs to help you avoid that problem. With all epilators, consider exfoliating before you start your hair removal session. You should also avoid epilating when you have a sunburn and steer clear of any open cuts or wounds.
• When you’re looking around for an epilator, you’ll want to find one built to get as many hairs at once. This more closely simulates the “ripping off a bandage” effect that you get when you wax. Wider models grab more hairs with each pass. This saves time and reduces discomfort.
• The number of tweezers also increases the efficiency of each pass. The most powerful epilators on the market have as many as 72 tweezers.
• The design of the head factors into an epilator’s efficiency, as well. One with an angled head is designed to get deep into the body’s curves.
• Epilators range in price. However, you’ll spend far more than that for a full-body salon wax throughout the year, so it can save you money over the long term.
• If you’re concerned about infections, look for an epilator with ion tweezers that are made using an antimicrobial coating.
• Avoid focusing too long on one area with any epilator as a safety precaution.
• If you prefer to use your epilator in the shower or bathtub focus on a model that is waterproof.
• When it comes down to it, though, what you’re probably most interested in is how well your epilator does its job. Consider a model with tweezers that feature a unique MicroGrip technology that can get even your shortest hairs.
• Even in the best-lit bathroom, it can be tough to see what you’re doing when you’re working hard to get every hair. There are actually models that have a built-in light to illuminate your work area.
• Epilators run on rechargeable batteries, so you’ll want to factor that into your decision. Some can charge in an hour, offering 50 minutes of use on a full charge. You can’t use many models while they are charging, so you’ll need to make sure you plug them in well before your epilating session.
• Although you can use epilators on your face, larger models can make this tougher. Look for an epilator that comes with a special face cap that will help you target narrower surfaces.