Epilate or Wax??

Rej

Hi all,

Before the big recession hit I used to go to my local salon regularly to get legs etc waxed.. Since then to save a few bob I used the veet warm wax at home, but found that I was left with a lot of ingrown hair - especially around the bikini line.

Was in Argos the other day & saw an epilator on special offer and decided to give that a go.

So far I have about 3sq inches of my lower leg done Have to go to a wedding in 2 weeks, so reckon i might have it all done by then... Or should I just cut my losses and go back to waxing?

Michellenman

Is it really that painful? I was thinking of buying one but this has put me of a bit...

allabouteve

Epilation can feel a lot more painful at the start of your cycle than in the middle of it.

I stick to waxing, because its painful but over quickly, unlike the slow agony of epilation.

Chicken Run

It's painful at first, especially if you've been shaving beforehand, however I can vouch for the fact that it gets easier over time and the hair does appear to grow back less profusely (probably at a slower rate) comparable with waxing.

If you go down that route though, make sure you exfoliate regularly as it makes you more prone to ingrowing hairs than waxing (or so I was told by a beautician)

pikachucheeks

Both are painful

I hate being a woman sometimes, it's so much effort!

I'd be tempted to epilate for the experience! Although, I can pretty much guarantee I'd end up screaming into a pillow while one of my friends tried to stop my legs from flailing around, in a bid to escape the dreaded epilator pain! :pac:

Waxing is pretty effective, but it's not exactly pain free! When I'm looking for good results, I'll turn to that ... Not without some painkillers and mild sobbing though!

fonpokno

I bought an epilator last year and I still haven't managed to get a full leg done. It's brilliant for underarms though.

I've never been happier with a thing to defuzz underarms. It's just the best thing ever. I have ridiculous hair that grows unbelievably fast so I'd be shaving everyday in summer and the epilator gives me about two weeks of glorious freedom.

Cookie Jar

Think I might invest in a epilator.. see how it goes!

Sinall

I had an epilator 10 years ago, so I would imagine the more modern ones are much better and less painful! I found it excruciatingly painful. I was in my first year in college and sharing a flat with a French girl who used one all the time and who laughed at me for being such a wuss! So I decided I would drink to numb the pain and then my flatmate epilated my leg for me as I lay on the floor!!!!!!

We got one leg done and then just gave up.

christina_x

bought an epilator but still havnt used it because i find it painful, i know its ment to get easier.. but that means it being painful first :P
I cant handle legs, so i dont know how people handle arms or bikini line:eek::o

fonpokno

I find legs waaaaay worse than underarms. Possibly because there's just more leg but I find it far more painful.

Liquorice

Nothing beats a wax by a professional but as far as home methods go I like epilation best. Home wax is always way more awkward than it's worth, and blunt post-shave stubble makes me feel icky. I only started epilating a few weeks ago but I'd never go back, even though it's still not a bed of roses re: pain (though it's nowhere near as bad as it's made out to be!). My epilator has little spokes which stimulate the area around what's getting plucked, so you don't feel the pain as much. Basically, epilating > home wax & shaving as far as how effective it is, and epilating > professional wax (& probably the other methods when you consider how long you'll have it for) as far as cost goes.

Look out for offers on the good ones in Boots etc., 'cause I get the feeling cheap epilators are torture instruments.

Michellenman

Liquorice wrote: »

Nothing beats a wax by a professional but as far as home methods go I like epilation best. Home wax is always way more awkward than it's worth, and blunt post-shave stubble makes me feel icky. I only started epilating a few weeks ago but I'd never go back, even though it's still not a bed of roses re: pain (though it's nowhere near as bad as it's made out to be!). My epilator has little spokes which stimulate the area around what's getting plucked, so you don't feel the pain as much. Basically, epilating > home wax & shaving as far as how effective it is, and epilating > professional wax (& probably the other methods when you consider how long you'll have it for) as far as cost goes.

Look out for offers on the good ones in Boots etc., 'cause I get the feeling cheap epilators are torture instruments.

Which one have you got? Do those spoke things really work? Intriguing..

Rej

Yeah, I would be interested in finding out which one you got.. Mine was 40 euro - i suppose its mid range, but I wanted to see if I could handle it before spending more on one..

I havent made any more progress.. I have PCOS so am never quite sure where I am in my cycle.. So cant use that to judge. Ive heard that its easier after a bath, so might give that a go tonight

Rej

just to update....

I have one leg done I found that doing short sweeps instead of trying to do big strips at a time was much better. It does take a while though. But I suppose as I get used to it, it might be faster

Pain-wize, you kinda get used to it... Will try and get other leg done before i go to bed.

Still reckon ill wax my bikini line though.

Nicknax

I have an epilator for over a year now and find it great on my legs. I tried to use veet wax strips and could never pull the strip off, used to have to wash it off.:eek:

I can't see me ever using it on my bikini line though, hot wax all the way there, by someone else!

