This Under-the-Radar Hair Removal Method Works Even Better Than Shaving

“Like conventional tweezers, epilators remove the hair directly from the root. This differs from shaving, which does not remove the root. Using an epilator means hair takes longer to regrow,” explains board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics.

This is one of the biggest pro’s to using the tool—it removes hair at the root. It’s rare to find a hair removal technique that doesn’t involve at least a little pain, and using an epilator is no different. Rodney says that the pain is on par with waxing since both techniques yank the hair from the root. It might even be more painful for you at first if you’re new to epilators and have never waxed before. When using the device, Rodney recommends pulling the skin taut before passing the machine over it and avoiding goose bumps. Make sure you’re moving the device in the direction of hair growth, and don’t press too firmly on the skin or pass through quickly, as those two things may cause irritation.

As for who can use an epilator, it can work on all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to be careful. If you have a severe skin condition, you may want to avoid it altogether. Test on a small area at first, which will help you figure out if it’s right for you.