When it comes to the best facial hair removal for women, there are plenty of options, including lasers, waxing strips, sugaring, and epilators. While the best facial epilators might not get as much attention as these other methods, they are quite similar to waxing in that they pull hair from the roots—in this case, electronically, as opposed to with strips or hot wax. This results in smoother skin that lasts longer compared to traditional shaving.
Before using an epilator for your face or eyebrows, it’s helpful to do your research to know what features to look for, how to use one properly, and most importantly—how manageable the pain is. Ideally, the best beauty tools should be painless, like LED face masks or microcurrents, but that isn’t always the case. Below, we consulted experts to determine whether epilating is safe for facial use, plus everything else you need to know and which ones to buy.
Vogue’s Guide to Facial Epilators
In This Story:
Best Overall: Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030
- Why we like it: Think of this epilator as an investment that can be used for both the body and the face. Known for its flexible, wide head, this epilator covers more skin with each pass, making hair removal faster. The kit includes seven different attachments, such as a body massage pad, a skin vitalizing pad, and various attachments for the face and sensitive areas. It also has multiple speed settings and can be used wet or dry.
- Number of Tweezers: 40
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Battery, cordless
Best For Face: Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911
- Why we like it: Aesthetician Kristin Gunn is a fan of using this epilator at home, praising its lightweight and compact size, which makes it perfect for on-the-go facial hair removal. “Its small size also makes it easy to shape eyebrows and reach those hard-to-get hairs on the face,” she adds. Just think of all the money you’ll save by skipping your standing eyebrow and upper lip appointments.
- Number of Tweezers: 10
- Target Area: Face
- Type: Battery, cordless
Best Budget: Remington Smooth and Silky Facial Epilator
- Why we like it: While not all epilators are created equal, they don’t have to cost you hundreds of dollars, especially if you’re only using it on your face. This affordable option from Remington can be used on both wet and dry skin. Gunn is a fan, saying, “There are two speed options for different areas of the body, and the massaging and precision attachments are an added bonus.”
- Number of Tweezers: 6
- Target Area: Face
- Type: Battery, cordless
Best For Beginners: Philips Satinelle Compact Hair Removal Epilator
- Why we like it: Aesthetic nurse practitioner Jackie Spagnuolo praises this compact epilator for its ergonomic design and dual-speed settings, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It also includes a variety of attachments, so you aren’t limited to one function. While it’s corded, it’s still compact enough to take with you on the road.
- Number of Tweezers: 32
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Corded
Best For Wet and Dry: Panasonic Cordless Shaver Epilator
- Why we like it: One standout feature of this epilator is its built-in LED light, which provides better visibility—no more squinting or missing areas while epilating. This versatile device offers both dry and wet usage, says Spagnuolo. Plus, it comes with a variety of attachments, allowing you to epilate, shave, and trim: a head for your legs and arms, a gentle cap for a less intense experience, a sensitive area cap for underarms and the bikini line, and a shaver head.
- Number of Tweezers: 60
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Cordless
Best Cordless: Braun Epilator Silk-épil 5 5-810
- Why we like it: Great for beginners, this epilator can be used both wet and dry and guarantees results for up to four weeks. It’s also cordless with excellent battery life, making it perfect to bring along on your beach vacation—because there’s nothing worse than stepping into the sun and realizing you missed half the hairs on your neck.
- Number of Tweezers: 28
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Cordless, battery
Best Multi-Tasker: Philips Epilator Series 8000
- Why we like it: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Teresa Song describes this as a great multitasker that can be used wet and dry, with cordless usage of up to 40 minutes and ceramic rotating disks that can grab hair as short as 0.5mm. She gives it her stamp of approval, saying the facial attachment is “safe to use on the face.” For body use, Gunn notes that the rounded tweezer heads and interchangeable attachments are perfect for achieving the smoothest results.
- Number of Tweezers: 32
- Target Area: Full body
- Type: Cordless, battery
What is an epilator?
According to Spagnuolo, epilators are devices designed to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out. Many can be used wet or dry, and there are different methods these devices use to achieve this. Gunn explains that some epilators are designed to emulate tweezers, with small plates that grab hair as the epilator moves up and down the skin. Others feature rotating discs that grip the hair follicle at its root and pull it out, similar to waxing. Additionally, some epilators use a fine wire to go under the skin and send an electric current to destroy the root—note: this option is as painful as it sounds.
Is epilating good for your face?
Dr. Song says it depends on the sensitivity of your skin. “Epilator hair removal can lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, and can be painful for some. Those with sensitive skin may also develop an irritant rash from the treatment,” she notes. One option to consider is using a hydrating serum afterward to soothe irritated skin. “For those without sensitive skin on the face who prefer a hair removal process that lasts longer than shaving, epilators can be a good choice,” she adds.
“It’s essential to use an epilator specifically designed for facial use, which typically features gentler settings and smaller attachments to accommodate the delicate nature of facial skin,” says Spagnuolo. As with most things, performing a patch test before full application and following up with soothing, hydrating skincare can help mitigate any adverse effects.
What to Look for in an Epilator
- Tweezers: The number and quality of tweezers in an epilator are crucial, says Spagnuolo. “More tweezers generally mean faster and more efficient hair removal. Look for epilators with multiple high-quality tweezers to ensure they can grasp even the finest and shortest hairs.”
- Attachments: Attachments can enhance the functionality and versatility of an epilator. Common attachments include facial caps for delicate areas, precision caps for targeted epilation, and massage rollers to reduce discomfort. “A good epilator should come with a range of attachments that cater to different areas of the body and personal preferences,” says Spagnuolo. For facial epilators in particular, ensure there is an attachment that is specifically designed to be safe for the face.
- Speeds: It’s beneficial to look for an epilator with multiple speed settings, as different parts of the body respond better to different speeds. “Sensitive areas such as the face, bikini line, and underarms will benefit from a slower setting, while larger areas like the legs, arms, and hands can be epilated more effectively with a higher speed setting,” explains Gunn.
- Wet/Dry: “Wet/dry epilators offer the convenience of using the device in the shower or bath, which can help soften the skin and hair, making the process more effective and less painful,” says Spagnuolo. Wet use can also reduce irritation. “For added flexibility and comfort, consider an epilator that is waterproof and can be used both wet and dry,” she adds.
How to Use an Epilator
“It’s essential to choose the right type of epilator and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid skin irritation or damage, especially on more sensitive areas like the face and bikini line,” says Spagnuolo. She recommends properly preparing your skin before using an epilator, such as exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, to help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Post-epilation, moisturizing the skin can also soothe any irritation. “The frequency of use depends on personal hair growth rates, but typically, you might need to use an epilator every 2-4 weeks.”
Do epilators hurt?
Epilators can be painful, akin to rubber bands snapping against your skin. “Let’s just say they are not fun,” says Gunn. Generally, using an epilator is somewhat uncomfortable, especially for first-time users or on sensitive areas, but the pain usually lessens over time as your hair thins and your body adjusts. Unfortunately, since you’re removing hair from the root, some discomfort is unavoidable. Pain levels can vary depending on individual tolerance and the area of the body being treated. “The level of pain also depends on the density and thickness of the hair, with thicker, denser hair being more painful to remove,” says Dr. Song.