The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (2024)

The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (1)

One of the best hair-removal options, an epilator is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to achieve salon-standard results at home. Here, see everything you need to know about epilation, including the models we trust.

How does an epilator work?

Epilation is a mechanical hair-removal method. Each device contains tiny tweezers, usually installed on a rotating head, which rapidly grasp and pluck out your hairs. A good one will work on strands as short as 0.5mm and, as the process removes the hair right from the root, the results are smoother than shaving and last for weeks.

Is epilating better than waxing?

Like many beauty-related questions, the answer comes down to personal choice. Epilating gives you all the advantages of waxing (including slow regrowth and a visible lack of stubble), without the time-consuming process and inevitable mess.

Epilating can remove shorter hairs too, which tend to grow back finer, while some people also report fewer ingrown hairs. However, the mechanical plucking process can be more painful than waxing, especially when tackling your underarms and bikini line.

What to look for in an epilator

Wet and dry use: Some epilators can only be used on dry skin. If you prefer to epilate in the bath or shower, make sure your chosen model is cordless and waterproof.

Flexibility: Pivoting heads help you reach tricky spots like the backs of your knees, while LED lights illuminate fine hairs that can otherwise be difficult to spot.

Versatility: Look for an epilator that comes with a range of attachments for different areas of your body. These may include precision caps, exfoliating brushes, bikini trimmers and shaving heads.

There's now a wide array of epilators available on the market, and the difference between each model can be baffling. Below, see the devices we've used and been impressed by.

The best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal

1

Best epilator

Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex Epilator

The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (3)

One of Braun's most advanced models, this white and gold epilator boasts a flexible pivoting head, so glides seamlessly over body contours. Cordless and waterproof, you can use it in the shower and the anti-slip grip makes it perfect for applying just the right amount of pressure – helpful for those frantic mornings. It’s just as effective on dry skin and the handy light brings the finest hairs sharply into focus.

2

Best epilator on dry skin

Philips Wet and Dry Epilator

The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (4)

2

Best epilator on dry skin

Philips Wet and Dry Epilator

Extreme efficiency is this model’s USP, as it claims to give you smooth legs in just 10 minutes – and we can attest it does just that. This one can be used on wet skin, but we found it to perform better – plucking even the tiniest hairs – when used on dry legs. With eight head attachments, you can trim, exfoliate and shape every part of your body with ease.

3

Best facial epilator

Braun FaceSpa Pro 921 Facial Epilator

The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (5)

3

Best facial epilator

Braun FaceSpa Pro 921 Facial Epilator

This sleek three-in-one device sensitively epilates, cleanses and tones your face in conjunction with your skincare products. It removes hair instantly, and with minimal pain - four times shorter hairs than waxing, Braun claims. The sonic massage head makes a lovely post-epilation treat, especially when used over a soothing serum. And, with a sleek beauty storage case thrown in, there's little more we could ask for.

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4

Best epilator for legs

Panasonic ES-EL9A Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator

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4

Best epilator for legs

Panasonic ES-EL9A Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator

This slick epilator has an extra-wide head, so works quickly to cover larger areas of skin. With 60 tweezer and three speed settings, you'll be able to cover your legs in mere minutes. Its double disk head ensures that every single leftover hair is caught, with the second disk smartly catching all the hairs missed by the first disk. There's also a host of attachments to try out, from an exfoliating brush to a bikini comb and pedicure pumice.

5

Best epilator for travel

PluckIt 2 Super Glide Compact Epilator Magnitone

The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (7)

5

Best epilator for travel

PluckIt 2 Super Glide Compact Epilator Magnitone

Now 32% Off

If you're looking for a compact model to stuff in a suitcase, Magnitone's mini option is ideal. It might be small, but it makes light work of removing hair from underarms and legs, and can simply be recharged via the USB port. A true springtime travel essential.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

An epilator is a mechanical hair-removal device that contains tiny tweezers, usually installed on a rotating head, which rapidly grasp and pluck out hairs. It is considered one of the best hair-removal options for achieving salon-standard results at home. Epilation removes hair right from the root, resulting in smoother skin compared to shaving, and the results can last for weeks. Epilators can work on strands as short as 0.5mm.

Whether epilating is better than waxing depends on personal choice. Epilating offers advantages similar to waxing, such as slow regrowth and a lack of stubble, but without the time-consuming process and mess. Epilators can also remove shorter hairs, which tend to grow back finer, and some people report fewer ingrown hairs. However, the mechanical plucking process can be more painful than waxing, especially in sensitive areas like the underarms and bikini line.

When choosing an epilator, there are a few factors to consider:

  1. Wet and dry use: Some epilators can only be used on dry skin, while others are cordless and waterproof, allowing for use in the bath or shower. If you prefer to epilate in water, make sure to choose a model that is suitable for wet use.

  2. Flexibility: Pivoting heads on epilators can help reach tricky spots like the backs of knees, while LED lights can illuminate fine hairs that may be difficult to spot.

  3. Versatility: Look for an epilator that comes with a range of attachments for different areas of the body. These may include precision caps, exfoliating brushes, bikini trimmers, and shaving heads.

Now, let's take a look at some recommended epilator models:

  1. Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex Epilator: This model is one of Braun's most advanced epilators. It features a flexible pivoting head for seamless gliding over body contours. It is cordless, waterproof, and has an anti-slip grip. The epilator is effective on both dry and wet skin, and it has a handy light to help spot fine hairs.

