The scorching heat of summer has me thinking more than just mywardrobe. My skincare routineis set for a seasonal update—but one beauty practice that I can't do without is hair removal. There's nothing wrong with body hair, of course. But if you're like me and enjoy the feeling of smooth, dolphin-like skin against your coordinated linen outfits and light dresses, then you've likely experimented with many hair removal techniques.
Shavingis inexpensive and simple, but demands regular upkeep.Depilatory hair removal creamsare practical, yet they may readily cause irritation to delicate skin.Waxingresults can last as long as six weeks, although the discomfort may be bothersome for individuals with sensitive skin. Some of our editors are particularly fond oflaser hair removal devicesHowever, they will cost you at least $300. Many are not created with skin tones like mine, which are Brown and Black.
Best Epilators
- Best Overall: Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Kit
- Best Value: Remington Soft and Sleek Facial Hair Remover
- Best Bikini Epilator: Philips Beauty Shaver Series 2000
- Best 3-in-1 Epilator: Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3
- Most Attachments: Phillips Beauty Epilator Series 9000
However, a hair removal method that everyone agrees on is the use of epilators. These devices are similar to electric razors, but rather than cutting hair at the surface, they pull it out from the root, resulting in long-lasting smoothness. Since the effects can last between two to four weeks, epilators make an excellent option compared to shaving and hair removal creams. They are also comparable to waxing since they remove hair from the root. According to a dermatologist, regular sessions can reduce hair growth over time, and the regrown hair will be thinner.Hadley King, MD. They are also less harsh compared to laser hair removal devices, which is why Dr. King suggests them for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are not suitable candidates for laser hair removal.
My top picks begin at just $16, allowing you to experience smooth skin without significantly affecting your beauty expenses this fall. Additionally, several of our suggestions are available on Amazon, so you can fully benefit from the retailer's well-known features.two-day Prime shippingand take pleasure in smooth legs before your upcoming weekend activities.
What to Consider
Number of Tweezers
Epilators stand out due to their integrated tweezers that remove hair directly from the root.
For Precise Areas
Smaller heads come with fewer tweezers, but they are excellent for precise areas such as the face, underarms, and bikini line.
For Larger Areas
Larger epilator heads are more effective for larger areas such as your legs. A higher number of tweezers can quicken the hair removal process, but it also leads to a more intense experience since it removes numerous hairs simultaneously. However, similar to peeling off a bandage from a hairy arm, it may be uncomfortable initially, but it's not overly harsh. For what it's worth, Dr. King states that the discomfort significantly decreases after several sessions. So, stay strong and patient, and it will all be over sooner than you think.
Your Hair Length
To achieve the best results for hair removal, your body hair should be approximately the length of a sprinkle or a grain of rice (around 0.25 inches or 635mm). This guideline applies to epilators, just as it does for waxing, sugaring, and laser hair removal. If the hair is too short, the epilator may struggle to grip and remove the strands effectively. Additionally, you should avoid letting the hair grow longer than about two rice grains to prevent tangles and reduce discomfort. While individual hair regrowth varies, it usually begins within one to two weeks.
Power Source
It may seem like a minor point, but also take into account the energy source.
Battery-Operated
If your home has few power outlets, battery-operated options are logical. Nevertheless, the ongoing expense of replacing batteries can accumulate over the course of a year. That being said, all the battery-powered devices mentioned in this article come with a battery included, helping to reduce long-term expenses.
Electric Powered
These gadgets are excellent because you don't have to be concerned about them causing discomfort during hair removal, but let's be honest, the cords can sometimes be inconvenient. If you have the additional budget, it's wise to go for a cordless model so you can eliminate unwanted body hair without contorting yourself into strange positions or ending up on your bedroom floor. That being said, there are some very good corded models available, including one that's reasonably priced at $40.Philips Beauty Shaver Series 2000.
Water Resistance
Water-repellent gadgets can be used both when wet and dry, meaning the wireless model can be used in your shower, while the wired version is suitable for use on a damp body if you prefer. Most are not fully waterproof, except theBraun Epilator Silk-épil 9 Flex 9-300 Beauty Kit and Colordiary Eyebrow Hair Remover.
How We Chose
As our beauty editor, I'm always searching for top products and spend most of my time testing and evaluating new releases. I also frequently seek advice from dermatologists regarding beauty products, which is precisely what I did to start the process of selecting our best epilators story. After speaking with Dr. King (one of my most reliable dermatological experts), I inquired about her suggestions and perspectives on purchasing epilators. Following that, our team tested several of her choices and compared them with other epilators in our beauty collection.
We have been testing epilators since March 2021, and as time passed, we have reviewed numerous newer models with different features until we selected these seven top choices. Since then, we have closely monitored the latest releases across all price ranges and have updated this article at least once a year to provide our genuine opinions. For our most recent update, we tested 12 epilators and concluded that these seven are suitable for our routine—and we believe they will also impress you.
Over the past six weeks, we have experimented with various options while keeping in mind the number of tweezers, power source, and water resistance. Then, we focused on the quantity of attachments. We emphasized accessories that reduced discomfort to provide more approachable choices for newcomers. After that, we evaluated each epilator based on ease of use, noise level, grip, comfort, and effectiveness in hair removal. Our team tested these devices in real-life situations and before significant events such as weddings, birthdays, and after workouts.
To further reduce the list, I enlistedWomen's Healthco-workers, including the assistant social media editorIsabel McMahon, to participate in the testing process. I also thoroughly examined all of the highly recommended options acrossAmazon, Ulta, and Sephora. I further focused on items that had a minimum of four stars and several hundred reviews. (Most had at least 1,000 reviews, which is always reassuring). I also took price into account. Although the top choice is over $200, it's from Braun, a highly reliable brand in the hair removal category. It also received strong approval from McMahon and me. And just to add, our other selections are under $100, with many falling within the more affordable range of $30 to $50.
If you're keen on trying epilation, here are some top-rated choices to help you achieve silky, hair-free skin.
Do Epilators Hurt?
These gadgets resemble heavy-duty electric shavers and can be either manual, similar to a conventional women's razor, or operate using batteries or an electrical power source. As you move the device over your skin, small tweezers remove unwanted body hair. Therefore, the initial hair removal experience may be slightly uncomfortable, but the smooth outcome is definitely worthwhile, according to Dr. King.
How to Employ an Epilator
Like all other hair removal methods, using an epilator requires proper skin preparation. Dr. King suggests a mild exfoliation, such as a body scrub, gloves, mitt, loofah, or brush, prior to epilation. (Psst: I've been using)Nécessaire The Body ExfoliantSince 2019 and haven't looked back since.) "This process helps to reveal the hairs so they can be captured by the epilator, and it also reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs," explains Dr. King.
Additional reporting by Brittany Loggins and Emily J. Shiffer.
Meet the Expert
- Hadley King, MD, is a dermatologist who is certified by the board and practices in New York City.
Buy More of Our Carefully Tested Beauty Products
Body Washes for Women | Laser Hair Removal Tools for Home Use | LED Face Masks | At-Home Waxing Kits | Red Light Therapy Tools | Dermaplaning Tools | Spray Sunscreens
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