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If an epilator sounds like life support, you're not entirely wrong—that is, if you're into sleek, hairless skin. An epilator is a hand-held device that removes hair from the roots, keeping your face, arms, and legs hair free for days (that's right, days, even weeks). Although razors are quick and easy, they only reach surface-level hair and leave bumps in their wake, or worse—cuts. "Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.
We won't sugarcoat this; they can sometimes be uncomfortable and slightly painful. You are purposely ripping hair out from the root, damaging the follicles, which in this case is a good thing because the next time hair wants to grow back, it'll come in thinner than before. Garshick suggests prepping the skin with a gentle exfoliation such as Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Liquid Body Wash: "[it] helps the hairs be more easily accessible, which also helps to address ingrown hairs." After epilating, use Vaseline's Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion to soothe the skin.
Pro tip: If your skin is loose, pull it taut so the tweezers don't grab it to avoid pinching. Now, if you just fainted at the very mention of tweezers, try at-home waxing kits, but if you want long-lasting results, consider the epilator. With Garshick's help, we've selected the most effective and comfortable epilators on the market so you can have smooth-to-the-touch skin and weeks of carefree shower time.
If you're on the fence, this product is a safe bet because it provides dual usage: a razor head and an epilator attachment for wet and dry use.
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This dermatologist-tested, editor-approved epilator can reach fine hairs that wax cannot and has a dual washing head that Braun claims to be six times more effective than manual washing.
This cordless epilator has two settings to help you find a comfortable speed while removing your hair. It has 40 tweezers working simultaneously, and this set includes a massaging cap with aloe vera to help soothe the skin after use.
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This is the world's first epilator to use ceramic tweezers—corrosion-resistant (perfect for the shower) and lightweight material. It reaches the shortest of hairs with double-action technology and keeps your skin smooth for weeks.
Braun created this epilator to remove hair from sensitive, delicate skin by adding a massage roller head to soothe areas needing a lighter touch. You can either go cordless or plug it in, so you don't need to take epilating breaks.
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An affordable, effective option, this corded epilator has an ergonomic handle, making it easy to use in hard-to-reach places, and has a detachable head for easy washing.
Glide Technology rolls the tweezer discs over the skin with less irritation and reaches delicate areas such as your lips, eyebrows, and bikini lines. If you press the skin too hard, a built-in safety touch will pause the tweezers.
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Whether it be massaging the skin to offering a shaver head in more sensitive areas this epilator comes with nine unique attachments to cover your every requirement. It has a flexible head that swivels and glides effortlessly with your body's natural curves.
Small enough to pack and battery-powered, this epilator is perfect for bikini lines and other hard-to-reach areas for your upcoming vacation.
Emma Sutton-Williams
Freelancer
Emma is a New York-based writer focused on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion. When she’s not scribbling novel ideas (pun intended), she’s off performing on Broadway and recording movie scores as a Juilliard-trained violinist. Her bylines have appeared in Rolling Stone, Parents, InStyle, Oprah Daily, and well, you get the idea.