The best epilators are a good investment for anyone who wants smooth skin without the regular maintenance of shaving, as results can last up to a month.
Regardless of how good the best razors for women are, the most they can do is level off the visible part of the hair – not remove the entire thing. “Epilators pull out hair, while the razor cuts it at the surface,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD. “Unlike a razor, you can use an epilator on dry skin.” An epilator is essentially a machine made up of a set of tweezers that work to pluck the hairs in tandem as you move the device across your skin.
If you’ve mastered how to wax your legs efficiently at home, it's a pretty similar experience. “Using an epilator pulls hairs out from their roots at the same time, leaving smoother results," says Dr. Jaliman. "However, be advised that you can still get ingrown hairs from epilating."
Epilators can be used anywhere on your body, including your legs, underarms, bikini line, and face. A good one will make hair grow back finer and more slowly, buying you more and more time between hair removal sessions. However, if you want even longer-lasting results, waxing might be better for you. Read our guide on epilation vs waxing to help you decide. Or if you want even longer-lasting results and are prepared to splash a bit more cash, check out our edit of the best IPL hair removal devices.
The best epilators, as chosen by our beauty team
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Say hello to the Rolls Royce of epilators. This device from Braun will impress even the most seasoned of epilator users, with a wealth of fancy features and attachment heads. The main USP is that the head of the tool is flexible, which allows it to move with the contours of your body (especially handy around your knees). The only downside is that we did find it a bit tricky to get the right angles at first, but practice makes perfect.
It also has built-in SensoSmart technology which applies the right amount of pressure to make for a more comfortable experience. We have to agree that definitely is the case, and this was one of the gentlest tools we tried. It smarted a bit more on longer hairs, but was almost pain-free on the shorter ones. As you’d expect, it’s also far less painful when used on wet skin and hairs than it is when both are dry. There are extras on offer in the box too, including a shaver and trimmer for touch-ups between epilation sessions and a gentle exfoliation brush to buff away dead skin cells.
The first thing to note about the Philips Epilator 8000 is that instead of traditional metal tweezers, it uses long-length ceramic ones. The idea is that this will help to capture more hairs at once (including shorter ones) and also means you’re not at risk of it rusting. The tool is super noisy when you turn it on, and so we kind of braced ourselves for impact when we first used it, but actually, it wasn’t too bad on the pain threshold.
We used it wet and dry, and can definitely say that wet was preferable of the two. Lack of twinges aside, what impressed us most about this tool was its ability to pluck even the very shortest of hairs. We used it mainly on longer hairs at the tops of our legs, but also on two days of re-growth on our calves and shins, and it captured even the smallest of stubble as if we were shaving. The built-in light really came into its own there, letting us see this in action close-up.
As for design, the handle makes this nice and easy to hold. Because it feels like a razor, it’s more intuitive to use and control, plus it doesn’t slip out of your hand when using it wet. If you want more than just epilation, this tool offers 360° hair removal with a shaving head and trimming comb, a specialist trimming head and comb for your bikini line and a body exfoliation head. Remember, exfoliation is especially important when you’re epilating to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, so we recommend using this attachment first to kick-start the process (check out our guide on how to exfoliate your body to ensure you get that step of the process just right).
As far as tools go, we’d say that the Remington Smooth & Silky 3-in-1 Epilator goes in all guns blazing. It’s seriously powerful (even on the slower of the two settings) and uses an impressive 40 sets of tweezers in one go. This means it gets the job of removing hair done fast and effectively, but it is pretty noisy, and the process more painful, than some of the other best epilators on this list. We’re not 100% sure if the two things aren’t connected, and whether psychologically the noise of the tool made the experience feel less comfortable. If you’re not bothered by loud noises, this won’t be a problem for you.
The tool is small (just bigger than the palm of your hand) and needs to be attached to the mains via the cord to use. It comes with three different caps – perfect angle for regular areas, detail for precision around spots like your bikini line and massage which has little aloe vera-infused nodules on it to soothe the skin as you go. This detail was particularly good for smaller spots we'd normally book a wax for. In fact, we found this epilator effective with all caps and really good at capturing the shortest hairs even on tricky areas like the knees.
