Tired of waxing and looking for a longer-lasting option to shaving? An epilator is a technological advancement that boosts efficiency and convenience when grooming. And the best part is, you don't have to go somewhere special to get it done anymore! You can get rid of hair razor-free from the comfort of your home.
We've prepared a lineup of some of the best epilators available, such as Braun's Silk-épil 5, which can be used both wet and dry and is highly effective in grabbing short hair. After considering the nine other options, you can go through the attached buying guide if you need more information on the right epilator to get.
Quick List - Top Epilators
Philips Beauty
Best Simple Device for Easy Hair Removal
Philips Beauty
Best Set to Help You Remove Hair From All Your Body Parts
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Choosing an epilator is always a challenging task, especially if you're new to the process. You need to check the device's performance and reliability, its hair removal capabilities, and how much pain is involved in the process. The following buying guide will provide the necessary details to choosing the best epilator tailored to your needs.
Unlike shaving, epilators work by pulling hair from the roots. They come with built-in tweezers that pluck multiple hairs simultaneously, rotating discs, or a spring that you bend manually to capture hair follicles.
This type of epilator features tiny tweezers that rotate on an axis. As the epilator head spins, the tips grab onto hair and pull them out. Most epilators nowadays are the tweezer type.
Although potentially more painful, this type gives you more precision and allows you to cover more ground in less time. These work well on legs, arms, and other body parts with more hair.
When picking a tweezer epilator, we recommend checking how many tweezers are attached to the head. You can find nowadays with up to 72 tweezers. The more tweezers you have, the faster your grooming session will be; but some find more tweezers more painful.
A coiled spring epilator has two handles on each end. The flexible stick allows you to bend the spring over the target before plucking. This type of epilator is excellent for removing facial hair because the spring can grab even thin follicles in a more focused way.
You can also find an electric version of this epilator, wherein a motor will twist the spring for you, so all you have to do is place it on a target and pull. A spring epilator is compact and easy to store.
The skin on the body has different needs when it comes to hair removal; therefore, an epilator with multiple speed settings directly affects efficiency and level of pain. For example, the hair on the legs is thicker, stiffer, and less sensitive. To cover the wide area efficiently, you will need a faster speed, so you don’t have to redo each portion.
Meanwhile, underarms and bikini lines are very sensitive. You can’t zoom through the area like on the legs. Slower speed settings give you the right pressure to pluck sensitive hairs without causing too much pain and possible irritation.
People have different levels of pain resistance. Some find slow speeds unbearably painful when plucking, while others perceive more pain when multiple tweezers pull hair quickly. Different settings also allow you to epilate based on preference. You can start on slow to get acquainted with the pressure then pick up speed to get the task over with.
You can choose an epilator compatible with wet or dry environments, or both, depending on your preference. Using an epilator on dry skin is most efficient because the hair is standing and not stuck on the skin. Dry epilators are also convenient to use at any time.
However, wet epilators are great for those with lower pain tolerances because you can pre-soak in warm or hot water or use a cream or gel before plucking. Soaking the skin in warm water helps the skin relax and open up the pores, thus making the strands easier to pull. The removal process becomes much less painful this way!
However, as the hair is wet, it's harder to remove. So you might have to spend more time removing your hair if you use a wet epilator. If you prefer a more versatile device, you can invest in a wet and dry epilator.
In line with the wet or dry feature, the machine's power source should also be considered. Most dry ones are corded, meaning you will need to be near a power outlet. Although they are bulky and a bit inconvenient to use, they are more powerful. Moreover, you can use a corded epilator for as long as you want without having to worry about battery life.
Meanwhile, other epilators work with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or alkaline ones that need replacing. Some users complain that a battery-powered epilator will decrease in speed significantly towards the end of its charge, so we recommend checking how long a single charge lasts and if this is enough for your grooming needs.
