When choosing a hair removal method for your skin, there are many factors to consider. The cost, effectiveness, and length of the procedure are all crucial factors to consider.
In contrast, if you consider using an epilator, you must consider epilator discomfort.
Do epilators hurt? Yes, they do. Epilators are painful. Is there a contradiction in terms? Seriously, though, epilation does cause discomfort, especially at first. When your body becomes acclimated to it, the pain will lessen.
Epilators aren’t for everyone. If you’re extremely sensitive to pain, epilators might not be the best option. You may also have to restrict your epilation to particular regions of your body.
Some women find that epilating the face and bikini area is too painful, but they don’t mind using epilators on their arms and legs.
Table of Contents
How painful is epilation?
Epilation is unpleasant, but how much does it hurt? I wish there were a pain scale for epilators that worked for everyone, but the fact is that no two people are alike.
The first time, epilation “hurts like hell,” according to most people. However, it becomes more manageable with time. Some individuals will never be able to epilate certain areas because it’s too painful.
If you want an idea of how much it hurts initially, take a pair of tweezers and start plucking hairs like crazy. This is how epilation feels, but with many more tweezers.
Do epilators hurt? How to make epilation easier and pain-free
There are ways to make epilation more bearable. Pain tolerance is relative, so what one person finds unbearable may not faze another. The good news is there are ways to lessen the pain of epilation, no matter how sensitive you are.
After taking a warm bath or shower, epilate right away.
Epilating after a warm bath or shower is a great way to make the process easier and less painful. The hair will be softer, making it easier to remove, and the pores will be open, making epilation more efficient.
Epilating in the shower is also easy and convenient, and clean-up is a breeze when you epilate in the shower.
Epilating can be made easier and less painful by following a few tips. It is essential to keep the hair soft.
The best way to prepare for epilation is by taking a warm bath or shower. By keeping the hair warm, you can remove it more easily. In addition, it will open the pores, making epilation more effective.
If you do not have time for a bath or shower, use a warm compress on the area you wish to epilate. Softening the hair and making it easier to remove will help to make it easier to remove.
In addition to numbing cream, you can also use ice to reduce pain.
Use a wet/dry epilator.
Epilating in the shower can make it easier to contain and clean up the hair. You can also wash off your epilator while still in the shower.
Many wet/dry epilators are travel friendly, and you can use them in your home or at a hotel. For example, the Braun Silk Epil 9 has led lights and is battery-powered. So is the Panasonic ES-ED90P, which also has multiple epilator heads that allow you to epilate, shave, and do a pedicure.
Wet/dry epilators can be used in a shower or bath in addition to dry situations. These epilators are waterproof.
Epilating in the middle of the shower can make it easier to contain and clean up the hair. You can also wash off your epilator while still in the shower.
Pull skin taut
To capture as many hairs as possible in each pass, the epilator should have a smooth, flat surface to skim over. This is especially important when your skin is soft, such as under your armpits or on your upper thighs.
The number of passes needed in these areas can be reduced by tightening the skin.
Avoid goosebumps
The best way to avoid goosebumps is to epilate when you’re warm. Goosebumps can make it difficult for the epilator head to come into contact with flat skin surfaces, resulting in hairs fractured halfway rather than removed from the root.
Consequently, these hairs will grow out sooner and become stubble-like in appearance. This is more painful when more of these short hairs are present and more frequent epilation.
Make sure you epilate when you’re warm if you want to make epilation less painful and more effective.
Exfoliate
You should exfoliate a few days before your epilation session to get the most out of it. This step aims to remove any dead skin cells or ingrown hairs that need to be removed.
The best way to minimize ingrown hairs after epilation is to exfoliate again afterward. To create a natural scrub, mix brown sugar with your regular body wash, or try Gigi No Bump Body Scrub.
Use exfoliating gloves, such as Aquasentials Exfoliating Bath Gloves, to achieve a spa-like exfoliation. It is also helpful for reducing ingrown hairs after epilation with these gloves.
This makes it easy to exfoliate and doubles as a loofah when you wash your body.
Make epilating hurt less by moisturizing.
Moisturizing your skin before epilating can help reduce irritation and make the process less painful. When your skin is hydrated, the hair comes out more quickly, and the risk of ingrown hairs is reduced.
After epilating, apply a soothing lotion or cream to calm the skin. You’ll end up with silky smooth legs with minimal pain. Now you’re ready to get smooth, soft legs with minimal pain using these tips. Enjoy!
