Epilators are electrical devices with tiny rotating tweezers, designed for hair removal. They pull hair from the root, offering a middle-ground solution between shaving and waxing. Ideal for those who dislike frequent shaving and the mess of waxing, epilators provide longer-lasting results. However, choosing the right epilator can be daunting for beginners.
We’ve tested 40 epilators on the market and have identified the best epilators for effective and less painful hair removal, taking into account factors such as head size, number of tweezers, speed settings, and power source.
Table of Contents
13 Best Epilators for Smooth Skin
1. Panasonic Cordless Shaver Epilator for Women
The Panasonic Cordless Shaver Epilator for Women is a versatile hair removal device designed for beginners. It operates with three-speed settings and uses 60 tweezers to efficiently remove hair from areas like the legs, underarms, and bikini line. It’s cordless and can be used wet or dry, offering flexibility in usage. The package includes five attachments for different body contours and a built-in LED light for better visibility.
Pros:
- Versatile for various hair removal needs (legs, underarms, bikini line).
- Efficient hair removal without skin irritation.
- Cordless design for wet or dry use.
- Five attachments for different body contours.
- Built-in LED light for fine hair visibility.
- Smooth skin results lasting for days.
Cons:
- Not suitable for facial hair removal.
- May not be an all-in-one solution for users needing facial hair removal.
2. Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911
The Braun Face Epilator FaceSpa Pro 911 is a 3-in-1 facial care device. It serves as an epilator, with a slim head featuring 10 micro-openings to remove fine hairs, a cleansing brush for deep skin cleaning, and a micro-vibration toning head for applying skincare products. It’s designed for use on various facial areas, including the chin, upper lip, forehead, and eyebrows.
Pros:
- Epilates, cleanses, and tones the skin.
- Catches fine hairs as small as 0.02mm.
- 6x more effective than manual washing.
- Boosts absorption of serums and creams.
- Sleek, compact design, great for travel.
Cons:
- Can be uncomfortable for first-time users.
- Specifically designed for facial areas only.
- Might be pricier than simpler, single-function devices.
3. Remington Smooth & Silky Total Coverage Epilator
The Remington Smooth & Silky Total Coverage Epilator is a hair removal device designed for use on legs, underarms, and the bikini area. It features 40 tweezers that remove hair efficiently, and a comfort barrel that massages the skin to reduce pain. This epilator can be used wet or dry and is rechargeable, offering cord-free convenience. It includes a precision light for spotting fine hairs and comes with various caps for different body areas.
Pros:
- Efficient hair removal with 40 tweezers.
- Comfort barrel reduces epilation discomfort.
- Suitable for wet and dry use.
- Rechargeable and cordless for easy use.
- Precision light helps in removing fine hairs.
- Comes with caps for various body areas.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for facial hair removal.
- Can cause discomfort, especially for first-time users.
4. Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-985
The Braun Silk-épil 9 9-985 is a high-end epilator designed for efficient hair removal. It uses MicroGrip tweezer technology to remove hair as short as 0.5 mm, offering waxing-like results for at-home use. Its wide head covers more area for faster hair removal. It can be used in the shower and comes with various attachments for versatility. The Smartlight helps spot fine hairs, and its ergonomic design adapts to body contours. It’s cordless with a rechargeable battery for convenience.
Pros:
- Efficient hair removal, even short hairs.
- Wide head for faster results.
- Suitable for wet and dry use.
- Versatile with multiple attachments.
- Smartlight for thorough epilation.
- Comfortable and ergonomic design.
- Cordless operation with a rechargeable battery.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to some other hair removal methods.
- Epilation can be uncomfortable for some individuals, especially on sensitive areas.
- Requires regular maintenance and cleaning for optimal performance.
5. Philips Wet & Dry epilator
The Philips Wet & Dry epilator is a hair removal device that can be used on both dry skin and in the shower. It works by using tweezers to pull hairs out from the root. Designed to adapt to body contours, it’s effective on various areas like legs, arms, and sensitive spots. Certain models come with extra attachments for trimming and shaving.
Pros:
- Suitable for wet and dry use.
- Removes hair from the root for smoother skin over weeks.
- Efficient on different body areas.
- Some models include trimmers and shavers.
- Ergonomic grip and integrated light for ease of use.
- Cordless and rechargeable.
Cons:
- Pulling hair from the root can be painful.
- Could be higher compared to traditional razors.