However, cordless epilators are more portable and can be used on the go! Both corded and cordless epilators can be as loud as electric razors, especially if they are in high-speed settings. But cordless ones are usually quieter, so choose them if noise is one of your concerns.
You can consider a few extra features in an epilator to make it more convenient. An example is a built-in light to guide you as you epilate. The white light helps you spot the remaining follicles for a cleaner finish.
Some epilators come with attachable massage rollers or facial brushes for added pampering. The latest models even include exfoliating brushes, which you use after epilating to prevent ingrown hair.
An epilator with multiple attachments offers more functionality. Some have interchangeable caps to cover more ground or limit the tweezing on a focused area, like on different parts of the face.
You can also look for a cap that reduces pain by adding more space between the tweezers and hair. Other nifty attachments include trimming caps to cut hairs and make them the right length to pluck or caps for shaving hair.
Some products also come with an electric razor to help you remove unwanted hair on different parts of your body. And once you notice that your epilator does not remove hair properly, it might be time to replace the head. But remember to get a head that works for your model!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Braun Epilator and Shaver|5-895 | ![]() | Best Set for Customized Hair Removal | |
2 | Philips Beauty Satinelle Essential Corded Epilator|BRE235/04 | ![]() | Best Simple Device for Easy Hair Removal | |
3 | Braun FaceSpa Pro|910 | ![]() | Best Face Epilator for Peach Fuzz and Finer Hairs | |
4 | Philips Beauty Satinelle Prestige|BRE740/14 | ![]() | Best Set to Help You Remove Hair From All Your Body Parts | |
5 | Epilady Legend 4th Generation Rechargeable Epilator|EP-810-33 | ![]() | Best for the Dual Power Source | |
6 | Panasonic Multi-Functional Shaver and Epilator|ES-EL9A-S | ![]() | Best for the Pivoting Head and Multiple Functionalities | |
7 | Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex|9-030 | ![]() | Best Versatile Epilator for Beginners | |
8 | Braun Silk-épil 9 Beauty Set|9-985 | ![]() | Best Epilator Kit for Body and Face | |
9 | R.E.M. R.E.M. Spring | ![]() | Best Traditional Spring Epilator for Focused Plucking | |
10 | Philips Beauty BRE700/04 | ![]() | Best for the Built-in Light That Helps You See Fine Hair Clearly |
Pros:
Cons:
This epilator from Braun can be used wet or dry and comes with an exfoliation brush to help you slough away dead skin cells. The epilator also has a shaver and trimmer head. The model is cordless and can be used continuously for up to 30 minutes.
Some buyers were disappointed with the battery life, mentioning that it didn't last long. Nonetheless, the majority confirmed that this device worked well in plucking short hair. Many especially liked the face scrubber as it cleansed their face well. Others also verified that this epilator didn't cause any irritation.
Pros:
Cons:
This epilator might lack the multiple attachments and versatility of other brands, but its compact, easy-grip design gets the job done. It has a total of 21 tweezers and can remove thick or thin hair from the roots with two speed settings. You get an extra cap to use on more delicate areas.
A few users noted that it couldn't pull short hair. According to the manufacturer, this device works best for hair that's three to four millimeters long. On a positive note, many reviewers loved how easy it was to use the grooming tool. Many thought this one yielded little pain and actually pulled hair out from the root.
Pros:
Cons:
This compact epilator can be used on the upper lip, chin, cheek, and other areas that need focused grooming. It also comes with a facial scrub attachment to help you remove makeup and other impurities. The 20-second treatment timer is a great feature that ensures you don't overtreat one area.
A few reviewers complained that the product didn't work for coarse hair. Meanwhile, many loved the complete package, noting that the brush and epilator gave them a full facial. They also liked that the parts were easy to clean. Another plus point for buyers was the lightweight and compact design.
Pros:
Cons:
The extra-wide head of this epilator means more ground covered with every pass. 32 ceramic tweezers pluck hair on all body parts, including legs, arms, and face. For extra-sensitive parts, you can attach the precision caps for better focus. The built-in light and battery indicator light help make this device more convenient to use.
