When it comes to hair removal methods – and today, there are many, from waxing to shaving, IPL to laser – epilating has stood the test of time, and for good reason.
Unlike laser hair removal , which requires a pretty unshakable pain threshold, or razors, which need a new head every month (and still leave us with in-grown hairs), epilating is a fuss-free way to achieve smooth skin, without teary eyes or a lingering red rash.
However, good epilators don’t (always) come cheap, so we've embarked on a hair-removal mission to ensure you don't waste your hard-earned cash on a substandard device. Scroll down to see our full tried-and-tested edit, along with everything you need to know about epilating.
Which Is The Best Epilator?
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex Epilator
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Is Epilating Painful?
The number one question people ask before epilating is: ‘Is it painful?’. We’re not going to sugarcoat it; yes it can be. We like to consider epilation on the same pain scale as tweezing your eyebrows, as it plucks hair directly from the root.
Nicole Wedderburn, UK Brand Manager at Remington explains: 'Epilators use a rotating barrel and tweezing mechanic to pull unwanted hair from the root, unlike shaving, which simply cuts the hair at skin level. The barrel is covered in tweezers and, as it rotates, the epilator plucks the hairs to leave your skin smooth and hair-free.'
As with most things you’d rather avoid — say, an unreasonably early morning meeting — the more often you epilate, the easier it gets.
'Typically, epilating causes some minor discomfort,' says Wedderburn. 'This is considerably reduced with repeated use as your skin adjusts to the process and the hairs become thinner.'
Top tip: Try taking a warm shower before using your epilator, or even using it in the shower (if you have a waterproof one) to help soften the skin and ease the pain.
How Often Should You Epilate?
This depends on how quickly your hair grows and what epilator you're using, but typical results will last for at least four weeks (a lot longer than shaving, that's for sure).
'It's beneficial to have a routine when it comes to epilation, as this will help the skin get used to this method of hair removal, making the process more comfortable over time,’ says Wedderburn. ‘After epilating, the hairs are much finer and, over time, it becomes less time-consuming.’
As with most things, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Can Anyone Epilate?
Just like trying a new skincare product, it’s best to err on the side of caution when making any changes to your hair removal routine. But can anyone use an epilator? Almost always, yes. 'Anyone can epilate, although it's always advisable to consult your doctor first if you are suffering from any skin irritation,' explains Wedderburn.
For obvious reasons, delicate areas (hello, bikini line) may be a bit tender or just a general no-go area for some. Wedderburn advises using a lower setting or speed on these more sensitive areas.
'Don't use an epilator on the eye area and scalp, and don't epilate on irritated skin or skin with varicose veins, rashes, spots, moles or wounds without consulting a doctor first,' she adds.
To make sure skin is prepped and ready, skincare expert Nathalie Eleni recommends using a body exfoliator 24 to 48 hours before epilating to remove dead skin cells that may trap short hairs underneath. 'This will provide you with a more successful and smoother result,' she says.
'Regular body brushing also works really well ahead of epilating as it increases the circulation, blood flow and drainage from the lymphatic system, which will improve the results. Use a soothing moisturiser afterwards – but nothing fragranced or perfumed. For best results, epilate before bed to allow your skin to settle while you sleep.'
Here, see our verdict on all the leading epilators on the market today, from how easy they are to use, to how well they worked on those awkward areas.
The Best Epilators of 2024, Tested By Experts
Slow and steady wins the race with epilating (the aim is to pick up all those teeny tiny hairs after all), so you’ll be there a while, which can result in some serious arm ache.
This lightweight option, with a built-in light, means you can take the time to meticulously reach all areas of the body — without needing any weight training to prep.
We found it did a great job on both wet and dry skin. Plus, the pain wasn’t that bad either (with the exception of the underarms and bikini line because, well, ouch…).
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, efficiency cap, precision cap, massage pad, exfoliating brush) and charging stand. |
Introducing our runner-up epilator, which was nimble to manoeuvre and comfortable to use — so, no post-pamper arm ache here. There’s an unparalleled range of attachments, allowing you to try your hand at facial cleansing with the electric brush head, traditional shaving for sensitive areas, and obviously all kinds of epilating.
Key specifications
| Able to use wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 8 head attachments incl. caps (facespa, shaver head, exfoliator, 4 facial brushes) |
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Braun Silk-Epil 9 9/980 SkinSpa SensoSmart Epilator
Now 52% Off
This kit comes with everything you’ll ever need to get you started on your epilating journey and features an in-built 'smart' sensor that flashes red if you’re applying too much pressure, making it the perfect epilator for beginners.
It even comes with an exfoliating brush head, which we found managed to keep ingrown hairs at bay. It removed hairs immediately too, while less regrowth was spotted after eight weeks.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 7 head attachments (razor, trimmer, massager, optimal skin contact attachment, facial epilator attachment, peeling brush, gentle peeling brush), bikini trimmer with 2 attachments, 1 x AAA battery and a storage bag. |
Philips Wet & Dry Epilator Series 8000
Aiming to provide you with smooth legs in just 10 minutes, we noticed this affordable epilator made a significant difference when it came to regrowth, with hairs disappearing altogether in certain areas of the legs, underarms and bikini line. It was gentle on skin too, while still providing a lasting smoothing finish.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 8 head attachments (shaving head, trimming comb, bikini trimmer head, bikini trimmer comb, body exfoliation brush, pedicure foot file, delicate area cap, optimal contact cap,), pouch and cleaning brush. |
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Getting that salon-worthy experience doesn’t have to be expensive. This gadget comes in just over £100 and manages to do a decent job. (In fact, if you're snappy, you can bag one for half price this week).
The lower cost does come at a compromise though — it isn’t cordless, which isn’t a total deal-breaker if you prefer to be out of the shower but it does mean you have to have a socket close by.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | No, only dry |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded |
| Included | 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, sensitive area cap, facial cap, massage cap and skin contact cap) and cooling glove. |
This ultra-flexible device allows you to get into all the difficult areas at any angle, so you can epilate with ease. It's proven to be able to catch 3x shorter hairs than your average wax to give you your smoothest skin ever.
If you're worried about going overboard with your epilating, you don't have to worry with this guy, as it has a red light signal that flashes when you apply too much pressure.
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Despite what you may think, you can actually use an epilator for facial hair removal. If your skin isn't on the sensitive side and you're up for the challenge, this sleek kit is the one to keep your brows in shape. It also comes with a cleansing brush head and vibrational massage tool, so you really do get your money's worth.
Not only does this device come with an array of different head options (even one to massage your skin post-epilation), but the two-speed settings allow you to build up your tolerance so it's not a total shock to the system.