- Might take time to master using it effectively, especially on sensitive areas.
6. Leuxe Facial Hair Remover for Women with LED Light
The Leuxe Facial Hair Remover is a specialized tool for painlessly and precisely removing unwanted facial hair, especially on the upper lip area. It uses a gentle circular motion technique and features a built-in LED light to illuminate and target even the tiniest hairs. This device is waterproof, easy to clean, and designed for on-the-go use, making it a convenient option for facial hair removal.
Pros:
- Painless and precise facial hair removal.
- Built-in LED light for easy spotting of fine hairs.
- Gentle on the skin, leaving it smooth.
- Waterproof design for easy cleaning.
- Compact and portable for on-the-go touch-ups.
Cons:
- Some noise during operation (though tolerable for most users).
7. Conair GIRLBOMB Rechargeable Epilator
The Conair GIRLBOMB Rechargeable Epilator is a hair removal device equipped with 40 tweezers for efficient hair removal from the root. It features a unique adjustable ice roller attachment designed to lessen pain and irritation during epilation. This epilator is meant for dry use and has two-speed settings. The ice roller, for enhanced comfort, should be frozen a few hours before use.
Pros:
- Effective hair removal with 40 tweezers.
- Adjustable ice roller reduces pain and irritation.
- Two-speed settings for user comfort.
- Suitable for beginners and sensitive skin.
- Ice roller aids in reducing redness.
Cons:
- Only for dry use, not suitable for wet conditions.
- Requires pre-planning to freeze the ice roller.
- May not suit all hair and skin types.
8. Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030
The Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030 is an efficient hair removal device. It uses 40 MicroGrip tweezers to remove even very short hairs from the root, leaving your skin smooth for up to four weeks. It has a flexible rounded head that adapts to your body’s contours and can be used cordlessly in wet or dry conditions. It offers two-speed settings for a personalized experience.
Pros:
- Efficient removal of short hairs.
- Versatile with six attachments for different body areas.
- Adaptable to body contours.
- Can be used wet or dry.
- Two-speed settings for customization.
Cons:
- Some users may find it pricey.
- Epilation can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
9. Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-720
The Braun Silk-épil 9 9-720 is an epilator designed for effective hair removal. It works by using 40 MicroGrip tweezers to remove hairs from the root, suitable for various body areas like legs, underarms, and the bikini line. The device has a Smartlight for spotting fine hairs and a pivoting head that adapts to body contours. It offers two-speed settings and operates cordlessly with a rechargeable battery.
Pros:
- Efficient hair removal, catching even short hairs (0.5mm).
- Smartlight feature ensures no hairs are missed.
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use on different body areas.
- Two-speed settings for customized epilation.
- Cordless and rechargeable, offering convenience and mobility.
Cons:
- May cause discomfort or pain, especially for first-time users.
- Requires regular charging for cordless use.
- Might not be suitable for very sensitive skin types.
10. Braun Silk-Epil 3 3-270 Epilator
The Braun Silk-Epil 3 3-270 is a hair removal epilator designed to remove hair from the root for long-lasting smoothness. It uses a 20-tweezer system to pluck hairs and features a Smartlight to reveal even the finest hairs for comprehensive removal. Additionally, it has massage rollers to ease discomfort and comes with attachments like a shaver head and a trimmer cap.
Pros:
- The 20-tweezer system ensures thorough removal of hair from the root.
- Helps in spotting and removing finer, harder-to-see hairs.
- Massage rollers help in minimizing discomfort during epilation.
- Includes attachments for different hair removal needs.
Cons:
- Limits mobility due to the need for a power outlet.
- Not suitable for use in the shower or with water.
11. Epilady Speed Corded Epilator
The Epilady Speed Corded Epilator is a hair removal device designed for effective and quick epilation. It features an ergonomic design and a wide epilating head that pulls hair from the root. With two speed settings, it allows users to adjust according to their comfort and hair type. The device is corded, ensuring a steady power supply during use.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design for easy handling.
- Two speed settings for customized use.
- Wide head covers more area for faster hair removal.
- Long-lasting smoothness by removing hair from the root.
- Consistent power supply due to corded operation.
Cons:
- Limited mobility because it’s corded.
- May require multiple passes for complete hair removal.
- Can be uncomfortable, especially for new users.
