An epilator pulls hair out by the root rather than shaving it off at the surface, so the results last for weeks, not days — and over time the regrowth comes back finer and sparser. It is the cheapest, most convenient way to get salon-smooth skin at home, once you are past the first few sessions. An extensive test of the leading epilators sorted the best, and these are the top picks, checked against current UK prices.
What to Look For
Tweezers and thoroughness. An epilator works by grabbing hairs between tiny rotating tweezers, so the number of tweezers matters: budget models have around 30 to 40, while the best pack up to 60 tweezers for faster, more thorough passes. More tweezers means fewer strokes and less time spent, and the best heads catch hairs as short as 0.5 mm — far shorter than waxing can manage.
Corded or cordless. Cordless, rechargeable epilators give you total freedom of movement and typically run for around 40 to 50 minutes on a charge — plenty for legs, underarms and more. Corded models never run flat and often deliver relentless power straight from the mains, but the cable restricts how you move and they cannot be used in the bath or shower. For most people, cordless is the more comfortable choice.
Wet and dry use. The best epilators are fully waterproof, so you can use them in the shower or bath. This is not just about convenience: warm water relaxes the skin and opens the pores, which makes epilation noticeably less uncomfortable — a big deal for beginners. If you are nervous about the sensation, prioritise a wet-and-dry model.
Comfort, light and speed settings. Epilation is never painless, but good design softens it: multiple speed settings let you start gently, a bright built-in LED light reveals fine hairs you would otherwise miss, and a well-shaped, ergonomic grip makes the whole job quicker and steadier. A pivoting or flexible head that follows the contours of your body improves both comfort and coverage.
Attachments. The better sets come with genuinely useful extras: a trimming comb, an exfoliating brush to prevent ingrown hairs, a facial cap for delicate areas, and sensitive-area caps for underarms and the bikini line. Check what is in the box, as it can turn a single-purpose epilator into an all-round hair-removal kit.
The Winner: Braun Silk-epil 9 (9-061)
The Braun Silk-epil 9 (9-061) is the best epilator for most people (around £145). The current, stalk-handled version of Braun's flagship removes hair very fast, very gently and very thoroughly, gliding over the skin and lifting even short, fine hairs in a pass or two. It has a long battery life, a bright LED light to reveal stray hairs, and it is fully waterproof, so you can epilate in the shower where it hurts less. It comes with a trimming comb, an exfoliating brush and a storage case. It is not the cheapest, but for speed, thoroughness and comfort it is the clear pick. Check the price on Amazon
