13 epilators that’ll make you (nearly) forget about your waxing habit
With this summer’s heatwave set to last into August, bare-leg weather is here to stay. If you’re looking to keep hair at bay because, let’s face it, who has the time for a weekly shave, it’s time to consider your hair-removal options.
Waxing, shaving, plucking, IPL. There are so many ways to achieve a hair-free body these days that it can be tricky to navigate the ever growing jungle of hair removal methods.
Sure, shaving is pain-free, but it lasts two days max. Lasering is basically a financial investment at this point and getting in your monthly wax appointments are like trying to buy Glasto tickets. Which is why you may want to turn your hand to epilating.
We've tried a range of devices in the Women's Health Lab, to see which ones provided long-term results. While the WH beauty editors have also selected their top picks. Keep scrolling to find the devices that really provided hair-free results.
How does an epilator work?
Akin to waxing, epilators work by removing hair from the root. The devices tend to have tiny tweezers that rotate to constantly pluck the hairs from skin as you move it over your body.
Because it works in this unique way, it's able to pluck lots of hairs at once, even those small, fine hairs in hard to reach areas.
Compared to shaving, which cuts hairs on the skin's surface, epilators remove the entire hair from the root, meaning it will take a while to grow back, leaving you more time without stubble.
How long does epilating last?
So most skincare experts agree that it if used both regularly and correctly, the results can last up to four weeks, which is a hell of a lot longer compared to using a razor. You can expect to go at least three weeks without stubbly legs or pits. So it's a great gadget to invest in for the summer months when you've got more skin on display.
Does epilating hurt?
This really depends on your pain threshold and the area you are epilating. Bikini lines and underarms can be more painful than legs because the skin is more sensitive here. It's a good idea to open the pores up first by having a hot shower or bath. Some epilators can be even be used in the shower.
How often should you epilate?
This totally depends on your body hair and the brand of epilator that you're using. However, most people can expect to go hair-free for around 3 to 4 weeks, which is a darn sight longer than shaving, right?
As with all beauty products, consistency breeds results. Getting into a routine with your epilator will help your skin get used this type of hair removal and the more you do it, the finer your hairs become so it gets quicker, easier and less painful. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect – and epilating is one area where keeping at it pays dividends.
How we test
Every product adorned with a Women’s Health Lab Approved logo below has been tried out by a panel of 22 testers, to see how effective they were at removing unwanted hair.
Our testers also judged how much regrowth was spotted over a period of four and eight weeks of continued use, and how easy each one was to use.
The Women’s Health beauty editors have also recommended some fast-working devices; find them under editors’ picks.
13 of the best epilators to buy now
1. Braun Silk-Epil 9561 Wet & Dry Epilator
Best epilator
After a weights sesh, the last thing we want to do is go home and hold a heavy epilator while we de-fuzz. This lightweight option does the job - sans the arm ache - while the built-in light helps you reach even the tiniest of hairs.
We found there was some discomfort around the bikini line and underarm area (which were never going to be a walk in the park) but other than that, we found the pain level was more than tolerable. It also works equally well on both wet and dry skin.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: Yes
Type: Cordless
Included: 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, efficiency cap, precision cap, massage pad, exfoliating brush) and charging stand.
2. Braun Silk-Epil 5-5780
Best compact epilator
This diddy epilator comes with a number of attachments such as a shaver head and trimmer cap. We found it was more effective than our usual hair-removal method and was ok when it came to pain (except on more sensitive areas, such as the underarms). It is corded, which limits its mobility, but for the price it’s a great option.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: No, only dry
Type: Corded
Included: 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, sensitive area cap, facial cap, massage cap and skin contact cap) and cooling glove.
3. Remington Smooth & Silky EP7 7-in-1 Epilator
Best multi-use epilator
Including a wide variety of attachments, we found this one tackled everything from our bikini line to exfoliating our feet! It was effective at removing hair immediately and we noticed hair regrowth reduced after just four weeks, without causing any redness or irritation. It was easy and straightforward to use, even in those hard-to-reach areas, earning it a thumbs up from us.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: Yes
Type: Cordless
Included: 7 head attachments (Ultimate Contour Cap, Massage Cap with Aloe Vera, Detail Cap, Shaver Head, Bikini Comb, Exfoliating Brush & Pedicure Head).
