Why use an Epilator?

So hair removal may not be up there in importance with world peace, education and healthcare but it is still a time consuming necessity for many people all over the globe. Both women and men spend millions every year on hair removal products and although technology has improved, it’s still a very varied industry.

While shaving only lasts a day or so, is time consuming and requires continuous purchases of blades, other methods such as waxing and epilating have the ability to produce considerably longer lasting results. Waxing is typically messy and expensive to have done professionally, while difficult and painful to do yourself and so epilating is the next logical method to try.

Comparing and researching epilators is a time-consuming task but not to worry, we have done all that research for you, looked at the big and little differences, and compared the prices so you can get all the vital information in one place.

Best Epilator 2020 Comparison Table

Epilator	No. of Tweezers	Speed Settings	Waterproof?	Power	Accessories	Guarantee Length	Price	Rating
Panasonic ED90 Wet/ Dry Epilator	48	2	Yes	Rechargeable	Foot care attachment	2 Years	£££	5
Braun Silk-épil 7 7681 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator with 5 Attachments	40	2	Yes	Rechargeable	Shaver head trimmer cap, efficiency cap sensitive area cap facial cap	2 Years	£££	4.3
Braun Silk-épil 5 5780 Epilator with Five Attachments and Cooling Glove	40	2	Washable but not fully waterproof	Corded	Shaver head trimmer cap efficiency cap sensitive area cap facial cap	2 Years	££	4.2
Braun Silk-épil 7 Skin Spa Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator and Sonic Exfoliation Brush	40	2	Yes	Rechargeable	Exfoliating brush head shaver head trimmer cap sensitive cap facial cap	2 Years	££££	4.1
Womens Hair Removal Epilator Shaver - No More Tweezers - Wizzit	None	1	No	2 x AAA batteries	None	1 Year	£	3.3
Emjoi AP-9L Epi Slim Travel Compact Epilator	72	1	No	2 x AA batteries	None	1 Year	£	4.1
iVog X-Tweez Dual Opposed 72 Tweezer Head Rechargeable Epilator & Shaver	72	2	No	Rechargeable	Epilating Tweezer Head Shaving head Clear shaver cover exfoliating pad, cleaning brush AC Plug	Lifetime Limited Warranty	££	4
Philips Satinelle Corded Epilator HP6422/00 with Optistart Cap Massage Roller	Not listed	2	Washable but not fully waterproof	Corded	Opti-start cap	2 Years	££	4
Philips Satinelle Corded Epilator HP6423/00 with Ladyshave Head Plus Trimming Comb	21	2	Washable but not fully waterproof	Corded	Ladyshave head trimming comb	2 Years	££	4.1
Braun Silk-épil 7 7569 - Wet & Dry Cordless Epilator with 6 Extras	40	2	Yes	Rechargeable	Shaver head trimmer cap efficiency cap sensitive area cap facial cap cleansing brush	2 Years	££££	4.4
Braun Silk-A epil 7 7181 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator	40	2	Yes	Rechargeable	Efficiency cap	2 Years	££££	4.4

The 2020 epilator comparison table above includes 9 columns:

The epilator name and picture
The number of tweezers inside the epilator
The number of speed settings the epilator has
Whether or not the epilator is waterproof
How the epilator is powered
Accessories that come with the epilator
The length of the manufacturers guarantee
Price guide – Based on the approximate current selling price from Amazon. The prices change frequently depending on availability and special offers. Generally speaking £ = Under £20, ££ = £20 – £50, £££ = £50 – £80, ££££ = £80 – £100
Rating – The average user rating from Amazon UK reviews which provides a good indicator of how satisfied people are with their purchase.

Top Epilators of 2020

Panasonic ED90

Arriving with 6 attachments including a shaver head and a pedicure buffer, this is the king of epilators. Panasonic haven’t faffed around with loads of models that are all the same except for a single attachment and instead have collated their epilation technology and additions into one brilliant hair removal tool.

If you’re looking for high quality, superb effectiveness and a real all-in-one device then you will fall in love with this. It provides smooth, hair free skin with as little discomfort as possible and also lets you swap heads for sensitive areas, gentler epilation and precision areas like the bikini line.

This epilator is ideal for someone who already knows they like epilating and is looking for the best of the best. It’ll last you for years, is totally waterproof and has a 1 hour charge time. If you’re a beginner, this will probably get you into epilating but the price may just be too much if you’re not 100% sure.

Panasonic ES-ED90 Full Review

>>> Click Here to see Pricing and Reviews on Amazon <<<

Braun Silk-épil 9 9-961 Wet & Dry Cordless Epilator & Exfoliation System Review

With one of Braun’s best epilators, this complete exfoliation and epilation kit is for those who want quality of product and quality of results. While many epilators have a compromise somewhere, less battery life but waterproof etc, this Braun has got it all. And more.

With six attachments, there’s not a lot this Silk-épil can’t do. It has a shaver head, a facial cleansing brush, a body exfoliation brush, a trimmer cap, a high frequency massage attachment, a skin contact cap (for sensitive skin) and a facial cap. Can you think of anything else you could need here? Braun’s one overlooked thing is the storage pouch that only fits the actual epilator but really, it’s hardly a downside.