According to a few users, the epilator failed to pluck fine and short hairs efficiently. On another note, many users liked the attachments and pouch that came with the device. They further mention that it was easy to use and didn't make a lot of noise. The battery life was also good, buyers said.
Pros:
Cons:
This brand is one of the forerunners in epilating, and it can be used plugged in or on batteries, lasting up to an hour on a single full charge. The epilator works on the arms, legs, underarms, bikini line, and face using the precision cap.
While the epilator worked as expected, a few reviewers experienced issues with the batteries or charger. Meanwhile, many satisfied users said that the epilator plucked hair from the roots with minimal mess. Reviewers also noted that it provided long-lasting results. They said it worked very well on coarser hair.
Pros:
Cons:
This versatile epilator also allows you to shave or trim hair in addition to giving you clean and efficient hair plucking. It has a 90-degree pivoting head, making easy work of curves and uneven surfaces. The seven attachments mean you can tackle most parts of the body that need grooming. You can use it wet or dry and on three speed settings.
Some users complained that it snagged their skin or missed hairs. On the other hand, many reviewers said it was easy to use and clean. They further mentioned that it kept their skin smooth for a long time, is comfortable to hold in the hand, and that they like the variety of attachments.
Pros:
Cons:
This epilator can meet your needs with two-speed settings and multiple attachments, including a massage roller cap and body exfoliation brush. The device allows you to shave, trim and tweeze even the shortest hairs with the 40 built-in tweezers. Plus, it's waterproof and can be used both wet and dry.
A couple of buyers mentioned that the epilator stopped working after a couple of months. Meanwhile, the majority liked that the device was not noisy and made the daunting experience more bearable for beginners. They also said that the textured handle made it comfortable to hold in the hand.
Pros:
Cons:
This epilator from Braun comes with the same reliable motor as its other models. What’s more, you get multiple attachments that focus on pampering and after-care. It comes with exfoliation and massage caps to remove dead skin cells and relax the skin. You also get a facial brush for daily cleansing, and a trimmer attachment.
According to a few reviewers, the bundled items aren't as good as the epilator itself. On a positive note, many users say that they were able to use the various heads on multiple body parts for a full spa treatment.
Pros:
Cons:
The lack of electric parts makes this classic epilator design reliable to use. The stainless steel is durable and flexible so that you can pluck even thin hairs from the upper lip, chin, or cheek area. The simple process pulls hair from the roots, preventing rapid regrowth. You can keep the tool safely in an included pouch during travel.
A few reviewers said the product didn’t work for them, especially on uneven skin, while some found it caused allergic reactions. Meanwhile, many others had no trouble with the tool after passing the learning curve. They said it was effective in removing facial hair quickly. To sanitize this epilator, buyers suggested using rubbing alcohol.
Pros:
Cons:
This cordless epilator can run for up to 40 minutes and has two settings. It has a total of 32 ceramic tweezers with micro-ridged surfaces to help you grip fine and short hair. Another great feature is the built-in light that illuminates fine hair. Moreover, the S-shaped handle provides a comfortable and non-slip grip.
A few reviewers complained that it made a lot of noise, while some others mentioned that it didn't remove all the hair. However, many liked that it was easy to use and could be used on both dry and wet skin. They liked the multiple attachments and the built-in light, saying they helped remove hair efficiently.
Convenience is a standard to uphold when it comes to grooming tools. You can check out the following suggestions to make the regularly-occurring chore more comfortable, enjoyable, and efficient.
No. 1: Braun|Epilator and Shaver|5-895
No. 2: Philips Beauty|Satinelle Essential Corded Epilator|BRE235/04
No. 3: Braun|FaceSpa Pro|910
No. 4: Philips Beauty|Satinelle Prestige|BRE740/14
No. 5: Epilady|Legend 4th Generation Rechargeable Epilator|EP-810-33
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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