How to Epilate Properly Without Pain

Types of Epilators

No matter which type of epilator you use, they all do the same thing, that is the removal of the entire hair. The differences will be in the way the hair is gripped, and in some cases the way it is pulled away. Some epilators work better for specific types of hair, specifically the thickness of the hair that is being removed.

Spring or Coil Epilators

The first epilators to appear were spring epilators. These epilators are designed with tightly coiled springs that when flexed allowed a small space between each coil. This space allows the hair to enter. When the spring is released it traps the hair between the coils and can then be pulled from the skin. The original epilators we designed to rotate quickly taking the hair with the spin.

Most epilators that use this technology have been replaced with more up to date disc or tweezer epilators. Although there are still a few spring epilators available, particularly the manual version.

Disc Epilators

Disc Epilators we the next type to appear in the evolution of the epilator. The biggest difference with a disc epilator is the increased durability. Instead of compressed coils that wore out quickly, disk epilators use strong rubber discs to do the job. These epilators also seemed to offer a less painful option to the coil ones.

Tweezer Epilators

The newest type and most prominent these days are tweezer epilators. Tweezer epilators work more like traditional epilators with several plates that rotate quickly on an angle, trapping the hair between them as they push together, continuing to rotate they pull the hair, eventually releasing it when the plates move apart again.

Tweezer epilators can have only a few discs, perfect for small, precise hair removal, or several dozen discs; easier for removing hair from larger parts of the body.

Additional Epilator Styles

Though every epilator is going to fit into one of the above types, there are several styles available. The style you choose is going to be determined by your unique hair removal needs and how you plan to use it.

Manual Epilators

Like the name suggests a manual epilator uses no power and is used by hand. These are coil epilators when you bend the coil the hair gets trapped. Releasing the spring, or straightening it traps and pulls the hair away.

The best manual epilator is the R.E.M. Spring Facial Hair Remover. Specifically designed to remove even the finest hairs, including peach fuzz from your face. This epilator is made with 100% stainless steel, so it is safe for anyone to use.

Electric Epilators

Electric epilators are more than just added electricity, they offer a less painful process, and can speed things up removing much more hair in a shorter amount of time. Electric epilators usually have skin guards as well, making it less likely they will pinch the skin as they remove hair.

Cordless Epilators

These days almost every type of grooming device can be cordless, and an epilator is no exception. With a cordless epilator, you are not tied to an outlet, so you have more freedom to be comfortable while you are epilating. Some epilators even have long-lasting rechargeable batteries, perfect for taking with you wherever you go.

A great cordless epilator is the Silk-épil 9 Wet & Dry Cordless Epilator. For a cordless epilator, this one packs a punch, with a wide head and MicroGrip tweezers that can get even the shortest hairs. This epilator can also be used wet or dry.

Corded Epilators

Corded epilators do have their advantages. Luckily most of them have longer cords than other grooming devices. They are also much more powerful than most cordless models. You also never have to worry about not being able to use your epilator due to a dead battery.

The absolute best, corded epilator is the Emjoi AP-18 Emagine Epilator. The only epilator with Silver Ion Technology for antimicrobial protection, this epilator has 72 tweezer heads on two, dual-opposed, staggered heads that work together to remove more hair in half the time compared to most other epilators. This epilator is dry use epilator (see below).

Wet/Dry Epilators

Epilators, like electric razors, can be made either wet or dry use. In general, most epilators should be used when your skin is dry, but warmth can make the whole process less painful, and less irritating to the skin. Therefore, individuals with sensitive skin or skin that is easily irritated will probably want the wet option.

Facial Epilators

Facial epilators are less common that epilators designed for the rest of the body. Few epilators are able to handle the fine hairs on the face or the thicker, coarse hairs of men’s facial hair. Though this is changing. Updated designs are released all the time.

Body vs. Leg Epilators

The funny thing about grooming products, and hair removers, in particular, they are always suggesting where you should use their product and what to avoid. When it comes to epilators there is one major feature you should be aware of regardless of what the packaging claims; how does it affect the skin as it removes the hair.

And really… what is the difference between body hair and leg hair? Aren’t the legs part of the body?

Anyway, when an epilator irritates the skin in anyway you will want to avoid using it altogether not stick to one area there the irritation may not be as bad as another. If irritation occurs, stop using the epilator. On the other hand, we would argue that other than the precise thickness of various hairs, an epilator that protects the skin can be used anywhere, no matter what the packaging says.

Differences Between Men’s and Women’s Epilators

Now for the most important question of all, men vs women, are epilators different, should they be? If so, how?

Want to know the real difference between a men’s epilator (if you can find one) and a women’s epilator… the color of the epilator! That’s right other than the fact that some epilators work best on fine hair and others for thicker hair the only difference is the color stereotype.

In reality, many men find epilators marketed to women to work wonders at removing their unwanted hair and couldn’t care less what the color says.

