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Original poster

I just epilated my legs for the first time

89 replies

Avelosa · 04/07/2021 19:50

And what the fuck is pretty much all I can say!Shock How do you get used to that!? I knew it was going to hurt but didn’t expect that! I have PCOS so have really thick dark hairs which I don’t think helps me. Please tell me it gets better/easier otherwise I think I might have to give up and be hairyGrin

OP posts:
fluffysocks345 · 04/07/2021 19:53

Hi I’d it gets better if you do it once a week/fortnight. I also have really thick hair.
Have your tried your arms yet? Worst thing I’ve ever done in my life GrinGrin

DownWhichOfLate · 04/07/2021 19:55

Haha! From your title I was coming on to ask if you passed out from pain?! The first time I had to go for a cigarette and a lie down. Now I don’t even notice it. So, yeah, gets much easier!

Terminallysleepdeprived · 04/07/2021 19:56

I used mine every week for about 2 months...was shit and still had to shave (also have pcos) and it hurt like hell every fucking time.

I actually think having your bikini line tweased would hurt less!

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Beauty
Nohomemadecandles · 04/07/2021 19:57

Yes! It gets easier. It's actually an addictive pain once you get going!

Original poster
Avelosa · 04/07/2021 19:59

@fluffysocks345 my arm hairs are really short and fine so not even going to go down that roadGrin my mum epilates her armpits and the thought of that makes me want to cry!

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AnneLovesGilbert · 04/07/2021 20:00

Is a new epilator? I’ve been doing it for years and would never have done my legs with the old one, it was horrific. But I got a new one recently and it’s amazingly quick, easy and pain free. A revelation.

You’ve probably read plenty of tips but having a hot bath or shower first, then doing it on clean dry legs then moisturise straight after makes a real difference. All chicken skin gone by the next morning.

Original poster
Avelosa · 04/07/2021 20:00

@Terminallysleepdeprived I agree I actually think that would be less painful!

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Greenbks · 04/07/2021 20:02

Argh, I tried that around 15 years ago and my gosh I’m pretty sure it’s a torture device

Buy the Philips laser and then Shave and laser- I’ve been doing that for years and barely have any hair left. That’s the way to go

Original poster
Avelosa · 04/07/2021 20:02

@DownWhichOfLate I don’t smoke but that could have easily made me need to startGrin

@AnneLovesGilbert it was yeah, one of the new Braun Silk Epil ones. That’s exactly what I did, going to persevere and hope it gets easier. Chicken skin is a great way of putting itGrin

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Ohnoohnoohnonononono · 04/07/2021 20:04

I’ve been epilating for over 10 years and it definitely gets less painful! I used to take a co-codamol half an hour before 😂

3beesinmybonnet · 04/07/2021 20:04

It does get better as you get more used to it. The first few times I half expected it to rip out chunks of flesh. Once I realised it wouldn't and relaxed it hurt a lot less. Also it's a good idea to epilate when you're nice and warm not chilly. A warm bath beforehand probably helps.

MarkRuffaloCrumble · 04/07/2021 20:08

I used to epilate my armpits - they bled! And my moustache - makes your eyes water!!

As you have dark hair maybe you should try IPL? You can buy a home machine for £200-300 which sounds a lot, but once it’s done you may never have to shave again!! I did my legs and armpits maybe 4-5 times many years ago and they’ve never grown back. It’s an absolute revelation. If you know someone who has one you could borrow before committing to buying one that might be handy. You have to shave (not pluck or epilate) so that the roots of the hairs are still attached and then the light pulses target the root under the skin and frazzle it.

The smell of burning hair can be slightly alarming when it’s on high, so it might be worth toning it down and doing it more often if your hair is coarse as I imagine it might sting more than finer hair. But I’m Mediterranean so have quite dark coarse body hair too.

bruffin · 04/07/2021 20:11

One tip, a painkiller 20 minutes before

i found my really old one is better for armpits, my newer one better for legs although i have bought a lumea which is painless

thisplaceisweird · 04/07/2021 20:11

You definitely get used to it. Warm water or warm compress on them first, then cold water or compress after.
I even do my arm pits. Not brave enough for bikini line though.

Chocs44 · 04/07/2021 20:23

It does get less painful with time. A glass of wine also helps!!

RickiTarr · 04/07/2021 20:24

Two or three goes and it gets much less painful. I think the follicles weaken(?)

Meanwhile take a painkiller twenty minutes before a session and use warm packs (hot facecloth in a sandwich bag or a wheat bag) to open the follicles as much as possible before each go.

rookiemere · 04/07/2021 20:25

Do it more frequently than the recommended time and it won't hurt as much. First time is the worst.

RickiTarr · 04/07/2021 20:26

I remember doing it for the first time when I was 19, giving up and shaving the other leg, throwing the epilator in a drawer where it stayed untouched for a year. 😂

TerribleCustomerCervix · 04/07/2021 20:27

I got my legs sugared at the start of the summer (which was shite compared to waxing), then I’ve kept on top of it using an epilator.

I keep it beside the loo and give my legs a quick go over when I forget to bring my phone with me 😂

Beamur · 04/07/2021 20:27

My Mum used to have one and just used to run it up and down her legs without a blink. I managed about an inch and nearly passed out!

Alannawhorideslikeaman · 04/07/2021 20:31

I did at university. My housemates used to hold me down and do my armpits for me Grin

Beautiful3 · 04/07/2021 20:33

I had one of those over 10 years ago, it went straight in the bin! Never again!

Original poster
Avelosa · 04/07/2021 20:36

@rookiemere the booklet recommends once a week to start with so should I do it a couple of times a week? I do have some really short ones it couldn’t get as I’d only shaved a few days ago, so going to have to go over them again soon anyway (if I can psych myself up to do it!)

OP posts:
Original poster
Avelosa · 04/07/2021 20:37

@Beamur I nearly passed out after about 2 inches on the first leg. I had to have a break and consider if it was worth itGrin

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emmathedilemma · 04/07/2021 20:38

Maybe try getting them waxed a few times first? I’ve been having my armpits waxed for a few years and now they grow back quite fine and patchy so the epilator is quite bearable. I’ve never used it on my legs regularly enough for it to be of benefit but I really should.