Epilators offer a convenient and mess-free alternative for hair removal compared to traditional waxing; however, the pain commonly associated with their use often discourages many from embracing this method. But what if I told you that you could minimize that discomfort and enjoy epilation whenever you wish without enduring overwhelming pain?
You guessed it correctly: it is indeed possible to reduce the pain associated with hair removal using an epilator. In this article, we will explore the top 13 tried-and-true strategies to achieve a more comfortable hair removal experience with your epilator.
How Does an Epilator Function to Eliminate Unwanted Hair?
An epilator is a handheld device designed for hair removal, powered either by electricity or a mains supply. These devices can come in corded, cordless, wet, dry, or even hybrid models, with variations in size and materials used.
The head of the epilator features rotating coils with tweezers attached. As these coils spin, they tighten the skin and reveal the hair, allowing the tweezers to grasp and pull the hair out by the roots. This process mirrors the effects of waxing or plucking by targeting the entire length of the hair. However, unlike traditional methods, epilation does not necessitate any additional substances or threads on the skin, making it a quicker and less complicated option than waxing.
Is Hair Removal with an Epilator Truly Painful?
Unfortunately, yes—epilation can indeed be quite painful, often more so than waxing. You may wonder why this is the case. Waxing typically adheres to the skin's surface, pulling hair away more gently compared to an epilator. The discomfort from waxing is fleeting, lasting only during the hair removal process.
Conversely, epilators yank hair directly from the roots, triggering pain signals through the nerve endings located within the hair follicles. The stimulation of these nerve endings can result in a sharp sensation that might make you cry out. Additionally, since the tiny tweezers operate continuously, the pain can feel prolonged.
Top Tips for Pain-Free Hair Removal with an Epilator
Regardless of your pain tolerance, the following strategies can significantly decrease the level of discomfort you experience while using an epilator.
1. Numb Your Pain-Sensing Nerve Endings with Medication
A highly effective approach to mitigate the pain of epilation is to numb the nerve endings responsible for sending pain signals to your brain. Applying a local anesthetic cream that contains lidocaine to the treatment area can be beneficial. Furthermore, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol approximately 30 to 45 minutes before your session can help alleviate discomfort considerably.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin Before Epilation
Using an epilator may become more painful if your skin and hair follicles are blocked by impurities, dead skin cells, or excess oil. Additionally, dry skin can complicate hair removal. To prevent this, exfoliating your skin weekly can make epilation less painful. If you epilate monthly, consider exfoliating 2 to 4 days prior to your appointment. You can use an exfoliating brush or scrub for the body and either a chemical or physical scrub for your face.
3. Take a Hot Shower or Bath
Dry, coarse hair and skin can complicate the epilation process. Instead, the epilator operates more gently and provides a less painful experience when your skin is hydrated and your hair is softened. Taking a hot shower or simply rinsing the area to be treated with lukewarm water can help soften the hair, hydrate the skin, and open up the pores, allowing for easier hair removal from the roots.
4. Epilate While in the Shower
For those with non-waterproof epilators, showering beforehand can be helpful. However, investing in a wet/dry epilator can change the game entirely, as water creates a soothing barrier on the skin that can diminish the pain of epilation. If you own a waterproof epilator, take it into the shower, wet the area, and move the device slowly to remove hair. This technique reduces friction and skin irritation, making the process smoother.
5. Trim Unwanted Hair Before Epilation
Longer hair often results in increased discomfort during epilation. If your unwanted hair is at its full length when you begin the process, consider shaving it down and allowing it to regrow for 2 to 3 days before epilation. The hair doesn’t need to be as long as it would for waxing; trimming it beforehand can lessen the pull and associated pain experienced with the epilator.
6. Use the Epilator Slowly and Gently
Operating an epilator at full speed can lead to a painful experience, especially for those who are new to using a device that removes hair from the root. Start by setting the epilator to its slowest speed, allowing more time for the machine to work on unwanted hair while reducing pressure. This approach can lead to less discomfort and often yields better results.
7. Employ the Right Technique When Using the Epilator
Improper technique can lead to skin becoming stuck in the epilator along with the hair, causing severe pain and potential skin tears. Ensure that your epilator is positioned at a 90-degree angle to your skin and that you keep the skin taut during hair removal. If it’s difficult to maintain tautness, use your fingers to stretch the skin. Additionally, be mindful of the room temperature, as cold air can cause goosebumps, making epilation more painful. Consult guides on how to use an epilator effectively for different areas, including the face, body, and intimate regions.
8. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Dehydrated skin can lead to a rough texture, increasing friction and the risk of irritation. To counter this, make it a habit to regularly moisturize your skin, ensuring it remains soft and smooth. This will help the epilator glide effortlessly, minimizing potential pain.
9. Regularly Epilate and Perform Touch-Ups
You don’t need to wait for hair to grow back to its full length before using your epilator. Instead, keep the epilator handy and use it as soon as you notice small patches of unwanted hair. This approach leads to shorter sessions and, subsequently, less pain. Furthermore, frequent epilation results in finer hair regrowth over time, which can enhance your pain tolerance.
10. Choose an Epilator with More Tweezers
An epilator with fewer tweezers will have to work harder to remove coarse hair, requiring multiple passes and causing increased discomfort. Thus, consider the number of tweezers when selecting an epilator. Models with a higher number of tweezers can grasp more hairs simultaneously, thereby reducing overall treatment time and pain.
