Best Way to Use Epilator

Use a waterproof epilator like the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex in the shower, where warm water softens hairs up to 5mm and opens pores. Exfoliate first, then keep skin taut and hold the device at a 90-degree angle. The massage cap reduces pain, while SensoSmart lights if you press too hard. Epilating dry skin boosts effectiveness by 40%, so air-dry completely. You’ll see smoother results lasting 3–4 weeks, with finer regrowth over time-there’s more to optimizing your routine.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. Last update on 23rd June 2026 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Notable Insights

• Soften hair and open pores with a warm shower before epilating for more effective hair removal.
• Exfoliate skin and ensure it’s completely dry to increase epilation effectiveness by up to 40%.
• Use a waterproof epilator in the shower with warm water to reduce discomfort and improve results.
• Keep skin taut and hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle to grip hairs as short as 0.5 mm.
• Moisturize daily and exfoliate every 2–3 days post-epilation to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.

Understanding Epilation: How It Removes Hair From Roots

While it might seem intense at first, epilation actually works by gripping and pulling hair out from the root using tiny rotating tweezers that spin at high speeds-so you’re not just cutting hairs like with a razor, but removing them completely for results that last 3 to 4 weeks. When you epilate, your epilator extracts hair from the follicle, much like waxing, just without the residue. Models like the Philips Satinelle Advanced Wet & Dry run at 2200 RPM, grabbing hairs as short as 0.5 mm-4 times shorter than wax needs. Braun’s Series 8000 uses Double Action Technology and ceramic tweezers to make removing hair more efficient and less painful. You’ll feel a slight tug, but the payoff is smooth skin that lasts. Over time, regular epilation can even reduce hair regrowth. Stick with it, and you’ll see why so many users swear by their epilator for long-term, hassle-free results.

Prep Skin for Epilation: Shower, Exfoliate, and Dry

Since smooth, hair-free skin starts with the right prep, kick things off by taking a warm shower or bath-this softens hair and opens up your pores, making extraction easier and less uncomfortable. Right after, exfoliate with a body scrub or an exfoliating glove to sweep away dead skin cells; this step helps prevent ingrowns and keeps your skin smooth. If you’re using a device like the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex, try the exfoliation brush attachment for a thorough, even clean. Once you’ve exfoliated, let your skin air-dry completely-no lotions or oils-since moisture blocks the epilator’s grip. Dry skin is key: it guarantees the tweezers catch every hair at the root. Skipping this drying step cuts effectiveness by up to 40%, testers found. For best results, always epilate on clean, dry skin with open pores and zero residue.

Pick a Waterproof Epilator With Massage Cap

You’ve prepped your skin with a warm shower, exfoliated to prevent ingrowns, and made certain your skin is completely dry-now it’s time to choose the right tool for a smoother, more comfortable experience. If you want to epilate in the shower, pick a waterproof epilator like the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex. It’s 100% waterproof with an anti-slip handle, so it’s safe and easy to use an epilator while wet. Warm water helps open pores and soften hairs up to 5mm, making the process less painful. The included massage cap stimulates skin and spreads pressure evenly, so you get silky smooth results with less discomfort. SensoSmart pressure control lights up if you press too hard, keeping your session effective and gentle. This combo of features guarantees you can epilate in the shower for faster, more comfortable results-especially on legs and arms-without irritation.

Epilate With Taut Skin and 90-Degree Angle

For smoother, more effective hair removal, tighten the skin with your free hand to create a flat surface-this helps the epilator grab more hairs per pass, especially in trickier areas like the thighs and underarms. When you epilate every time, make certain to hold the device at a precise 90-degree angle; going below 75 degrees can cause hair breakage or slippage. Positioning it correctly guarantees the tweezers pull hair out fully from the root. If it’s your first time, go slow and follow the direction of hair growth to avoid tugging. The Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex with SensoSmart helps-you’ll feel a gentle pulse if the angle or pressure’s off. Keep skin taut to reduce passes, boost efficiency, and get cleaner results. These tips and tricks make a real difference in comfort and performance, even on sensitive spots.

Reduce Pain During Epilator Use: Speed and Numbing Tips

While it’s normal to feel some discomfort during epilation, starting on the lowest speed setting can make the process far more manageable-especially if you’re new to the routine, since slower speeds reduce tugging and hair breakage. For your first few sessions, use a numbing cream like Ebanel with lidocaine 20 minutes beforehand to reduce pain, though some sensation will remain. The Braun Silk-Epil models, especially the 9 Flex, are 100% waterproof-epilating in the shower reduces pain by up to 30% thanks to open pores and less sensitivity. Its SensoSmart technology also guides pressure control for fewer mistakes.

Aftercare After Epilation: Moisturize and Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Now that you’ve worked through the initial discomfort with smart speed settings, numbing prep, and maybe even shower epilation with a high-performance device like the Braun Silk-Epil 9 Flex, it’s just as important to follow up with the right aftercare routine. Moisturize daily with a fragrance-free lotion to keep skin soft and support smooth results for up to three weeks. This, combined with regular exfoliate sessions every 2–3 days, will help prevent ingrown hairs by clearing dead skin that traps regrowing hair. Use witch hazel to soothe redness and reduce irritation without clogging pores. Avoid deodorant right after underarm epilation-your skin’s extra sensitive. Over time, consistent exfoliate and moisturize habits make regrowth finer and softer. Stick with it, and you’ll see fewer ingrown hairs and longer-lasting smoothness, even after three weeks.

On a final note

You’ll get the smoothest results by using your waterproof epilator on dry skin after exfoliating, holding skin taut at a 90-degree angle, and moving slowly-testers saw 90% hair removal in one pass. For less pain, use the massage cap and go slow; post-epilation, apply fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent ingrowns, and repeat every 3–4 weeks for best, lasting results.