All different types of hair removal have their pros and cons. Shaving doesn’t last long and the hair grows back blunter, waxing hurts quite a bit, and tweezing takes ages, with each pull being very uncomfortable.
If all of these methods just don’t cut it for you, you might want to try an epilator machine. Epilators work by moving over the skin, grabbing the hair and removing it directly from the root. It is a fairly quick hair-removal method, and the results can last for weeks.
To do epilation at home, you will need an epilator machine. You will only use your epilator every few weeks, but how long does an epilator machine last? Many people have had the same epilator for many years, and these are usually the older epilators that first hit the market. However, over time, the efficiency of the epilator will dull, and you will need to replace it.
When To Replace Your Epilator Machine
An epilator machine does not work like a razor, which has blades that go dull. Epilators use little springs or tweezers that grip the hair to pull them upwards, so they can never technically go blunt.
However, with continued use, you might notice that the epilator is not picking up and removing as much hair as normal. This could be due to the springs becoming placed further apart, therefore missing more hair, or just the machine becoming old and inefficient.
The rule of thumb is that you should replace your epilator every 2 years, or as soon as you notice that it starts missing any hairs.
The upside to this is that epilator machines are continuously being revolutionized, and are very far from the epilator your mom used. Now, epilators are battery-operated, and often come with different speed settings, heads and LED lights which illuminate the small hairs, allowing you to achieve a smoother result.
To ensure you are getting the best smoothness and hair removal from your epilator, and to keep up on hygiene, you should consider buying a new epilator after 2 years.
If you are looking for a new epilator, you can check out my favorite epilator on Amazon.
Tips For Using An Epilator
Epilating works similar to waxing, removing hair from the root, just without the hot and sticky wax. To be sure that you are making the most of your epilator machine and your hair removal sessions, you should follow the below tips:
Exfoliate – You should always exfoliate before using an epilator. Exfoliating removes all the excess dead skin cells and helps to prevent ingrown hairs. Removing the dead skin cells allows the epilator to be able to grip onto the hairs better, for a more thorough removal.
Hold the machine at 90-degrees – You should begin by positioning the epilator 90-degrees to your skin. Avoid pressing the epilator machine against your skin, just hold it loosely in place. Pull your skin taut with your other hand and move the epilator in the direction of the hair growth. Moving it against the direction of hair growth will cut the hair on the skin, but will not remove it from the root.
Use it at night – Use your epilator machine at night. You might experience some redness and irritation after using your epilator, so it is better to avoid going out after epilating, and rather climb into bed to let your skin heal while you sleep.
Start low – If your epilator has different speed settings, it would be best to start on a low setting. You can always increase the speed but just start slow to determine what you are comfortable with.
Be patient – Your epilator machine will be more effective if you move slowly. Take your time to cover all areas, and to make sure all the hairs are removed. If you move it too fast, you will more than likely miss some hairs.
Moisturize – Once you have finished epilating, you should moisturize your skin using a fragrance-free and oil-free lotion. This will add some hydration back into your skin, and help to soothe it after the epilation. Moisturizers containing fragrances or oil can irritate the skin further, and clog up the opened hair follicles.
Clean your epilator – You should always remember to clean your epilator after every use. This helps to avoid and infection, or irritation, when using your epilator again. Remove any remaining hair from the epilator and use some rubbing alcohol to clean the machine.
Benefits Of Using An Epilator Machine
An epilator machine is such a handy hair removal tool to keep at home. For such a little device, it really does pack a punch with effective and quick hair removal.
Replacing your epilator machine every 2 years will ensure it is in the best condition during epilation, and allow you to enjoy all the benefits of epilating, including:
Smooth Skin – Epilating results in smooth, hair-free skin. The epilator does not damage the skin, how waxing might, and only focusses on pulling out the hairs.
Long-lasting – Using an epilator allows you to enjoy smooth, hair-free skin for longer compared to other methods such as depilatory creams, shaving or tweezing.
Short hair removal – Waxing and tweezing does not always work for short hair removal, as the shorter hairs are more difficult to pick up and remove. However, epilating has been shown to effectively pick up on short and fine hairs, removing them completely from the root.
Less hair over time – Epilating often over an extended period can see your body hair grow back slower and finer. This then results in you having to epilate less often as well.
Affordable – A good epilator machine will not cost you too much, and it will pay itself off tenfold over a period of two years. When waxing, you will have to visit a salon often and pay premium prices for good service. Whereas an epilator machine can last years, and cost next to nothing at all with each use, all from the comfort of your own home.
Related Questions
Do epilator machines work well?
Epilation is regarded as one of the best methods of hair removal. It is very effective at removing almost all the hair and can remove hairs as short as 0.55mm. As the hair is removed from the root, the skin stays smooth and soft for longer.
Does epilation hurt?
Unfortunately, epilation does hurt. The upside is that the pain does subside after a while, once the hair becomes thinner, and once you become used to the sensation. However, epilation does not hurt as much as waxing, as only the hair is removed, unlike waxing where the skin is pulled upwards with the hair.
Can I use my epilator machine on my bikini line?
Epilators are safe to be used all over the body, and can even be used in the more sensitive areas. Some epilators have been designed to suit the more sensitive areas, but most of them can be used all over, on the face, the bikini line, arms, and legs.
Just remember to trim longer hair first, and start at the top of your bikini line and not on the inner thigh.
To soothe the bikini area after epilating, you can freeze some chamomile tea into ice cubes, to apply to the area to soothe it immediately after epilating.
Can I use my epilator machine on thick hair?
It is better to use your epilator machine on short, thin hair. Thicker and longer hair might become stuck in the tweezers and break instead of being pulled out of the root.
Can I use my epilator machine on my face?
There are some great epilators on the market that have been designed to be used on the face, for hair removal on the upper lip, near the ears and between the eyebrows. It is not advised for men to use an epilator on their face, as male facial hair is coarse and tends to be deeply rooted.
Can I share my epilator with another person?
It is very unhygienic to share your epilator machine. It does not matter how much you clean your epilator, it will still contain traces of your dead skin cells, body hair and trace amounts of blood.
Should I epilate before or after a shower?
It is better to epilate after a shower. Just remember to not have an extra hot shower, as this could dry out your skin. Just have a warm shower and dry your skin thoroughly with a towel.
Epilator Machines – Here To Stay
Epilator machines often last longer than 2 years, but to ensure that you keep your epilating sessions hygienic and effective, you should look at upgrading your machine every two years.
This will not only keep your skin safe and hair-free, but you will be able to purchase a new epilator that will probably have much better features which make the whole process more enjoyable, and more comfortable as well.
Look after your epilator and it will give you a good couple years of effective and long-lasting hair removal.
