Epilation
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My first try at hair removal by epilation
I wanted to tell you about my first attempt at epilation. If you've never heard of epilation, let me explain...
Epilation is a method of hair removal which removes hair at the root, for example waxing or plucking. I'm going to try using an epilator. This is a machine which looks rather like a ladies' electric razor, but instead of the hairs being sliced off, they are plucked out, usually by a system of rotating discs.
Sounds painful? Hmm, let's see. I've always shaved my legs, usually with a wet razor, and I've never been brave enough to try waxing. I avoid pain whenever I can. But I am fed up with shaving. Even one day after shaving, I feel stubbly and horrible. There's got to be a better way.
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Which epilator?
I read several customer reviews on Amazon before choosing my epilator. There are lots of different epilator types to choose from, and many have various gizmos which claim to reduce the pain factor.
In the end I went for the Philips Satinelle Soft. I think it was the word 'soft', which described my personal level of toughness and resistance to pain that helped me to decide on this one.
Well, being a self-confessed pain-o-phobe, I expect you're wondering how I got on with my epilator. I had not shaved for several days when I tried it out (a mistake I think - see my first timer tips below). I had a glass of wine to calm my nerves, and I chose a time when the rest of my family were out (apart from my teenage daughter who also wanted to try it out).
The model I chose had a kind of massage roller (to "relax the skin" and "ease sensations" - I took that to mean kill the pain). It also came with a guard which you can clip over the head to cover some of the discs (so for sensitive areas you're not plucking out too many hairs in one go). Another feature I liked was that it had two speed settings, with a slower speed for more sensitive areas (or all areas in my case).
In fact, after my first try with the epilator I didn't use the guard. I also realised after I'd finished that I had accidentally set it to full speed instead of using the gentler half speed, so I've stuck with full speed ever since. Maybe we don't really need those gizmos and they just help persuade us to give it a go?
Did it hurt?
The machine was much noisier than I had expected, which added to the fear factor. I was terrified of touching its clattering, whirring 'blades' to my skin, thinking it would pinch and pull. So I tried touching it onto the palm of my hand (no hairs there you see), and it did no more than tickle the skin, even when pressed on quite firmly. This gave me confidence, so I went for the leg!
Did I scream with agony? No, but I did squeek a bit! A lot of that was probably due to the build up of tension, because I expected it to hurt...the darn thing was ripping the hairs out of my leg after all.
I only did a small patch of leg at a time. It didn't really hurt as such - it was more a strong prickly sensation. I kept forgetting to stretch the skin of the area I was epilating as advised in the instructions. Basically, I would stretch one area, epilate it without too much difficulty, but then move the epilator on to another area without first pulling the skin taut in the new place. Keeping the skin stretched tight really helped to reduce the feeling of prickliness.
Epilator Tips for Beginners
- Try to have no more than two days' hair growth when you first try the epilator. This will mean that not all of your hairs will be long enough to be grasped, resulting in less pain!
- Epilate every two to three days at first (same reason as above). Then once you are used to it, you can extend the interval between epilation sessions.
- Plan your first try at epilating when you don't have to expose the epilated skin for at least 24-hours, just in case you have a reaction.
- Stretch the skin with your 'spare' hand while you epilate. This makes the hairs stand on end so they are grabbed more cleanly.
- Try sprinkling the skin with talcum powder before epilating. It helps the machine to glide more smoothly.
- Moisturise after epilating (wait until you've finished, so you don't get your epilator all slippery).
- Only use the epilator on your lower legs at first, where your skin is less sensitive. Later you may be brave enough to try it under your arms and even your bikini line.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly. Waxing, plucking and epilating weaken the hairs and sometimes they are too feeble to penetrate the skin when they regrow. Exfoliating will help them to break through and avoid causing problems.
- Consider buying a cordless epilator, particularly for when you're away from home.
- Most importantly - it gets easier every time! Don't be put off if you don't enjoy using the epilator the first time. It really does get easier and easier until it's no more of an incovenience than shaving, and you won't have to do it so often either.
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What about epilation for guys?
What's good for the girls is good for the guys.
Epilation leaves your skin smoother, less stubbly and the regrowth takes longer to come through.
More and more guys are using waxing to achieve a smooth and boyish look. Using an epilator at home is probably safer than home waxing and far cheaper than the salon. It's also more private...although you'll probably need a bit of help with your back!
Try the epilator out on your own a few times before asking anyone to do your back if you don't want to look a wimp! It's best to start with less hairy areas - epilating your arm will hurt more than your chest as you have more hairs on your arm.
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I haven't had a problem with ingrown hairs myself and I use my epilator once a week or more, but I do exfoliate regularly. Maybe that has helped me to avoid it, or maybe it depends on hair type, and there's not much we can do about that!
Really useful, thank you. an anyone compare the epilator results with professional waxing?
Thanks for your comment, Jennifer. I've never tried waxing (either home or professional), so I can't really compare. What I like about epilating is that I can do it whenever I want, without any fuss, mess or extra expense.
