Do you want a smoother body without the hassle of uncomfortable hair removal processes? Then using an epilator might be the answer to your unwanted hair problems. If you’re looking for the perfect epilation experience, don’t let the challenge of learning how to use an epilator properly stop you. Epilation is an effective way to remove body hair without the disadvantages of excessive ingrown hair, razor burns, wax burns, etc. With this guide, I am hoping that you will learn more about epilation, the right way to do it, and why it’s so different from other hair removal methods.
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Before Getting Started
First, you need to know how an epilation device works and why it is one of the most effective ways to remove hair from your body. Epilation is the process of removing hair from the skin using a device that has small rotating tweezers. It is much different from a razor because you’re not cutting hair out, rather you are pulling them out at a rapid speed. It might sound painful, but it’s significantly less so than using a regular tweezer to individually pull hair out.
For first time epilator users, you may experience some discomfort and pain while using your device. For those with longer hair, it is recommended that you shave first and wait a few days before trying your new epilator. The reason is that epilating with long hair will only end up breaking some of the hair off instead of pulling it straight out of the follicle.
Here are some tips for shaving to ensure that you avoid razor burn and ingrown hair:
- Use a calming shaving cream, gel, or balm
- Shave with the grain of your hair, meaning where the direction of growth is
- Exfoliate and moisturize after shaving
- Wait a few days for it to grow long enough to use an epilator
Painless Hair Removal?
If you want to know how to use epilator without pain, here are some quick and easy steps on how you can avoid feeling like your hair is being viciously pulled out by mean little epilator elves. First time users are encouraged to try numbing methods for their skin such as:
- Icing The Area Where The Hair Will Be Removed
Make sure that you dry the area with a clean towel and rub talcum or baby powder before epilation. Do not use this method on your bikini area.
- Take A Pain Pill
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, ibuprofen, or mefenamic acid will make the whole process more pleasant. Before doing this, however, make sure you don’t have allergies and that your doctor gives you the green light to take pain relievers before using an epilator.
- Breathing Exercises
Commonly overlooked, one of the most effective ways to relieve pain is to focus on your breathing.
Avoiding Ingrown Hairs
Before you begin using your epilator, you may want to prepare your skin so that it does not develop any ingrown hairs. When epilating legs, ingrown hairs can sometimes spring up because the technique you used is not ideal. Here are some tips to remember to avoid developing ingrown hairs after your epilate any part of your body, especially large areas like legs and arms:
- Exfoliate Before Using Your Epilator: You can do this while taking a bath or by dry-brushing before you epilate.
- Moisturize After Using An Epilator: Don’t use water because that can sometimes cause an infection. Use a water-based moisturizer instead.
- Be Consistent: Continue to exfoliate your body twice or thrice a week to prevent ingrown hair from springing up.
How to Use an Epilator
After following the tips outlined above, it is time to epilate that hair from your body. The first thing you need to do is ensure that the epilator you chose is the one that fits your needs, i.e. for dry skin, for sensitive skin, for oily skin.
Although most epilators are generally fit for all skin types, some are more specifically designed for certain skin types. Now that you have everything you need, here’s how you can epilate your body hair the right way.
Dry Epilation
- Ensure That The Area You Are Epilating Is Dry
Do not put any lotion on before using your epilator. Dry epilation is recommended for most first timers because it means the hair is lighter and easier to grab onto. Putting moisturizer or lotion on will only make it slippery.
- Stretch Out The Skin You Want To Use Your Epilator On
This ensures that the hairs on your skin are standing up, allowing the epilator to grab onto them easily. This also helps loosen the follicle to allow for easier pulling.
- Keep Your Epilator Perpendicular To Your Skin
There may be times when your epilator moves out of its position, but it is important to place it back at a 90-degree angle to your skin to ensure that it covers as much surface as possible.
- Epilate Against The Grain
It is the complete opposite of shaving, but it is more effective for epilation procedures. This ensures that the epilator is pulling away from the follicle with the most force. If you are epilating along the grain of your hair, it is more likely that the epilator might cut the hair instead of pulling it out.
Wet Epilation
When epilating wet skin, it takes a bit longer to pull the hair out because the epilator will find it more difficult to latch on to the hairs on your skin. The only caveat is that it is less painful because your skin is softer and your pores are more open. The other downside is that it may cause ingrown hair to grow if you do not exfoliate immediately.
- Check if your epilator is the wet/dry kind. These are usually rechargeable and available to use in the shower – not in the bath
- Use a moisturizing soap before using the epilator ensure softer skin
- Use warm water to open up your pores
- Epilate against the grain
Epilation on Different Parts of the Body
How to Epilate Underarms
The process is the same for the underarms as it is with your legs and arms. Keep the epilator perpendicular to the skin and make sure the hair is long enough for the epilator to reach it. Apart from that, make sure that you pull up your arms as far as you can to make your underarm skin as taut as possible, just like you would if you were shaving.
How to Use an Epilator on You Face
Using an epilator on your face is a bit tricky. You need to use a specialized epilator that promises to reach the fine hair on your face. If using a regular epilator, the most you can touch is your mustache. With that being said, here are some tips to take before using an epilator on your face.
- Wash your face with a non-moisturizing soap
- Wipe off any oil and residue on your face. A toner works best in this instance
- Use a clear mirror and do it in a room with bright lights so you can see if the epilator is working properly
- Do not epilate your eyebrows or anywhere near your eyes. You might pull out your lashes or ruin the shape of your brows
Epilating Uneven Surfaces
These areas include your knees, elbows, ankles, and toes. It is possible to epilate these areas, but you have to be patient because you must follow the grain of your hair. In these areas, it is quite difficult to see, so make sure you have enough light. You can even ask for help from a friend or roommate to help you reach these difficult areas.
Epilating Your Bikini Area
Although it is possible, epilating your bikini area can prove to be quite painful. It is important that you use an epilator designed for pubic hair because regular epilators are designed for fine hairs on your body. When epilating your bikini area, you may want to use numbing cream or pop a pain reliever before doing so. If you’ve ever had a bikini wax before, just imagine how it feels without the rapid pulling action of the aesthetician. Epilators are slow and gentle, but in the groin area, it’s possible that won’t be the case.
After Epilation
Again, I cannot stress this enough. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. After you epilate, it is important to take these steps to ensure that you avoid developing ingrown hair or get any infections in follicles that were traumatized during epilation.
- Exfoliate Using A Gentle Scrub Like A Loofah
Since your pores are open, it is best not to use any products that have harsh ingredients like citric acid, whitening solutions, etc.
- Moisturize Using An After Epilation Cream
These types of creams are designed to prevent ingrown hair, disinfect your skin, and make it much smoother than it was before. You just need to find the product that is the right fit for your skin.
- Do Not Shower After Dry Epilation
If you’re asking the question, can I shower after epilating? The answer to that is no, when you used the dry epilation method. Water, although clean in most instances, is the number one cause of hair follicle infection. It is better to use a water-based moisturizer as mentioned before.
- Moisturize After Wet Epilation
Use lotion after wet epilation, after exfoliating again. I know this may sound harsh on the skin, but you only epilate whenever you need to.
- Apply Antibacterial Cream Designed For Epilation And Waxing
This will prevent any possible infections and will help your skin heal in the process.
Pro Tips for Epilation
- Use Tea Tree Oil To Disinfect Your Skin
It’s natural and is an effective antibacterial solution for skin care needs. Use only a few drops because it is a potent ingredient. Too much may cause a backlash the way too much antiseptic and antibiotics do. Make sure to apply it BEFORE you epilate.
- Wait Until Night Time To Epilate
This ensures that you can rest immediately after. Do not worry about your hair growing overnight because epilation lets your hair grow slower than it would if you shaved.
- Start At The Hairiest And Least Painful Areas
Not only will this prepare you for the sensation of epilation, it will help desensitize you for the more sensitive areas like your face, ankles, and bikini line.
- Use Aloe Vera Or A Calming Balm After Epilating
For some people, epilating is a very painful experience, especially if they have sensitive nerves. Aloe vera helps calm the skin.
- Use Ice After Epilating To Close Your Pores
Ice can help close your pores immediately, preventing any bacteria from slinking in after your epilate. Still, make sure you disinfect using cream or tea tree oil after for better coverage.
How Often Should You Epilate?
The frequency of epilation should depend on the rate of your hair growth. Some people can epilate once a week, while others have to do it on a daily basis. For those who have persistent facial hair like mustaches and beards, you can epilate every other day.
Epilation VS Waxing
Although some people prefer waxing to epilation, there are many advantages if you choose the latter. Waxing can be expensive if you have to go to the salon every time you need your hair removed. Home wax kits can be difficult to use as well. Epilators are more suitable for those who want to save money because they are convenient and easy to use. You also don’t need to leave your house if you need to get rid of a few stray hairs here and there.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered all that is necessary for your first, second, or maybe your nth epilation, do you think you will use any of the methods we mentioned above? I hope you enjoyed this simple guide on how to use an epilator for a smooth and softer body. If you did, please share this post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
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