In one word: ouch. But I have to admit, I have a ridiculously low pain threshold. And also admit that I never really used an epilator until recently (I always made colleagues test them for me) – when I went to the launch of the new Braun Silk-épil Xpressive range (from $139.95, from electrical outlets and department stores).
It has a heap of bells and whistles like a massaging attachment and contouring head that are meant to make the whole plucking process less painful. I don’t know … when you’re yanking a thousand hairs out from their roots, it’s never going to be pleasant. I did grimace quite a bit when using it, and my skin was red and angry at me for a few hours afterwards. But once that settled down, I was impressed, and can definitely see myself using an epilator again. What I love about this epilator is that it can work on hairs of only 0.5 millimetres – which is practically barely-there – compared to the two millimetre length you need when waxing.
Apparently the epilator market grew by 9.7% last year, which has to say something – that they’re becoming easier to use, or that they’re better value in the long-term than, say, waxing. You’re looking at a spend of $100+ - but if you’re sick of waxing, can’t afford laser and have a relatively okay pain threshold, I’d definitely recommend investing in an epilator.
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My tip for using an epilator is always get your legs waxed first, then as the hair grows back use the epilator. It’s waaaaay too painful if you shave and then start to use an epilator!
Comment by Lyn — August 15, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
I have one of the really old models but it’s a little noisy and is a little time consuming. I’m sure the newer models have advanced though! I’d rather rip out the hairs in one shot with a waxing strip. You get used to the pain after a few goes just like waxing
Comment by Mel — August 15, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
I have been getting so fed up with waxing lately. The pain, the cost, the drag of it all! Thanks for this, I may just try it out.
Comment by Sim — August 15, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Its the whole growing-to-2mm-thing that kills me about waxing! Thats why I thought an epilator would be good. I have one hell of a pain thresold. Seriously, we tested it in biology a few weeks ago and I had the highest in the class. Bet you wernt expecting that sort of answer. Year 12 bio is good for something :-] Thanks for answering. I think I’m going to buy one.
Comment by Laura — August 15, 2008 @ 7:19 pm