The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (2024)

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (1)

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We’re blessed to have more options than ever for our hair removal needs. But when shaving, waxing,

lasering, tweezing, threading, or whatever doesn’t work, there’s one tool that might just be able to do the job: the epilator.

But what is an epilator? As Marisa Garshick, dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, describes, it’s a handheld device that works to grab multiple hairs at the root, using a spring, disc, or plate. So think of it like a tweezer on steroids, that whisks out body and facial hair at a wax-like speed.

Shop The Best Epilators

While that may sound painful for some, there are plenty of pros to it. “It can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving,” adds Garshick. So if this has piqued your interest and you’re ready to try one for yourself, we’ve got you. Shop the best epilators we love below.

Best Trimmer

Philips Norelco Epilator Series 8000

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Best Trimmer

Philips Norelco Epilator Series 8000

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (13)Can be used wet and dry
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (14)Loud when in-use

Hello, versatility! You can use this two-in-one epilator and trimmer on wet or dry skin. It also features 40 minutes of cordless use and five unique attachments, so you can get exactly the hair-removal experience you've been dreaming of without any breaks. The 32 rotating disks inside the epilator head can snag teensy, tiny hairs, too—we're talking as short as 0.5 millimeters here.

Customer Review:

"This thing gets the job done fast and am hair free for a month. It's very durable and last for many years in. Could not be without it!" — Judy

Best Full-Body Epilator

Panasonic Cordless Shaver Epilator

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (15)

Best Full-Body Epilator

Panasonic Cordless Shaver Epilator

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (16)Multipurpose
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (17)Shaver and epilator
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (18)Can be painful if you're sensitive

Welcome to full-body smoothness. Panasonic's multipurpose epilator can be used on your arms, armpits, legs, and bikini line thanks to its epilation head, shaver, skin-protecting cap guards, and bikini attachment.

Customer Review:

"This one is INCREDIBLE. My skin wasn’t pulled at all, the pain was minimal, and I barely had any bumps. I would give this 100 stars if I could." — Keri

Best for Beginners

Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3 3-270

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (19)

Best for Beginners

Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3 3-270

Now 27% Off

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (20)Compact size
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (21)Covers smaller surface area

Does your epilator need to be adorable? No, but it doesn't hurt (well, metaphorically speaking). Toggle between the two speed settings and use the built-in light to guide yourself to a smooth, clean epilation.

Customer Review:

"I’ve been using epilators for quite a long time now and this one is so far the best I’ve used. Very easy to use and clean, lightweight, and works very efficiently. My go-to product for hair removal. Definitely recommend!" — Kriti

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Most Versatile

Braun FaceSpa Pro 911

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Most Versatile

Braun FaceSpa Pro 911

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (23)Great for face
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (24)Useful attachments
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (25)Pricey

Another Braun epilator, this device is made specifically for facial hair removal—and can reach hairs down to .02 millimeters in size. It also comes with a facial cleansing brush and the toning attachment—which can be used to apply moisturizers and serums—so you'll basically use it every single day.

Customer Review:

"This works amazingly! I have been plucking hair for years. For me this was only painful where my facial hair was a little longer, otherwise, I had no pain or pulling at all. It is very simple to operate and only took 1 hour to charge. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking into an epilator." — Penny

Best Wet or Dry

Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030 with Flexible Head

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Best Wet or Dry

Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030 with Flexible Head

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (27)Easy-to-use swivel head
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (28)Multiple attachments
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (29)Pricey

This do-it-all epilator can be used both wet and dry, and on the face and body. Plus, it features a swivel head to get to hard-to-reach areas.

Customer Review:

"This epilator is a life changer. I've never waxed/shaved my legs in my entire whole life until I found Braun Epilator. I was hesitant to buy this at first, but after doing some research about this product, I was convinced to buy one. I'm so happy with the results! I never thought my legs would be this smooth and hair-free looking!" — Marianne

Best Pain-Free

Conair Conair Full Body Epilator & Hair Removal

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (30)

Best Pain-Free

Conair Conair Full Body Epilator & Hair Removal

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (31)Great price
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (32)May take longer to remove all hair

Compact and under $35, this epilator is both a great deal and a great size. Reviewers swear by its painless removal and slow hair regrowth.

Customer Review:

"I've tried a few different brands and this one works the best for me. Some of them don't get close enough to the skin, or don't have a wide enough area; this one is just right. The charge seems to hold well, too." — Cathy

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Best for Face

ElectriBrite Facial Hair Removal Epilator

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (33)

Best for Face

ElectriBrite Facial Hair Removal Epilator

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (34)Gets hard-to-reach hairs
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (35)Great for small areas
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (36)Can be painful on sensitive skin

This user-loved tool works flawlessly on smaller areas like the face, bikini line, and underarms. Reviewers love its ability to grab short, hard-to-reach hairs—one even said her only regret was not purchasing it years ago.

Customer Review:

"This is a great epilator with a rechargeable battery and works for a long time on one charge. Using without the cord is liberating! LOL It’s really gentle and you can use it on your face and it works on that hard-to-grip downy facial hair. Comfortable to hold and get that 90-degree angle you need for best removal. Great price. I absolutely recommend!" — Elaine

Best Compact Epilator

Epilady Esthetic Delicate Facial Epilator

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (37)

Best Compact Epilator

Epilady Esthetic Delicate Facial Epilator

Now 30% Off

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (38)Great for face
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (39)Small size
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (40)Only reaches small areas

The perfect size for facial hair, Epilady's Esthetic epilator grabs those tiny hairs on the chin, upper lip, and cheeks. Plus, its compact size allows for easy on-the-go removal—just throw it in your bag.

Customer Review:

"I was a bit apprehensive to buy this initially. However, the device is easy to use, and performs perfectly. Glad I made the purchase." — Brenda

Best for Sensitive Skin

Philips Satinelle Essential Compact Hair Removal Epilator

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (41)

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (42)

Best for Sensitive Skin

Philips Satinelle Essential Compact Hair Removal Epilator

Pros
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (43)Good for bikini and sensitive areas
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (44)Ergonomic grip
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (45)Compact
Cons
  • The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (46)Corded

Hadley King, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, loves this epilator for its rounded design and ergonomic grip. It also has an extra cap that can be placed on the head for a more gentle application, making it a great option for the bikini area or sensitive areas.

Customer Review:

"This turned a 30-minute chore into a 5-minute breeze! And it does a better job than tweezers. I wish I had not waited so long. Love it!" — A. Reid

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (47)

How do epilators work?

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (48)

Think of epilators like giant, electric tweezers. They grab each hair and pull them out, leaving you silky smooth and hair-free.

Do epilators hurt?

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Well, they don't not hurt. Again, they work by pulling out your hair, so there will be a pinching feeling associated with it. However, many users say it's far less painful than waxing, so we'll consider that a win.

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Can I use an epilator in the shower?

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Some epilators have wet and dry capabilities, and some don't. Make sure to read the instructions before using around water.

How do you use an epilator?

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King says that you need to first let the hair grow out a little so that there's enough length to be picked up by the epilator. Then she recommends doing a gentle physical exfoliation. "Take a warm shower and use an exfoliating body scrub, gloves, mitt, loofah, or brush," she says. "This will help to expose hairs so they can be picked up the epilator and it also helps decrease the risk of ingrown hair."

Then you'll hold skin taut and move the epilator along the area to be treated. When finished, reach for a non-comedogenic moisturizer to soothe the skin.

What should you look for in an epilator?

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (52)

King recommends looking for ones that are waterproof; these will be more convenient for your routine and make it easier to clean. She adds that it would be helpful to look for a cordless epilator and ergonomic handle with a small rounded head to make it more comfortable for you to use.

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Meet the Experts

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  • Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
  • Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (54)

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal (2024)

FAQs

The 9 Best Epilators for Easy Hair Removal? ›

Similarly, Braun Silk-epil 5 wet and dry epilator makes epilation super easy, especially for newbies, thanks to its beginner cap that lets you epilate in one gentle stroke. If you're comfortable with dry epilation on the skin, then you can choose either a dry epilator or go for a wet and dry epilator.

Which is the best epilator to buy? ›

Which are the best epilators in 2024? At a glance
  • Best epilator for face (and best overall) – Panasonic ES-EY90-A511 Wet and Dry.
  • Best value epilator – Magnitone Pluck It 2 Super Glide Compact.
  • Best epilator for women – Philips Series BRE740/11 8000.
  • Best epilator for bikini area – Braun Silk-Epil 9-flex.
Jan 2, 2024

Which epilator is best for beginners? ›

Similarly, Braun Silk-epil 5 wet and dry epilator makes epilation super easy, especially for newbies, thanks to its beginner cap that lets you epilate in one gentle stroke. If you're comfortable with dry epilation on the skin, then you can choose either a dry epilator or go for a wet and dry epilator.

Do dermatologists recommend epilators? ›

"Epilators can be a good option for someone who is not a candidate for laser hair removal or gets irritation with depilatory creams and shaving," explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York's MDCS Dermatology.

Which epilator removes hair from root? ›

Braun Series-3/3270 Epilator.

Are expensive epilators better? ›

With any technology products, the more expensive it is the more features and advanced technology it has. Some of the more expensive ones have wider heads and better tweezers for a smoother finish. They also come with extra add-ons like a skin buffer or face epilator too.

Is it better to epilate wet or dry? ›

Epilating wet is going to be a less painful than dry, as there's water to coat and comfort the skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, MD. However, "dry epilation is more efficient because the hairs are not flatted down by water," she says, so the epilator can catch and pull each hair better.

Is an epilator worth buying? ›

They deliver long-lasting results. Pretty much like waxing, an epilator also removes hair from the roots without actually using the hot wax. Instead, it plucks away hair as you move it over different parts of your body. They are small and handy, easy to carry in your handbags on your vacations.

What are the cons of using an epilator? ›

It can be uncomfortable or painful, especially at first. According to a popular epilation blog DenisaPicks, if you go too fast or move the device against the direction of hair growth, you may break the hair rather than pull it out from the root. These shorter, broken hairs may become ingrown or infected.

Who shouldn't use an epilator? ›

If you're more sensitive or prone to pain, epilation might not be the best for you.

What are the risks of epilating? ›

A person may get painful bumps and rashes around the pores for a few hours after using epilators. This generally resolves after some time. If you have sensitive skin, you may have severe rashes and boils. You may also experience some ingrown hair after using epilators and waxing.

Can I epilate my pubic hair? ›

Epilation

It is one of the best tools used for pubic hair removal at home. The results derived by epilation last for up to 3-4 weeks. As the hair is plucked from its roots, it can be a little painful at first. But after a few sessions, this discomfort decreases drastically.

Why is epilator not removing hair? ›

For your epilator to remove your hair properly, its important to hold it at the right angle. Check your epilator's model number. If it starts with BRE610 or BRE630 then hold the epilator upright at a 90° angle to your skin. For other model numbers, its better to hold the epilator a bit tilted at a 75° angle.

How many times do you have to epilate before hair stops growing? ›

To prevent your hair from growing, you may have to perform between two and four cycles of epilation in conjunction with applying the FRÉNÉSIES cream. In extreme and very rare cases, the treatment may take up to 6 cycles to achieve the permanent results.

Is it worth buying an epilator? ›

In general, epilators remove more hair than electric shavers do. Although they can take more time and effort to use than shavers, they can save you time and energy in the long run. Because an epilator removes hairs at the root, you won't have to use it again for several weeks.

What is the difference between a laser epilator and an epilator? ›

An epilator rips the hair out of the root, similar to waxing, and has to be done time and time again. Laser Hair Removal feels similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin, and once you have completed all your treatments, you shouldn't ever have to wax, shave, pluck, epilate or laser again.

Is epilator better than electric shaver? ›

Epilation provides lasting smoothness

With epilation, you get smooth skin that lasts up to 4 weeks. That's because removing hair from the root means that hair takes longer to grow back than removal with surface methods like shaving and creams. Plus, when it does grow back it's softer and finer than before.

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