Last updated: June 16, 2026 · License: CC BY 4.0
The short answer
Epilators are handheld electrical devices with a rotating head of tiny tweezers that grip and pull hair from the root as the head moves across the skin. The result is smooth skin for three to four weeks — similar to waxing — because the entire hair shaft including the bulb is removed, rather than cut at the surface. Per NHS guidance, repeated epilation over time tends to cause regrowth to become finer and sparser. The main drawback is discomfort, especially on first use, which decreases with continued sessions as hair becomes finer.
Before you start: preparing your skin
Start on dry, clean skin. Unlike wax strips, most epilators work best on dry hair — clean, product-free skin allows the tweezers to grip more effectively. Avoid applying moisturiser, oil, or body lotion to the treatment area before epilating.
Hair length matters. Hair should be at least 0.5mm long to be gripped by the tweezers — roughly two to three days of regrowth if you normally shave. Hair longer than about 5mm can increase discomfort; trim if needed before epilating.
Skin temperature. Many people find epilating easier after a warm shower, as the hair follicle is slightly more relaxed. However, the skin must be fully dry before you begin.
First-session timing. Consider your first use in the evening — the minor redness that typically follows epilation fades overnight, and skin tends to feel less sensitive when you're relaxed.
What you need
- An epilator with a head appropriate for your treatment area. Most devices include a standard head (legs, arms) and a narrower head for bikini or facial use. Do not use a standard head on bikini or intimate skin.
- Clean, dry skin. No moisturiser or oil before use.
- A fragrance-free soothing gel. Apply after the session to calm follicle sensitivity.
- Optional: a hand mirror. Useful for underarm or bikini-line work where visibility is limited.
Step-by-step: using an epilator
1. Stretch the skin taut with your free hand. This is the single most effective technique for reducing discomfort and missed hairs. Loose skin lets the tweezers slip past hair; stretched skin keeps the tweezers in full contact.
2. Hold the device at 90 degrees to the skin surface. A right angle keeps the tweezer head in maximum contact with the skin. Tilting the device reduces grip and increases the chance of hair breaking rather than being pulled from the root.
3. Move the device slowly, against the direction of hair growth. Slow movement gives the rotating head time to grip each hair cleanly. Moving too fast increases the chance of breakage at the surface rather than root removal.
4. Work in sections. For legs, work in overlapping sections from ankle to knee and then knee to thigh. Take short breaks if needed — particularly on first use.
5. Rinse the epilator head regularly. Hair and skin debris can clog the tweezer disc, reducing grip. Most epilator heads detach for rinsing under warm water.
6. Apply a fragrance-free soothing gel immediately after. Avoid any scented products, retinoids, or exfoliating actives on treated skin for at least 24 hours.
Body area guidance
Legs: The most common application. Start with a standard epilator head. The outer calf and lower leg are the easiest starting areas; the inner thigh and behind the knee are more sensitive.
Underarms: Underarm skin is thinner and the crease creates a challenging angle. Use a smaller head if available, stretch the skin by raising your arm, and epilate in multiple directions as underarm hair grows in varied patterns. Expect more discomfort than legs.
Bikini area: Use only a head specifically designed for intimate or bikini use. Root-removal on the bikini line and pubic area carries a higher ingrown-hair risk, particularly for coarser or curlier hair textures — the NHS and AAD both note that pulling hair from the root in these areas increases the chance of the regrowth curling back into the skin. If you experience repeated ingrown hairs in this area, shaving with a multi-blade razor is generally lower-risk than root-removal methods.
Avoid: Broken skin, open cuts, sunburned skin, varicose veins, irritated or inflamed areas, and moles or raised lesions. Do not epilate directly over these.
Managing discomfort
First use is almost always the most uncomfortable, particularly on the thighs, underarms, and bikini line. This is normal — the follicles are not yet adapted to root removal.
Repeated sessions over four to six weeks typically produce a noticeable reduction in discomfort as the hair becomes finer and the follicle adjusts. Many people find that by their third or fourth session, the sensation is mild.
Strategies that reduce discomfort:
- Stretch the skin taut (the single most effective)
- Move the device slowly
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever 30 minutes before (if appropriate for you)
- Use a lower speed setting if the device has one
- Epilate in the evening when you're relaxed
Aftercare
Immediately: Apply a fragrance-free soothing gel or plain aloe vera to the treated area. This reduces temporary redness and follicle sensitivity.
