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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Trivial alert: I AM being unreasonable asking this in AIBU! Epilators!

32 replies

Rainbunny · 21/07/2020 20:10

After enjoyably getting to a pretty feral state during lockdown, I find I'm annoyed at all the time I used to spend on grooming. This is not a shaven legs versus natural legs issue - people should do what the hell they like.

I don't have that much leg hair, it's mostly fine hair that doesn't show up much at all, except my shins where I have dark, thicker noticable hair. For years I'd shave my legs fully and I just can't be bothered anymore, I just do my shins thesedays.

So, I'm wondering if epilators are still viewed as a good way to remove hair. My DM used one (painfully) more than twenty years ago so I'm wondering if they've they improved? Anyone love them, anyone hate them?

OP posts:
TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 21/07/2020 20:12

I use one and love it!! Yes it nips, but it's easier than waxing and lasts the same length of time

2toe · 21/07/2020 20:15

Nippy on longer hair so I would shave then wait a few days before epilating, most importantly exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.

Pikachubaby · 21/07/2020 20:16

I love mine, must be 20 yrs old by now Grin

A Braun Silkepil

It pulls the hairs out nicely, not painful (very very slight sting) and only ever do my lower legs

Sometimes I just have hairy legs though as I forget to use it Grin

Original poster
Rainbunny · 21/07/2020 20:16

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee Do you recommend a particular brand? Also, how many times say in a four week period do you have to epilate?

Sorry for grilling you!

OP posts:
formerbabe · 21/07/2020 20:17

I love mine.

feesh · 21/07/2020 20:17

Yes they’re fab, although I did have laser hair removal a few years ago which makes the job a LOT easier! Always always always dust your skin with talc before you start - it makes it less painful.

GhostCurry · 21/07/2020 20:31

I have one, but I’m sure it’s breaking hair off rather than pulling it out. The hairs must be too long to start with.

underneaththeash · 21/07/2020 20:32

I have one, though I can't do anything apart from my arms with them as they cause a rash....I assume the hairs on my legs and bikini line are too deep?

poorbuthappy · 21/07/2020 20:32

I love them. Have been doing it for at least 10 years. Lasts about 7-10 days.

Original poster
Rainbunny · 21/07/2020 20:32

feesh Thank you for the advice to use talc!

I do wonder though for most users what the average frequency of needing to epilate is? Every week or couple of weeks? Once a month? I'd appreciate any feedback.

OP posts:
JanewaysBun · 21/07/2020 20:34

I got in growing hairs from mine.

Now I have a Lumea, i would defo suggest getting one of those, the are amazing!

jokolo · 21/07/2020 20:36

I Veet mine. Takes about 10 minutes. Lasts about 6 weeks. (I am fair.)

MsPants · 21/07/2020 20:37

I have been using mine for years and can get away with about once every 2-3 weeks now. It was more frequent to begin with but I think it damages the hair follicles eventually so the longer you do it the less you need to do it

It's the same with the pain - I barely feel it now but it hurt like a bastard to start with. I'd never go back to shaving though.

hannonle · 21/07/2020 20:42

Has one about a year. Shins and knees are still very painful but armpits don't bother me much at all. I'd say get a mains powered one so it has more oomf. Also I take the guard bit off because sometimes my skin gets trapped! (poor design)

Original poster
Rainbunny · 21/07/2020 20:42

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. I am so tired of shaving. I've actually tried almost every hair removal device out there and I always end up shaving as it's quick and cheap, but only lasts a couple of days.

The Lumea device looks great and I'm glad it seems to work, not sure I'm up for investing in that technology however just for my shins! Although I just read it works on the bikini line area as well so that's a nice thought!

OP posts:
MissRainbowBrite · 21/07/2020 20:46

I've got one and use it every 7-10 days, I used to wax though but wanted to save some cash and bought an epilator. It nips a bit but it does weaken the follicle so regrowth does get finer.
If you have a Costco card mine was the Brain Silkepil 7, it was £60 last year.

19lottie82 · 21/07/2020 20:46

I would wax or shave first then start of the epilator. Epilating hairy legs is excruciating, but once you get on top of it it’s not too bad

AliceinBunnyland · 21/07/2020 20:49

I used to epilate and loved it. I didn't find it that painful. I think it's easy to get used to.

I now shave because I am using Tria hair removal. If does work but you have to keep up to it as I found my hair started coming back after having my DD.

swampytiggaa · 21/07/2020 20:50

Legs don’t hurt. Still can’t do my armpits.

I bought a Braun which is a shaver and epilator. So I epilate my legs and shave any ouchy bits.

MaskingForIt · 21/07/2020 20:57

Braun Silkepil, and I love it. I’m on my second though, as the battery gave out on my first. I use the trimmer on my ladyregion in the shower, hence battery not mains. I do my legs and underarms in the dry though.

I probably do it about once a month if I am trying to impress, but I’m a bit feral by nature so in reality it is more like once every few month.

GhostCurry · 21/07/2020 22:18

I am slightly disappointed in general about the long term effects of waxing and epilating. It seems to take decades to retard the hair growth entirely, if ever...?

Belowwreck · 21/07/2020 22:39

Fucking awful. You won't believe me but I generally have a high pain threshold. Urgh never again.

Elieza · 21/07/2020 22:48

Braun Silkepil here too! It’s ancient and still working.

I’d tried a laser hair remover but I have blonde hairs so the result was crap as I had been warned. Got the device from QVC so I had a 60 day money back guarantee, which I used and returned it for the price of postage.

So back to the epilator. It always hurts for the first few weeks as you are ripping out all hairs by the roots. After that though the hair cycles mean that some grow back first and then the others grow back on a weeks time etc so you aren’t doing as much at once in future. It’s staggered so less painful. The roots weaken as in waxing and it becomes easier.

It doesn’t last as long as waxing but better than shaving.

FudgeBrownie2019 · 21/07/2020 22:51

Epilators are the devil's own toys. I have given birth drug-free to a ten pound baby with less pain than it takes to drag that spinning shit across my legs. Truly, when I am King of the World I will burn ALL of the epilators.

APJ1 · 21/07/2020 23:10

I love mine. When I use it on my legs, it just stings a little bit at times. I'm sure the pain has lessened over time but it's always been bearable. Well worth it.

Still can’t do my armpits

Oh, epilating them was horrendous the first few times! It's easier for me now but there are still odd occasions where i have to essentially breathe through the pain.

The worst pain of all though - has anyone here been successful in epilating their bikini area? Shock