Hair removal isn’t the most glamorous – or enjoyable – part of our beauty regimes, so the less you have to do it (if that’s what you choose to do), the better. Enter the epilator, which can offer you up to four weeks hair-free – enough to get you through a holiday (or a party season) without a top-up.
Ready to start shopping? The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested a range of epilators to find the very best on the market – here are our standout picks at a glance, but scroll on for more detailed reviews.
Best epilators
1
Best epilator
Braun Silk-épil 9, Epilator Series 9 360 Flex Epilator 9-041
Read more
2
Runner-up epilator
Braun Silk-épil 9 9-561 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator
Read more
3
Best multi-use epilator
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 9100 BS 40 Tweezers Gold, White
Read more
4
5
Best epilator for beginners
Braun Silk-épil 9 9/980 SkinSpa SensoSmart Epilator
Read more
6
Philips Wet and Dry Epilator BRE740
Read more
Black Friday 2024 takes place on 29th of November this year, running until Cyber Monday on the 2nd of December, so it’s the perfect time to get a great deal on an IPL device – keep an eye on this page where we’ll be sharing the latest discounts. We’ll also be spotlighting the biggest savings on the best beauty deals, including hairdryers and straighteners, throughout the month.
What is epilating?
Epilators contain rotating tweezers, which remove hair straight from the follicle to prevent any tugging or pulling on the skin. They can also remove smaller hairs compared to your average wax, leaving you with smoother, better results.
Epilating is known for being slightly painful (you are pulling hair right from the root, after all) but the good news is any pain normally decreases each time you epilate.
To minimise discomfort, make sure you apply warm water to the skin before you start, which helps to open up the pores. Alternatively, choose one of the epilators from our list that can be used wet when bathing or showering, so you can thoroughly soak skin beforehand.
Is it better to shave or epilate?
It ultimately comes down to personal preference but the main difference between the two is that hair will start growing back straight away with shaving, while epilating can give you as long as four weeks hair-free.
An epilator won’t catch every single hair though (like a high-quality razor would), so if you’re looking for perfection, epilating may not be the right choice. Shaving is also pain-free, whereas epilating pulls hair from the root, which can cause slight discomfort.
Want to read about all the at-home hair removal options on the market? Check out our complete buying guide, covering everything from IPL to waxing.
Do epilators permanently remove hair?
Unlike some other hair removal methods, epilating does provide long-term results, leaving you hair-free for up to four weeks. It won’t banish hair for good, but it will give you significantly more time in between treatments than shaving would.
An added bonus is that new hair will likely grow back lighter and finer too, so even if you do leave it longer than four weeks, regrowth should be less noticeable.
You can buy epilators with heads specifically designed for different areas of the body too – such as arms, bikini lines and underarms – to really get your money’s worth.
Is it better to epilate long or short hair?
Most epilators work best on hairs that are between 3-5mm long. You may prefer to start epilating as soon as hair is visible though, as this is less painful and should avoid ingrown hairs.
How do I prepare my skin for epilation?
There are a number of ways you can prep skin before epilating. Exfoliating with a scrub will help avoid ingrown hairs and bathing in warm water will open up the pores – just make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this could lead to skin irritation.
Some epilators are waterproof, which can also help with keeping pain to a minimum. If that’s a priority, be sure to check if your chosen model can be used in the bath or shower before you buy.
How we test
We looked at how effective each device was at removing hair (and minimising pain), how easy it was to control and how simple the process was.
Testers were given the choice to trial the device in either wet and/or dry conditions (if suitable for both), and were provided with all the attachments that come with the device, so they had the option to use it on all or specific areas of the body.
They tested for a period of eight weeks and were asked for feedback on the design, ease of set-up, how simple it was to manoeuvre, as well as pain levels. They fed back at different points in the process – four and eight weeks – to assess the hair regrowth over time and report on any ingrown hairs.
Score: 91/100
This ‘Flex Epilator’ from Braun has a pivoting head to make it easier to get right into those hard-to-reach areas, and the brand claims it will help keep visible hairs at bay for up to four weeks. It works wet or dry, so you can use it while you luxuriate in the bath – which can help to reduce discomfort – or while you wait for your phone to charge before you leave the house. Nothing like some last-minute beauty admin.
Our panellists were impressed. They loved the interchangeable attachments, with one praising the “lovely case”, while another told us the rotating head moved easily over their knees and ankles.
Other comments included: “I was able to use it more often than my existing epilator, because it was just so easy to pick up and tidy up stray hairs”, and “it’s very effective at removing underarm hair, I’m only just seeing regrowth after more than two weeks, which is unheard of for me!”
