Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Shopping

From everyday essentials to big purchases, swap tips and recommendations. For the best deals without the hassle, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

epilators? Any good?

40 replies

imaginaryfriend · 27/04/2008 13:28

I just got a phillips epilator with 'massage' head attached and used it for the first time and as far as I can tell it's not a patch on using wax strips which I've been doing for years.

My legs feel a bit stubbly as though it's just ripped the hairs in half rather than pulled them out.

Anybody got any info on these? Experiences? Should I persist or chuck it in the bin?

OP posts:
brrrrmmmm · 27/04/2008 13:29

I tried one of these once, and couldn't stand the pain! Have no idea of their efficiency as I couldn't go on for very long ... sorry, not much help!

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 27/04/2008 13:31

I found the pain wasn't too bad actually, I think my legs are quite desensitised after so many years of waxing. I'm Jewish and very dark so hair removal not an option really.

OP posts:
StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 13:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 27/04/2008 13:33

Why do people find them so painful? Do any of you guys wax?

OP posts:
StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 13:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 27/04/2008 13:45

I have a lot of thick hair on my legs but I didn't find it too dreadful.

OP posts:
StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 13:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 27/04/2008 13:57

Yes, mine do grow quite straight.

So how do you get rid of your unruly hair starlight?

But does nobody else use an epilator? Someone somewhere must as they keep making them and selling them.

OP posts:
StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 14:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

slim22 · 27/04/2008 14:28

hurts much more than wax and breaks hairs.

Mine been in a drawer for years now.

NEVER use on armpits or bikini unless your are a masochist.

AdamAnt · 27/04/2008 14:31

I have a Braun Silk Epil, and I think it's great; faster and more reliable than wax strips. I much prefer it to home waxing.

Furball · 27/04/2008 14:32

well I had my legs waxed every 5 weeks for about 3 or 4 years. Until the cost finally got the better of me. I had an epilator 20 years ago but couldn't find it and bought another one, a month later hey presto the old one turns up in the attic. I now use the 2 together and it really works. It's not half as painful cos you completely confuse the brain as to where the pain is comming from. I'm very fair so regrowth not such an issue and it only needs to be mm for epilator rather than cm for waxing.

AdamAnt · 27/04/2008 14:36

Oh yes furball, good point. I can't bear to let my leg hair get to a good waxing length. You can get even teeny tiny hairs with an epilator.

I wonder if this is why the OP thought it was ripping the hairs in half. Maybe they were too long?

(and lol at furball using two at the same time)

foxythesnowfox · 27/04/2008 14:36

I use a Braun Silk Epil on my legs, bikini and 'tash. I really like it. It hurts more the longer the hair. Its really quick and quite efficient I think. Regrowth is slower and finer.

And Amazon are currently doing them with £30 off.

foxythesnowfox · 27/04/2008 14:38

oh, you need to exfoliate/body brush regularly as you can get more ingrowing hairs. I don't get many, but I use those exfoliating gloves.

sillytilly · 27/04/2008 14:47

can I just ask - how do most of you keep your bits in order (other than waxing, can't stand the pain)!

StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 14:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

sillytilly · 27/04/2008 14:51

FANJO

trim, yes, but what about bikini line?

foxythesnowfox · 27/04/2008 14:52

I shave armpits, epilate legs, face and bikini, trim fanjo with some clippers - the ones you can buy for the job. all very speedy and not messy at all.

StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 14:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

sillytilly · 27/04/2008 14:56

yes, just the very top of your thighs where your fanjo hair creeps down (well, mine does)

foxythesnowfox · 27/04/2008 14:57

or, in my case, from belly button to knees

StarlightMcKenzie · 27/04/2008 14:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
imaginaryfriend · 27/04/2008 21:42

foxy - do you find the epilator is as effective as using wax? And why don't you epilate your armpits?

OP posts:
fishie · 27/04/2008 21:46

do you shave entire leg then starlight? i am epilator (not on face ever, that is agony). is easy, i do it once or twice a week takes 5 mins if keep on top of it.