I find that the epilator (used properly and sensibly with exfoliating and moisturiser afterwards) gives just as good if not a better result than professional waxing. The first go is more painful than waxing because its self inflicted and a completely different sensation to get used to, but after the first time it gets easier and easier. After i exfoliate i use a pumice stone to ensure that i get no ingrown hairs, and this also helps to remove all dead skin. I find that with this my legs are even shinier and smoother than when i used to get them waxed, and to top it all off it is SO much more cost effective! I'd reccomend getting an epilator with a light on it (braun make one) because you don't miss any hairs (my old epilator didn't have one and i was always finding the ones i missed later) and if you're likely to fall in love with it and take it everywhere, get a chordless one. I wish i had! Good luck :D
Thanks for your comments Xtina. I like the idea of getting an epilator with a light, as I sometimes find the odd hair I've missed if I epilate in a hurry.
I love my epilator. I started to write a hub about it too, but then I found this one, which says everything that I wanted to say, and more! It's nice to find some other people who think epilators are a good thing. Most people I know are too worried about the pain aspect to even try it, but I find it a totally bearable pain, and certainly no worse than waxing. And the thought that I never have to shave again makes me so happy - what a pointless activity that was. In fact when I bought my epilator (I also have the Satinelle Soft one), I threw all my razors away!
Thanks for your comment Moon Daisy. It's true to say that epilation can be painful the first few times, but now it doesn't even make me wince. I don't know if it's just that you get used to it or whether it's the change to the hair follicles? Anyway, like you I wouldn't even consider shaving now!
i find that waxing is the bext method of hair removal, apart from laser of course, but it is so expensive! if you can afford to wax then i suggest you wax. if not, epilators are great, painful, but great.
I'm too afraid of pain to attempt waxing. With epilators you can do it in private and go at your own pace. I knw you can get home waxing kits but I bet they're more painful and less effective than going to a professional. I'll stick with epilation, which I don't find painful at all now that I'm a seasoned user!
Same feeling ! I tried it on a place on my arm and i feel it so smooth, i feel like im 10 or even younger ! your description of this is really good!!!
the pain isn't that painfull, just have something to bite on and it's done after a few layers! :D
Thanks for your comment Jesper. Epilating is rather painful the first time, but after a few attempts it really doesn't hurt at all. I'm a real wimp but now I can epilate my legs without batting an eyelid. It's no harder than shaving with an electric shaver, but the results are far smoother.
I recieved an epilator for christmas as I had wanted to try on for a good year or so, but after using it for the past month I am very disappointed with the results. My legs never feel smooth afterwards, each time I have gone over my legs with a razor to make them smooth and no matter how much I exfoliate I still have ingrowing hairs. Have I got a dud epilator or has anyone else had these problems?
Waxing baby. Get it over with fast, don't suffer for hours.
Epilation? No thank you. Don't trust people who say it gets better the more you use it, it doesn't! Infact i'm quite convinved it gets worse. I'd take a nice burning tub of wax any day over the sheer agony of my epilator. I used to get it out every few days to try and get used to it, but did i? No. My legs feel more stubbly after Epilation and they remain red and dotty for days!
Thanks for your comment, Lucy. That's not my experience at all. What type of epilator are you using? Mine's a Satinelle. Maybe it's down to your skin type, although my skin is quite sensitive normally. Ah well, I suppose it's not for everyone!
Wonderful text.
Love my epilator - thanks so much for the advice. I've found that if you're really terrified of the pain, take a couple of advil twenty minutes before you epilate. Works like a charm. ^_^
this is a really great; thank you! I have always wanted to try this out as I absolutely HATE shaving my legs. Waxing is definitely not for me...ouch.
I love my epilator.
I too just started using an epilator recently, but am hoping the results get better the more I use it because I was rather disappointed with it the first time; left a stubbly feeling all over the legs like the epilator just broke the hair off at the surface, and left red bumps behind too. But, with each review I read I see that everyone says the same thing, give it time because it will get better and better. I bought the Braun Silk Epil Xelle.
Oh, any other suggestions for underarms? Legs were no problem, but man, underarms were a different story! I took 2 Advil an hour before, it did help some but I was only able to get half of each underarm done and shaved the rest because I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I thought of maybe trying a skin numbing agent??
Thanks!
Hi Kim The stubbly feeling might be hairs that were too short for the epilator to grasp. This should improve if you keep it up, because over time the hairs will become more sparse and weak, so any short hairs left behind won't feel stubbly like shaven hairs do. As for the underarms, it's certainly more painful than the legs. The first time you do it, there are lots of hairs to take care of, which makes it more painful. If you try again after a couple of days there will not be so many hairs for the epilator to grip, so it should hurt less. I've never tried a skin numbing agent but you could perhaps look for something meant for children's boo-boos. But you'd have to make sure it wasn't greasy or the epilator wouldn't be able to get a grip on the hairs. If you try it and it helps, post back here!