4. Philips Wet and Dry Epilator BRE740
Best for use on dry skin
If time isn’t on your side, or you just don’t have the patience, this gadget promises to provide smooth results in just 10 minutes. We found it lived up to this, providing a quick, effective shave. We saw hair regrowth reduced after eight weeks too, with hair disappearing completely in some places.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: Yes
Type: Cordless
Included: 8 head attachments (shaving head, trimming comb, bikini trimmer head, bikini trimmer comb, body exfoliation brush, pedicure foot file, delicate area cap, optimal contact cap,), pouch and cleaning brush.
5. Braun Silk-épil 9 9/980 SkinSpa SensoSmart Epilator
Best epilator for beginners
This one features a unique “smart” sensor, which flashes red if you’re applying too much pressure, making it ideal if you’re a first-timer. It did a great job at removing hair immediately, and managed to reduce regrowth over the testing period. It comes with a variety of customisable heads - we particularly loved the exfoliating option for helping prevent any painful ingrown hairs.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: Yes
Type: Cordless
Included: 7 head attachments (razor, trimmer, massager, optimal skin contact attachment, facial epilator attachment, peeling brush, gentle peeling brush), bikini trimmer with 2 attachments, 1 x AAA battery and a storage bag.
6. Panasonic Wet & Dry ES- EL9A Epilator
Best for use on wet skin
This was most effective when used on wet skin - making it a great option if you’re worried about the pain - and we saw a reduction in hair regrowth after eight weeks of use. As an added bonus, the hair that did grow back was noticeably finer and more sparse, making it less noticeable if you skip a treatment.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: Yes
Type: Cordless
Included: 8 head attachments (epilator head, gentle cap, sensitive area cap, shaver head, pop up trimmer, bikini comb, sonic scrub brush, foot care head), pouch and cleaning brush.
7. Panasonic ES-ED53 Wet & Dry Epilator
Best for quick results
Another great option if speed and efficiency is a priority, we found this epilator was quicker than some of the previous models we’ve tried. Although it didn’t reduce hair regrowth as much as some on our list, it did make a significant difference after eight weeks, and didn’t cause any irritation to the skin.
Key specifications
Able to use both wet and dry: Yes
Type: Cordless
Included: 4 extra head attachments (legs, arms and bikini line).
Women's Health Editor Picks
8. Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 9-002
Best for flexibility
This latest creation from Braun is touted as the world’s first epilator for women with a fully flexible head and micro-grip technology. The benefit? It's able to reach and remove hairs that are as short as 0.5mm. Woah. You can also use it in the shower, too. If that wasn't enough it also includes a shaver and trimmer head for extra sensitive areas.
9. BRAUN Facespa Epilator and Cleansing Brush
Best facial epilator
Looking to remove those tricksy hairs that pop up on your chin and upper lip? Say no more. This facial epilator removes 4x shorter hair than waxing for a smooth, clear complexion and also come with a facial cleansing brush to help remove daily grime and heavy make-up.
10. Braun silk epilator
Best for travel
If you're just looking for a body epilator and are on a budget, then look no further. With a 20 tweezer system and SoftLift tips to lift the hairs and guide them to the tweezers, it makes the whole process more pain-free. A special smartlight also allows you to see even the finest of hairs, so you won't end up with any 'missed a bit' patches.
11. Remington EP7300 3-in-1 Corded Epilator
Best for sensitive areas
With just one sweep, this gadget removes 60% more hairs. It also comes with 3 attachments making it easy to go over knees, and backs of legs. The Aloe Vera cap also helps when dealing with bikini area, soothing tender skin.
12. Braun Silk-épil 5 5-620
Best painless epilator
Ok maybe not completely painless, but this highly rated epilator comes with a high frequency massage cap that cleverly pulsates active vibrations as its plucks, helping to thwart any pain sensation. Great for those who have low pain threshold.
13. PCSG Electric EPILATOR Wizzit Tweezers
Best for upper lip hair
For less than twenty quid you can't go wrong with this epilator. It's a great shout if you just want to focus on upper lip thanks to its nifty size.
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