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Original poster

I've just ordered an epilator and have never used one before. Any tips or advice please?

21 replies

CroissantNeuf · 04/12/2011 12:36

(..other than "it wil feckin' hurt" as I've gathered that already)

I ordered a Philips Satinelle Soft from M&S for the bargainous price of £22 .

It should hopefully arrive in a couple of days so can I have some advice please. I know this will be covered to some extent in the instructions but I'd prefer to hear first hand what is best.

eg. which areas are easiest/less painful to do?
best length of hair to attack?
before/after care?

Thanks

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 04/12/2011 12:52
vjg13 · 04/12/2011 13:32

I have that same one and have been using for about 3 months. Underarms: first session painful but subsequently much less so and great result. Legs: not painful really, knees hurt a bit but does take a while to do. Bikini line: not been brave enough yet but will soon. I think it's best to do after a shower and moisturise after. Can leave a red dotty rash (not every time) which goes after a day or so so wouldn't do just before going out. Optimal hair length 3-4mm, ok just made that last bit up! Grin

Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 04/12/2011 13:34

valiumredhead -what stage are you at? Just contemplating it or psyching yourself up to use one that's sitting unused?

OP posts:
Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 04/12/2011 13:34

vjg -that sounds quite reassuring, thank you

OP posts:
Thistledew · 04/12/2011 13:37

Take some painkillers half an hour before using it. It won't stop it hurting all together but will make it a bit more comfortable.

valiumredhead · 04/12/2011 13:45

OP - at the ' I really need to sort my body hair out' stage Grin

I can't use hair removal cream or wax as my skin is too sensitive - so have been shaving.

grumplestilskin · 04/12/2011 13:48

use them on SHORT HAIR! don't hit wax ready legs with an epilator, shave or wax first, then use your epilator on the stubble as it comes and it wont hurt much and you'll always have hair free legs - happy days

It will hurt so much you'll have to peel yourself off the celing if you use it wrong - i.e. on long hair

totallylost · 04/12/2011 13:53

hurts a bit first time and I had red 'dots' all over my legs for a few days but next time was much easier.

truthisinthewine · 04/12/2011 13:56

I love mine. It hurt a lot first time but not after that. It definitely gets easier so stick with it.

ZuleikaJambiere · 04/12/2011 13:58

Don't try to tackle a large area in one go, do a few inches of leg after a hot shower/bath every day for a week, you'll get braver with each go until you can do a full leg without wincing once (or full lower leg - having epilated half my life, I still can't do my thighs)

Bikini line tip - be careful not to let the hair in the area you're leaving (if you are) get taffled in it. OW OW OW

valiumredhead · 04/12/2011 13:59

Last time I used one - 20 years ago - I got it tangled up in my mohair cardi!

Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 04/12/2011 14:01

Zuleika -my eyes are watering at the thought of that. Ouch.

OP posts:
grumplestilskin · 04/12/2011 14:07

"do a few inches of leg after a hot shower/bath" actually its more painful on hot dialated skin, that's why some epilators come with parts you put in the freezer

Mrsrobertduvall · 04/12/2011 14:53

I must be very hard as I found epilating painless.
I have now had my legs lasered ....what a difference

Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 04/12/2011 19:28

It might be the wine I've just had but I'm almost wishing that I already had the epilator here as I really want to give it a go.

In fact, would a glass or two of wine beforehand help?

OP posts:
cjbk1 · 04/12/2011 19:54

Can I add my own question? I'm an epilating veteran always got a good result and obviously well on top of the hair growth cycle but now the result isn't so good ie I keep spotting hair the next day so is it the epilator or me? how long do they last? (I do clean it and oil it as they recommend) thanx in advance x

alphabetti · 04/12/2011 21:18

Yes I would recommend wine whilst epilating!
It does take you a couple of goes to get used to it but I am happy with the results so just keep with it. I normally do legs and bikini line with mine, and I did underarms before going on holiday.

The one thing you MUST do is exfoliate though or you will end up with terrible ingrowning hairs

Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 04/12/2011 22:12

I use one of those body puff things in the shower -is that enough for exfoliating or do I need to be a bit more hard-core to avoid the ingrowing hairs?

OP posts:
Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 13/12/2011 19:39

Update....Jeeeezus. Its like a million little electric shocks or red hot pins being jabbed into your leg.

I've just had my first attempt and did 1/4 of a lower leg but have had to have a glass of wine take a break.

The side of my leg wasn't too bad but the front of my shin (the bony part) is a bit tricky as I can't seem to get the hairs. Is there a different technique for that bit?

I'm going to persevere though I think.

OP posts:
snailsontour · 13/12/2011 20:13

I love epilating:) I've been at it for c20 years - hmmm, that must make me ancient!

I'm on my second machine now, but I must have had this one over ten years so maybe I need an upgrade - opportunity me thinks:)

However, I only do my lower legs. I usually start at the side of the leg as the 'boney' bits are more tender. I find that once I'm used to it, and the 'pain fighters' are circulating, I can do my shins, knees and ankles quite easily - in fact it's almost addictive. My technique is to hold the leg - almost pulling the area with my free hand whilst I run the machine over it.

And yes, wine always helps - it helps most things doesn't it!

Original poster
CroissantNeuf · 13/12/2011 20:45

It certainly does Snails!

So much so that I've done all of one lower leg.

Tomorrow I will tackle the other one.

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