Caspar, I had a reply to a question you posted in the comments. "It's true to say that epilation can be painful the first few times, but now it doesn't even make me wince. I don't know if it's just that you get used to it or whether it's the change to the hair follicles?" It's a change in the follicles themselves. The epilator (also waxing) yanks the hair right out at the root, so the root is gone from the skin. Then, the roots have to regenerate themselves and a new hair will grow. Each time you yank the hair out by the root again, the follicle gets weaker and weaker, therefor, easier and easier to pull out again! So it WILL hurt less the more often you do it. So ladies, even it if seems like its not getting any more bearable, it will.
I've been waxing for years now (legs, underarms, brazillian waxes, upper lip and eyebrows) and decided to switch to epilation to save some cash. I personally find epilating to be 100x easier (and less painful) than waxing my legs, but it seems a lot more painful to do my brazillian with my epilator. But of course, it's totally worth the discomfort, so I will be stickin' with it!
Sorry for the long post! Hope this might help some discouraged folks.
Thanks very much for your comments Lindsay. I think you're very brave to try a brazilian!
Haha, its not that bad, and very much worth the pain. As with epilating, the more you do it the less it hurts.
hey i was trying to epilate my underarms and it left behind some hairs still "they're pretty short" what is the average time it takes to epilate one armpit?
and also i try epilating my armpits longer than 2 minutes but then my skin gets really red and painful and it starts to bleed :S any solutions?
Hi Jacqueline - I spend a couple of minutes per underarm, but sometimes longer. I don't worry about the occasional short hair left behind, I just think I'll catch it next time. I'm surprised and a bit worried that your skin gets sore after epilating. I haven't found that at all, except one time I forgot to pull the skin taut and it got pinched in the tweezers - ooh that hurt. Really the epilator should be gliding smoothly over your skin without rubbing and scraping like a shaver does, and the only discomfort should be the tweaking out of the hairs. You haven't had a reaction to your deodorant have you? That can make underarm skin very sore. If it was hurting my skin I would stop using the epilator I think. I guess you could try regularly moisturising the area for a couple of weeks to see if it helps, but make sure you don't do that immediately before epilating as the hairs will be too greasy to get a grip on. Sorry, I can't think of anything else!
thanks for the reply! i dont know why but my epilator just doesnt get the tiny short hairs no matter how much i go over it! haha its frustrating =S
hello..
just wondering..
i'm planning to purchase an epilator soon...
but still kinda scared...
just want to know ur opinion on this model...
Panasonic epilator ES 2081..
plase email me at:
redeyez90@rocketmail.com
Sorry akie I haven't tried a Panasonic epilator. They're a good brand generally so I'd be happy to give one a try!
I'm surprised no one has mentioned it, but when calling about laser removal I was told you have 3-5 separate sets of hair that grow and it takes weeks when you remove one for the next to grow long enough to remove. For laser that can mean coming in 5+ sessions. For waxing I found I have to do it 5 times before I only have one set growing at a time. Then it becomes much less painful and I don't have anymore short hairs left behind. I used to go through this on my legs each spring (don't bother in the winter).
I've been using a Braun silk epil from Target for a couple of years now and before that I used sugar wax. It's so much easier and no mess to deal with. It's never bothered me too much to do my legs (though thighs can be annoying) and now I only need to once a month, I have areas where the hair doesn't grow anymore and you can't see it unless you look really close even when it's due. I've been doing my under arms since before the epilator too. For me the secret to underarms is doing it in small sections. I still have to do it a couple times a week though. Now it takes me about 5 min to do my underarms and 15-20 for my legs. I tried to do a Brazilian recently. With a lot of sweat and a few tears, I got almost there. I think I now understand the reason for a "landing strip" that small section of hair was 10X more painful and I had to stop there. Even tried Bactine, but didn't get much further. Bactine is recommended on lots of sites for waxing and epilating. I did pick up some 4% lidocaine spray that is for numbing before Brazilian waxing. I'm going to try that when the hair is long enough again (shaved it). Wish me luck :) Sorry such a long post. Hope the info was helpful.
I almost fall of laughing. I decided to buy an epilator today and bought exactly the same model (Philips) you advise.
It worked on one of my legs (and it was painful) but it did not do anything on my chest. It just pulled hairs but did not succeed at removing them. I even applied anesthetics spray on my skin.
Just curious, how much do these epliators last? I felt it's under pressure when I used it on my leg.
Should I also give a try to Vax? My other leg is like the ape yet.
the bakini line dosnt even hurt,, i did it for the first time last night and found it that they legs hurt more. i am a bit scared to do my underarms though
:s
@Mac - my first epilator (Philips) lasted a couple of years, but my most recent one (Braun) is slowing down and sounding rather feeble after about 9 months of use (I only use it once a week anyway, and I'm no gorilla). I want a new one!
@Kizza - you are brave! I can do my underarms without any trouble but it really hurts if I try it down there!
Just tried my Emjoi Light Caress. Was great for underarms and chest, but "down there" area was pretty tuff. It didn't grab well at all. I let everything grow out for two weeks. Was the hair to long? I finished by shaving everything and I'll try every couple of days as suggested here. Wish I found this site before.
