Epilators

Shaving -- it takes forever and you have to do it all the time if you want to keep your legs smooth. If you hate shaving every day or can't stand the smell of depilatories,  an epilator  might be a great choice for you. They are similar to electric shavers in that they are usually rechargeable, cordless electronic appliances that can be used in or out of the shower. What sets epilators apart is the way that they remove hair. Instead of shaving it off at the surface with a blade, an epilator is comprised of tiny rotating tweezers that quickly pull out the hair from the root leaving skin hair-free longer.

Sounds painful? That is the one major complaint of people who get epilators without knowing what they are getting themselves into. If you have never waxed before, give it a shot. It's cheaper, gives comparable results and replicates the feel of an epilator. Also, before you start thinking that an epilator is a torture device, remember to consider why you want this product. Smooth legs, armpits and a bikini area that stays hair-free for up to four weeks without having to shave in between, is only achievable with an epilator or waxing. What an epilator has going for it though is that it's not messy like depilatories. After using it a few times you will become used to it and appreciate the results.

Choosing an Epilator

• Shaving Time Frame

• You must wait for your hair to grow to a certain length before epilation. Otherwise the tweezers can't grasp the hairs.
• Epilators don't usually work well on fine hairs.
• If you can't stand waiting for the hair to grow back long enough to epilate again, you might be better off purchasing an electric shaver/epilator combination. These models give you the best of both worlds and the most options from summer to winter.

• Hard to Shave Places

• It can be hard to epilate the backs of the legs or anywhere that the skin is not taut. Epilating anywhere that the skin is not may cause in pinching the skin.
• While a basic epilator can be used on the bikini line, it is best used on tougher, less sensitive skin, such as the legs and arms.
• For epilation along the bikini line, you might prefer looking into an epilator designed specifically for sensitive areas, which has a different shaped head. One example is the corded Emjoi Optima. 
• Some epilator models are designed to accommodate replacement heads that can be used on different body parts. This is usually the best choice if you want to epilate everywhere.

Popular Models

It is worth mentioning that numerous reviewers feel that epilators have come a long way since when they were first introduced to the market, mainly because they are a lot less painful now. According to user reviews on the Web, there are a few really good models available. Here are some of the most popular.

Satin Ice Epilator by Norelco  This epilator claims to remove hairs as short as 0.5mm. It also has a detachable "cooling device" that you put in the freezer before epilating. With two heads (one for shaving and one for epilating) and an exfoliator, this a crowd pleaser all around.	Braun 5270 Silk-épil X'elle Body System Epilator  This may be one of the most unique new epilators, featuring a whopping 40 rotators and a mini spotlight that shines on tiny hairs so that you can get the best shave possible. It even comes with a cooling glove to help soothe the skin if you are a first time user.	Emjoi Gently Gold Caress Epilator  This epilator boasts a smooth, irritation-free experience with the help of 36 gold-plated rotators. This means less passes and faster removal that will lessen pain. It is also a Gold medal winner from the International Invention Convention.	Emjoi Slim Compact If you are looking for a teeny, tiny epilator that goes with you anywhere and can remove hair from awkward spaces, this is the model to try. It takes a regular battery instead of a rechargeable one or an AC adapter so remember to keep plenty of batteries on hand.	Panasonic 3-in-1 Epilator with Skin Protector System, Cordless Model  This is a two speed model that works plugged in or cordless. It comes with a "skin protecting" attachment, bikini comb and shaver head. You might also want to check out the Panasonic Rechargeable Wet/Dry,  the first ever wet-dry epilator.

Important Features

• How many speeds? Usually two-speed models make hair removal easier when it comes to sensitive areas.
• How many heads? Two-head models allow you to shave legs, arms and bikini line without trouble. Also consider if there are any attachment heads included for switching between shaving and epilating. Then you can decide when you want to remove hair without having to wait until the hair grows long enough to epilate.
• Pain softener? This new feature on epilators helps soothe the skin and make epilating less painless. For most beginning users this is a must-have feature.
• Cord or no cord? The majority of models are cordless, however, some do still have cords. That means no need for recharging, but it also means that you will be subjected to the length of the cord and the location of the outlet. Cords can also be less convenient because they can get in the way. As far as cordless models, you will have to recharge each time you want to use it. Pay attention to the amount of time a model requires to be charged versus who long it will hold a charge.
• Is it easy to clean? Cleaning should not be a hassle so look for models that have an easy to clean head (usually detachable) and a cleaning brush.
• Portable? Travel pouches and storage cases make it easy to keep the epilator clean between uses and safe when you are on the road.

Quick Tips

• Bathe before epilation in order to open up the pores and loosen the hair from the root.
• Pull the skin very taut and flat when going over sensitive areas to avoid pinching your skin.
• Use lotions afterwards to avoid skin irritation.

Related Buying Guides

Electric Shavers	Body Moisturizers	Shave Cream	Body Wash and Shower Gels	Depilatories