This facial epilator is all singing, all dancing, and can be used in a number of different ways. The latest version comes with the epilator (as you’d expect), a sensitive brush head for cleansing the skin, a micro-vibration head for facial massage as well as a stand, storage case, cleaning brush, and smart plug for your tool, and add-ons. It is expensive for a face-only epilator, but these extras help to soften the process of tapping your credit card. Plus, if you're looking for a tool specifically geared towards hair removal from face, it's worth spending a little extra.
The cleansing brush attachment can be used wet or dry, but the epilator should only be used on dry skin. The tweezers at the top of the brush rotate to capture every hair and made it easy for us to get right into the nooks and crannies of our faces – like just below the nose. It’s not painful but is more or less comfortable depending on where you use it. For example – using around the nose and eyebrows is more likely to make you sneeze and your eyes water than epilating the peach fuzz on the sides of your face. It captures even the teeniest, tiniest of hairs for a smooth finish. Because the tool is smaller, the process was slower than with a normal epilator, but as you’re only removing hair from smaller areas, it doesn’t matter too much.
An upgrade on Magnitone’s original Pluck It epilator, the Pluck It 2 comes with two interchangeable heads (regular and precision) depending on whether you want to remove hair from a smaller or larger area. It’s designed with portability and travel in mind (perfect for a two-week holiday when you may find you’re experiencing some re-growth by the second week) with a USB charging cable and a cloth bag to keep it in. The device itself is compact and lightweight, so it won’t take up much space in your toiletry bag.
This comes charged (handy if you’re impatient like us) and one hour of charging time will reward you with 60 minutes of use – which is more than enough time to fully remove the hair on your legs. It can only be used dry, so we found the best time was post-shower when the hairs were softer, the skin was warmer and we were generally feeling more relaxed. As far as epilators go, this is one of the least painful we have used, and it did a good job of removing longer hairs quicker and efficiently. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite so good at grabbing hold of those smaller, finer hairs (even in the slower speed setting) so may be best suited to those with darker, thicker and more visible hairs. It took a couple of passes over each section for a smooth finish, but that need for extra attention to detail feels more than fair given the price.
If you are new to epilating, rest assured that this foolproof device isn’t overwhelmingly complicated. It's easy to clean, lightweight, and has two easy-to-use modes. Its added features are also helpful to beginners: built-in massage rollers help promote stimulation, and its Smartlight successfully illuminates areas, so hard-to-see hairs on your bikini line and armpits are completely removed.
While you can use this epilator on your legs and arms, this device has the added benefit of being safe for facial hair removal – it quickly removes peach fuzz without any nicks and cuts.
If that’s not enough to entice you, perhaps its battery life might. This epilator holds a charge well, so you can cover all areas without having to recharge it.
And, of course, results are the major highlight of this epilator. Skin remains smooth and hair-free for at least two weeks until your next touchup. Though this device isn’t without caveats – it takes a longer time to remove thicker hair, and its cord can be restrictive for some. All in all, however, a sensible pick for first-timers.
If you're in need of a travel-friendly epilator that stands tall against facial hair (including that dreaded chin hair), then this may be the unit you're looking for. It’s portable, cordless, and successfully pulls up stubborn hair in the chin, ear, and armpit areas, without any rashes or bumps appearing afterward.
Face and underarms remain smooth and hair-free for up to two weeks. Hair is pulled, and not broken off, so you won’t have to worry about having to pluck any stragglers.
Though, be advised: This epilator does not have a high tweezer count like some other units on our list, meaning it’s best suited for use on smaller areas only. Its battery life is also short, which can be frustrating if it suddenly stops working while using it. But, because of its size and ability to pull up hairs without breakage, it’s still a product to add to your shopping cart if you want to maintain epilator results while you’re away from home.
Yes, this epilator is available for a steal of a price, just shy of $20 or £20. However, it’s more than just another bargain beauty buy – it’s portable, comes with a USB charging cord for easy charging, and has two easy speed options that aren’t difficult to maneuver.