Am a guy and I have tried almost every method of hair removal known, besides professional waxing. Why? The feeling is the most sensual on this earth. I love the feeling of my clothes sliding on my body. I settled on Epilation since the first Epilady came out. Compared to the Epilators of today, the Epilady was quite barbaric. The shaking circular spring could barely manage to do your legs(decently) in 2 hours. Epilation was a great concept at that time but terribly time consuming and painful. Finally, Braun(which I stick with) came out with a real miracle(spinning tweezer type epilator). I am not positive if Braun was the first, but sure was the first of that type I bought. At that time it I totally praised it since it did the trick for a few years. The next model Braun made was even stronger. Sure I tried Emjoi but the durability of the unit didn't work out well. Panasonic was alright but once again not so durable. So yes went back to Braun and the newest Wet/Dry Xpressive. Xpressive seems to be the best Epilator I have ever owned and even in sunlight I hardly ever see a hair that hasn't been removed. It's a handheld miracle for me. I am very very fanatical about epilating and every day I use it as to make sure no hair is left behind! Am a firm believer in the statement I saw on a site quote "Don't Hate, Epilate!" Sure have had my share of in grown hairs and still get some, but the feeling of hair free skin sure gives way to a little ugliness and pain
I'm fairly new at epilating and just today finally got all my male parts done. I have found that exfoliating with every shower stops to in grown hair problem. I agree that the bare feeling is the best.
I have never epilated before and I got the Braun Silk epil Xelle epilator and I am excited to use it, however I am terrified to use it. Everytime I turn it on I get even more intimidated. I am scared to death of needles, so I keep thinking it will give me the same feeling. Does anyone have any advice or words of encouragement.
Hello...
ive been using the emjoi optima for my underarms for the longest time, yet ive hesitated everytime for my legs. any advice?
Go for it Kool Kat - the underarms are much more sensitive than the legs. Most people are happy to epilate legs but struggle with their underarms. I would suggest trying to epilate your lower legs only to start with, 2 or 3 days after shaving so that there aren't too many hairs long enough for it to tweak out. Then do it again a couple of days later. After a few tries you will only need to do it once a week or so.
Amber - don't be scared. It is noisy but it is nothing like needles. It won't pinch your skin provided you stretch it out so it's taut. Try running the epilator over the palm of your hand. You've got no hairs there (I hope), so it will just tickle your skin. It won't leave a mark or pinch at all. This should get your confidence up. Then try as I've suggested for Kool Kat above, a couple of days after shaving your lower legs when there are only a few hairs long enough for the epilator to grasp. Good luck!
Amber - don't pay attention to the sound. My Emjoi Light Caress is alittle loud also, but I do underarms, chest and all male parts with it. You'll love it.
i've just done my legs, it was painful so in theory it should've "worked" but its still stubbly. i held it at 90 degrees, went slow and stretched my skin!! im so dissapointed! any tips?
Biffy - the epilator will miss really short hairs, and if you've shaved previously these will still feel stubbly. Try epilating every two or three days and over time the hairs will weaken and become finer and softer, so that those short hairs which the epilator can't catch will be barely noticeable.
I bought the Braun silk epil xpressive yesterday after a couple months of debating whether to or not. I previously shaved legs and underarms, and waxed brazillian, upper lip, fingers and toes (not an ape, just fussy haha), and occasionally eyebrows although I normally tweeze. After a friend mentioned ditching her razor and wax for one I was really intrigued, and consulted another friend who had one who only exclaimed that it was much to painful to ever use! I did lots of googling, and received mixed results, so was still really unsure, however I was so sick of putting up with the pain of waxing, taking off not only hair but sometimes skin, and with mediocre results and lots of reddening, I just finally bought one, and I am SO glad I did! I opted for the most expensive model I have seen, simply because it offered the best features, and won an award. I tried my fingers and toes as soon as it was charged and felt nothing, rather like waxing, but without the stickyness! I could not wait to try my legs, which I did in the bath as this epilator is cordless and wet+dry, obviously some sensation was felt (used attachment with massaging rollers), but 90% of the time I didn't find it painful, and if I did I would use the epilator in short strokes rather than long razor like motions, I then went for the underarm, and hey ladies! It was okay! more painful than the leg obviously, but very managable and only took a few seconds on the slow sletting. Today I tried the bikini, and I would say the pain is like doing the underams for the bikini line, much preferable to waxing, when you get into the brazillian field it gets quite a bit more painful! but I guess no more painful than waxing, just you are noticing it more as it's slower. I love the epilator though! and am now an avid fan! more successful than waxing, no mess, and no skin loss! If you're unsure due to bad reviews, and you are not an absolute wuss (like said reviewers must be!?) I say go for it! Such a good investment! ^-^
Thanks for sharing your experiences Carmine. It sounds like you are an epilation convert! I am far too much of a wuss to try anything other than legs and underarms, so you have my heartfelt admiration!
