Try doing this and getting back to me with the answers you receive:
Ask five women about their favourite childhood memories and see if someone says ‘not having to shave their arms and legs’ comes up. Because that does really top my list! Does it yours too?
Couple that with the fact that I have a love-hate relationship with salons. Yes, because the two words ‘hair removal’ weren’t enough to drain my mood! I’ll reserve the salon part for later but I just want you to know that this is why I do most of the beauty stuff myself or at most, avail a home salon service.
This is the main reason why I decided to go for hair removal using epilator. This and that one time when I got a bad reaction from waxing and had to see my derma immediately. Now, quickly moving on to how epilators have changed my life and of course, helped me save a lot of money too! ^_^
Introduction
An epilator is a pocket-sized device that pulls out hair from the root with tiny tweezers. Yep, no pokey stubble! Hair removal using epilator is not a quick process like shaving but it gives a smooth and hair-free skin for two weeks easily. For some, the results may last longer depending on their hair growth cycle.
The more the tweezers, the faster is the epilating process.
My experience with other hair removal methods
Since I have never tried shaving, I can’t make any comment about it. When I went for my first waxing session, I used a depilatory cream beforehand. The reason being I had long hair and didn’t want it to hurt like a b****. I availed a home salon service. As a first timer, it hurt a lot. I cried my eyes out and ate so many chocolates that day. My skin became extremely red and bumpy. After some hours, it returned to its original state. Thankfully!
But I never liked waxing. My hair grew back quickly and I needed another session after two weeks. Once I had a very bad reaction from it and that made me finally switch to another method. I decided to go with an epilator.
What about laser? I’m super tempted by it but the chances of it suiting my super sensitive skin seem really low.
Cost comparison with waxing
The monthly expense for waxing roughly came down to Rs.1000 something for me. That means I was spending some Rs.12,000 (arms, legs and under-arms)on a yearly basis. The current model I own was bought by me for Rs 2000 on a discount. I’ve been using it for over 2 years. So, hair removal using epilator is also cost-cutting.
Epilator I use
The first epilator I bought was from Panasonic but I don’t model isn’t available anymore. I got it at a superb discounted price of just Rs.1000. Since it was my first time, I didn’t want to spend a lot. It wasn’t very effective in removing hair from the root. Sometimes, it used to cut them at the surface of the skin without pulling the root. I first wanted to get used to the process and be really sure that I’m okay with this approach before investing in a costlier device.
I used it for 6 months and then, I bought Philips Satinelle Epilator HP6421/00. I was surprised to see the epilating process speed up with this one as it had more discs than the previous one. Plus, it removes hair from the roots giving a much cleaner look. I have been using it for more than 2 years.
My first experience with an epilator
Since I was going from waxing to epilating, I was used to the pain. That said, I still found it difficult to make through the first session. Okay, very difficult! It was awful! The moment I turned on the switch, the very idea of moving those tweezers on my skin was terrifying. I was like:
I went ahead and started with my legs as that’s the area where I found the waxing to be least painful. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them clean after spending 30 minutes. I took breaks also in between. The result wasn’t very neat because it was my first time. But I was so happy to have made through it. I was like ‘Goodbye waxing!’
Why I like epilators
– They’re a one-time investment. There are products needed for the before/after session but the same goes for waxing too.
– Comfort of your home
– Easy to use once you get the hang
– Different accessories for different areas
– Hair grows back finely
– Lasts for long
– No rushing to salon for emergencies
How I use epilator
I first used to sit on a floor with a blanket laid on it but it was uncomfortable. Now, I lay it on my bed. I always wash it after the whole process is done. Being at ease is important for me.
I also apply a powder before so that there’s no moisture which helps in removing the hair more effectively.
I hold my skin taut and move it against the direction of my hair, holding it a 90 degree angle. At first, I used to press it hard against my skin which led to the hair being cut and not pulled out from the root. I used to do that because it caused less pain. I don’t do it anymore.
If you’re someone like me whose hair grows in 10 different directions, you will find yourself moving the epilators from a lot of different sides.
When do I epilate
Right after exfoliating in the shower! I’m sure you must have read about this tip but there’s a reason why so many recommend doing it. Exfoliating before using an epilator loosens the dead cells and helps get rid of ingrown hairs to a good extent.
Since my skin becomes red after using it, I carry the process at least 5-6 hours or a day before I have to go out somewhere.
Tips on reducing epilator pain
Remember the first time you got waxing done? You had to force yourself to bear it and remind yourself that the pain will gradually decrease you will get used to it. It’s the same with epilator! You need to give it time.