Shave for a more leisurely start.
Shaving is an indirect way of exfoliating. Shaving 2-3 days before your first epilating session is an excellent way to start slowly.
Shaving will reduce the number of hairs available for epilating, and the first time will be less painful.
As you condition yourself to the minor pain, you can continue epilating every few days with more hairs as they grow back out. I would recommend this method to anyfirst-timers who are looking to ease into the process!
Use a numbing cream
Numbing creams are an excellent way to reduce epilation pain. Using them makes you feel less pain during hair removal since they temporarily numb your skin.
Typically, numbing creams last about an hour, so they’re perfect for sensitive areas such as the bikini line, underarms, or face.
Try applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area if you experience pain after epilating.
Alternatively, you can use a soothing lotion like Finishing Touch Flawless or witch hazel toner.
Take a pain reliever.
There are, however, a few things that can be done to lessen the painful experience. One way to prepare for the procedure is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever before starting.
The medication should be taken 30 minutes before epilation to achieve the best results. The application of numbing cream to the affected area will make the process less painful.
However, it is essential to note that this should not be done every time a session is conducted. You should consider shaving, depilatory creams, or laser hair removal if the pain is unbearable. These options are usually less painful and just as effective.
Use ice.
The pain of epilation can be reduced by applying ice to the affected area before and after.
Wait 6-8 hours after coffee or soda.
The caffeine in coffee gives you a boost of energy, as any coffee lover knows. However, you may also feel more pain if you do so. That’s right – if you’re epilating while caffeine is in your system, you may find the pain worse. So if you want to minimize discomfort, it’s best to wait 6-8 hours after your last cup of coffee or soda before starting your epilation session. Of course, everyone’s tolerance for pain is different, so you may find that you can handle the pain even with caffeine in your system. But if you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and wait until the caffeinated drinks have worked their way through your system.
Epilate right after your period.
Due to the increased sensitivity in your body during or before your period, epilation can be painful. Most women report that their bodies are least sensitive to external pain in the 3-4 days following their period. During this time, epilating might be more accessible for people with trackable periods. When hormone levels are higher during ovulation, epilation may be less painful. Tracking how your body responds over the month will help determine when to remove your hair. In the long run, epilation can save you money and time, even though it can be painful.
Set the epilator at the lowest speed.
Starting slowly is important when epilating for the first time. Set your epilator to its lowest speed when you start using the dial on the side. A low speed will also allow you to tweeze more closely. Once you feel comfortable, you can increase the speed after a few minutes. You can get used to the sensation and avoid unnecessary discomfort by starting slowly.
Keep your epilator at a 90-degree angle from your body.
The epilator needs to be held at the right angle if you want to avoid pain when epilating. A 90-degree angle is recommended when holding the epilator. By doing so, you will prevent any pulling or tearing of the hair. If you apply the epilator to your skin, make sure it sticks straight from your body. Starting with a less sensitive area, like your lower leg. Once you’ve worked your way up to the bikini line, you can move on to more sensitive areas. Follow these tips to make your experience pain-free.
Soothe your skin with aloe vera after epilating.
Many people know aloe vera is used to soothe sunburns, but did you know it can also soothe the skin after epilation?
After epilating, if your skin feels a bit red and irritated, try some aloe vera. The natural anti-inflammatory property of aloe vera reduces swelling and redness.
In addition, it’s incredibly hydrating, so it’ll keep your skin feeling soft and moisturized. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel or a moisturizer containing aloe vera on the affected area. In most cases, irritation should subside overnight.
Try epilating close to bedtime if you don’t want to deal with redness during the day. Remember that alcohol can irritate your skin even further, so only use moisturizers without alcohol.
Start With Small Area First
In general, epilation is less painful in small areas than in large ones. You can simply epilate stray hairs as you see them if you see them here and there.
Thus, you can avoid having to epilate your whole body simultaneously. You might be able to epilate different body parts on different days, as some hair might grow back faster than others.
After epilating, your hair might grow back faster than it usually does if you snap the hairs rather than pulling them up at the roots. Next time, simply slow down and be more careful!
Don’t epilate angry or upset:
You may be more sensitive to pain if you epilate when angry or upset. Do not epilate before you are in a better frame of mind.
