Menu
How to Use an Epilator: An Ultimate Guide
-
By
Catherine Jordan
Disclaimer: At Pearls And Poodles Blog, our editorial team carefully selects the best products for all your needs. If you make a purchase through links at our blog, we may receive a commission that helps us keep bringing new content like this to you!
Wondering how to use an epilator? I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide!
You’ll learn everything from the basics of choosing your device and preparing your skin, to tips for aftercare and hygiene.
Plus I have a list of next steps if you want to take it even further. No matter what stage you are in life, there is always something new to learn about beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or long-term results, read on for all the information that will help make epilation easier than ever before!
Choosing Your Epilator
As you know, a hair removal epilator is designed for its efficiency and convenience rather than being as gentle as waxing or shaving. To begin with, let’s take a look at some basic features you must pay attention to when choosing your device.
1. Cordless or Not?
The first thing to consider is whether you want a corded or wireless product. A majority of epilators come with corded power either by use of a cable or directly into an electrical source, but if you’re looking for more convenience then some devices run on batteries (although the use of these is somewhat limited).
2. Speed Options
Another feature to pay attention to is the number of speed options. The more the better as some areas, such as your legs, for example, are harder to epilate than others due to skin and hair type.
3. Wet and Dry Use
Wet and Dry Epilation: Some products allow you to use them in the bath or shower for extra comfort and easier access. In addition, some have a ‘wet and dry function so you can use the device anywhere you need it!
4. Light or Not?
A light can be a useful addition to any epilator as it helps show things up close and personal looking for stray hairs etc. Plus using a light also reduces discomfort when removing them.
5. Warranty
Before buying always check what the warranty is like as this can be an indication of how well built it is.
Most devices are generally good quality but you do have to remember that they are removing hair so you’ve got to go easy with these! Be sure to check for any damage or malfunctions before use.
Plan Ahead
Now that you know what to look for in an epilator, it’s time to think about your skin! Getting the best results means having prepared skin which can be done easily by preparing yourself.
1. Shower/Bath Beforehand
Give yourself at least 10 minutes before using the device as some areas may have been cut by shaving or being in the water for long periods. This can also help with the pain factor as the skin is more pliable after a warm shower/bath.
2. Moisturise beforehand
If you’re epilating dry hair, it will likely cause discomfort and lead to ingrown hairs so always ensure your skin is well moisturized before epilation. [1]
If you’re epilating wet hair (in the bath or shower) then make sure you’ve also got a good cleansing routine to prevent clogging up your device with water and dirt!
3. Stop shaving/waxing
This isn’t always necessary but it can help reduce discomfort by giving your skin a chance to recover from any damage caused by shaving or other treatments.
Also, if you’ve been waxing regularly for some time this can help reduce hair growth and increase effectiveness.
4. Exfoliate afterward
Finally, always remember that even after epilating it is important to continue with your exfoliating routine at least once a week to get the smoothest results.
Preparing Your Skin
As I mentioned in point 1, getting the best results will mean having prepared skin so here are a few things you can do to help make epilating easier and more comfortable:
- Cleanse your skin well with a warm flannel before use. This will help reduce any dirt or grease that could clog up the hair removal mechanism.
- Pull the skin taut in the area you are epilating to make it easier on yourself. Also take care around knees, ankles, and elbows which can be extra sensitive.
- Shave if required before moving onto epilation, you will get a closer and more effective result this way.
- Always remember to move the epilator in the direction of hair growth, usually downwards. Also, use quick movements as using long strokes can cause redness and irritation.
- If you’ve got light skin and dark hair there is a chance it will show so be sure to apply some powder before use.
Turn it On!
Now that your skin is prepared, you’re ready to turn on the epilator and get the best results possible! Here are some top tips;
- Beginners should opt for slow epilation until they are comfortable with the device, this will reduce pain levels as well as irritation caused by too much epilation in one go.
- When turning on the device, make sure your skin is pulled tight and out of the way otherwise it could tug at the hairs with no mercy!
- Don’t forget to turn down the speed if this happens until you’re comfortable.
- If you are using more than one device be careful not to let the blades touch as they are snapping close together at high speed so you could cause some real damage! Always ensure it is fully switched off before replacing heads.
Aftercare
Now that you’ve removed all those pesky hairs, it’s time to think about aftercare! It’s important not to just jump out of the shower and run around as soon as you’ve finished epilating.
Remember that your skin will be exposed and probably a bit tender so it’s vital to take care of it! Here are some top tips:
- Use a moisturizer after every shower/bath and remember to wear cotton underwear and loose clothes until your skin has fully recovered from the epilation.
- Treat your skin to some aloe vera gel or a cooling lotion if it gets irritated after epilating. If you notice any bumps, make sure they don’t get too hard and pop them with a needle before applying a cold compress. This should help reduce swelling.
- It’s important not to pull any hairs out after epilation, especially not with thread or tweezers. This can cause scarring and discomfort so make sure you don’t do too much touching/pushing of the skin.
- If your skin is more sensitive than normal avoid using harsh products like deodorant until it has fully healed, this will reduce irritation and redness.
Hygiene
It’s very important to ensure you keep your epilator clean and hygienic as bacteria could cause infection if not kept away from the blades. Here are a few tips:
- To sterilize use a cotton head soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any bacteria and tighten up the blades.
- Always use head coverings when not using the epilator to prevent damage and contamination of the device.
Next Steps
Now that you know how to use an epilator, come up with a routine for your next sessions so you can get the best results possible! Here are some top tips:
- While you epilate you can use a body scrub or exfoliating gloves to buff away dead skin cells and improve the effectiveness of your sessions.
- Be sure to take extra care around problem areas like feet, knees, and ankles which tend to be more sensitive than others.
- Use an aftershave for men as it will provide a cooling sensation and reduce irritation after epilating.
- Adapt your hair removal routine depending on the seasons, for example; if it’s winter you may want to reduce sessions as your hairs are naturally finer and will need fewer passes with the device!
- Also, be sure to moisturize before use in colder times or during colder weather as this will tighten the hair shaft and make it easier to remove.
- Look up some other methods of epilation like sugaring or threading as these provide slightly different results but are still very effective!
Top Tips For Using Your Epilator
- Beginners should opt for slow exploitation until they are comfortable with the process.
- If you are using more than one device, turn down the power until you are used to the sensation.
- Don’t forget body hair is usually coarser and thicker than facial hair so make sure it’s long enough before epilating.
- When turning off your device remember to pull up on the switch rather than out to avoid accidental pulling of hairs.
- Regular exfoliation is important to ensure effective epilation so use a scrub or gloves regularly but remember not to overdo it as this could irritate the skin.
- Don’t forget you need to moisturize after your sessions so be kind to your wallet and stock up!
- Try and use your epilator at around the same time every day for maximum effect.
- Remember to be patient and don’t give up! Like all good things, it takes practice and results will become visible with time.
Conclusion
With this guide, you should be fully clued up on how to use an epilator. Remember if you want to try and remove facial hair, take care and consider using a different type of epilation.
Overall, epilation is a great method for removing excess hair and can be very quick and efficient if done properly. It’s important to keep the device clean, moisturize after every session, and avoid over-exfoliating but it’s definitely worth giving a go.
Table of Contents
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin