The straight answer to this question is that epilators do not cause pain per se, but rather a sensation of discomfort. While epilators work by plucking hair, they do not cause as much pain as waxing. The epilator pain keeps reducing as you get used to the device, so after a few uses you won’t really feel any pain, just discomfort.
First Time Use
It almost goes without saying that the first time you use an epilator, it will come with more than your fair share of discomfort. This is particularly true when you consider that some epilators such as the Emjoi AP-18 Emagine Dual Opposed 72 Tweezer Head Epilator come with 72 tweezers, all plucking your hair at the same time. Sounds like some kind of nightmare, right? But, it does make the whole experience go by faster, and you won’t have to re-do the same areas multiple times!
The level of epilator pain varies from one user to the other, but the most important thing to remember is that the more you do it, the more you get used to it. It will hurt less and less as you keep using it. Don’t give up after the first time, because you won’t have given it a fair chance. Having said that, there are tips you can use to reduce the pain, even if you’re using the device for the first time.
Tip 1 – Buy a good epilator that’s highly rated in the market. Be sure to read my top 10 best epilators reviews and choose the unit that you feel best works for your needs. While you’re at it, check out my post that answers the question, how do epilators work? It’s important to familiarize yourself with an epilator’s mechanism before using it. That way, you will use it appropriately and reduce the pain.
Tip 2 – Shave your legs at least two to three days before using an epilator. Research indicates that an epilator will be more efficient and hurt less if used on hairs with a shorter length. Long hair, in essence, raises the chances of hair getting stuck in the tweezers. Very short hair, on the other hand, will be barely reachable by the epilator’s head.
Tip 3 – If you’re wary of the pain, you may consider taking painkillers or applying a numbing cream on the area you’re going to epilate before using an epilator. Be sure to exfoliate the skin as well, because exfoliation helps widen the pores for easy removal of the hair.
Tip 4 – Use the lower setting first so you can tell if the epilator pain is something you can handle. Most people can handle it, as long as they’re informed ahead of time what to expect! It’s recommended that you start with the lower part of the legs towards the inside since this is considered as a less sensitive area.
Tip 5 – Use the epilator as close to the skin as possible. Some models come with massage attachments to help with pain. One such unit is the Braun Silk-Epil Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator that features the exclusive Micro-grip technology, extra wide heads, and pulsating vibration massage to reduce the level of pain.
Important Things to Remember
- Epilate at night so that any redness will have disappeared by morning
- Be gentle; you’re more likely to reduce epilating pain if you take your time. Move the epilator slowly over the skin so that the head can grab as much hair as possible in one stroke.
- Take a hot shower before epilating, as it helps reduce the pain
- Most epilators don’t work well on wet skin, unless they’re designed for it. Dry the skin with a clean towel before epilating
Conclusion
Epilators are typically designed to help remove your hair with the least pain possible. Stories about epilator pain should not prevent you from using one for yourself. For more insights, be sure to read my post on how to reduce pain while using epilators.
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