24 hours: Avoid tight clothing on treated areas, intense sweating, hot baths, and any skincare actives (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) on the treated skin.
Ongoing ingrown prevention: Per DermNet NZ guidance, gentle exfoliation two to three times per week as hair begins to regrow — using a soft washcloth or a mild chemical exfoliant — helps prevent hairs from curling back into the skin. This is especially useful on the bikini line, underarms, and lower legs where ingrown risk is higher.
When to stop and seek advice: Persistent redness beyond 24 hours, significant swelling, warmth suggesting infection, or recurring ingrown hairs with inflammation should be assessed by your GP or a board-certified dermatologist.
Epilator vs. other hair removal methods
Epilators sit between waxing and shaving on the effort-vs-result spectrum: longer-lasting than shaving, comparable to waxing in smoothness duration, but more time-consuming to use than wax strips and more painful on first use. They're well-suited to legs and larger body areas where precision isn't the primary concern. For the bikini line and pubic area, where precision and skin sensitivity matter most, a multi-blade razor specifically designed for intimate areas gives you more control with less discomfort and a lower ingrown-hair risk than root-removal methods.
- Waxing vs. shaving: the evidence comparison — method-by-method evidence ratings for duration, ingrown risk, and skin impact
- How to wax at home — if you prefer root-removal with wax for larger areas
- How to get rid of razor bumps — if ingrown hairs and bumps are a recurring issue after hair removal
This guide is informational and is not a substitute for medical advice. For persistent skin reactions, ingrown infections, or concerns after using an epilator, consult your GP or a board-certified dermatologist.
Written by the Freya Editorial Team. Guidance grounded in NHS (nhs.uk), AAD (aad.org), and DermNet NZ (dermnetnz.org). Published under CC BY 4.0 — free to share and adapt with attribution. Last updated June 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an epilator hurt?
First use is the most uncomfortable. Epilation pulls hair from the root — the sensation is similar to waxing, but localised to small patches at a time. Most people find discomfort decreases significantly with repeated sessions as the hair becomes finer and the skin adjusts. Stretching the skin taut and moving the device slowly in the direction of hair growth reduces the sensation. Over-the-counter pain relievers taken 30 minutes before your first session may help; some people also find evening use easier, as the skin tends to be less sensitive.
How long do epilator results last compared to shaving or waxing?
Epilators remove hair at the root, so results last three to four weeks — comparable to waxing and significantly longer than shaving (one to three days). Per NHS guidance, repeated epilation over several months tends to cause regrowth to become finer and less dense, which can further extend the smooth period. Results vary by body area: underarm and bikini-line hair often regrows faster than leg hair.
Can I use an epilator on my bikini area?
Some epilators include a head designed for the bikini and intimate areas, but proceed carefully. Bikini-area skin is significantly more sensitive than leg skin, and root-removal in this area tends to produce more discomfort and a higher rate of ingrown hairs — particularly for people with coarser or curlier hair. If you do use an epilator on the bikini line, use the smallest or most precise head, stretch the skin taut, and epilate in the direction of hair growth rather than against it. AAD guidance on pseudofolliculitis (razor bumps and ingrowns) recommends letting hair grow slightly between sessions to reduce ingrown risk.
How do I reduce redness and irritation after using an epilator?
Apply a fragrance-free soothing gel or plain aloe vera immediately after epilation. Avoid tight clothing on treated areas for 24 hours, and skip hot baths, intense exercise, or any skincare actives (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) on treated skin for at least 24 hours. Mild redness and small bumps around the follicles are normal and typically fade within a few hours. Per DermNet NZ guidance on pseudofolliculitis, gentle exfoliation two to three times per week as hair begins to regrow can reduce the incidence of ingrown hairs.
How does an epilator compare to waxing or shaving?
Epilators and waxing both remove hair at the root and deliver similar smoothness duration (three to four weeks). Waxing covers larger areas more quickly; epilators require more time but let you treat only the areas you want at home without heating wax. Both methods carry a higher ingrown-hair risk than shaving because the hair is pulled from the root. Shaving is faster, less painful, and lower in ingrown risk — but leaves the skin smooth for only one to three days. For the bikini line and pubic area specifically, where precision and skin sensitivity are priorities, a multi-blade razor designed for intimate areas tends to cause less irritation than root-removal methods.