Here are a few things you can do to reduce pain when using an epilator:
– After my first few trials, I started listening songs to keep myself a little distracted. I will not suggest watching television as I find it too much of a diversion. You need to concentrate when doing this.
– In winters, I once went without epilating for a month. Yes, I can be very lazy. I was scared to epilate but I mustered the courage to do it. It hurt a lot. That’s when I learned another lesson: Don’t let your hair grow back too much.
– Hold the skin tight. This not just helps in reducing epilator pain but also helps remove hair properly.
– Don’t take breaks unless you’ve completed one area! This just makes it more painful. As they say, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
– The number of tweezers your epilator has is indirectly related to the amount of pain you will go through. How? Because the faster is the process, the faster you can get over with the pain.
– Start with the lower speed setting.
– Unless I really have to, I never epilate during the monthly cycle as the body becomes more sensitive at that time.
– You can also try an ice-pack to lessen the pain.
Products I use before/after epilating session
– To avoid a flaky skin after the session, I apply oil 15-20 minutes before taking a shower and rinse it off. No, the skin isn’t left greasy. Currently, I’m using Johnson’s baby oil.
– I also use an exfoliator to help with the ingrown hairs. Being consistent with it is the key to avoid them to a major extent in the long run. I still think talking about ingrown hairs needs a post of its own. Do you want me to do one? I have been using Biotique bio papaya tan removal scrub for quite some time now with good results.
– After I am done, I follow up with patting a towel soaked in cold water on my skin. I finish up with a lotion.
– My Bluetooth speaker is a must have for me! It helps me take my mind off pain.
– I now wish to try this WOW hair vanish product as I have read some pretty awesome things about it. Have you tried it?
Epilating on under-arms
The first time I did it, I nearly died! There was a little blood but I wasn’t shocked. That’s because I had the same experience when I got waxing done on it for the first time. Talk about sensitive skin! After doing this for 2 years, I wish I could say that it doesn’t hurt. It still does but let’s just say that I’m used to it. For this area, I keep switching between waxing and epilating.
To epilate underarms, first put the cap on the epilator and then, place your arm over your head and stretch it to lessen the pain. Also, I always wash them with warm water first to loosen the pores. This actually helps in reducing pain.
For me, the area where it pains the most is
..toes! It’s during this time that I curse my existence! With waxing, it used to hurt even more.
How long does epilation last
It all depends on your hair growth cycle.
For me, it’s twice a month. Lately, I have been noticing less growth on my legs. So, for that, it has come down to once a month.
How long does it take
Hair removal using epilator takes longer than waxing.
I wish epilators were
..not loud. I once thought of purchasing noise-cancelling headphones but then I wouldn’t be able to hear songs to distract myself. Plus, Rs. 5000 for it! Who was I kidding? I was making a wish list on the makeup products I could purchase with it! Ahaha!
Summary
With shaving doing rounds in the blogosphere, I definitely feel that hair removal using epilator has gone out of the limelight. But if you’re thinking of switching from your current hair removal method, I urge you to give them a try. Yes, it pains. But if you can make it through the first session, you will be saving a lot of salon trips and of course, money too! As a beginner, I suggest you to try an affordable one. You can always go for the best one later if your budget allows. I have my eyes on Braun Silk Epil 9 and I’m surely going to get it before the end of this year.
Did you find this post helpful? What’s your favourite method of hair removal? Let me know if you’ve any question in the comment section below.
*Pulls up the sleeves of her sweater and notices the growth.. Ooh! A lot of days to go before the misery begins again..Hufff!*
Epilators give a great finish and hold hairs for long but I haven’t gathered courage till yet to use them!
I think waxing not suiting my sensitive skin much and my rocky relationship with salons made me tried it. That said, I don’t think I’m ever looking back. Well, unless I decide to get laser.
Nice post and very helpful. Did u tried Rica waxing, it hurts less than normal waxing though its little expensive. I also use epiliator when in rush and have not time to go to parlour. Else I prefer waxing only. I tell you a cheat for waxing with less pain. Apply a coat of wax dab some taclum powder over wax, then put another layer of wax over it and finally pull it off with a strip. Super helpful in removing hairs for underarms, bikini area without too much pain. And when I said that trust me 50% lesser pain.
Yes, rica, aloe, chocolate 😛
That is such a brilliant trick, Shikha. The salon lady used to do the exact same thing on me and it used to hurt wayyyy lesss. It also pulled out tiny hairs in a much better manner 😀
If you like waxing, stick with it. I just like how epilators help me remove hair at home without the whole salon experience.