10 Best Hair Epilators 2024 in the US

Methods of removing body hair can be found in historical records as far back as Ancient Egypt! Both men and women over the centuries have resorted to all sorts of means to remove body hair. Shaving, waxing, and chemical depilatories are popular methods nowadays. But each has their pros and cons. Hair grows back quickly after shaving, producing an uncomfortable stubble. And shaving irritates the skin as well. Waxing takes out hair by the root, which stops growth for 4-6 weeks. But waxing can be uncomfortable, because hairs have to be a certain length for waxing to be effective. An electric epilator can be less painful, and give you longer lasting results!

Admittedly, although the first treatment can be a bit uncomfortable, most people say that, with continued use, your hair grows in less thick, and using the epilator hurts much less. They can provide excellent results, giving you smooth skin for weeks after each treatment. And an epilator can be used in the convenience of your own home, which saves you money on visits to a beauty salon!

We’ll look at the items on the Best Reviews Guide list of the most popular epilators. Some are capable of several functions, such as removing makeup and toning the skin. A hair epilator can be a great addition to your beauty routine!

There are several types of epilators that you’ll see featured in the Best Reviews Guide list. Firstly, we can distinguish between them by their mechanism of how they actually remove hairs:

• Spring-type epilators: These epilators feature a coiled spring that rotates and grabs the hair as it rolls across the skin. The hair is pulled out when the spring bends and releases tension. This was one of the first designs of epilators. But, the device will only last as long as the spring retains its tension. An example is the Epilady Classic Epilator.

Epilady Classic Epilator

• Rotating disc epilators: This design uses rotating rubber or metal discs that catch the hairs and pull them out by the roots. An example is the Panasonic 3-Spin Disc System (Model No. ES2067).

Panasonic 3-Spin Disc System

• Tweezer-type epilators: Tweezer epilators are the most popular design nowadays, due to their longevity and efficiency in removing hairs. They have a rotating disc or multiple pairs of tweezers that pluck the hair as they spin. The tweezers open and close, capturing the hair and pulling it out. An example is the Emjoi Emagine Epilator. The discs do the equivalent work of 72 tweezers!

Emjoi Emagine Epilator

We can also distinguish between wet and dry epilators, and those that can only be used on dry skin:

• Wet and Dry Use Epilators: For those just starting out using an epilator, it’s recommended to use it on wet skin, since it will be less irritating. There are wet and dry epilators that are designed to be used both in dry conditions and in wet environments, like the shower or bath. They are usually waterproof and can be used with water, shaving foam, or gel, which can help reduce discomfort. An example is the Philips Epilator Series 8000. It comes with a special cap for delicate areas, as well as a cap for optimal contact.

Philips Epilator Series 8000

• Epilators for dry use only: Other epilators are not intended for use on dry hair. The Phorra Epilator for Women is waterproof, but you should only use it when your skin is dry. It won’t cut efficiently if your skin is wet.

Phorra Epilator for Women

We can also distinguish between corded and cordless models:

• Corded Epilators: Corded epilators need to be plugged into a power source during use. They provide continuous power and are suitable for longer or more frequent epilation sessions without worrying about battery life. The Epilady Hair Removal Epilator for Women has a rechargeable battery, but allows you to continue using it with a power cord when the battery level is low.

Epilady Hair Removal Epilator for Women

• Cordless Epilators: Cordless epilators are powered by rechargeable or disposable batteries, allowing for greater portability and ease of use. They provide flexibility during epilation as you are not restricted by a power cord. The Emjoi eRase e6 Facial Hair Remover uses 2 “AAA” batteries. Among the rechargeable units, the Braun FaceSpa Pro 911 Face Epilator will give you 1.5 hours of use when fully charged.

The Emjoi eRase e6 Facial Hair Remover (left), and the Braun FaceSpa Pro 911

We went over some customers’ impressions of the epilators that they bought:

• Some prefer the corded version: Of course, you can’t use a corded hair epilator around water, and you’re limited by the length of the power cord. But, some women noticed that they have to proceed very slowly with the epilator, and it requires a lot of passes to remove hair entirely. When they used a battery-powered epilator, they would have to use it a bit one day, then recharge it to finish it off the next day! So, getting a corded version saved them that hassle.

• Best with a flashlight: Some women said that they were disappointed that the epilator that they bought didn’t include an LED light. There are epilators that come with a light, to illuminate the area that you are working on, so that you remove even the fine hairs. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on the room illumination, or sunlight.

Here are some features that you’ll see common in the best epilators:

• Good for hairs as short as 0.5 mm: Many of these epilators are effective on hairs that are only 0.5 mm in length. This is as opposed to waxing, which only works if the hairs are at least 6.35 mm in length. (Otherwise, the wax doesn’t succeed in attaching to the hair to remove it by the roots.) Experts recommend using the epilator once a week for a month. After that, you can just use it every other week.

• Speeds: You’ll notice that many hair epilators have two speeds. It’s recommended to use the high speed for coarser hair, to remove hair quickly. Then go to the low speed for removing fine hairs, as well as when your using the device on sensitive areas.

• Epilators with attachments: Some epilators come with interchangeable heads or attachments designed for specific areas of the body. For example, there may be specialized heads for facial hair, sensitive areas, or exfoliation. The Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911 has a cleansing brush head to remove makeup and impurities in your skin, and a toning head to apply cream or serum to your face. It can massage and cool the tissues in your face at once. These functions can soothe the skin or provide a distraction from the sensation of hair removal.

Final Verdict

We went through some of the hair epilators in the Best Reviews Guide list. They’re a welcome alternative to waxing, shaving, or hair removal creams. You’ll find epilators that are good for facial hair, or hair on your legs, armpits, and bikini line. Some of them combine several beauty care operations in one device, allowing you to remove makeup, or apply moisturizing cream if necessary. And they’re small and compact, so that you can take them along with you wherever you go!