I've had my epilator for a couple of years but only recently started using it often as it was so painful and I'm a wimp! My underarms hurt like hell, much more than the legs but the regrowth there is so much slower. After about 2 months of using it I havnt done it for over a week and there's just a couple of hairs. My legs are a different story altogether. I've been doing it every other day and there's no sign of me stopping anytime soon. It leaves my legs in quite a state aswell. I'm hoping it will ease up soon so I can wear my shorts and stuff, as at the minute I'm kind of defeating the object. My legs may be smooth (ish, better than a razor anyway) but they are covered in red spots. I
Sorry, seems to have posted without me even doing anything. What I was saying was I also get a lot of hairs growing under the skin. Not ingrowing hairs, just they are too weak to push through the skin. I do exfoliate every day. I do plan on persevering with it, as it is much better than shaving but remember, when it tells you you will have smooth legs for up to 6 weeks or whatever, what it doesnt always say is that you have to do it often and for quite a while, as the hair grows in stages so when you pull one lot out, another lot grows in. (its not the same hair growing back quickly, its another in the same place) So anyone looking for a quick fix may want to stick with shaving unless you have very little hair to start with.
I get the same problem as Gemma, I was given one a few years (Actually alot of years) ago when they were really barbaric and noisey, I've just gotten my self a new one and I thought screw it, I'm gona keep on top of it this time. I understand the stubbly bits that are left behind, and thats fine, I'm quite happy to do it every couple of days or so, but what I'm looking for are some tips on exfoliating. I get the weak hairs that can't get through the skin and no amount of scrubbing with a body scrub is working, does anyone have some tips on what the best way is? I have to admit, I've not really exfoliated before that much but I want the epliator to work so much I am willing to try anything.
Carmine - I do all my male parts and after a few tries and finally getting all the hair it got less painful. Now I don't fell it at all. It's the only way to go!
I tried to epilate my legs for the 1st time today, it was awful, i couldnt even finish one leg! I've had my legs waxed in the past and the pain didnt bother me at all. i really want to be able to epilate because its much cheaper than waxing. I understand that it gets easier but did anyone else find it complately unbearable the first time?
iv just started epilating two days ago but it didn't leave my legs smooth at all it left them stubbly like the hair had just been riped off.iv done it again last night two days later and it still left my legs stubbley.does anyone know if the epilata works if your hair is to thick.
I've been using my epilator for about 2 months, I've got used to the pain and that's fine. I'm finding however that I'm still left very stubbly. A tip on the instructions was to use a gel etc to help the epilator glide over the skin and I tried gel or baby oil. However after reading the above could this be the reason that I'm not catching lots of the hairs? That it's too slippery to grip them ?
umm.....I need 2 find a good epilator. is the braun wet/dry xpresive good?
Try using fresh lemon on your skin to prevent ingrown hairs and dark/red spots. Rub the lemon all over the area. Let it sit for about 5-10 mins or longer. Then rinse.
Now dry the area well and epilate. This is the only thing that has worked for me. I only wish I knew about it before so I could have saved myself the pain and scars. The bumps were painful and the scar took forever to fade. It's been a life saver for me!!!!
brune wet and dry is good thats the one i have thats the only way i can epilate in hot water cause it relaxces the pores around the hair makin less painful
still using epilata since my last post and my legs r still stubbely can any one tell me why im still not gettin smooth hair free legs help
I've been using an epilator for years now, on my legs bikini line and armpits, and I've always been pleased with it. By now I only have to do it every few weeks and even then I barely have any hair and it's really soft. (so not noticeable, and not painful to remove!) Today I was feeling sort of brave, and thought I'd try it for a brazilian (I've never had it waxed before cause I'm shy, and I've never shaved there either).. It was fantastic! I went slowly cause it hurt a fair bit, but it wasn't a far cry from the first few times I did my armpits, and left my skin soooooooo soft and smooth - since all those hairs were really coarse it didn't miss a thing! I totally recommend you try it if you've been considering it. I didn't use any painkillers (after a few minutes your bodies natural pain killers kick in) but if you think you might need them then I'd recommend it - also maybe try blasting some loud music or putting on a fav tv show really loud - sounds weird but totally helps to take your mind off of the discomfort!! I like to shower and exfoliate afterwards, and then use some vitamin e oil on places that are a little tender.
Hey great review and tips...just wondered if anyone had tried the Veet Pre-Epilation Comfort Spray? I have the Braun wet and dry epilator and tried it for the first time in the bath and it really hurt, so I have been out and bought this pre epilation spray to see if it helps....anyone know if it makes any difference before I try again? x
Epilation can be really hard on the skin... I got the new Emjoi epilator with 72 tweezers about 2 months ago. You have to take a lot of care to avoid ingrowns. They can lead to infections/scarring! :(
You might find this website helpful:
It took me a while to figure out how to use it properly and to give my skin plenty of rest but I am pretty satisfied with it now.
I just used an epilator for the 1st time, kinda hurt but got used to it pretty quick. I managed to cut my leg a bit though. I went over a bit on my shin too slow and pushing down too hard. By the time I'd started my other leg I was getting used to the feeling and starting to understand how it works. Never going back to shaving!!!
