Epilator Hair Removal Myths and Facts

The beauty world is full of hints, tips and tricks, as well as a whole lot of opinions. Often, among all the titbits, come a heap of myths disguised as facts. This is especially true of the epilator. This little hair removal device has changed and evolved over the years [link to first blog] – and so have the misconceptions! But fear not, we’re here to clear it all up. We spoke to Lotte de Koning, Beauty Product Development Leader at Philips, to decipher the myths and facts surrounding the epilator.

MYTH #1: It’s super painful

This is probably the most common misconception about epilators. Anyone who has waxed before knows that removing hair from the root is certainly no walk in the park – but beauty is pain, right? When it comes to using an epilator, Lotte explains: “Yes, the first time when all the hairs are there, it can be painful. But when you use an epilator regularly, fewer hairs grow back and therefore, the pain is reduced.”

MYTH #2: Your hair grows back thicker

I’m not sure where this one came from, because any informed beauty would know that when you remove hair from the root, it grows back sparser than before. The epilator does just that – plucks hairs from the root to completely remove them.

MYTH #3: You can’t use it in the shower

A lot of women choose to use a razor for hair removal because it’s convenient to use in the shower. A common misconception about the epilator is that it doesn’t have the same convenience factor. Once again, this is totally false. There are a variety of models that can be used in the shower, like the Philips Satinelle Advanced Wet & Dry Epilator. Hurrah for technology!

MYTH #4: You can’t use it while you’re pregnant

This is one of the weirder myths about epilators and it’s also totally false! Sure, you’re not supposed to eat sushi or soft cheese or drink alcohol when pregnant, but steering clear of epilating is TOTALLY unnecessary. When I asked Lotte if epilators are safe to use while pregnant, her answer was simple: “Yes!”

MYTH #5: You can’t use it on your face or other sensitive areas

Nope. Not true! These days, epilators like the Philips Satinelle Advanced Wet & Dry model have specific attachments for different parts of the body. It has a ‘delicate area’ cap for use on the bikini and underarm area, as well as an attachment to use on your face (because ain’t nobody got time for a moustache, am I right?).

MYTH #6: It causes ingrown hairs

Well guys, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but every hair removal method has the potential to cause ingrown hairs – it’s just one of the many beauty perils we must deal with. However, Lotte says, as long as you exfoliate the day before you epilate, you should be able to avoid any pesky ingrowns!

As for the facts, it is true that your hair needs to be about one-two weeks long in order for the epilator to be effective in removing them, however Lotte explains that it does remove shorter hairs than waxing and has longer-lasting results compared to shaving. The lesson in all of this? Don’t believe everything you hear, especially when it comes to beauty!

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Have you used an epilator before? Did you believe any of these myths?

67 Member Comments

Miss19 25 Oct 2018 1:39 PM

I want to start using an epilator because I hate using a razor

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Sootyhere 5 Jul 2018 2:43 PM

Not keen on the initial pain. Will give this a miss.

bebeautiful34 16 Oct 2017 4:33 PM

Epilators are incredibly painful! Even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes

BeautifulJusty 22 Jun 2017 7:17 AM

It's interesting that the pain is reduced the more you use this, and that epilating is good for the face.

Beauty Obsession 24 Nov 2016 8:10 PM

I love epilating. Have been doing it for year. Hurt at the start but now I'm so used to it, it almost feels like a massage.

Chicklet 24 Nov 2016 7:18 PM

The prospect of pain still makes me too scared to try it.

Sootyhere 5 Jul 2018 2:44 PM

me too

ren812 1 Nov 2016 3:30 PM

Sounds like a very effective way to remove hair and something i would like to try

Sydneyswans910 3 Oct 2016 6:34 PM

Ooh I have an epilator but this one with changable heads (so you can use it on bikini and face) would be so amazing!

ldb_99 28 Sep 2016 6:04 PM

It's so good to have a bit more information about it

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Petal 25 Sep 2016 4:39 PM

I tried an epilator when they first came to the market and it was a painful experience. I assume that technology has improved and epilators aren't as painful now. I must try one again.

Doodoo 23 Sep 2016 1:37 PM

I've been using an epilator for over 10 years. At first, it really did hurt and I couldn't finish a whole leg in one session. Over time the pain did subside but there are a lot of external factors that can alter your pain tolerance. I find that it doesn't hurt as much during summer when your pores are more open. The hair does grow back thinner and lighter (in my case)

Margaret 322 20 Sep 2016 9:56 PM

I've never used an epilator, but I think you would get used to it.........maybe!

Beautybabe140194 20 Sep 2016 4:03 PM

I have never used an epilator but I have always wanted to try it to see the results.

IndieAna 20 Sep 2016 12:47 PM

An epilator is my preferred form of hair removal. Speaking of which, I really need to update mine, I've had it for years

jatz 20 Sep 2016 11:36 AM

I've not tried one since my g.f. got the very first one years and years ago now. She gave it to me to try and that was the last time I ever used it. I realise they are probably more updated now but I don't like pain, have enough of it to deal with in other areas.

cosmoslyn 20 Sep 2016 12:42 AM

it was painful for the first few tries, then I got used to it. More like desensitized. exfoliating does help with the ingrown problem

Becstar 19 Sep 2016 9:30 PM

I haven't yet tried an epilator on my skin but indeed they sound very intriguing and I would like to.

bluerose 19 Sep 2016 3:06 PM

Yes I have been using an epilator for at least 10 years, and I find it highly effective and far less messy than waxing. I really should update my epilator, I think I would be amazed at how much more effective the new epilators are compared to my old unit!

I agree with all the comments above, and yes, I do get a few ingrown hairs, but no more than with any other form of hair removal. The keys I find to reducing ingrown hairs are exfoliating (before and after), and also using a product like Bump E-raiser. It really does help to reduce the number of ingrown hairs.

Jessica712 19 Sep 2016 2:22 PM

I loved using an epilator, a bit of extra effort with it meant not having to shave everyday.

Linda_Vesinger 19 Sep 2016 2:40 AM

Yet to try using an epilator, but would love to give it a go

skincare junkie 18 Sep 2016 4:40 PM

I once owned one. It is painful. Yes you do "get used" to it, but it is painful.

CCdeluxe 18 Sep 2016 8:57 AM

My teenage memory of epilation is absolute pain and horror, but now that I have child birth to compare it too maybe it's time for another go..... hmmmmmmm, still not sure......

Shop A Everyday 17 Sep 2016 9:38 PM

Good to know more about them

Elunia 17 Sep 2016 12:39 PM

I have had an epilator for years and they are so much better than waxing. There is less mess, in the long run it is cheaper and though there is a little pain it is not bad.

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