As far as hair removal capabilities go, not to worry, as this epilator won’t disappoint. Its LED light ensures you pick up hard-to-see hairs, and it’s able to remove hair from both legs from knee to toe. Results are also top-notch – skin stays smooth and hair-free for a good two to three weeks.
This epilator isn’t for everyone; it works a lot slower than other epilators on our list and may require multiple passes to ensure an area is completely clean. However, because of its affordability and long-lasting results, it’s definitely not an epilator to pass over by any means.
Looking for the ultimate epilator experience? This luxury 48-tweezer system won’t let you down. It comes with five snap-on attachments that you can safely use on intimate areas and very sensitive skin.
Because this epilator is powered by a high-performance dual-speed motor, it works quickly. It removes hair effectively in a single pass, so you won’t have to go back and redo areas. And thanks to its non-curved heads (the pivoting head especially) you can easily cover non-flat surfaces, grabbing hairs at all the right angles.
And yes, this epilator is more costly than others on our list, but you’ll want to think of it as an investment piece. The results provided are exceptional. Hair grows back slowly and noticeably finer than before, so we surmise removal won’t be as painful with continued use.
Looking for an epilator that is safe to use without needing some sensitive skin solutions? This unit will definitely come as a relief. It has a sensitive safe setting, an attachable head for sensitivity, hypoallergenic steel blades, and foil covers to keep pain and irritation to a minimum.
If you have thicker hair, this epilator is also worth a look. It removes long and thick body hair in a snap. Another added perk? It’s also tough on dry and cracked calluses, so the bottoms of your feet stay velvety smooth.
However, this epilator does require a long time to charge, so if you plan on using it the day of a big event, make sure you charge it the night before.
One of the original epilators to be introduced into the market, the Epilady is a classic for a reason. It definitely comes in handy next time you’re in a time crunch. Its high speed setting allows hair on legs and arms to be removed in a matter of minutes. If you like to go slower, not to worry – its slow speed option allows you to thoroughly cover areas too.
Because of its 40-tweezer count, you won’t have to worry about seeing hair remerge quickly—results can last up to four weeks if used correctly. However, unlike the other options on our list, this epilator doesn’t have many bonus features like a light. It’s also not cordless, meaning you can only use it when hair is dry.
How we tested the best epilators for face and body
Testing epilators is a relatively painful job, but someone’s got to do it – and we were happy to take one for the team. Epilators can be expensive, and if you’re making an investment you want to know that it’ll deliver before you double-click to pay. As a category, it’s not too overwhelming, as there aren’t so many brands in this space, but prices can really vary, and there are numerous different versions of the same device available, which can make it hard to know which make or model to choose. We judged all the best epilators in this round-up based on:
- How well they performed. Did they remove the majority of hairs in the single pass, or did you have to keep going over and over the same area? Did they break any of the hairs, making them too short to remove? We want an epilator to whip out hairs quickly and efficiently.
- How easy they were to use. Was the setup process simple? Did you have to charge for a long time before the first use? Buy a specialist battery? Were you restricted by a cord? All of these things make a difference when getting your product out of the box for the first time.
- How painful the experience was. Epilating is rarely a walk in the park and is certainly much less comfortable than smoothing a razor along your legs. Pain tolerance is very individual, but we judged each tool on how ouch-worthy our beauty team found them.
- Any added extras. Some epilators earn extra brownie points with features like changeable heads, a built-in light so you can see even the very fine hairs and the option to be used in the shower (which makes things both more convenient and less painful).
How to choose the best epilator for you
When shopping for an epilator, Dr. Jaliman advises weighing the pros and cons of the device based on your skin type and how and where you'll be most likely to use it.
- If you have sensitive skin: Choose one with a gentler rotary. Dr. Jaliman recommends one with a gentle roller action that massages and helps stimulate the skin, prepping it for removing the hair, as this is best for sensitive skin.
- If you want to use this in the bath or shower: Look for labels on the packaging that states “wet or dry”.
