This Under-the-Radar Hair-Removal Method Works Even Better Than Shaving

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(Image credit: @piashah_)

The hair-removal process comes in many different (and often painful) forms. There are the classic options of shavingwaxing, or even sugaring, but none of these offer a very long-lasting or permanent hair-removal solution. Shaving is an option if you want something relatively easy and inexpensive, but if you have sensitive skin, you know that the accompanying razor burn and bumps are no joke. Sure, laser hair removal is always on the table (I personally swear by it), but there's another less-talked-about option that could also be worth a go.

This under-the-radar hair-removal method doesn't get as much attention but is still pretty effective. Considering? I'm talking about epilating. Epilator devices have several tweezers attached to a rotating head, and you pass the device repeatedly over the area you want to remove hair, as you would an electric razor. They come in different sizes and have different numbers of tweezers on the head. Using an epilator isn't an entirely painless option, but the results can last longer than shaving or waxing. If you're curious to learn more about epilating, keep scrolling. I'm breaking it all down below.

What is an epilator, and how is it different than a razor?

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(Image credit: @kendalljenner)

"Like conventional tweezers, epilators remove the hair directly from the root. This differs from shaving, which does not remove the root. Using an epilator means hair takes longer to regrow," explains board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics.

This is one of the biggest pros to using the tool—it removes hair at the root. It's rare to find a hair-removal technique that doesn't involve at least a little pain, and using an epilator is no different. Rodney says that the pain is on par with waxing since both techniques yank the hair from the root. It might even be more painful for you at first if you're new to epilators and have never waxed before. When using the device, Rodney recommends pulling the skin taut before passing the machine over it and avoiding goose bumps. Make sure you're moving the device in the direction of hair growth, and don't press too firmly on the skin or pass through quickly, as those two things may cause irritation.

As for who can use an epilator, it can work on all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, you'll want to be careful. If you have a severe skin condition, you may want to avoid it altogether. Test on a small area at first, which will help you figure out if it's right for you.

What to Look for in an Epilator

You'll want to be extra careful when using a device like an epilator. Rodney cautions that epilators can be very painful if misused. "Epilators also fail to address ingrown hairs and are not best for sensitive areas. You'll need to find one that keeps your skin's health and protection in mind," she adds.

To find the right epilator for you, you'll want to check out reviews rating how well one removes hair, whether irritation occurred when using it, and whether it does work well on sensitive areas like the bikini line. You'll also want to do some serious skin prep beforehand when using an epilator to soften the hair follicle and make it easier for the device to pick up and remove hairs. Rodney says that exfoliating at least a couple of days prior can help remove dry skin and dirt that might cause irritation. It can also help prevent ingrown hairs. Shaving or trimming a few days before might also be a good idea to make the hair-removal process easier, especially if you have hairs that are a bit longer. Taking a warm shower or bath will also help soften the skin and hair follicles to make it easier to pick up and remove hair.

If you're just starting out, you might want to try a device that's designed for sensitive skin until you get the hang of epilating. Once you're used to it, then you can try a more advanced device. For a few star epilators, keep scrolling below.

Best Overall Epilator: Philips Epilator Series 8000

Best Facial Epilator: Remington Smooth & Silky Facial Epilator

Braun Epilator Silk-Epil 3

Panasonic Cordless Shaver & Epilator

Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Epilator

Braun Epilator Silk-Epil 5

Emjoi AP-18 Emagine Dual Opposed 72 Tweezer Head Epilator

Tweezerman Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover

Hair-Removal Skincare Products

To avoid any ingrown hairs, skin irritation, or bumps after epilating, you'll want to make sure you hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. As mentioned above, prepping your skin properly can be the make-or-break factor for a good epilator session. The below products can help with both.

Up Next: If You Have Black or Brown Skin, Estheticians Say Your Moisturizer Needs *This*

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.