Epilating -- No Longer Scary

I'm so glad I gave our relationship another try...

When I met Y., the first thing I noticed aside from her natural gorgeousness and warm friendliness, was how groomed she was. Y. is one of those women who always looks put together (even after a strenuous workout she still manages to radiate "chic and glowy" as opposed to "disheveled and sweaty"). One of her "secrets" is that she schedules in "beauty nights" for herself, when, after a long day at work, she'll stay in and relax, devoting the evening to manicuring, pedicuring, epilating...

"Wait -- really? You use an epilator?" I asked surprised. I tried one several years ago and it wasn't a happy experience -- it felt like I was running a lawnmower over my legs to rip the hair out. Y. informed me that the newest epilators have improved significantly and she finds using one practically painless now. I wasn't convinced. After all, this was a woman who -- when asked by a work colleague how she could endure wearing high heels all day when flatter shoes would be so much more comfortable -- replied with a smile, "it's not about the comfort". 

Y. went on to extol the virtues of the epilator. It's quick and easy, just plug-and-go; no salon appointments required -- it can be used whenever and wherever, and is great for traveling; there's none of the muss and fuss that comes with waxing; because it pulls the hair out by the root, it gives a much smoother and longer lasting result than what you'd get from shaving. She had me so convinced that I decided to give epilating one more try. And now, the epilator has become my newest Favourite Thing.

Y. was right -- the technology has improved immensely. I have a completely ouch-free experience epilating my legs; there's a bit more "ouch" in the sensitive underarm area, but even there, it's not bad at all. Basically, if you can tolerate waxing, you can absolutely tolerate epilating. In fact, I find epilating less painful because the epilator doesn't "pull" at the skin the way wax does. And I find it as quick as shaving and the results far superior.

There are many epilators out there; after doing some research, it seemed that the Germans were the winners in this area -- I went with Braun. This is the model I bought -- it's on the pricey end, but I wanted the cordless model so I could find a comfortable spot to sit without being bound to a wall outlet. Besides, the money saved on waxing appointments at the salon pays for it many, many times over. There are some great less expensive options in this line as well. Whichever brand you choose, the key to a successful epilating experience is to follow the directions closely (pull the skin taut while epilating, make sure the hair isn't too long, etc.)

I am definitely a convert. Thanks Y., for sharing one of your "secrets"! Now, if you can just let me in on how you manage those high heels day and night...

Comments

[Sue]

I never thought to try one of these always being a razor person myself, but now I'm curious. I like the idea of it lasting longer!

[smg]

When I use a razor in the bikini area I tend to get a horrible acne like outbreak. Does the epilator also result in this?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks for your comment, Sue -- I encourage you to give epilating a try if you're looking for a hair removal method that lasts much longer than shaving!

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks for your question, SMG. It's very common to get inflamed pimples around the bikini line after shaving (there are several causes, the most common being ingrown hairs trapped beneath the skin, causing irritation and skin eruptions). I found shaving in that area very irritating and switched to waxing which was better, but still left me with some initial irritation from the wax pulling at the skin. Now that I have my epilator, I've been starting off carefully and slowly in that sensitive area, and so far, I'm pleased with the results. Like the underarm area, it can be a bit painful, but no worse than waxing. And other than some initial redness, I haven't experienced any significant irritation. A few things to do when either shaving or epilating are to keep the skin (very gently) exfoliated so the hairs trapped underneath can get through; to always stretch the skin taut when removing hair; and to apply a soothing topical treatment after hair removal (I like aloe vera gel or coconut oil).

The model of epilator that I have comes with an electrical shaving head -- I have not tried it, but it may offer a more gentle form of shaving in the bikini area. And it also comes with a cap designed for the underarm and bikini area. If you are going to try it, the key is to begin slowly -- test a small area first to see if you experience any significant irritation.

I hope that helps, let me know if you have more questions!

[R.]

I love my epilator! I never understood why anyone would want to go through the hassle of waxing when this does as good a job or better!

[D.]

I'm sold, where can I get one in Vancouver???

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi D. -- I've seen the Braun models at London Drugs for pretty good prices, but I haven't seen my cordless model there (I ordered mine off Amazon). I'll do a bit of sleuthing around and let you know!

[Justine Cricks]

I just wanted to ask you about which is better to use: a razor or an epilator? I've been looking for an alternative painless bikini hair removal product since it's really painful to use waxing tapes and I must admit that there were times that my skin gets swollen after I used waxing tapes.