Whether you want to remove a little peach fuzz from your face, smooth your legs, eliminate stubble in your armpits, or experiment with a full-on Brazilian, the best epilators can help. Most of these at-home hair removal devices can be used all over the face and body to get your desired results.
Trimmers and razors may be a reliable choice already, but these tools tackle only hair above the skin, so odds are anything you trim or shave will grow back in a flash. For hair removal methods that provide more longevity, waxing kits are a decent alternative. The problem here: Waxing can be painful—whether it’s sugaring or strips (and hair does eventually grow back). Which leaves you either with in-office treatments like laser hair removals or at-home epilators.
The difference between the latter two is simple: Lasers are more permanent since they actually work to kill the hair follicle, but what if you’re not sure you want the hair to be gone forever? Epilators provide a great happy medium between the more temporary options listed above and the permanence of a laser. “Epilators work by grabbing the hairs with rotating tweezer head blades to pull from the root,” says Diane Madfes, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s similar to waxing but does a better job protecting the skin and is a great way to remove hair in the privacy of your home.”
Epilators vary in size depending on their use, and you can find specific devices for the face or body. Smaller ones are ideal for targeting tough-to-reach areas (hi, upper lip), while more sizable options are better suited for larger surfaces—think your thighs or lower legs. Select devices also come with several interchangeable attachments for flexibility and versatility, says Deba Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Just as you probably wouldn’t dry-shave your underarms or pubic area, it’s important to prep skin before using any kind of epilator to help minimize pain. To do so, Dr. Jaliman recommends taking “a warm shower to open up your hair follicles” as well as “exfoliate to prep skin and remove any dead skin cells that could hinder efficacy.”
Using an epilator is pretty straightforward too. As you would with a razor or a waxing strip, Dr. Madfes recommends moving the epilator in the direction of hair growth. Once you’re done—and after each use—make sure to rinse out your device to get rid of the tiniest hairs and prevent residue buildup.
Ready to find the best epilator out there for you? From a top-rated face gadget to a corded epilator with multiple speed settings and attachments, dermatologists recommend these nine tools for pain-free hair removal, below.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Silk-Épil 3 Epilator, $40
- Best Budget: Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Electric Epilator, $39
- Best for Coarse Hair: Philips Series 8000 Rechargeable 5-in-1 Shaver, Trimmer, Pedicure, and Exfoliator, $120
- Best for Legs: Panasonic Premium Cordless Epilator, $85
- Best for Bikini: Braun Silk-Épil Cordless 3-in-1 Wet & Dry Epilator, $170
- Best for Face: Braun FaceSpa Pro 2-in-1 Facial Epilator & Cleansing Brush System, $80
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Best Overall: Silk-Épil 3 Epilator
For a multipurpose epilator that comes at a wallet-friendly price, dermatologists universally recommend this one by Braun. It functions as an epilator that’s easy enough for newbies and gentle enough for those with mildly sensitive skin, but it can also be used as a shaver and a trimmer. Plus, it’s designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand to help you get a better grip.
$40 -
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Best Budget: Remington Smooth & Silky Deluxe Rechargeable Electric Epilator
You don’t have to spend a ton for a quality option, and this epilator by Remington proves that. You may sacrifice some functionally—like the ability to shave or trim—but this device can be used on all areas of the body. Use the larger built-in head for areas like the legs or back; snap on the precision cap for targeted spots on the face. Also nice: a built-in light that allows for a closer look at some of those shorter hairs.
$39
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Best for Large Areas: Braun Silk-Épil 9 SensoSmart Epilator
This epilator has a large head that’s ideal for larger body surfaces, such as the legs, backs, and arms, says Dr. Madfes. It’s also a good option for anyone worried about the pain associated with epilation. The device has multiple speeds, which reviewers say helps with the pain—simply start on a lower speed until your tolerance for the process builds up. As a nice bonus, you can also use the tool to shave and trim hair.
$129 -
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Best for Coarse Hair: Philips Series 8000 Rechargeable 5-in-1 Shaver, Trimmer, Pedicure, and Exfoliator
Though this device is on the pricier side, it functions as five different tools (via an impressive nine different attachments!) for maximum versatility. Use it to shave, trim hair, smooth feet, exfoliate, and—yes—epilate. Dr. Madfes says this epilator is particularly great for the coarse hair that grows on areas like your legs, since it gets a great grip on multiple hairs at once. Reviewers also love that it has two speeds for further customization and comfort.
$120 -
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Best Splurge: Iluminage Touch Home Permanent Hair Removal Device
Expensive? No doubt. But reviewers say this epilator is worth the splurge, noticeably reducing the thickness of hair in just a few weeks. It comes with three heads: one for larger areas, one for the face, and one for shaving. Consider it an investment—you’ll never have to replace any heads, and some reviewers note their machine is still going strong after three or four years.
$450 -
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Best for Legs: Panasonic Premium Cordless Epilator
“I like this epilator for legs, although the attachments allow you to use it for other areas too,” says Dr. Jaliman. The device is flexible beyond the area of your body you use it on—you can use this epilator on wet or dry skin. It can also be used as a shaver and a trimmer. And for any hard-to-reach areas? Reviewers love the built-in LED light, which helps illuminate those spots, so you can catch any stray hairs.
$85
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Best for Face: Braun FaceSpa Pro 2-in-1 Facial Epilator & Cleansing Brush System
While it’s safe to use epilators on the face, removing the hair around the most delicate areas can be a tricky task. Most epilators on the market are bulky and have large heads, making it difficult to reach areas like the upper lip. This facial-hair remover by Braun is different, because the device is longer than it is wide, meaning it’s easier to hold in the palm of your hand. What’s more, the tip is super small and precise, so you can target even the smallest spots on your face, like the space between your eyebrows.
$80 -
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Best for Bikini: Braun Silk-Épil Cordless 3-in-1 Wet & Dry Epilator
Unlike other epilators, this one has a flexible head that angles into hard-to-reach spots, like the bikini line. It also has a sensor that helps users figure out how much pressure to apply, says Dr. Madfes, who calls it her “favorite” epilator on the market. Reviewers are similarly excited about this bikini trimmer, saying it’s easy for beginners to operate on sensitive areas and leaves the skin feeling smoother than ever—even for those with thick, coarse hair. What’s more, this kit also comes with three exfoliation brushes and massage attachments to prevent ingrown hairs around the bikini area—no plucking or tweezing here.
$170 -
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Best for Sensitive Skin: Flawless Finishing Touch
Okay, this might be a little bit of a cheat, since it’s not technically an epilator, but Dr. Madfes says this hair removal device is the best solution for anyone with sensitive skin. While the results don’t last as long, the device couldn’t be easier to use and it won’t leave skin red and inflamed. Simply turn it on, and the trimmer will quickly and efficiently buzz off any fuzz.
$20
