These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (2024)

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (1)

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Waxing can be irritating, shaving doesn't last, and laser hair removal can be super pricey and require a lot of in-office sessions. If you can relate, you may want to try epilating.

An epilator is an electrical or manual device that pulls hair out of by the root, says Natalie Aguilar, RN, dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician in Los Angeles.

The results can last longer than shaving, too. That's because when hair is being removed by the root, it might cause follicle damage and your hair may grow back thinner over time, explains Dr. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.

"Repeated sessions can discourage hair growth," she adds. "And the regrowth will be finer."

But since each hair is being pulled out by its root, King admits that it can initially be a bit uncomfortable. That said, since it’s essentially tweezing each individual hair, epilating can keep skin smooth for up to two weeks at a time. While it’s still not as effective as laser hair removal, which permanently reduces the amount of hair growth, it’s definitely a viable alternative to both waxing and shaving.

King adds that epilators are good options for those who aren't a good candidate for laser hair removal, or if you have sensitive skin that gets irritated by shaving or depilatory creams. And Aguilar cautions against using one if you have active acne, since an epilator can spread bacteria.

Meet the experts: Natalie Aguilar, RN, is a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician in Los Angeles. Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.

King recommends a gentle physical exfoliation prior before epilation. "Take a warm shower and use an exfoliating body scrub, gloves, mitt, loofah or brush," she says. "This will help to expose hairs so they can be picked up by the epilator, and it also helps decrease the risk of ingrown hairs."

If you’re interested in giving epilating a shot, here are some highly reviewed options that will get you on your way to smooth, bare skin.

1

Best Overall

Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (2)

1

Best Overall

Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (3)Can be used wet or dry
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (4)Wide head
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (5)Smart pressure sensor
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (6)It's a bit pricey

This epilator comes with a flexible head, which makes it super easy to reach your bikini line, underarm and even your upper lip. It comes with a sensor that lets you know if you’re applying the correct amount of pressure, and it can even be used under water. Finally, it also comes with an exfoliating brush head, so you can use it to prep your skin before plucking.

2

Best Bikini Epilator

Philips Beauty Satinelle Essential Compact Hair Removal Epilator

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (7)

2

Best Bikini Epilator

Philips Beauty Satinelle Essential Compact Hair Removal Epilator

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (8)Ergonomic grip
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (9)Detachable head
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (10)Extra cap for sensitivity
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (11)Corded

This epilator is great for removing hair from your sensitive bikini line. It has a rounded design and an ergonomic grip for easy use. And its head can be detached and washed. Bonus: There's an extra cap that can be placed on the epilator head for more gentle epilation in sensitive areas (like the bikini line).

3

Best For Beginners

Braun Epilator

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (12)

3

Best For Beginners

Braun Epilator

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (13)Less painful
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (14)Can use for different body parts
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (15)Can't use it on for face

This epilator delivers a tiny massage so that the pain from the tweezing isn’t as bad. This set also comes with a razor and a trimmer, so you can switch up your routine or tailor it to different parts of your body.

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4

Best for Face

Braun Facespa Pro 911

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (16)

4

Best for Face

Braun Facespa Pro 911

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (17)Helps your skincare penetrate
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (18)Doubles as a face brush
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (19)A bit pricey

Not only is this epilator super narrow so that you can get every hard-to-reach crevice of your face, it comes with an exfoliator and a vibrating head that helps you work toner into your skin. You can also use the face brush with a cleanser, which makes it seriously the most perfect everyday tool.

5

Best Wet/Dry Epilator

Philips Beauty Epilator Series 8000

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (20)

5

Best Wet/Dry Epilator

Philips Beauty Epilator Series 8000

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (21)Extra-wide head
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (22)Can use it for different body parts
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (23)Built-in light
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (24)Curved head may miss some hairs

If you prefer to use your epilator in the shower, this cordless wet/dry epilator is your pick. It has an extra wide head that comes with three accessories: a delicate area cap for sensitive areas, an optimal contact cap for more *precise* use, and a drawstring pouch for easy storage.

6

Best Budget Buy

Remington Smooth and Silky Facial Epilator

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (25)

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (26)

6

Best Budget Buy

Remington Smooth and Silky Facial Epilator

Now 29% Off

This narrow epilator is super useful when it comes to areas that require a little more attention to detail. It is completely cordless and battery operated, making it easy to maneuver for tight spots like your upper lip or in between your eyebrows.

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7

Best Epilator/Electric Shaver Combo

JEMOTEK Epilator for Women

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (27)

7

Best Epilator/Electric Shaver Combo

JEMOTEK Epilator for Women

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (28)Cordless
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (29)Includes shaver
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (30)LED light
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (31)Shaver isn't as powerful as dedicated electric shavers

Let's be real: Sometime you need to get rid of hair ASAP. And that's why I love this cordless 2-in-1 epilator that also has a shaver head, so you can easily take care of unwanted hair in a pinch. It can also be used wet or dry, and is designed with an LED light to help you see where you're epilating/shaving.

8

Best for Legs

Emagine Dual Opposed Epilator

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (32)

8

Best for Legs

Emagine Dual Opposed Epilator

With a whopping 72 tweezers spread over a fairly wide surface area, this is definitely the best for epilating your legs or arms. It will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. It also has a dual-speed control, so you can set it to your desired pace.

9

Best Precision Epilator

Colordiary Eyebrow Hair Remover

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (33)

9

Best Precision Epilator

Colordiary Eyebrow Hair Remover

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (34)Narrow head
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (35)LED light
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (36)
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (37)Cordless
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (38)Not great for large areas

If you need ~precision~, this device the smallest head on the list. It was specifically designed for eyebrows, but since it's so small, you can also use it for the nose or other narrow places. (Or on that ONE chin hair that always seems to come back.)