Don’t epilate over the same area multiple times:
Epilating over the same area multiple times can cause irritation and pain. If you need to go over an area again, wait a few minutes before doing so.
Find somewhere comfortable to sit.
So you’ve decided to try epilation for the first time. Congratulations! Though it may seem intimidating at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to shave again. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
First, find a comfortable place to sit. It’s critical to have good posture while epilating, so sit up straight with your legs in front of you. You might want to use a mirror to see what you’re doing and ensure enough light so you don’t miss any spots.
After that, take your time. Experiencing epilation can be painful, especially if you’re new to it, so proceed cautiously and take breaks as needed.
Finally, exfoliate before beginning. This will aid in removing dead skin cells that may clog hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs. After you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to begin epilating! Have fun with hair removal!
Take a break if needed.
If epilation is too painful, take a break and try again later.
FAQs
Is epilator very painful?
Epilation using an epilator is a very safe technique of removing undesirable hair. It might be uncomfortable or painful, especially if you go too fast or move the gadget in the wrong direction.
According to DenisaPicks, if you hurry or drive the tool against hair growth, you may damage rather than remove hair from the root.
Do epilators hurt more than waxing?
Waxing is less painful than an epilator. The feelings, however, are very distinct; many individuals find that they are quickly used to epilator discomfort and find it more manageable than waxing.
Do epilators hurt pubic hair?
While epilation on your bikini line is entirely safe, it will surely hurt more since the skin there is more sensitive. The good news is that as hairs get thinner as they grow back and you become accustomed to the sensation, it becomes less painful each time you epilate.
Should I trim before epilating?
Getting rid of unwanted hair can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including epilation, waxing, and shaving. However, before you wax or epilate, there are a few things you should do to prepare your skin. Specifically, you should exfoliate.
First, if you are going to epilate, you should shave three to four days before the procedure or let your hair grow to a length of one-eighth of an inch. Grow your hair out to a length of a quarter of an inch if you plan on waxing. If it is over half an inch, you will probably need to trim it down a little.
Second, avoid activities that could cause your skin to become dry, such as exfoliation, tanning beds, and swimming pools, a day before you plan to wax or epilate. Third, ensure that the day before and the day of the epilation or waxing you give your skin plenty of moisture by moisturizing it well.
This will help to reduce any irritation that may have been caused, and it will also make the process more comfortable. If you follow these straightforward instructions, you can ensure that the process of epilating or waxing goes as smoothly as possible.
Is it less painful to epilate in water?
The wetness will make the epilator glide over your skin more smoothly, resulting in less pain and discomfort. If your epilator isn’t water-resistant, be sure your skin is really dry before using it to avoid damaging it.
What is the best way to epilate, wet or dry?
For one thing, it’s way less painful than dry epilation. The warm water relaxes the skin and makes the hair removal process much less brute force. And since the skin is more pliable when wet, the whole process is much smoother, with fewer annoying snags.
If you’re going to epilate wet, though, make sure you do it in the bathtub rather than the shower. The water in the tub will help keep the area you’re working on nice and wet, whereas the water tends to run off in the shower. Plus, who doesn’t love a nice long soak in the tub? Win-win!
Can I shower after epilating?
The answer is yes. Technically, it depends on your skin type and preferences. For some people, taking a shower immediately after epilation can help to soothe the skin and reduce irritation. It can also rinse stray hairs that may have been missed during the epilation process.
However, showering can also dry out the skin, so it’s essential to follow up with a good moisturizer if you do decide to take one. If you’re not sure what will work best for you, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or licensed esthetician.
Can you epilate in bed?
Many experts recommend setting down a large, clean towel on your bed before epilating. In addition to keeping the area dry and clean, this will help prevent accidents.
Before beginning the epilation process, ensure the area is clean and dry and that you feel comfortable.
Take Away
There are a few things to consider when trying to find your method. Epilating, waxing, and shaving are all standard methods, but each has pros and cons. If you’re looking for a painless method, epilating might not be the best option for you.
However, it is a relatively cheap method and doesn’t require shaving before use. Waxing is another option similar to epilating, but it can be painful and expensive if you get it done at a salon. Shaving is often seen as the most painless method, but it requires more upkeep than other methods.
An at-home laser hair removal system might be a good option if you’re looking for a long-term solution. It requires shaving before use, and it can be expensive, but over time you will see less hair growth and have to shave less often.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you do your research to ensure that your decision is right for you.