It charges in minutes and left many panellists’ skin feeling softer, without any nasty razor bumps or irritation.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | Spare head for different areas, charger, travel case |
2
Runner-up epilator
Braun Silk-épil 9 9-561 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator
Now 41% Off
Score: 85/100
If you want to remove all unwanted hair in one go, it’s important not to race through the epilating process, which means you could be there a while. Thankfully, this epilator is lightweight, helping you avoid any arm ache, while the built-in light helps you get every last hair.
It performed well on both wet and dry skin, with most testers finding the pain tolerable. They did report some discomfort around the bikini and underarm area (as to be expected) but overall, it scored well across the board.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, efficiency cap, precision cap, massage pad, exfoliating brush) and charging stand. |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best multi-use epilator
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 9100 BS 40 Tweezers Gold, White
Score 82/100
Testers loved how effectively this epilator removed hair and found it slowed and lessened growth after eight weeks. They also noted how quick removal was, even on shorter hairs, which are notoriously tricky to get rid of, and reported an even finish thanks to the in-built light.
This epilator can be used in the shower – even underwater – which testers said was a real “bonus”, adding that it was “easier to use on wet skin than dry.”
Some noted that it wasn't the simplest to use on underarms, reporting some discomfort. The battery didn't last as long as they would have liked either.
However, this is a real multitasker. It comes with a shaver head, a deep cleansing brush and a beauty sponge, so you can also use it to shave, exfoliate and moisturise.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 10 head attachments (FaceSpa, Shaver Head, Exfoliator, 4 Facial Brushes and 3 Caps) |
Score: 82/100
While it isn’t cordless, this Braun model does come with a wide array of attachments to keep you hair-free from head to toe.
Our panel found it was more effective than their usual hair-removal method and reported the pain as tolerable (except on the underarms, which are more sensitive). Overall, it’s a reliable and affordable option.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | No, dry only. |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded |
| Included | 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, sensitive area cap, facial cap, massage cap and skin contact cap) and cooling glove. |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best epilator for beginners
Braun Silk-épil 9 9/980 SkinSpa SensoSmart Epilator
Score: 79/100
With an impressive selection of accessories, this epilator is the brand’s most advanced option yet. It features a “smart” sensor, which helps you apply the right level of pressure. We found if you pressed too hard, a red light appeared to warn you to ease off, making it ideal for beginners.
Testers said it immediately removed hair and they noticed a reduction in regrowth over the testing period. The exfoliating brush head also helped to avoid any ingrown hairs, which was a big plus point.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 7 head attachments (razor, trimmer, massager, optimal skin contact attachment, facial epilator attachment, peeling brush, gentle peeling brush), bikini trimmer with 2 attachments, 1 x AAA battery and a storage bag. |
Score: 74/100
Claiming to leave you with smooth legs in just 10 minutes, most of our panel found this epilator reduced hair regrowth after eight weeks of use. One tester even fed back that “hair growth has reduced and almost disappeared in some places on my legs, underarms and bikini line.”
Others also noted how effective the hair removal process was, reporting a “lasting finish.” Overall, almost all were satisfied with the product after just four weeks, and found it to be effective when used wet or dry.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 8 head attachments (shaving head, trimming comb, bikini trimmer head, bikini trimmer comb, body exfoliation brush, pedicure foot file, delicate area cap, optimal contact cap,), pouch and cleaning brush. |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Verdict: Which epilator should I buy?
If you’re after something that does what it says on the tin, and does it really well (without any extra gadgets or gimmicks), our winning Braun is a top buy, thanks to its flexible pivoting head and range of adjustable attachments.
If you fancy investing in a one-stop-shop tool that has it all, our best multi-use epilator, the Braun Silk-épil 9-980 is for you. It epilates effectively for a smooth finish and helps massage cleanser deep into pores before bed with the face brush attachment, plus any bearded companions can borrow it for the electric razor attachment. Talk about bang for your buck.
If fast results are the only thing on your mind – perhaps you have an imminent beach holiday creeping up in the calendar – we recommend Remington's 7-in-1 Cordless Epilator.
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Tested byMaria Kumar
Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager
Maria is our Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager, and since joining in mid-2022, she has managed the testing for mutiple categories including scalp scrubs, collagen supplements and retinol serums. In addition to her master's degree in chemical engineering and a diploma in cosmetic science, she recently received her MBA from the London College of Fashion, focusing on case studies within the beauty industry. Prior to joining the company, she worked within the global technical team at the Estee Lauder Companies for over six years, collaborating with the chemists and engineers to launch luxury beauty products at scale and to quality. She has also worked as a formulation scientist within the pharmaceutical industry and takes this evidence based approach into all her product testing.