Not only does it include every attachment, it’s also cordless and waterproof so you can use it in the shower or bath for pain free epilating. Braun don’t offer you the cordless, rechargeable epilator just for it to run out at an inconvenient time though, oh no. This one only takes one hour to charge and gives you 40 minutes of use.

While this epilator is at a price that takes some consideration, it’s not just for those who already know they like epilating. This is actually a good choice for a beginner too because it’s a relatively pain free device, will help get you into some great exfoliation routines and, well, it just works so well you’ll be hooked.

Braun Silk-épil 9 9-961 Wet & Dry Cordless Epilator & Exfoliation System Full Review

>>> Click Here to see Pricing and Reviews on Amazon <<<

Braun Silk-Epil 7 7569 Wet and Dry Cordless with 6 Attachments

This is one of Braun’s many Silk-Epil 7 epilators but you can’t deny that they are some of the best on the market. This one contains the classic Braun technology of SmartLight, pivoting head, SoftTips hair pick up and a whole load of attachments.

It is expensive but is wholly comprehensive and of the same standard as the Panasonic ED90. If you’re looking to upgrade your current epilator and want all the attachments and shaving option, this is a great purchase. It comes with a facial cap and efficiency cap meaning you can deal with facial hair gently and leg hair quickly.

Cordless, rechargeable and totally waterproof, this epilator gives you the priceless option of epilating in the bath or shower and that, combined with its attachments and 1 hour charge time, make it a real winner in my eyes.

Braun Silk-Epil 7 7569 Wet and Dry Cordless with 6 Attachments Full Review

>>> Click Here to see Pricing and Reviews on Amazon <<<

Braun Silk-Epil 7 Skin Spa Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator and Sonic Exfoliation Brush

Another Silk-Epil 7 from Braun, this epilator comes with a Sonic Exfoliation brush that is a great help in reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. Manually exfoliating takes time and effort and is easily put off until another day but with this exfoliation attachment you’ll find yourself with smooth skin at the touch of a button.

With the usual Braun SmartLight, 1 hour charge time, pivoting head and hair pick up feature, this is simply a great product. It’s effective at removing hairs first time or with a small amount of repetition and is relatively pain free. With a shaver head and trimmer head, this epilator doubles up as a general hair management tool and you won’t be disappointed.

Again, as with the other Braun products, it’s not cheap but it is good. Budget epilating isn’t fun for anyone and it’s worth investing in a decent product. The addition of the exfoliation brush to this cordless, waterproof Braun epilator is a real bonus.

Braun Silk-Epil 7 Skin Spa Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator and Sonic Exfoliation Brush Full Review

>>> Click Here to see Pricing and Reviews on Amazon <<<

Braun Silk-A Epil 7 7181 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator with One Attachment

For a beginner who doesn’t want to spend tons but is willing to put a little investment in, this is the Braun product for you. The Silk-A will ease you gently into epilating with its comfortable and high quality technology and comes with an efficiency cap for faster epilation.

If you just want an epilator for your legs then this is a good choice as it’s cheaper than others by Braun and Panasonic and doesn’t give you a load of extras you’re not interested in. It comes with Olay wipes which will help soothe your skin and because it can be used in the shower, you’re likely to experience only mild discomfort for your first few times.

This is a real beginner’s favourite; it’ll give you a good impression of epilating and will leave you with smooth legs, not the fear of agony that budget devices can. It charges in just one hour and will then provide 40 minutes of use so you may easily find it lasting for weeks and weeks before it needs charging again!

Braun Silk-A Epil 7 7181 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator with One Attachment Full Review

>>> Click Here to see Pricing and Reviews on Amazon <<<

iVog X-Tweez Dual Opposed 72 Tweezer Head Rechargeable Epilator & Shaver

Significantly cheaper than the Braun and Panasonic epilators, this iVog is not necessarily much of a step down in quality. It’s very effective in removing hairs with results lasting for weeks after not too much effort. It has an impressive amount of tweezers and as a result works very quickly. With two speed settings, you can slow it down should you feel too much discomfort and it’s easy and pleasant to hold.

Although it’s not waterproof and therefore not suitable for in-shower use, it is cordless and rechargeable. This means it’s easy to use all over your body without the cord getting in the way and despite the 6 hour charge time, it’ll still run for around 40 minutes.

It comes with an exfoliating pad to help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and also has a shaver head attachment meaning that you don’t need to buy any more razors for the times when you want to shave.

If you’re new to epilating then this is a great choice that won’t break the bank but won’t leave you terrified and in pain either. It’s a perfect mid-range epilator that doesn’t rely on its brand name to sell itself and, instead, is just a nice, effective device with a simple design.

iVog X-Tweez Rechargeable Epilator & Shaver Full Review

>>> Click Here to see Pricing and Reviews on Amazon <<<

What is an Epilator?