I am a guy, and wondering if these can be used on the face instead of daily shaving. Any one has ideas?
I'm totally satisfied with my epilator and use it daily to get perfectly smooth results.
Rajan,From my experiece I would not advice you to use your epilator on the face,as the hairs are different from the rest of the hairs on the body and could give considerable discomfort.Apart from that I regularely use mine on all other parts including the brazilian.
This is indeed enlightening article. The posts from other readers were helpful too. Being Indian, I have rather thick hair growth and have been waxing for years. Never found it too painful and even managed brazilians just fine. I do have a tendency to get in growths though, so while thinking of shifting to eplilating I am looking at the more expensive models assuming they would give better results. Right now I have narrowed down my choices to either Braun Xpressive 7781 or the Phillips Satin HP 6572. Could anyone recommend me which one's better.
Sorry for the long post. I am quite confused here with so many options out there. Would really appreciate if someone could offer me some feedback. Thanks.
Nabeela,I would reccomend the Braun Xpressive Pro wet and dry rechargeable,as I use this model regularely with excellent results.It is easy to use and is perfect for my brazilian.As a guy my hair is very dense too but the Braun leaves my skin very smooth with no stubble.Hope this helps!
Hey, today i used my new epilator, Braun silk. i tried it on my armpits and well, it did hurt a bit but i hope it was worth the pain! i have ingrown hairs which really hurts when i shave it with a razor. i know that after depilation with and epilator or after waxing my hairs get weaker, therefore it's harder for them to pierce the skin. i have no idea how to help it. i guess i need to exfoliate it regularly? do you know what is the best for that?
i shall see how it looks in a few days. so far i am very optimistic and i want t give it a longer term try.
Kate,An exfoliating glove is ideal for the prevention of ingrown hairs.The problem will go away in time if you persist with your Braun.The skin will adapt to the depilation and will become less painful after regular use leaving you with hair free,silky,smooth skin.
Kate,Just one further point,keep the hairs fairly short before epilating by triming as this avoids snatching the hairs.The Braun will epilate hairs at a length of 0.5mm and will lessen the discomfort.Happy epilating!
Greetings to all. I started using an electric depilator (BabyLiss for men. Supposedly one of the best on the market, 85€) about 2 months ago and it works more or less well. However, I've noticed that it often chops the hair instead of pulling it out from the root. When I pass my hand over the epilated area, It feels bristly. Am I doing something wrong? Is it the machine? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.
Eduardo,Try using the slower speed and useing your epilator with slower strokes.Your hairs are not used to being depilated and it will take time before they get softer and more sparse.Hope this helps!
I tried using a epilator for the first time today on my legs. OUCH doesnt even begin to describe it! Im still in the process of deciding whether or not to finish my other leg. Its very painful, but then again I am a complete wuss. My friend uses one religiously and says its god sent. She agrees the first time is quite painful but over time she doesn't feel anything. Im going to try and use it a few more times but if its still this painful I don't know if I can keep at it :(
Cassie,Your friend is right the pain will decrease after a few times and you will find it no more painful than shaving.
I suppose she was right! Its been 3 days since I first used the epilator, and I told my self today I had to try it again since there was still some hair on my legs. I turned the machine on and cringed and no pain! Some spots are much tender to epilate than others but it wasnt nearly as bad as the first time! I am much happier with my purchase now and very excited to see results in a few months when my epilating is more spaced out. Over all a very happy customer :)
Cassie,I am pleased you are satisfied with your epilator and hope your enjoy using it as much as I do.With frequent use the epilator will remove hairs without the slightest sensation and can be used on the more sensitive areas.
If you're nervous about epilating, get a wax first.
If there's a new area you want to try epilating, get a wax first - it is HELLA painful to epilate a new area entirely govered in growth.
I personally find it can take me an hour and a half to epilate both my full legs without missing a hair, which is a reason I've strayed from epilating regularly, but I have a good breakdown of why it's worth it:
for a full leg wax, underarm, brazilian, etc, you're looking at 100$, plus the commute to the salon, setting up an appointment, etc
Spending 1.5 hrs epilating myself, or spending 10 hrs working to make enough money to go get a wax? Not a hard choice.
I've looked through most of the comments here and no one seems to have my problem... My right leg is absolutely fine to epilate- hardly painful at all. But when I epilate my left leg the pain is unbearable! Am I just weird?
It is unusual as I have never experienced that problem,but in time you should be able to epilate without any pain.Good luck!
I have a epilator and absolutely love it! It isnt that bad :)
I've been epilating for about a year now, and used to have the same problem mentioned by others here regrading the leftover stubble, ingrowns and redness, not to mention the pain! I was using a Braun Silkepil (I think it was called), and it was brutal. I recently bought the new Panasonic wet/dry epilator and the switch has made a huge difference - less pain, redness and stubble. I use it wet. I also found that the best way to exfoliate is not with scrubs, but with one of those wooden handled bristle brushes, the old fashioned kind used in the bath/shower to scrub your back. I use it in firm circular movements on my legs 2 days after epilating, and then every 3 days or so after that. I get great results from my new epilator, but I can understand its not for everyone. The pain does get less, but not if, like me, you sometimes shave your legs when you're in a hurry. I do my own brazilian waxes with special brazilian wax, not game enough to try the epilator down there!
