Is An Epilator The Key To Avoiding Razor Bumps? Here's What To Know

Shaving is exhausting, and to make matters even worse, it often leaves a trail of razor bumps behind. If that sounds like you, fear not — epilators might be here to save the day. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ife Rodney, "Like conventional tweezers, epilators remove the hair directly from the root," she explained to Who What Wear. "This differs from shaving, which does not remove the root. Using an epilator means hair takes longer to regrow." With these benefits in mind, an epilator can ease the burden of shaving and reduce the frequency at which you shave.

In general, hair removal is a difficult and time-exhausting effort. With options like shaving, waxing, and threading, deciding what will work best for your skin type isn't easy. There are a few ways to rock smooth skin this summer, while also keeping in mind that body hair is personal and not up for debate. Those of us who prefer some hair regulation are constantly searching for the best methods, and an epilator is a hair-removal technique that runs over the hair and pulls them out from the root. We'll dive further into how to choose and use an epilator, an efficient process of shaving, and some cons to be mindful of.

When it comes to choosing an epilator, it's best to choose one that's most convenient for your schedule. For example, there are epilators that best work with dry skin while others work best for wet skin and in the shower, per Resurchify. If your hair typically grows coarse, an epilator for wet skin may be best for you as water can act as a lubricant. According to dermatologist Dr. Christine Choi Kim, "Since there are a lot of epilators on the market, follow the instructions for your particular device," she explained to Byrdie. "Start on a less sensitive area of your body first to practice your technique — arms or legs, not bikini."

In general, shaving can be slightly painful, but there are epilators with reduced pain factors that can be great for those with sensitive skin. If you're someone who prefers to shave near bikini lines or pubic hairs, a pain-eliminating epilator can work great. A few examples of efficient epilators — as recommended by Cosmopolitan — include Epilady's Speed Corded Epilator ($40), Remington Smooth & Silky ($59), and Braun's Epilator 9 Flex ($180, and a fan favorite!). With the right epilator and shaving technique, you can avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

Before getting started, make sure your epilator is clean and ready for use. Just like an ordinary razor, rinsing off any residue from previous showers is essential; it's likely best to keep the epilator out of the shower, as it can collect wet bacteria. As emphasized by Choi Kim, "Clean it regularly to keep the epilator working consistently and to prevent bacterial or fungal infections," she explained. "Even if it is a device that can be used wet, don't leave it in your shower where it can breed bacteria and fungus easily." Once your razor is clean and ready, it's time for the next step: exfoliation.

If you have a favorite exfoliator, feel free to incorporate it into your shaving routine. With an effective exfoliator, you'll be able to remove dead skin cells, reduce the chance of ingrown hairs, and have a clean base before removing hair with an epilator. In accordance with Resurchify, it's best to use the epilator slowly and move in the opposite direction of growing hairs. In order to achieve a painless finish, use the epilator last in your shower routine and follow up with lotion, gel, or another hydrating product. With the right shaving techniques in hand, you'll get the most mileage out of an epilator and its many benefits.

Unfortunately, no beauty product comes without a few cons. For example, epilators have a tendency to irritate the skin, especially for those of us who are sensitive to new products. The first few sessions can also be slightly painful, according to beauty blog DenisaPicks. Frequency will ease the pain of using an epilator, but it may be best to start with a waxing session to anticipate the pain level. If you're someone who identifies with sensitive skin, you may suffer from redness or breakouts following an epilator session — but don't worry! Follow up with anti-inflammatory skincare, like aloe vera, witch hazel, or niacinamide to help ease some of the pain. 

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung, "Removing hair at the root will give longer-lasting results than shaving, and repeated plucking can cause the follicle to scar down and stop growing hair," she explained to Forbes. Essentially, there's an equal balance between pros and cons that make epilators a great choice for those who use them efficiently. With any luck, you'll have smooth and shiny legs, armpits, and anywhere else where you desire a clean canvas.