  2. Philips Wet and Dry Epilator: This model is known for its extreme efficiency and claims to provide smooth legs in just 10 minutes. It can be used on both wet and dry skin, but it performs better on dry legs. It comes with eight head attachments for trimming, exfoliating, and shaping different parts of the body.

  3. Braun FaceSpa Pro 921 Facial Epilator: This sleek three-in-one device is designed for facial epilation, cleansing, and toning. It removes hair instantly with minimal pain and is suitable for shorter hairs. It also includes a sonic massage head and comes with a beauty storage case.

  4. Panasonic ES-EL9A Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator: This epilator has an extra-wide head, making it efficient for covering larger areas of skin. It has 60 tweezers and three speed settings for quick hair removal. The double disk head ensures that no hair is missed, and it comes with various attachments, including an exfoliating brush, bikini comb, and pedicure pumice.

  5. PluckIt 2 Super Glide Compact Epilator Magnitone: This compact epilator is ideal for travel. It is small but effective for removing hair from underarms and legs. It can be easily recharged via a USB port.

These are just a few examples of epilators available on the market. The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific needs.

The 5 best epilators for head-to-toe hair removal (2024)

FAQs

Which brand epilator is the best? ›

The Braun Silk-Epil is arguably the most famous epilator on the market and the first in the world with a fully flexible head, which makes for a smooth ride even over those tricky kneecaps and performed best compared to all the others when it came to my bikini line.

What is the best epilator to remove hair from roots? ›

Epilators like Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex and SkinSpa 961 are designed with a 40% extra wider head with 40 micro-grip tweezers. These wider, longer and deeper tweezers can remove even the shortest and finest hair that even waxing cannot catch. This means, no more waiting until your hair grows back long enough for waxing.

Do dermatologists recommend epilators? ›

"Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.

What is the most common epilator that removes hair from the follicle base? ›

Removes the hair from the bottom of the follicle. Wax is a commonly used epilator and is available in two main forms: hard and soft wax.

Are expensive epilators better? ›

With any technology products, the more expensive it is the more features and advanced technology it has. Some of the more expensive ones have wider heads and better tweezers for a smoother finish. They also come with extra add-ons like a skin buffer or face epilator too.

Is it better to epilate wet or dry? ›

We recommend that you use most products on dry skin, as wet hair tends to stick more to the skin. Also, if you are aiming to do an on-the-go session, try using the product on dry skin instead. Be certain that your skin is clean and completely dry before using the appliance.

How to choose an epilator? ›

If you want to remove hair from your armpits, bikini line, or face, choose an epilator with attachments for these sensitive areas. These attachments make the head of the epilady smaller, so you can remove hair from a small area. Another option is a separate small face epilator, or bikini styler.

Why is epilator not removing hair? ›

Clean the epilator

Before using your epilator always inspect its head to make sure it looks clean. If you see some hair or debris stuck in the epilating discs of the epilator remove them and wash the head before use. Also make sure your skin is clean and dry before epilating.

Which is better, an IPL or an epilator? ›

IPL is more effective than waxing, shaving, and epilating all together because it's faster, easier, and it doesn't hurt. But scientifically speaking, it's the best method of permanent hair removal out there.

Who shouldn't use an epilator? ›

If you're more sensitive or prone to pain, epilation might not be the best for you.

How many times do you have to epilate before hair stops growing? ›

To prevent your hair from growing, you may have to perform between two and four cycles of epilation in conjunction with applying the FRÉNÉSIES cream. In extreme and very rare cases, the treatment may take up to 6 cycles to achieve the permanent results.

What is the difference between cordless and corded epilators? ›

Cordless epilators are smaller in size, great for travelling, and more convenient than corded epilators. However, they run on batteries so you'll have to make sure you don't run out of power mid-epilation! A combo type epilator that uses rechargeable batteries can be a better option.

Why do I get so many ingrown hairs from epilating? ›

We know you don't want to hear this, but yes, epilators can cause ingrown hair! It happens when the hair breaks at the surface instead of being pulled out. So when the hair grows back, it gets trapped underneath, causing deep ingrown hair. The good news is that there are ways to avoid ingrown hair.

What is the difference between a depilatory and an epilator? ›

And though the words are similar, the difference between them is huge. During depilation, only the part of the hair above the skin is removed, while epilators remove hair with roots and follicles themselves. One of the most commonly used depilatory devices is a regular razor.

Do epilators cause more ingrown hairs than waxing? ›

While ingrown hairs, or hairs that grow back into the skin, can be caused by any form of hair removal, they do tend to be a bit more common when using epilators than with some other methods. According to Choi Kim, it comes down to how the hair is being removed.

What is the difference between a laser epilator and an epilator? ›

An epilator rips the hair out of the root, similar to waxing, and has to be done time and time again. Laser Hair Removal feels similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin, and once you have completed all your treatments, you shouldn't ever have to wax, shave, pluck, epilate or laser again.

Is it worth it to buy an epilator? ›

In general, epilators remove more hair than electric shavers do. Although they can take more time and effort to use than shavers, they can save you time and energy in the long run. Because an epilator removes hairs at the root, you won't have to use it again for several weeks.

Are there any side effects of using an epilator? ›

A person may get painful bumps and rashes around the pores for a few hours after using epilators. This generally resolves after some time. If you have sensitive skin, you may have severe rashes and boils. You may also experience some ingrown hair after using epilators and waxing.

Is epilator better than electric shaver? ›

Hair Removal: Epilators remove hair from the root, providing longer-lasting results compared to shaving. The regrowth is finer, and the skin can stay smooth for several weeks. Pain Level: Epilation can be more uncomfortable than shaving, especially during the first few uses.

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