Have you ever epilated?

@eloouuu (176)
June 13, 2008 6:50pm CST
Since I began removing body hair a few years ago, I have tried razors, depilatory creams and even waxing strips but I have found none to be an effective method of removal. I am prone to razor burn despite using various different products even containing aloe vera to soothe the skin, and I moisturise thoroughly. Depilatory creams are better in this respect but don't remove all of the hair and the effects don't last as long as I would like. Waxing strips have failed me completely, I find them expensive to buy and ineffective in doing their job. I don't have the funds to go to a salon every time they need doing and to be honest, am terrified of the pain. There has recently been an advert on television for an epilator by Braun. I had considered epilating before - which for those who don't know, involves removing the hair from the root by using a machine which "plucks" the hair out. I have heard that they are quite painful but that the effects last. Because the hair is being pulled from the root, it does not leave your legs feeling bristly and gross, because the hair grows through finer and it also takes longer. Again, I am terrified of the pain. For those who have epilated, what are your experiences? Is it worth the pain? Is it over-exaggerated? An effective method of removing body hair?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
18 Nov 09
I only epilate. I do not like the idea of opening the skin up to bacterial infection, so shaving is more scary to me, and those little bumps, yuck! Epilating works best for me. The first time was uncomfortable, but after you do it a while then as you say the hair grows finer and it is easier and it does not have to be done as frequently as other methods I have tried. It is much more effective than waxing, which until I learned to epilate was the most effective for me. The pain thing is not something I can answer for anyone else, but in my view oversensitivity to that kind of "pain"--I would call it merely discomfort--is likely to be a result of a mineral deficiency, particularly magnesium, and manganese. Doing it on the face hurts a little. Another thing is that some epilators are better than others. Good luck.
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
18 Nov 09
Oh, if you have any mind control over that sort of thing at all then I cannot see you having a problem with epilating, and especially not on your legs, that is the most painless area once you learn how to do it right. Under the arms is a little more challenging, and yes there you might have a learning curve. I use the Emjoi Light Caress, which is gold plated and can be used with AC when the battery runs down which is nice as it is most comfortable at high speed. It cost a bit more, but like you I was apprehensive at first and decided after some research it would be more comfortable than some other models. It really does leave your skin nice and soft once you get the technique down.
@eloouuu (176)
18 Nov 09
In the year since I started this topic, I have had further experience with methods of body hair removal which included the individual tweezing of hairs in delicate areas which is the same as epilating except for the lack of said epilator. It was interesting to note how effective this was as a method of hair removal although both time-consuming and tedious. I think it was the belief of self-control which meant it didn't hurt as much as I was expecting. I am afraid of salon waxing because the beauticians can be merciless. After all, to them, you are just another paying customer and time is money. Because of this experience I would consider buying an epilator, perhaps for use primarily on the legs until I developed more confidence. Having studied many biopsychological theories of pain I see what you mean about the mineral deficiency however for me, I think it is a state of mind. I have been able to tolerate many situations such as piercings, donating blood and dental work requiring oral injections and incisions simply through mind control and a positive approach to the situation. Perhaps I can develop the same attitude towards epilating?
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@Emma30587 (402)
20 Jun 08
Ive epilated before. I bought my epliator about 4 years ago, since then they have brought out ones with added pain relif attachments. I find epliating my legs painful but you stay hair free for a few weeks and its worth it once the pain is over. Its not really painful, more like unconfortable!
20 Jun 08
its also less messy than wax and creams!
@YOULANLIU (311)
• China
14 Jun 08
Yes, in the summer people should pay attention to their body hair problem.For men I think body hair is the sign of the spirit of man but it is a big trouble for weman.And the best way to resolve it is pull them out,will,of course,a bit sore.
@eloouuu (176)
14 Jun 08
I don't think it is seen as socially unacceptable for men to be hairy in public, but for women, I agree, it is a different situation. I always remove body hair anyway regardless of whether I intend for my body to be on show during the summer or not, as it is personal preference more than anything, but in particular, I am looking to find the most effective form of body hair removal. I want to know how good epilating is in comparison to shaving, using depilatory creams or waxing. I would like to know if possible, of any advantages or disadvantages with regards to this method of removing body hair and some general information with regards to how long it lasts. Thank you for your response, though.