Advantages to Using an Epilator

Any type of hair removal process is going to have its pros and cons. When it comes to using an epilator that is no different. Some of the advantages of using an epilator for hair removal include:

• Longer Lasting Results – Using an epilator for hair removal can last up to 4x longer than shaving. This allows you to go longer between treatments.
• Less Painful Than Other Hair Removal Methods – Depending on your personal pain tolerance and using the proper tools, you may find that using an epilator can be less painful than virtually all other hair removal methods, both during removal and recovery.
• Reduction in Growth and Thickness Over Time – Overtime and with repeated use hair will also appear less visible and the growth rate may slow significantly, allowing nearly permanent hair removal.
• Epilators Can Be Used Anywhere on the Body – Wherever you can tolerate using it, an epilator is a great hair removal method for the entire body. Good epilators will have guards to prevent damage and irritation to the skin. So as long as you epilate properly, you are good to go.
• No Unnecessary Products – There are no additional products necessary when you use an epilator. While there are products that are marketed to be used in conjunction with an epilator, they are not a requirement, and may or may not be any benefit.
• Cost-Effective – Once you have purchased your epilator there is no ongoing cost, besides maybe electric power that you need for continued use. While some epilators can be used wet or dry, they are still not to be used with creams or gels.
• Great for Skin Sensitivities – Individuals with sensitive skin often find traditional hair removal methods like shaving to be extremely irritating to their skin. These individuals will be very happy with the decrease in irritation possible using a high-quality epilator.
• Works on All Hair and Skin Types – Epilators are equal opportunity hair removers, it does not matter what type of hair you have, or what your skin is like, you can use an epilator. The only exception is damaged or broken skin (check that out below).
• Easy and Portable – A big advantage to an epilator is they can go anywhere. They are compact and travel well, and most meet most travel safety specifications, so they can go almost anywhere you do.
• Fast Hair Removal at Home – Some hair removal methods must be done by a professional, or at a salon for anyone else to see. Using an epilator allows you to do your own hair removal from the comfort of your home. No need for expensive salon treatments or scheduling an appointment, just break out your epilator whenever you want.

Disadvantages to Using an Epilator

There are some disadvantages to hair removal by an epilator. Epilators may not be perfect for everyone, and here are the likely reasons why.

• • Pain – We are not going to lie to you, some people find epilators extremely painful. Others claim there is no pain at all. Most of us fall somewhere in between. How about sticking with…

“IT DOESN’T TICKLE”

• Ingrown Hairs – Some people that are prone to ingrown hairs may find that using an epilator may continue to cause them ingrown hairs. Some individuals may choose to avoid epilating simply because they have been told ingrown hairs are possible. There are ways to reduce or eliminate ingrown hairs from epilating, and we cover those below (skip to User Tips).
• Initial Cost – Epilators are not cheap, at least not the great ones, so they do involve an initial cost. Although there are no additional fees associated with using an epilator, so comparing even 2 years of disposable razors to the cost of a good epilator and you will see that it will pay for itself in no time.
• Charging Time – Some people are just impatient and cannot wait for anything to charge properly. Cordless epilators do take time to charge. However, some of them can be used while they are charging. There are also a few options, like the one mentioned above for corded epilators when you just don’t have the time to wait.
• Skin Redness – The most common side effect of epilating is skin redness, even slight inflammation. This is not only common; it should be expected. After all, you are essentially ripping the hair from the skin, the hairs are attached to the follicles. If there were no reaction, that may be another issue.
• Tender Areas and Epilators – For the more intimate areas, an epilator is going to more difficult to use. Not because you cannot use an epilator on these areas, but these areas present a unique challenge, especially in the part of epilating that suggests holding the skin very taught. Which is much more difficult down under. In this case, using an epilator may be too painful to be worth it for some people.

Is It Painful?

Everyone has their own individual, so everyone will feel a different level of pain using an epilator. That being said, there are ways to reduce the potential pain you may experience, and we’ll get into that in a little bit.

Individuals afraid of the pain that may come when using an epilator would benefit from an epilator with a more powerful motor, such as a corded epilator. This would make the process less painful by removing the hair more quickly. Just like using a tweezer, if you pull the hair out slowly, you will feel more pain then if the hair is removed very quickly.

Where To Use an Epilator

One of the best things about using an epilator for hair removal is that you can use them anywhere on the body. There are epilators that are designed to offer more precise epilation for areas where you may want to be careful to remove only the hair you want, like around the eyebrows. However, the general way an epilator works is a safe hair removal method for all types of body hair.

When NOT to Epilate

While there are no hard and fast rules that say if you have something going on, you absolutely cannot epilate, there are times when it may not be the best choice for hair removal.

• The Day-Of a Big Event – As mentioned above redness and inflammation are common after using an epilator. Although it subsides quickly in most people without any long term issues, you may not want to look red and puffy for your special event.
• Before Wearing Tight Clothing – Much like the reasons above, if you have just used an epilator on an area, one of the worse things you could do is compress the area with tight clothing that may rub the inflamed skin causing irritation.
  This is especially important in areas where the skin is more sensitive, like the genital region. However, some people even find that using an epilator to remove hairs on their neck can be irritated afterward by a shirt collar.
• When You Are Cold – Cold temperatures cause our body and skin to do some weird things. First, we are less tolerant of pain when we are cold, increasing the pain we may feel using an epilator. Second, when your skin is cold, your pores (and hair follicles) close tighter; grasping the hairs more firmly. This could result in, not only a more painful epilation but a drastic increase in irritation.
  If you must use an epilator when you are cold, take a moment to apply a warm cloth to the area first to help reduce any of these effects.
• When Your Skin is Damaged – The last, and probably most important, thing you should avoid is when your skin is damaged. Epilators can be cleaned, however, unless you have found a way to sterilize it you are not going to want to take it anywhere near an open scratch or wound on your skin. Not only do you risk infection, but unless your skin is intact and smooth, you risk the epilator pinch the skin, or worse, further damage.