​Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
​(Please note that our website is supported by commissions earned when products are sold through the provided links.)

​Compare Hair Removal Devices: Electric Shavers or Epilators?
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For most women, having perfectly smooth and silky skin is a  must to feel physically confident and beautiful. Nowadays, various methods are available to women to achieve this, each with their benefits and drawbacks. The most popular are creams, razors, hot waxing, electrolysis or laser treatments, electric shavers and epilators:

- Creams are convenient, fast, simple and mostly painless. You apply, let stand for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. But, the problem with creams is that the hair grows back quickly, and you must repeat the process regularly, which can be tedious and expensive over time. In addition, creams can be aggressive to some types of skin and can cause allergies.

- Razors are compact, economical and painless, but also have their problems. Shaving with a razor makes the skin look rough and prickly. And regrowth is visible as fast as the next day. Therefore, you need repeat the process almost daily which can also become quite tedious when it is done with a non-electric razor.

- Hot waxing is undoubtedly the only way to ensure a smooth skin for an entire month. But waxing sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms is not a cakewalk. In addition, it requires that you go to a beauty salon or spa and can be expensive. Today, there is also hot or warm wax for home use that comes in a jar or tube. They heat up easily in the microwave or in a bain-marie and allow tapeless removal of hair, as the wax and hair simply rinse off with water. But in the long term, this method becomes even more expensive than other methods.

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- Electrolysis or laser treatments are used for permanent hair removal. But these are delicate operations, normally reserved for professionals, unless you are willing to pay the steep prices for permanent hair removal systems made for home use.
(Note: if you are interested in a detailed comparison of the most popular permanent hair removal systems for home use, please click : ​ Compare Popular Permanent Hair Removal Systems for Home Use).

For women who don't want to face all the above problems or pay the higher prices of permanent hair removal systems made for home use, only two other solutions remain: the electric shaver and the electric epilator.

These two methods have their benefits and faults as well. But compared to the above, they are probably the most acceptable to the average woman who doesn't want to spend a lot in beauty parlors, and who is looking for the least risky method with great results.

The following describes how electric shavers and epilators work and provide product recommendations.

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Electric Shavers

Electric Shaver

Many women refuse to consider using electric shavers because they confuse them with epilators, which are thought to be sometimes more difficult to use and more painful. Electric shavers are really less painful than standard epilators, and even if they do not produce the same depth of hair removal as epilators, they are extremely easy to use and very hygienic. Most models come with removable heads that you swap to change the mode of hair removal. Some electric shavers are even designed to be fully immersible in water. But if you plan to use your electric razor in the bathtub, make sure first that it is clearly identified as safe when handled under water. The best models are rechargeable and allow for cordless use, but they come also with a power adapter so that, when you are in a rush, you don't have to wait for the shaver to be charged.

The main disadvantage of these electric shavers is that they do not pull the hair from the root, but simply cut it. As a result hair grows back quite fast. This means that one will have to resort to the procedure quite often, almost every day, to keep the skin continuously smooth. Also for best results, and in particular for sensitive skin, application of some cream or gel prior to shaving is also recommended.

In spite of these drawbacks, because electric shavers are so easy to use, and when used properly do not cause any major skin problems, for many women having to use them often may not be a major problem.

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Electric Epilators

Electric Epilator

Compared to other methods, the electric epilator is a very effective solution for a successful hair removal. This device combines most of the benefits of the other methods including ease of use and durability of the result.

First, the electric epilator does not require any special skills and is very easy to use. But more important, unlike electric shavers, epilators pull the hair from the root, which allows for smooth legs for a much longer period (usually 3 to 4 weeks). And when the hair grows back, it often grows thinner. Also, compared to waxing, electric epilators are distinguished by their ability to remove even the shortest hairs. That is why epilators are also used in beauty parlors for touch-ups between major hair removal sessions.

Some epilators come with additional heads for shaving and bikini trimming. The best models can work both with lather in the bath or shower, or dry with nothing at all. They are usually rechargeable to allow for cordless use, but come also with a power adapter.

The main drawback with epilators is the pain that one may feel when the hair is pulled from the root, especially during the first few uses. But the pain lessens with repeated use, and some models feature high-frequency rollers that stimulate the skin before and soothes it after hair removal to reduce the sensation of pain. When used in the bathtub, water also contributes to diminish the pain one may feel. But if you plan to use your electric epilator in the bathtub, make sure first that it is clearly identified as safe when handled under water. Finally, to prevent small red pimples and ingrown hairs, a good exfoliating scrub the evening before the epilation and good hydration following the procedure are recommended.

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Two important points to keep in mind before you decide what to get:

* Electric Epilators pull the hair from the root while Electric Shavers just cut the hair.

* With Electric Epilators, hair takes much longer to grow back than with shavers, and often it grows back thinner!

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Electric Shavers for Women on Amazon

To see all electric shavers available on Amazon, please click HERE.

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Electric Epilators for Women on Amazon

To see all electric epilators available on Amazon, please click HERE

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