12. Emjoi Emagine Dual Tweezer Head Epilator
The Emjoi Emagine Dual Tweezer Head Epilator is a hair removal device featuring a unique dual-head with 72 tweezers. These tweezer heads rotate in opposite directions, allowing the device to remove more hair in a single pass. It’s designed to effectively capture and remove short and fine hairs. The “lifting finger” technology lifts shorter hairs for a more efficient removal from the root.
Pros:
- Dual-head design captures more hair in one pass.
- Advanced technology ensures thorough removal.
- Reduces the need for multiple epilation passes.
- “Lifting finger” technology prevents hair breakage, ensuring smoother skin.
Cons:
- Size may be too large for underarms and delicate spots.
- Might be painful on sensitive skin areas.
- Requires a power outlet for use, limiting mobility.
13. Epi Smooth Epilator
The Epi Smooth Epilator is a convenient hair removal device for both men and women, offering a painless alternative to shaving or waxing. Its MicroSmoothing technology targets hair at the root, providing longer-lasting smoothness without the usual mess or discomfort. Simply glide the device over clean, dry skin, and let its small wheels do the rest. It efficiently grabs hair from the root with each pass, leaving you with silky-smooth skin for weeks to come.
Pros:
- Painless hair removal
- Long-lasting smoothness
- Versatile for various body parts and hair types
- Portable and travel-friendly
- No messy residue left behind
Cons:
- Results may vary for different individuals
- Temporary hair removal, requires periodic use
Learn more: read the full review of Epi Smooth Epilator.
How to Choose the Best Epilators
Here are some tips for choosing the best epilators:
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Number of Tweezers: Check the number of tweezers in the epilator. Dr. Jeannette Graf recommends choosing one with at least 30 tweezers. Many top-rated epilators have over 30 tweezers, like the Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator and Spa Sciences ELLA 3-in-1 Epilator, Shaver, and Foot Smoothing Tool. Even models with fewer tweezers, like the Emjoi eRase e6 Facial Hair Remover (with six tweezers), can be highly effective for removing upper lip hair.
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Consider Attachments: Look for epilators with multiple attachments to enhance your hair removal experience. For example, the Braun Silk·épil 9 Flex Epilator includes two epilators (one for the face and one for the body) and seven different attachments. These attachments allow you to customize your hair removal and use it as a facial tool.
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Wet or Dry Usage: Check if the epilator is suitable for wet or dry use. Both options are effective for hair removal, but using the device in the shower can be more comfortable and gentle on the skin, especially if you’re new to epilation. Some epilators are waterproof and designed for wet conditions, making the process less painful and more skin-friendly.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best epilator for your needs.
How do you use an epilator?
To use an epilator effectively:
- Shave a few days before epilating to ensure the right hair length.
- Do physical exfoliation before epilating, like using a body scrub or mitt.
- Hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle against clean skin.
- Keep your skin taut with your other hand.
- Slowly move the epilator in the direction of hair growth.
- Afterward, moisturize your skin to reduce irritation.
Do epilators hurt?
Yes, epilators can hurt because they pull hair from the root. However, the pain tends to decrease with repeated use.
Are epilators safe?
Epilators are safe to use if you follow these guidelines:
- Use the provided power supply for charging.
- Avoid charging near water sources like sinks or tubs.
- Don’t share your epilator for hygiene reasons.
- Never use the epilator on your head or eyelashes.
- Clean the epilator after each use following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to unplug it before cleaning.
How painful is epilating?
Epilating can be painful, especially the first time. It’s recommended for those used to waxing. To reduce pain, try wet epilation if possible. It’s slower but less painful. Wetting the skin can improve grip and make it more convenient.
How often should you epilate?
Epilate every 3-4 weeks for best results. Regular use leads to finer hair and easier, less painful sessions. Consistency is key for smoother skin.
Is an epilator better than waxing?
When comparing epilating to waxing, both methods have their pros and cons. Epilating is less risky, causing fewer issues than waxing. Waxing can lead to irritation, redness, folliculitis, and even photosensitivity, burns, and rashes.
However, waxing is preferred for sensitive or small areas like the face and bikini line, where epilating may not be as effective or comfortable.
Do dermatologists recommend epilators?
Dermatologists’ recommendations on epilators vary, but both Dr. Engelman and Dr. Graf endorse them for hair removal. They are particularly recommended for those sensitive to shaving, waxing, or hair removal creams, or those not suitable for laser hair removal.
While epilating can give excellent results, one must consider their pain tolerance, as it can be quite painful.