Still epilating! Legs are a breeze now. I can do both legs in about 10 minutes without taking breaks. I still however have that stubbly problem, anyone know how to over come that? I've also tried epilating my arms and have amazing results! Still not brave enough to try the bikini area or the underarms...
@Rachel:
Its weird you say that! When I first started epilating my legs I experienced the same thing! I think it may be yourself hesitating a bit because of the pain. Because you epilated your right leg and are moving to the left you know what to expect, so it might cause you to feel more pain for your left leg. Just take a few deep breaths and calm down before doing the second leg. I usually listen to my iPod during sessions I find that takes my mind off the pain a bit :)
Hello. The first time I Epilated I loved the pain. It helped me carry on and epilate everywhere apart from face. Anyway I am just wondering as I like pain, is it safe to epilate the face. I did try my neck but it started bleeding after just a few hairs. Also any tips for face epilation to make it less toucher on the skin.
Lee, try epilating on only a day or two of hair growth. Because there won't be so much hair to yank out it should not be so brutal on your face. Also try epilating after a hot shower which will open your pores and make it easier for the hairs to come out. Over all your face will probably be very sensitive to epilate, so just go slow and be careful. Hope this helps!
I use Silk'n SensEpil at home.
It is very easy to use, and it feels just like the professional treatments, only with no pain at all!
I started off at the lowest setting and I'm having completely satisfying results. Also, this month,
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared their Silk’n line of hair removal devices for
PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION. I couldn't be more happy with my choice!
The best things I've found to help with the pain is heat, I got a wet/dry one and it really does help if you take a wet hot wash cloth (as hot as you can handle) because it opens up the pores making it easier for the hairs to come out therefore less pain if any at all. Like hot wax, the wax is hot making the pores open up, but that does sometimes hurt because the sticky wax sticks to the skin and pulls that too, but this will be better cause its not wax and are only pulling the hairs :-) I hope this method works for you like it has for me
when i use my epilater it takes me forever... more than 2 hours thee first time.. is this normal?
hey i am a boy means guy can anyone tell me a eplitor wich i can use on my chest and back cost wont be a problem but it should be alest down to 250$ i am very resistant to pain waxing dosnt heart me at all other than hotness of the wax i can endure any type pf pain but not shame in going to a salon so i am expecting and answer from james or mke or casper please reply me soon
My legs go dotty too for about 24 hours, but if you have a waterproof one, i found that doing it in a warm bath is 1/4 as painful as normal. I seriously recommend it.
As for pain... well i guess it does get better, but you have to be persistent. It gets better because less hairs grow back and they are weaker and thinner, With shaving, they grow back thicker because you are only chopping the tops off. With epilating, you are plucking!
@Emma: Yes, that's normal. It depends on how much area you're doing and how dense your hair is. What kind of epilator are you using? I find that the slower you go, the more likely you are to "pull" the hair from the root instead of ripping (breaking) it.
@rahat: I'm not a guy, but I have used Emjoi Emagine epilator for over 6months now. I would recommend it. I got mine from amazon.
@Embo: You're right. If anytime you stop epilating for a while, the pain WILL come back and you will have to start the process over. Waxing is so much less painful in my opinion.
I found this site very helpful:
http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/p
My own epilator journey is recorded here:
Hiya, thanks for this! It was interesting to read everyone's stories and tips in regards to epilation.
I've recently bought an epilator its the Remington EP6010, and my goodness its such a cute little machine! I was very nervous, having never used an epilator before, nor had I ever waxed (in fact, apart from shaving, I was a hair removal virgin, preferring my little pink disposable razors in the bath!!)
Well, I tried my arms first, and they did hurt, I squeaked a little, as you say you did, and then just "got on with it" if you will. My legs were another story, my sister actually had to do it - and it was agony. It really did hurt a lot, the worst was my lower legs. However, they have remained smooth for a long time, and althoguh i'm nervous to go again, I am looking forward to a day when I am used to it!
My underarms are less painful that my legs too, I can do them and they may make me clench my teeth a little, but for hte most part it feels fine. The same applies to all other areas, my bikini line hurt, and i'm doing that in stages now, rather than in one go, to lesson the pain.
I wouldn't go back to shaving, but there is a part of me that wishes I'd tried waxing before going out and buying my cute "weapon of torture".
(as for the ingrown hairs, I ex-foliate with gloves and a scrub about three to four times a week, and my skin looks very healthy and I haven't had an ingrown hair yet!)
I've just started up again with epilating this morning (only managed to do one leg) but I'm getting sick of shaving like many of you.
I've heard from various places that you shouldn't wax/epilate a week before menstruation because it's a lot more sensitive (and thus MUCH more painful, my mum can vouch).
I'm a sufferer of the red bumps that appear afterwards and I put witch hazel on my legs afterwards, though the bumps don't go away for 1-2 days, for me atleast.
