Epilation frustration

[Tamaki]

I've been epilating my arms and legs with a Braun Silk-Epil for several months now and keep running into a problem. When I look at the hairs that have been pulled out it's easy to spot the ones that have the follicle at the end but most look like they've broken off. It feels like it's working more like and poor razor than an epilator and I wind up feeling prickly like a hedgehog afterwards. I've tried a hot soak to soften things up but it doesn't seem to help. Shaving is the least desirable option for me and laser isn't an option with the money I'm spending on electrolysis for my face. I'm thinking of switching to waxing.

Does anyone else have this problem and what did you do?

[Christy Edwards]

I use one as well. Mainly my legs and under arms. It doesnt work as well as I had hoped for.
I think over time it would be the way to go....Still hurts...

[xxUltraModLadyxx]

try waxing instead. those epilators really aren't effective unless your hair is fine and thin. just make sure you have enough strips and wax. estimate about how much, and it's pretty much the best results even though it may hurt like hell. i shave the hair i have. i have a rotation schedule of what i shave everyday, so i don't drive myself crazy.

[Tammy Hope]

I have pretty thick hair still, and i epilate everywhere I can stand it and am pleased with the results, apart from far too many ingrown hairs (yes i exfoliate, no it doesn't help much)

No, it doesn't get EVERY hair from the root, but i come away pretty smooth.

Two thoughts:

1. Try changing your direction of approach if you don't get it all, and your speed. for a while i found myself making the pass too fast and not getting the results i wanted.

2. Use it over and over even when you don't feel like you have a lot to "harvest" - give it a chance to work on few hairs instead of many.


As for waxing, i can't afford the pro wax and i tried it ONE time at home and it was astonishingly messy. You're a better woman than I if you can do it without a ton of anger and frustration.

[Princess Rachel]

I shave the area first, wait for a regrowth and then I go in with the epilator, I find that the longer the hair the more hurt there is

[Janet_Girl]

Wash, exfoliate, pat dry.  Let is air dry for a bit, then dust with baby powder.  The powder will let the epilator move smoothly over the skin.  Try varying the speed till you find which one works best.

[Tamaki]

Shaving or waxing first is the way to go. Way less painful.

I've tried moving at different speeds and directions and I think I've got that part figured out.

I tried exfoliating and I don't know if it did any good but the baby powder is great.

Some time I think I'll try waxing when I'm feeling really ambitious. Thanks everyone.