I just bought an Epilator and I'm scared/nervous to use it...

Has anyone else used one? If so was it bearable to use?

The first time it is likely to hurt like hell.  I suggest you take some sort of analgesic ahead of time.  If you are old enough, a couple of stiff drinks would help.

Now the good news, it becomes less and less painful with subsequent use.

Quote from: Jamie D on April 19, 2013, 01:25:59 AM
The first time it is likely to hurt like hell.  I suggest you take some sort of analgesic ahead of time.  If you are old enough, a couple of stiff drinks would help.

Now the good news, it becomes less and less painful with subsequent use.

Yeah, I might have to go with a drink or two (since I am legal). I might also take a bath first.

The other good news...no stubble, and it grows back slower. Yay!

Thanks for the advice.

-Skye

Have you tried it yet?  Honestly, I was scared too the first time.

I just revved it up, jammed it on, and let 'er rip!

Quote from: Orihime on April 19, 2013, 01:33:20 AM
Have you tried it yet?  Honestly, I was scared too the first time.

I just revved it up, jammed it on, and let 'er rip!

And the result? (I'm assuming pain)

I should also note that I didn't buy one of the cheap ones, so that might make a difference.

I love mine 

It's fun.  It can tickle a bit, but then again I've been doing it for a long time so the hair on my legs have thinned out a lot.  So much more convenient than waxing 

Just used my epilator on one of my calves...

Wow...that hurt a lot...but I think I can push through and do the other one tonight...

I love how smooth my legs are/are going to be.

It gets easier each time, just keep at it!

You know, it's kind of funny. I brought up to my wife that I wanted a nice expensive epilator for my birthday. (I turn 40 in a week. YIKES!) and she thought that it used chemicals to get rid of the hair. I found myself surprised that I had to educate her on what they are and how they work. Now she wants to get one so she doesn't have to shave her leg hair, since she ends up cutting herself pretty badly every time she does.

I've been trying for weeks.
I get two cm away from my skin and just stop. It's easier when it's not YOU inflicting the pain - I can sit through electrolysis, say - but this... Can't do it.

Quote from: ZoeM on April 19, 2013, 01:34:02 PM
I've been trying for weeks.
I get two cm away from my skin and just stop. It's easier when it's not YOU inflicting the pain - I can sit through electrolysis, say - but this... Can't do it.

[Edit- Added info about moisturizing]

I almost quit a few times...and that was only on the first quarter of my leg!

I understand...it's not an easy thing to do.

There are a few things you can do that will make it less painful...

-Take a bath, it relaxes the pores so that the hairs come out more easily. Don't put oil in your bath, it makes it harder for the epilator to grip the hairs.

-Exfoliate the area you are going to epilate because it reduces ingrown hairs.

-Shave a few days prior to epilating, so that the hairs will require less force to come out....eg. It takes more force to pull a longer rope taught.

-Have a drink or a painkiller 20 min before. (I didn't do this, so I went slow and waited for my body's natural painkillers to kick in...I also took a few two minute breaks).

-Moisturizing after will reduce the pain, I personally like Glaxal Base because its the medical base used for any medical cream. It's not greasy, it rubs in, it's hypoallergenic, and a large $20 container full lasts for months. If you're bleeding a decent amount after...use some hydrogen peroxide as it will kill any infection and stop the bleeding immediately.

-Take small breaks if the pain becomes too much. Change how you use the epilator (how fast the epilator is, how fast you move over the area), as this will greatly reduce the pain.

-The biggest thing...keep telling yourself "I can do this" and "I can't wait for my legs to look way more feminine". The longer you wait, the more anxiety and fear you build up...when you get that moment of courage. Just do it. (Period)

Whew, that was a lot of information for something so small as epilating...woot I can't wait till I start wearing makeup...lol (more research!)

Hugs,

-Skye

I would rather do Andrea cold wax kits...
Seems like more effort...but not compared to yanking a few out
At a. Time....waxing strips 2 x 8 inches of hair instantly...

I used to do from neck to toes In three hours...
Than take a Luke warm shower and coat with azulene oil..

Such a sexy polished finish when done right

You know, the title made me think that the OP thought the epilator was possessed by an evil spirit. I just had this image of her, in bed, with the covers up her nose in fright and the Epilator just hovering mere inches from her.


Am I the only one?

Those are all great tips Skye!
Had my epilator for about two months and it has definitely gotten less painful.  I just leave it on my bathroom counter and have gotten into the habit of doing a minute r so every time I'm in there.
I love the results and now even if I'm lazy and let my legs go, the hair grows like any other girls leg hair does to I'm not self conscious about it.
One thing I'd also recommend for those who are prone to ingrown hairs is Tendskin.  Just wipe it on with a cotton ball when your done., it really does help.

Quote from: Shodan on April 19, 2013, 02:37:45 PM
You know, the title made me think that the OP thought the epilator was possessed by an evil spirit. I just had this image of her, in bed, with the covers up her nose in fright and the Epilator just hovering mere inches from her.


Am I the only one?

That would be an epically funny intro to a how to video on epilation. rofl

First time, hurts like hell. Second time, hurts a bit. Thereafter, you'll just be annoyed when you have to go over the same bit of skin twice. Push on through!

When I used to try to present as female I had one. It wasn't the epilation that bothered me... I didn't understand anything about skin care and got a ton of ingrown hairs afterward.

Good luck with your epilation! It didn't do me much good over a period of about six months, but hopefully you'll have better results.

I've been using mine for over three years (the Braun Silk-Epil...still running strong!) and while it hurt at first (a lot!), now it's just a thing I do. I barely feel it and the hair that still exists is minimal and fine. It's so worth the work.