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10

Best Armpit Epilator

Vinsena Epilator for Women

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (39)

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (40)

10

Best Armpit Epilator

Vinsena Epilator for Women

Pros
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (41)Cordless
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (42)2 speed settings
Cons
  • These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (43)Long charging time

This cordless epilator features 18 rotating tweezers to remove unwanted hair straight from the root. Reviewers love that is has an LED light feature, which helps users see hairs more clearly while shaving.

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (44)

Brittany Loggins

Freelance Journalist

Brittany Loggins is a New York-based journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Cut and Architectural Digest.

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (45)

Emily Shiffer

Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.

These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of an epilator? ›

Side effects of Epilators
  • Pain. Epilation involves pulling out hair from the root, so it can hurt quite a lot, especially when done for the first time. ...
  • Redness. A big side effect of epilation is redness and inflammation, because the hair has been pulled out with some force. ...
  • Bumps. ...
  • Whiteheads. ...
  • Swelling.

Which brand has best epilator? ›

Which are the best epilators in 2024? At a glance
  • Best epilator for face (and best overall) – Panasonic ES-EY90-A511 Wet and Dry.
  • Best value epilator – Magnitone Pluck It 2 Super Glide Compact.
  • Best epilator for women – Philips Series BRE740/11 8000.
  • Best epilator for bikini area – Braun Silk-Epil 9-flex.
Jan 2, 2024

What is the difference between a depilatory and an epilator? ›

And though the words are similar, the difference between them is huge. During depilation, only the part of the hair above the skin is removed, while epilators remove hair with roots and follicles themselves. One of the most commonly used depilatory devices is a regular razor.

Do at home epilators work? ›

In general, epilators remove more hair than electric shavers do. Although they can take more time and effort to use than shavers, they can save you time and energy in the long run. Because an epilator removes hairs at the root, you won't have to use it again for several weeks.

Does epilator remove pubic hair? ›

Epilation is a root-hair removal method that is done using an epilator. It is one of the best tools used for pubic hair removal at home. The results derived by epilation last for up to 3-4 weeks. As the hair is plucked from its roots, it can be a little painful at first.

Does hair grow back thinner after epilating? ›

With epilation, you get smooth skin that lasts up to 4 weeks. That's because removing hair from the root means that hair takes longer to grow back than removal with surface methods like shaving and creams. Plus, when it does grow back it's softer and finer than before.

Is it better to epilate wet or dry? ›

We recommend that you use most products on dry skin, as wet hair tends to stick more to the skin. Also, if you are aiming to do an on-the-go session, try using the product on dry skin instead. Be certain that your skin is clean and completely dry before using the appliance.

Why is epilator not removing hair? ›

4. Not exfoliating regularly: Regular exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs and ensure that the hair is growing in the right direction. If you have not exfoliated in a while, it can make it harder for the epilator to remove hair effectively.

Are expensive epilators better? ›

With any technology products, the more expensive it is the more features and advanced technology it has. Some of the more expensive ones have wider heads and better tweezers for a smoother finish. They also come with extra add-ons like a skin buffer or face epilator too.

Do epilators cause more ingrown hairs than waxing? ›

Using an epilator will reduce the amount of ingrown hairs you experience, as it works by picking up each hair and pulling all of it out as you glide over it. With waxing it's one quick pull from the strip, resulting in a higher chance of the hair breaking than being completely pulled out, cue the ingrown hair.

Do epilators cause more ingrown hairs than shaving? ›

Though longer lasting than shaving and easier to DIY than waxing, epilation—in which the hair is pulled directly from the root by an electric or manual device—does come with a catch: Because of the way the hair is removed, you're more likely to deal with ingrown hairs after the fact.

Is a facial hair remover better than an epilator? ›

Regrowth: Results with both methods are long-lasting, and the hair may not grow for three to six weeks. However, epilators can remove just 0.5-mm-long hair, whereas waxing may remove 2- to 12-mm hair. Therefore, epilators' effects last longer, and the hair will take longer to regrow in between sessions.

Are home epilators worth it? ›

Is it better to shave or epilate? It ultimately comes down to personal preference but the main difference between the two is that hair will start growing back straight away with shaving, while epilating can give you as long as four weeks hair-free.

How many times do you have to epilate before hair stops growing? ›

To prevent your hair from growing, you may have to perform between two and four cycles of epilation in conjunction with applying the FRÉNÉSIES cream. In extreme and very rare cases, the treatment may take up to 6 cycles to achieve the permanent results.

How do I choose an epilator? ›

If you want to remove hair from your armpits, bikini line, or face, choose an epilator with attachments for these sensitive areas. These attachments make the head of the epilady smaller, so you can remove hair from a small area. Another option is a separate small face epilator, or bikini styler.

Is an epilator better than plucking? ›

One benefit of using an epilator is that you'll get smoother skin, and the results may last longer than most other hair removal methods, like shaving, depilatory creams, or tweezing. Results vary from person to person, but you can expect smooth skin for up to 4 weeks.

What happens if I Epilate too much? ›

epilating can cause trauma to the skin and hair follicles by ripping out the hairs from the root. any hair removal method can increase the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation to the follicles, hence the “strawberry legs".

Can epilator damage skin? ›

We do not recommend using it on your face or head, because you will not get desired results, and it may also damage your skin. Some products come with additional attachments to use on sensitive areas, like your bikini or pubic region.

Does epilator give you ingrown hairs? ›

“Epilators remove hairs by the roots without exfoliating the stratum corneum, so when the hairs start to grow back there is a higher likelihood of them getting trapped underneath the surface of the skin, curling under, and becoming ingrown.”

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