Epilators Buying Guide

An epilator is a handheld device, similar to an electric shaver. However, instead of using blades to cut hairs, it pulls hair with rapidly rotating tweezers. An epilator removes hair from the root instead of just cutting the hair from the surface or using intense pulsed light (IPL). Additionally, it gradually reduces hair growth and thickness over time, making this an ideal method if you want long-term benefits.

Compared to manual razors, epilators are more gentle on the skin. Manual razors drag sharp blades across your skin, which can cause razor burn or rashes.

Epilation can give you smooth skin for up to four weeks. Ditch the razor and say goodbye to midweek stubble.

When you use a manual razor or a waxing kit, you have to use shaving creams, gels, and wax, which can be a messy and sticky process. With an epilator, you don’t need these costly and potentially skin-irritating extras. 

Epilators pull hair from its roots, a method that helps to prevent prickly stubble. And, because epilators can remove very short hair (less than a millimetre long), you don’t have to wait long for your hair to grow out.

Epilators come with speed settings you can adjust, allowing you to customise your device depending on how well your skin can tolerate the epilation process, or which area you are removing hair from.

Pulling hair from the root reduces the thickness of the hair that grows back, so after a few sessions, you may notice a finer and softer hair regrowth. Hair may also take longer to grow back, reducing the need to epilate as often.

Thanks to the precise tweezing action, an epilator can remove fine hairs as small as a grain of sand. This means no stray hairs, so you can enjoy the smoothness of your skin and feel more confident. 

With facial epilators designed for the removal of facial hair to wet & dry epilators able to remove body hair both with and without water, our range of epilators are a convenient and consistent hair removal system. 

The hair removal process can result in ingrown hairs. These are caused by dead skin cells trapping new hairs inside the follicle, causing them to grow inward. You can prevent these by exfoliating your skin prior to epilation. This process gently removes built-up dead skin cells. Most epilators will come with either an exfoliating attachment or an exfoliating glove to prepare your skin. You can exfoliate a day or two prior to epilating to prevent sensitivity.

With hybrid epilators that can be used wet or dry, you can remove hair while you are in the bath or shower. The warm water can help minimise the pain, open up your pores, and help you to relax.

Moisturising immediately after epilating helps to nourish and soften your skin. This can also soothe inflammation or redness. Use a cream or lotion that is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to prevent clogged pores or irritation. You can exfoliate again a few days after epilating to prevent ingrown hairs.

A wider epilation head covers more surface area, for a faster and more efficient hair removal process. 

An epilator can come with a set of attachments for precise hair removal around delicate areas such as the bikini line, underarms, or face. Some models, such as the Philips Satinelle Prestige, even come with massagers or facial brushes to complete your beauty routine or pampering session. With some epilators you can undertake your exfoliation or skincare regime alongside the main hair remover function. 

If your skin is sensitive or you’re concerned about developing an allergic reaction to metal coils, opt for an epilator with ceramic disc tweezers. These will remove your hairs effectively without the risk of irritation.

A quick charge feature lets you use your rechargeable device for one session after a short charge. This is a handy feature if you tend to forget to charge your devices.

Epilators can remove very fine and short hairs that can evade detection to the naked eye. Some epilators come with a built-in light, ensuring you don’t miss a spot.