Ah, epilators. I like to call mine "my little torture device"
But seriously, it
always hurts the first time, since the skin hasn't gotten used to it.
Exfoliation before epilating is essential to prevent ingrowns (and don't dig for them or you'll be likely to get scarring - I did
).
The skin redness can be helped with some burn gel (aloe gel with a little anesthetic). I tend to avoid oil-based products on skin freshly epilated, as in, lotions and such.
When I started transition I had terrible shaving skill (I didn't care much about looks so I didn't take good care of myself).
Thanks to that my legs and chest have scars still healing 6 months later (argg).
Nowadays I epilate my chest and belly regularly, my legs when I have time (else just shave them), and I alternate epilating and shaving my facial hair. So far I just shave my underarms since it's easy. I always exfoliate (using a poof and a body wash specifically for exfoliation) in a nice hot shower before epilating, and I use a little scent-free oatmeal-based shaving gel to keep lubrication (makes it easier).
Let me tell you, epilating facial hair is a bittersweet thing but I'm glad I did it. The first time was positively excruciating and took me three-rounds to get most of it (I didn't have the guts to do my upper-lip and Adam's apple areas). After a few weeks of doing it, the hair color changed, dark hairs sparse, lighter and less coarse hairs more prevalent, and some even went snow-white. I can do it without as much anesthetic spray but it still doesn't feel super good; even so, it certainly makes shaving easier. I still need to "psych up" for it, though.
I haven't tried creams and such for my face, but maybe that's an easier route.
I can't afford electrolysis, but I'll be doing it eventually.
