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Original poster

Anyone use an epilator - are they any good?

29 replies

firststeps · 09/05/2009 14:42

I get my legs waxed every 6-8 weeks but it's getting to the point where the hair is very thin and sparse so I was going to try an epilator - are they any good, if so which one would you recommend? TIA

OP posts:
Tidey · 09/05/2009 14:44

I have one but only ever used it a couple of times because I'm a wimp and it hurt like hell. I went cold all over from the pain and my legs were covered in tiny red dots. They do work well and the results last, but I'm simply not brave enough to use it anymore.

Original poster
firststeps · 09/05/2009 14:45

Hi Tidey - does it hurt as much as waxing as I can put up with that level of pain

OP posts:
TwentiethCenturyHeffa · 09/05/2009 14:46

I don't have one but I've seen women on here saying that they are a lot less painful than they used to be. I've been thinking about getting one as well, but not sure which one to go for!

Tidey · 09/05/2009 14:50

I think it's a bit worse, because waxing is over quicker. I had to go over the same area several times because hairs were being missed, but that could just be that my epilator wasn't very good. If you're used to waxing and the regrowth is less, you'd probably cope better. I should have got one with the ice pack numbing attachment but thought I could cope without it.

MorrisZapp · 09/05/2009 15:16

I love my epilator! My leg hair is so weak now after years of waxing and epilating I can lift strays from my legs using my fingertips.

Some people do find it agony so it might be a good idea to have a quick whizz of a friend's one before you commit money. Buy the best you can afford - mine has a 'headlight' so I can see what I'm doing! I don't find it sore at all, just extremely satisfying, ripping out all the hairs is actually great fun

Remember that like waxing, you need to do it a day before baring your legs, as you will get the 'plucked chicken' effect.

When I think of the £££s I spent on waxing over the years I just wish I'd switched to epilating sooner. I only use it on my legs though, too sore for underarms or bikini ime.

As for shaving, it boggles my mind that anybody can be bothered with the daily hassle and the stubble.

frannikin · 09/05/2009 17:12

I love it - I do my legs and underarms but am too wuss to try on my bikini line!

Thelongroadhome · 09/05/2009 17:43

I'm another one who swears by their epilator! I use it under my arms and legs and I recently bought a thing that does your bikini line too. Its much better than waxing for me cos you can do it whenever you want to without waiting for it to be in enough and its cheaper. I do have to make an effort not to get ingrown hairs on my legs though. I've had mine for ages and I think it was a Phillips one but think they are all probably quite good now. I didnt bother with the attachment that was meant to make it less painful.

Reginamygina · 09/05/2009 17:47

Thelongroadhome, do share your anti-ingrown hair secrets!

I do love my epilator, you get used to the pain and don't feel it much after a while, however, I get numerous ingrown hairs that wind me up to no end. I do exfoliate regularly, but I still get them.

Original poster
firststeps · 09/05/2009 20:27

thanks all - can you recommend the brand/make that you have, think I am going to get one - MorrisZapp like you I have waxed for years so the hairs are pretty sparse so it should be ok

OP posts:
Rubyrubyruby · 09/05/2009 20:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CMOTdibbler · 09/05/2009 21:08

I use one. My top tip would be to get your legs waxed, and then start using the epilator a few days after and keep doing it every few days. That way, you only take out a few hairs at a time and get used to the sensation.

I find it very satisfying too, and like that it gets very short hairs out so legs stay really smooth.

I've got a Braun

maisiestar · 09/05/2009 22:08

I've got one, but gave up using it as I kept getting ingrown hairs that get all itchy. What is the secret to avoiding ingrown hairs?

FluffyBunnyGoneBad · 09/05/2009 22:10

It's less painful if you do it when you've just got out the bath, the pores are open more so it's easier to get the hairs out.

Avoid ingrowing hairs by exfoliating as much as you can.

frannikin · 09/05/2009 23:10

I have a Phillips satinelle soft.

Anti-ingrown hairs - I swear by my home made scrub: a bit of coarse salt or granulated sugar (either works), a bit of olive oil and some tea tree or lavender essential oil. Mix. Scrub. Rinse. Voila!

SpaceTrain · 10/05/2009 09:09

Frannikin - do you exfoliate just before epilating?

BelleWatling · 10/05/2009 12:10

Philips do a wet n dry one you can use in the bath which helps with the twinges.

frAKKINPannikin · 10/05/2009 15:09

I epilate just after exfoliating but also make sure I do it twice a week - I use quite a dry/coarse mix just before I epilate and an oilier/sloppier mix the other times.

StarlightMcKenzie · 10/05/2009 15:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

MorrisZapp · 11/05/2009 17:43

Braun Silkepil here - I managed to get it on offer, think I paid about £40 for it instead of about £60.

I see they're advertising a new better model now, claims to get even more of the hairs out first time! Don't know if I'll upgrade yet, I'm really happy with mine. Makes a really loud buzzing noise though so not v discreet

BonsoirAnna · 11/05/2009 17:44

I epilate and it hardly hurts at all - I read MN while doing it!

Heated · 11/05/2009 18:01

frAKKINPannikin, just wanted to say thanks for the exfoliating 'recipe' you posted - tried it last night and have fably smooth legs today

SugarSpike · 12/05/2009 16:29

I had a go at epilating a few years back and got so many ingrown hairs and rashes,I persisted for a few months in the hope it would get better but it never did. It took a very very long time for my legs to recover. I did exfoliate, I never really get round to moisturising thou.
However as always when the sun starts to make a regular appearance I start rethinking, I shave but still get rashes and it feels stubbly again by the next day, and to be honest my legs are never up to the standard where I can wear a skirt and Im fed up with it.
I saw an advert for a new braun silk-epil xpressive? you can use it in the water? it looks good and might be more calming for the skin, but I get to easily drawn into the hype and its expensive, Im trying to decide whether to get one, what do u ladies think? Im really not bother about the pain of these things btw,as long as I get a good result it would be worth it but I need help getting that good result!
Is there any other miracles for ingrown hairs I could try?

BitOfFun · 12/05/2009 16:32

Tendskin is great for ingrowing hairs and stubble rash - I get mine from E-bay.

Epilators are no good for the more hirsuite lady [gorilla emoticon]- they just hurt too much.

HaventSleptForAYear · 15/06/2009 09:13

I have the silk-epil rechargeable one with the headlight (really good!).

I only bought it a few weeks ago but am really pleased for the reasons everyone mentioned (no wait for an appointment, can do your legs whenever you want, have already saved money).

BUT I got my legs waxed for 10 years so they are quite fine now and I don't find epilating painful apart from a bit on my thighs.

You can use my epilator in the bath which is great - it really helps with the pain!

themoon · 15/06/2009 13:27

I love my Braun silkepil too. I've progress from legs to armpits now. Even that is not as painful as I thought it would be!

I plan to conquer the bikini line very soon!

And I've never had a single ingrowing hair, so perhaps it depends on your hair/skin type (tough as old boots in my case)