How to choose an epilator: everything you need to know before buying

7 July, 06:00 PM

When it comes to smooth skin, most women want long-lasting results, without irritation or hassle. That’s why epilators remain popular, despite the abundance of other options, from razors to sugar paste. But buying the first device you come across is not an option. To choose among really high-quality epilators, it’s important to know how they work, how they differ from each other, and which features will really come in handy.

How does an epilator work?

Unlike regular shaving, an epilator doesn't just cut hairs off—it removes them from the root. This means smoothness lasts for up to 2-4 weeks, and over time, hair grows back less noticeable and finer.

Does it hurt? Yes, the first sessions may not be the most pleasant. But over time, the skin gets used to it, and modern models have a lot of features to reduce discomfort: cooling gloves, massage nozzles, vibration, the ability to epilate in water. If you choose a model with the right set of functions, the sensations will be more than tolerable. Also, do not forget to use anti-irritation products after shaving, they will help you recover faster and avoid unpleasant consequences.

Types of epilators

Basically, all epilators can be divided into three types:

Tweezers - have lots of small tweezers that pull out hairs. They work accurately, but can be a bit slow.
Disc - captures hair with rotating discs. Works faster, but is often more painful.
Photoepilators (IPL) - work with light pulses that destroy the hair follicle. Painless, but expensive and not for all skin and hair types.

Power supply: from a socket or battery?

If you plan to use the epilator in the bathroom, get a battery-powered model with water protection (IPX7 standard). For home use near the mirror, a mains-powered version is also suitable. Battery-powered models usually work for 30–50 minutes without recharging, which is enough for one session, but they require 1–2 hours to fully charge. Mains-powered devices are convenient for long-term use, but are less portable.

Braun Silk-épil 9: 7W power, wide head for fast epilation, suitable for legs and arms. Battery charges in 1 hour.
Philips Satinelle: Compact model (5 W), easy for beginners, has an ergonomic design.
Panasonic ES-EL8A: High power (8 W), fast epilation thanks to 60 tweezers, but a little noisier.
Philips Lumea Prestige: 6.5 W power, suitable for long-lasting effects (up to 6 months), but does not work on very light or gray hair.

A few words about the brand

The most well-known and proven are Braun, Philips, Panasonic, Rowenta. They have models in different price categories, from simple (Philips Satinelle Essential, ~$40) to premium segment (Philips Lumea Prestige, ~$400). Choose not only by brand, but also by real reviews and functionality.

Which epilator to choose?

If you are a beginner and are afraid of pain: choose a waterproof tweezers model with a massage nozzle, for example.
If you want long-lasting smoothness, but without regular plucking: consider IPL, but check compatibility with your skin and hair type.
If you're on a budget: a basic tweezer epilator is a good start.

Before buying, read reviews, compare 2–3 models by characteristics. With the right epilator, smooth skin will not be a dream, but a reality - without unnecessary expenses and hassle!