Definitely going to try the lemon juice thing later tonight though. Might even get up the courage to try the armpits!
Hi all! I have read all the comments!
I have been using the Braun wet n dry epilator for 2 months now on my legs and "whole" bikini area! The pain on the legs is not bad at all, but the "middle" strip in the bikini area is a pain in the but! Have to hold my breath! Hahaha!
However I am having two problems........
1. I am getting a lot of ingrown hairs as compared to shaving, I am exfoliating with a glove, but no joy :-((
2. I usually shaved every three days.......and am epilating every three days too! :-((
Its been two months and have to use it every three days and I'm not happy with the pain in the bikini area for such a short amount of time.
I really don't want to go back to shaving! Does anyone have any suggestions??
I'm really not a hairy person, so is it normal to be using it soooooooo often???
Any replies would be most welcome?
My email is sharonglasson@yahoo.com
I have a skin condition called Foliculitis, & at the age of 18 it completely ruined my self confidence as shaving my legs irritated them and brought them out in ugly spots which scarred my legs but having hairy legs didn't make me feel better either!
My mum then bought me a Phillips two in one electric razor & epilator, it worked, no more spots & I have to admit I have been a large wuss and found myself only using my epilator on my knees & down my shins, the rest I used the electric razor for, but I've been tried to get used to it more and more as the results are fantastic! I'm not yet doing the full part of the bottom of my leg but I'm nearly there!
This hub is fantastic & i've picked up some good tips!
I have had my legs waxed with wax strips at home. How is the pain compared to this?
You actually make it seem really easy with your presentation however I find this topic to be really one thing that I think I might never understand. It seems too complex and extremely vast for me. I am having a look ahead on your subsequent publish, I will attempt to get the hold of it!
I have always been a super hairy guy and after 40 plus years I was fed up with the ape look, and started experimenting with shaving. Now I began to understand what woman go through. It was almost inconceivable to think about doing my arms, chest, thighs, underarms, or private areas, because there is so much hair and shaving totally sucks because of the way it feels and looks when growing back. Even if I could reduce the hair so it was not so thick long and curly I would be happy. Trimming was OK for certain areas but always looked... trimmed. I let my experimental areas grow back and was actually pleased with the look after regrowth cause there was less hair but it looked natural... just getting to that point was uncomfortable. I read about epilation and sugaring and decided on my next experiment. The fact that hair would grow back thinner was intriguing but it was clear that using an epilator on the virgin hair root forest was not going to be the way to start. I learned how to mix up a batch of sugar and 5 batches and two weeks later I had it all removed and did it myself (except the back). It was quite an experience. Then I bought an emjoi epilator and use it on different areas a few times a week. The sugaring was painful as $%#@ on my chest thighs and private areas, but the Emjoi is nothing like that because the hair is growing in stages. After a couple of months I let the chest grow back out and also the lower arms and it is great because the hair is much thinner. The rest of my body I just keep epilating and it is no problem. Little pin pricks, and sometimes a stray ingrown or some pimples but alcohol and a loofah in the shower cures most of it. All I can say is that it is amazing that a totally hairy guy like me can maintain virtual hairlessness by using an epilator and after being the totally hairy guy for so many years, this is an amazing and welcome change. Yes I keep almost my whole body hair free except the front of my chest, a little above the pubic area and I let the lower arms grow out for a couple of months at a time but I use that epilator on all my private areas front and back, all of my legs, underarms, shoulders, back, and upper arms. I can choose areas on the chest and stomach to keep hair free with it looking completely natural. it is amazing! Epilators are the way to go!
...as if I didn't write enough already! I wanted to add that I have the big Emjoi Emagine and it does not pinch, bite or irritate. I use it on EVERY part of my body (yes... even there) and it is completely and totally safe. I use it on my ears because I hated having stubble on them, and I have started to use it on the lower part of my beard from about the adams apple down, doing a little at a time to thin out a very thick beard on the neck. It hurt the first few times but I have about the bottom two inches done and it is quite a difference.
great hub
so I've been brave enough to try this business and I've bought a Remington EP-6025 it's dry only...and today I've done legs arms bikini and armpits. Yes it did hurt but no more than waxing. I'm pretty impressed.
The only problem is my armpits are killing me lol - burning sensation :( I am not sure why this is happening because my bikini line which is supposed to be more sensitive is fine and lovely - it might be because I've never waxed my armpits before but I used to home wax my own bikini line?
uuugh what should I put on my armpits?
Also I should add that I had the little red dots too on my arms and legs but I put on some Azulene Oil and they went away in like 2 hours. :)
Despite the armpit business...I am happy with the results and am getting the hang of it - would def recommend to a friend.
great post, I am very well informed, apparently the laser hair removal method seems to be very efficient, you know what the recovery time after the intervention,
read this post about ipl epilation
Terri Paajanen 4 years ago
I tried one of these things, and I agree that the pain is manageble. But I found that I had a real problem with ingrown hairs after using it. I gave up and went back to my regular electric shaver.