I would never go back to anything else on my legs!

gra26

I've been using an epilator for over a year and it's great for everywhere. I got obe in boots that has a detatchable bit you put in the freezer then reattach it to do your legs, that really helps with the pain, after the first time it's not so bad. With the bikini line you really just need to grin and bear it for the first time and I swear it's not as bad the second time!! It's also really great for underarms, no shaving every morning there is fab!! And as someone else said you really need to keep exfoliating, I got exfoliating gloves, you can get them anywhere really, and they're so handy and really help with the ingrown hairs.
After all that rambling what I'm saying is, if you're thinking about epilating go for it, it's not that bad after the first time!!:D

Ginny

I bought an epilator a few months ago, I tried it once on a patch on my shin and the pain was horrific.
Now I've been waxed repeatedly by great waxers, terrible ones and myself and there is no comparison to the epilator.
I can never imagine myself even managing to do a full leg with it.

Liquorice

Michellenman wrote: »

Which one have you got? Do those spoke things really work? Intriguing..

It's a Braun Silk-Épil, there are a few different versions but I think the only difference is the accessories they come with. It was €70 or so originally, but I got it on offer with about €30 off. Obviously there is still some pain but the spokes help so much! I've used a Veet epilator as well (no spokes) and without the numbing spray it's not nice at all at all.

lizzyvera

Best thing ever for underarms and I started carefully doing my own Brazilians too, also to save cash. I don't think it's sore at all.

My leg hair is a bit too fine for it, and it breaks the hair rather than plucks it sometimes. I'm not sure if it's my hair getting finer, or my epliator getting old that is the problem. I'll get a new one if it's the epilator.

Edit to say: I've been epilating for a few years. I think it was slightly stingy at first. Do it straight after a hot bath/shower, and not if your hair is long. I find about 3mm is perfect. Any longer and you get a "tugging" before the actual "plucking" feeling. If your hair is too long, shave and wait until it's 3mm.
Also, mine doesn't have any pain reducing features.

mimihops

I'm trying to psych myself up for getting an epilator! I almost bought one the other day in debenhams but it looked too much like an instrument of torture so I chickened out!! What brand has the piece you put into the freezer? I like the sound of that, might help with the ouch factor!

Rej

Liquorice wrote: »

It's a Braun Silk-Épil, there are a few different versions but I think the only difference is the accessories they come with. It was €70 or so originally, but I got it on offer with about €30 off. Obviously there is still some pain but the spokes help so much! I've used a Veet epilator as well (no spokes) and without the numbing spray it's not nice at all at all.

This numbing spray sounds interesting! Where can you get it?

Best thing ever for underarms and I started carefully doing my own Brazilians too

Now you are brave!! Dont think Im ready for that at all

MizzLolly

Epilation is great for underarms and bikini lines! I find both areas much less painful than doing your legs. (probably because they're smaller and take less time) I reckon the epilator is a good investment for your underarms and bikini area while the wax strips tackle the majority of the work on your legs. Then just use the epilator to give them a nice tidy finish.!! Don't worry, you get used to it and after the firstt few seconds your skin feels less and less painful.

Novella

Waxing makes me cry but I can epilate no problem at all! Find it most painful on my legs but it's great for bikini line. I think it only hurts at the start and then you sorta just get used to it. Results are worth it though. God, I hate being a woman!!!

TriceMarie

So is it just like a tweezers then?
But electronic and really fast?

Lol,my mam used my wax for her chin and told me later how sore it was...
I looked at her,laughed and ponting to my groin said "eh...you have nooo idea":rolleyes:

Assets Model

Chicken Run wrote: »

It's painful at first, especially if you've been shaving beforehand, however I can vouch for the fact that it gets easier over time and the hair does appear to grow back less profusely (probably at a slower rate) comparable with waxing.

That's definitely true, i've been epilating for about 6 years now and i can hardly feel it .

stella09

oh my god i have an epilator for years, the last time i took it out to do my legs i had the rope of the dressing gown in my mouth radio up full blast & screamed the whole way throw it. sweet jesus girls how could you do a brazilian with it or even the underarms but in sayin that my hair growth is crazy!! I would possibly die if i put that thing to my underarm!!! hahaha...

PinkTulips

epilating starts off painful but if you just dive in by halfway through the leg you're not feeling it anymore at all.

i love my epilator, never got on with waxing at all tbh.

Faith

Can people recommend an epilator for me please? I'd like to do my own bikini line, so ones that are suitable for that would be great. After than, I'm interested in price and painlessness!

BlueSpiral

I had no idea what an Epilator was until I came across this thread, so I went to Wikipedia to find out what it was.

An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out.

I actually felt a slow shiver up my spine as a read that. That sounds horrifying. How is that better than waxing?

Cleopatra12

I epilated for years, but got lasered so only have to shave the odd time now (yay), have about 10 hairs on underarms now.... Anywho, a pointer for doing legs, never ever do long sweeps on leg. move epilator up leg in 1 -1,5 inch lenghts, then go over tha same area again, slightly overlapping each time with the next patch. You will find that in no time you leg goes numb... I always found back of knees and ankles the most painful areas. Bikini area was fine, never did try underarms.

