These Derm-Approved Epilators Make At-Home Hair Removal So Easy (2024)

Waxing can be irritating, shaving doesn't last, and laser hair removal can be super pricey and require a lot of in-office sessions. If you can relate, you may want to try epilating.

An epilator is an electrical or manual device that pulls hair out of by the root, says Natalie Aguilar, RN, dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician in Los Angeles.

The results can last longer than shaving, too. That's because when hair is being removed by the root, it might cause follicle damage and your hair may grow back thinner over time, explains Dr. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.

"Repeated sessions can discourage hair growth," she adds. "And the regrowth will be finer."

But since each hair is being pulled out by its root, King admits that it can initially be a bit uncomfortable. That said, since it’s essentially tweezing each individual hair, epilating can keep skin smooth for up to two weeks at a time. While it’s still not as effective as laser hair removal, which permanently reduces the amount of hair growth, it’s definitely a viable alternative to both waxing and shaving.

King adds that epilators are good options for those who aren't a good candidate for laser hair removal, or if you have sensitive skin that gets irritated by shaving or depilatory creams. And Aguilar cautions against using one if you have active acne, since an epilator can spread bacteria.

Meet the experts: Natalie Aguilar, RN, is a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician in Los Angeles. Dr. Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.

King recommends a gentle physical exfoliation prior before epilation. "Take a warm shower and use an exfoliating body scrub, gloves, mitt, loofah or brush," she says. "This will help to expose hairs so they can be picked up by the epilator, and it also helps decrease the risk of ingrown hairs."

If you’re interested in giving epilating a shot, here are some highly reviewed options that will get you on your way to smooth, bare skin.

This epilator comes with a flexible head, which makes it super easy to reach your bikini line, underarm and even your upper lip. It comes with a sensor that lets you know if you’re applying the correct amount of pressure, and it can even be used under water. Finally, it also comes with an exfoliating brush head, so you can use it to prep your skin before plucking.

This epilator is great for removing hair from your sensitive bikini line. It has a rounded design and an ergonomic grip for easy use. And its head can be detached and washed. Bonus: There's an extra cap that can be placed on the epilator head for more gentle epilation in sensitive areas (like the bikini line).

This epilator delivers a tiny massage so that the pain from the tweezing isn’t as bad. This set also comes with a razor and a trimmer, so you can switch up your routine or tailor it to different parts of your body.

Not only is this epilator super narrow so that you can get every hard-to-reach crevice of your face, it comes with an exfoliator and a vibrating head that helps you work toner into your skin. You can also use the face brush with a cleanser, which makes it seriously the most perfect everyday tool.

If you prefer to use your epilator in the shower, this cordless wet/dry epilator is your pick. It has an extra wide head that comes with three accessories: a delicate area cap for sensitive areas, an optimal contact cap for more *precise* use, and a drawstring pouch for easy storage.

This narrow epilator is super useful when it comes to areas that require a little more attention to detail. It is completely cordless and battery operated, making it easy to maneuver for tight spots like your upper lip or in between your eyebrows.

Let's be real: Sometime you need to get rid of hair ASAP. And that's why I love this cordless 2-in-1 epilator that also has a shaver head, so you can easily take care of unwanted hair in a pinch. It can also be used wet or dry, and is designed with an LED light to help you see where you're epilating/shaving.

With a whopping 72 tweezers spread over a fairly wide surface area, this is definitely the best for epilating your legs or arms. It will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. It also has a dual-speed control, so you can set it to your desired pace.

If you need ~precision~, this device the smallest head on the list. It was specifically designed for eyebrows, but since it's so small, you can also use it for the nose or other narrow places. (Or on that ONE chin hair that always seems to come back.)

This cordless epilator features 18 rotating tweezers to remove unwanted hair straight from the root. Reviewers love that is has an LED light feature, which helps users see hairs more clearly while shaving.