How to Use an Epilator

If you’re looking for a high-performing way to remove unwanted hairs, you might have heard about an epilator. If you haven’t then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to look at why epilators are so good, what their benefits are, and most importantly—how to use them.

Every hair removal method has pros and cons. Epilators are a nice piece of equipment that can provide high-end results without having to visit a professional. You can purchase your epilator in the shops and use it as and when you need it. That makes it much more convenient than many other options including laser and waxing treatments.

An epilator is an electrical device that removes hair directly at the roots. This means it’ll take much longer for them to grow back compared to regular shaving. Think of an epilator more like getting waxed, but obviously without the mess, and hopefully pain. While epilators can come with a bit of pain when you first start using, this generally gets better over time. Some people react more favourably to epilator use than others, but they are generally accepted as being relatively pain-free.

How to use an epilator

Here are a few steps to using an epilator for the first time.

Purchase the right epilator

Did you know that there are actually two different types of epilators? Wet epilators and dry epilators. Dry epilators are for use when you are dry (as you might have guessed) and wet ones are for when you like to remove hair while in the shower or bath. Make sure you only use your wet epilator when it’s safe to do so, and when it’s not near water if it’s not designed for that sort of use.

Try and find a good deal for a new epilator online. You don’t really want to be going to eBay and getting a second hand one for this sort of thing, as it might be unhygienic. But you might be able to find a boxed one there, or elsewhere. You could also try a local pharmacy or another similar store. The good news is that they’re relatively affordable, and when you compare the cost with having regular hair removal treatments, it’s much better value.

Unpack the epilator

After you’ve bought your new epilator, the next step is to unpack it and put it all together. Check the instructions for all the info you need on how to do this. It should be reasonably self-explanatory.

Check the power source

Some epilators run on rechargeable batteries, so you will need to make sure you’ve got some installed. These might come with the epilator itself, or you might have to buy them. Make sure you’ve charged your epilator fully before the first use.

Read the safety instructions

Make sure you don’t use a dry epilator in the shower. Check safety indications and any other important information you might need before you start using your epilator.

Exfoliate your skin prior to use

You don’t have to do this, but it’s generally considered a good idea. Exfoliating your skin will remove dry skin and prevent ingrowing hairs. It makes the epilating process much more effective.

Position the epilator

Don’t press the epilator too hard against your skin when you start using it. Position it at about 90 degrees from your skin for the best results.

Epilate

Once the epilator is in the right position, hold your skin tight but keep the epilator pressed softly against it. Begint o epilate and move methodically around the desired areas. Don’t epilate too hard. Make sure you move up and down and don’t miss any areas. Go over the same areas more than once to prevent patches being missed.

Unlike traditional razors, it’s not actually a good idea to work against the direction of the hair growth. This will remove hair at the skin but not at the root, which won’t give you results that are as good and the hair won’t stay removed for as long a period.

Epilate before bedtime

Some people can get irritated skin for brief periods after using an epilator, as well as noticing rashes. This normally goes away after an hour or two, so it might be a good idea to use the epilator at night before you go to bed, and don’t have any other commitments that day.

Start slowly

Most epilators have different speed settings. While you might want to just jump right in at one of the highest settings, this isn’t always a good idea. Start slowly and build up to a faster speed. Stick to what you can tolerate until you get more used to it.

Don’t rush

While epilators are a great way to remove hair, you shouldn’t rush things. Moving too fast might lead to patches of missed hair.

Aftercare

After you’ve finished epilating, apply some moisturizer to stop your skin getting too irritated.

Clean your epilator regularly, and after every use. This will reduce the chance of infections when you next use your epilator. You can use alcohol or other cleaning solutions to make it extra clean.

One of the main negatives of using an epilator is that it might be a bit more painful than regular shaving, but could be less painful than waxing. It’s generally one of the more effective ways to remove hair, and make sure the hair stays removed for longer.

You should experience much smoother skin with an epilator compared to other hair removal methods. It’s also much easier than tweezing and less messy than waxing. There are pros and cons to every type of hair removal, but if you want a way to get super-smooth skin relatively easily (and cheaply) then an epilator could be for you. It’s also much more convenient as you don’t have to book an appointment, you can do it all yourself. It’s also considered by many to be better than waxing because it removes shorter hairs as well.