An epilator is a powered device that uses rotating tweezers to grip and pull hairs out from the root, so regrowth takes longer than it does after shaving.
Shaving cuts hair at the surface. Epilation lifts it out of the follicle entirely, which is why legs stay smooth for days instead of hours. Braun, the company that sells the Silk-épil line, describes these machines as electric tweezers, and that description holds up once you understand the mechanism inside the head. Whether the process is worth it comes down to your pain tolerance and how much time you spend shaving now.
How Does an Epilator Remove Hair?
A motor spins a head packed with rows of small metal tweezers. As that head passes over skin, each pair of tweezers closes on a hair and pulls it out in the direction opposite to growth.
- Stretch the skin with your free hand so the hairs stand upright.
- Hold the epilator perpendicular to the skin.
- Move it slowly against the direction of hair growth, using light pressure rather than pushing hard.
That sequence comes straight from Philips’ HP6540 user manual, and it applies to most models regardless of brand. Braun estimates roughly 15 minutes per leg, which lands in the same range as a careful shave once you have the motion down.
The results are temporary. The follicle itself survives, so hair grows back on its own cycle. Epilation is not IPL: intense pulsed light uses flashes to target pigment beneath the skin, while an epilator physically extracts the hair. They are different tools with different maintenance schedules.
Where Can You Use One, and What Does It Feel Like?
Legs, arms, underarms, and bikini areas are the standard territory. Facial use is possible only when the model ships with a precision head rated for it.
Discomfort is real, especially on the first pass over the shins or underarms. Most users describe it easing with repetition as the hair thins and the follicles adapt. Expect some temporary redness right after, and know that ingrown hairs are the most common complaint — exfoliating between sessions is the usual defense. Philips’ manual emphasizes skin tension and light pressure because proper technique does more for comfort than any single feature.
One detail worth flagging: a non-washable model means no wet use, period. If you want to epilate in the shower with shaving foam to soften the pull, you need a model explicitly rated for it. Overlooking that is the most common setup mistake.
Which Models Are Worth Knowing?
Most current models come from Philips and Braun, and the specs that matter are corded versus cordless, wet-or-dry rating, and which heads come in the box.
| Model | Key Specs | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Philips Series 8000 (BRE708/00) | Cordless; wet & dry; two accessories | Shower use and leg/body work |
| Philips Series 2000 (BRE227/00) | Corded; one accessory | Budget buyers who stay near an outlet |
| Braun Silk-épil 7 | Wet & dry; wide head; shaver and trimmer comb | Faster passes on larger areas |
| Braun Silk-épil 9 Pivoting Head | Wet & dry; pivoting head | Contouring around knees and ankles |
| Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa | Wet & dry; massage pad and exfoliation brush | Anyone prone to ingrown hairs |
A pivoting head follows curves instead of skipping over them, which reduces the number of passes you make over the same spot. If you plan to use the device wet, confirm that rating before buying. Our roundup of affordable epilators that hold up narrows the corded and cordless options by price if you want a starting point.
How Do You Clean It, and What Should You Watch For?
Switch the device off and unplug it before cleaning, then remove the cap and brush out the head. On washable models, Braun says to rinse the head under hot running water with shower gel or shaving foam, shake off the excess, and let both the head and the body dry completely before reassembly.
Safety rules from the Philips HP6540 manual are worth repeating because they apply broadly: keep the device and adapter dry, skip use in a bath or shower on non-washable models, and use only the supplied adapter. Never run an extension cord in the bathroom.
Braun’s epilator product documentation and the manual that ships with your specific model control how wet use and cleaning should actually go. When the two differ, trust the paper in the box — accessories, electrical specs, and model availability vary by country, and a US-market unit may not match a page written for another region.
Common Questions
Is epilating better than shaving?
Regrowth is slower because hair is pulled from the root rather than cut at the surface, so legs stay smooth noticeably longer. The trade is discomfort during use and a slightly higher risk of ingrown hairs. If speed and zero pain matter more than longevity, shaving wins.
Can you use an epilator on your face?
Only if the model includes a precision head rated for facial use. Using a body head on the lip or chin increases the chance of irritation and ingrown hairs. Check the manual’s approved areas before trying it, and patch test a small spot first.
Does epilating stop hair from growing back?
No. The follicle survives each session, so hair returns on its normal growth cycle. Over repeated use some regrowth can feel finer and sparser, but permanent reduction is the territory of IPL and laser devices, not epilators.
Sources
- Braun US. “Epilators — Face and Body Hair Removal Devices” Supports the electric-tweezer description, cleaning guidance, and the 15-minute-per-leg estimate.
- Philips. “HP6540 User Manual” (PDF) Source for the operating steps, cleaning rules, and corded-device safety warnings.
- Philips US. “Epilators Product Comparison” Verifies current Philips Series 8000 and Series 2000 model details.