- If you want to use this on your face and body: Dr. Jaliman says you should look for a full-size epilator if you want one that works for face and body, as these will come with several attachments that will work for both areas. However, if you are on the lookout for facial epilators, there are specific (and smaller) facial epilators available that only target the face.
- If you need to travel with it: Corded epilators might have a higher speed and power, but won't always be compatible with a wall outlet – particularly for any international travel. Look for cordless epilators with a rechargeable battery, as this is best for travel.
How do you use an epilator?
To use an epilator correctly, preparation is key according to Dr. Jaliman. “Be sure to take a warm shower to open up your hair follicles, and thoroughly exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs,” she says.
We recommend starting with your legs as it's the easiest region to get used to the sensation. Hold your skin taut when epilating so that the device can get a good grip on the hair and remove it entirely without it breaking.
When it comes to facial hair removal, hydration is key to prevent any mishaps. “Make sure to moisturize after you use your epilator to replenish your skin with moisture," adds Dr. Jaliman.
Do epilators hurt?
Some concerns around the pain factor of epilating are normal. What does the sensation feel like? Is it more painful than waxing? How can one reduce pain and discomfort while epilating?
"Using an epilator can be painful," says Dr. Jaliman. "If you’ve ever waxed, then it’s pretty similar, and maybe a bit less painful even, because you’re not yanking it off as fast. Similar to waxing, the epilator gets rid of hair by pulling many hairs out from their roots at the same time. Those new to using an epilator will feel more pain. In time, you get used to it, and it becomes less uncomfortable," she says. "Taking a warm shower before you use an epilator will make it less painful, as your pores are more open after a warm shower." Making sure you're relaxed, rather than tense can help too. Make sure you have time to epilate, rather than trying to remove hair in a flustered rush.
How do you clean an epilator?
How important is cleaning an epilator? Very.
"It’s important to clean an epilator because you don’t want bacteria building up in it," warns Dr. Jaliman. "You should be able to disassemble some parts of the epilator to give it a good cleaning. They usually come with a small cleaning brush. Running water and alcohol should get it clean. Allow it to dry before putting it back together." Ideally, this should be done after every use. Make sure you're storing your epilator somewhere safe too, and in a way that keeps it clean. It should be kept in a case (or in the original box) in a cool place away from water to avoid damage to the power and rusting of the tweezers. Think dressing table over bathroom cabinet.
How often should you epilate?
Not sure how often you need to epilate? The good news is that this is a beauty treatment that requires far less repetition and maintenance than using one of the best razors or best bikini trimmers for women. Instead of weekly or bi-weekly, you only need to epilate every two weeks. For some, you might be able to go even longer.
Dr. Jaliman says, "Epilating will give you long-lasting results. You can do it weekly, but most likely won’t have to do it so often. Once every two to four weeks is probably fine."
"Over time, some people find that regular epilation can lead to a reduction in hair growth," advises hair removal specialist Sarah Carswell. "This is due to the hair being pulled from the root regularly so the shaft closes down and does not produce another hair." See, there is some pain with epilating, but plenty of gain too.
Is it OK to epilate your public hair?
There’s no reason why you can’t epilate your pubic hair, but that doesn’t mean it will be an enjoyable experience. Even if you’re a seasoned epilator, you may find it more painful in this region. “This area is typically more sensitive than other body parts,” explains Aesthetic Doctor Dr. Munir Somki. “Some minor risks to consider are skin redness, tender skin, scarring, swelling, and inflammation.”
“Natural public hair is long and will be extremely painful to epilate,” confirms Carswell. “You can bruise your skin as there is a lot of loose skin in this area which can cause even more discomfort if the skin is being pulled as well as the hair being removed from the root. For this reason, I would only advise doing a basic hair removal in this area, like the bikini line.”
If you need guidance on where to remove the hair, use a pair of briefs or bikini bottoms as your guide and only remove the hair that is visible. In terms of technique, “lie on a bed and drop one leg off the side,” advises Carswell. “This helps stretch the skin.” You can then repeat on the other side.
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