My majot drawback re epilating was ingrown haris....

Faith

BlueSpiral wrote: »

I had no idea what an Epilator was until I came across this thread, so I went to Wikipedia to find out what it was.

An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out.

I actually felt a slow shiver up my spine as a read that. That sounds horrifying. How is that better than waxing?

Is it more horrifying than spreading hot wax all around your pubic region and ripping it, and the hairs, off with a piece of fabric?

spincess

Panasonic ES2082, runs on batteries, can be used wet or dry, great for underarms & bikini line, got it cheap in TK Max of all places, has already paid for itself! Although waxing is much quicker.

Gauge

I use the Braun Silk Epil Xelle 5770. Got it in Boots I think. Comes with special thinner heads for underarms and bikini line, cooling glove, little light to show hairs and all that. A lot better than my old one which was a cheap no-name crappy thing from Sam McCauleys.

BlueSpiral

Faith wrote: »

Is it more horrifying than spreading hot wax all around your pubic region and ripping it, and the hairs, off with a piece of fabric?

Honestly, to me yes. I think what I find a bit horrifying is how it "mechanically" grasps and pulls. At least with wax its quick and most likely less painful.

Fiii

I find epilating underarms to be pretty painful (whereas waxing them, I don't have a problem!) but legs - no bother! Almost becomes enjoyable pain after a few minutes...or is that just me

Cleopatra12

Fiii wrote: »

Almost becomes enjoyable pain after a few minutes...or is that just me

Nope, its not just you... I think its the pleasure you are getting from seeing results...

Gauge

It's damn satisfying!

chuckles30

I have a braun epilator - I must have it 10 years now & it definitely gets easier and hair regrowth is much slower/finer. It's great when I do it regularly. As someone said, it's grand when the hairs are nice & short....and I always do it after shower or bath. I've never chanced underarms or bikini line.....legs were painful at first, so would've expected those areas to be even worse, but might chance them after reading some of the comments here.

Loopsie

i have the braun epilator aswell, bought it about 2 years ago nearly........its definitely paid for itself.........im living proof that it gets easier with time as im a complete wuss........i do my own underarms and legs and all in all it takes me about 15/20mins for the lot.........still go to get my hoohah waxed though by a professional, couldnt be dealing with that!!!!!!!

Molberts

I got a quite large tattoo on my right outer calf yesterday. It took 2 and 1/4 hours.

At no stage was it more painful than epilating my legs :eek:

It was *as sore* for the shader needle in parts, that was it

I don't have overly hairy legs so I grin and bear it. Tried bikini line tidy up and didnt find it as bad as the legs. Havent tried underarms yet I'm afraid to

Piste

From this thread is seems like epillating is just like really slow waxing...is this true?

Fiii

Molberts wrote: »

Havent tried underarms yet I'm afraid to

Don't do it Molbs...trust me!

Off topic: Yay for Birthday tattoos! (sorry I missed it by the way)
Pics soon ok deal!

Piste: Kind of - it's cheaper, and you can do it on shorter hairs than you need in order to wax.

Haru

Anyone tried an epilator with a system against pain ? (ice, massage...) Those epilators are more expensive, but if the pain is the same as with a normal epilator, I don't see why I'd pay more... :pac:

Waxing... Cold wax is definitely not working. And alone at home with hot wax, I almost end up burning my legs every time.

Piste

I checked out some epilators in Boots today...christ they seem expensive!

Fiii

Piste wrote: »

I checked out some epilators in Boots today...christ they seem expensive!

They can be alright, if you get the ones with the cooling packs/ massage heads etc.
Personally, I think all that stuff is just gimmicky to be honest.
Mine has a massage head, but i removed it after 5mins as I found I didn't need it, and I haven't used it since.

This is the one I have:
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/4428327/Trail/searchtext%3EEPILATOR.htm

Basic, but does the job

missbaker

I bought one about 6 months ago and the noise scared me to death and never put it near my skin! But after reading this thread i took it down and out of box and used it on underarms and not half as bad as id expected!! Will def be using it every time now! Cant believe iv been such a wuss all this time
And will be saving money on waxing too!! gonna try legs and bikini line too

Liquorice

Haru wrote: »

Anyone tried an epilator with a system against pain ? (ice, massage...) Those epilators are more expensive, but if the pain is the same as with a normal epilator, I don't see why I'd pay more... :pac:

Waxing... Cold wax is definitely not working. And alone at home with hot wax, I almost end up burning my legs every time.

I have one with a massage head gimmick which I find pretty effective in terms of pain reduction, however it's not as effective as the basic head that came with the epilator in terms of grabbing all the hairs. The massage head is handy for getting used to epilating and for sensitive areas though.

Oh, and to the people who asked ages ago, the pre-epilating numbing spray is by Veet & you can get it in Boots, I'm sure there are other brands but I've only tried the one.