The first epilator worked on a moving spring basis and was developed by an Israeli company in the 80s. It worked by trapping hairs between coiled springs and pulling them out by the root. Remington was the next company to jump on the epilating wagon and, after winning a patent based legal battle against the Israeli ‘Epilady’, the field was open to more newcomers.

Remington developed a rotating disc epilator and slowly the technology then moved forward to the tweezer type that rules the shelves today. Although not using actual tweezers, the design of the rotating discs is so that it creates a tweezing effect as the discs grip and rotate away from the hairs, pulling them out.

Because hair grows at different rates, the regrowth will appear less after epilating, as some hairs will not have yet grown back. This means that, while the first epilation may be painful, it should become less as the hairs are fewer and your skin adjusts to the feeling.

Is an Epilator for you?

Many people find epilating painful the first time and are put off, or use very cheap, poorly designed epilators which are very painful and can damage skin. Those with very sensitive skin may never take to epilating as it could irritate the skin and are better off sticking to the less aggressive method of shaving. Epilating is also not suitable for those with damaged skin or skin infections as you don’t really want to be aggravating your skin any more than necessary. Aside from that, there’s no reason why you can’t get along with epilating.

This method of hair removal can lead to ingrown hairs, which many people find the biggest downfall of epilating. Regular and careful exfoliation will help reduce the risk of these but, sometimes, you will have to accept that ingrown hairs will occasionally happen as a result of epilating.

The financial bonus of epilating is that it will be so much cheaper in the long term than waxing or shaving. Although epilators are moderately expensive, many come with shaver and trimmer heads and so do much more than just epilation. Because the results with epilation last typically between 2 weeks and a month, it’s not time consuming and it means you only need to epilate 12 to 24 times a year! With shaving you’re looking at hundreds of times a year!

If you’re fed up with shaving and buying razors and waxing is just too messy and too expensive – epilating should definitely be on your list of things to try. Dirt cheap epilators are not, in my experience, a good idea but there are plenty of decent mid range and some fantastic top of the range products for you to safely put your skin into the hands of.

Types of Epilators

Modern epilators use variations of the same tools, with tweezing ends and rotating discs. Each model tends to come with one or more attachments and which ones you need depends on what body area you’ll be using it on. The main differences in type then, is the charging and level of water resistance.

Corded Epilators

All the major brands have corded versions of their epilators and these cannot be used in baths or showers. The main upside of the corded epilator is that you never need to remember to charge it and it could last longer than rechargeable batteries, which have a habit of dying completely at some stage. However, I find that cords can get in the way and be more annoying than useful. Because it stops you from using the epilator in water, you won’t have the option of warm water to soothe your skin which can be very comfortable when epilating.

Cordless, Rechargeable Epilators

Usually waterproof (but certainly not always), cordless, rechargeable epilators are very simple to use and are much easier to manoeuvre around your body. Some models have long charge times of around 6 hours which is problematic if you’ve forgotten to charge it and don’t have time to wait but otherwise shouldn’t pose much of a problem. Braun and Panasonic models have amazing charge times of just 1 hour and then will run happily for 40 minutes, allowing you to be more forgetful with your recharging and use less electricity.

Cordless, Battery Epilators

It’s almost exclusively the cheaper models that are battery operated and it’s not an ideal setup. Battery powered epilators tend to go through batteries very quickly which will soon cancel out the money you saved on the epilator by racking up battery costs. Battery powered products are not a bad compromise if you only want to take it on holiday when a charger would weight you down but otherwise, they aren’t particularly desirable.

Waterproof Epilators v Non-Waterproof Epilators

Waterproof epilators are fantastic because they provide total flexibility of use and will minimise discomfort even on very sensitive skin. Warm water relaxes and soothes skin and most people find epilating in the shower less painful than in the dry. Waterproof epilators are always cordless and the combination makes them fast and easy to use and clean.
Non-waterproof epilators can be cleaned with a brush (frequently included) or may have removable heads that can be washed separately with water. If you’re happy with dry epilating then your device being non-waterproof isn’t much of a problem and it mostly comes down to personal preference. Personally, I think the flexibility of the waterproof versions is better.

Does it hurt?

At the end of the day, an epilator traps hair and pulls it out from the root. So yes, it will hurt. But actual pain usually only occurs the first few times and should lessen significantly after than. From then, many people will experience mild discomfort but as time goes on, a lot of users find it totally pain-free. It’s mostly a case of adjusting to the feeling, having a good quality epilator, and the hairs growing back at different rates. Those who have been using epilators for years, typically feel no pain and no discomfort.

Some brands include extras with their epilators, designed to reduce the discomfort. From cooling gloves to Olay wipes and sensitive caps, these are designed to soothe skin or remove fewer hairs at a time in order to reduce pain. Personally, I think epilating with a waterproof epilator under warm water is the best cure for discomfort – but it’s massively down to the individual. Some people cannot stand the feeling at all and some find it a tiny annoyance that quickly dissipates.

Best Epilator 2022 Comparison Guide

Why use an Epilator?

Best Epilator 2020 Comparison Table