Review (5/5): Where have you been all my life, Braun Epilator?
After years of shaving, waxing and plucking I have finally found the solution to staying hair free without stubble, bruises or ingrown hairs.
I was skeptical of this type of product and assumed that it would be more like an electric shaver and really not be any different in terms of how long my legs would stay smooth.
I wish I had tried one years ago. I have sensitive skin and hair regrowing after shaving was causing a great deal of irritation. Because my hair seemed to grow back in a day (maybe I'm part Wolfman) I was shaving every day and because of the blunt ends my skin was itchy and uncomfortable nearly all the time. Underarms were always carrying nicks from razors. Waxing was better because the regrowth didn't cause itching. But it was time consuming, very messy and at times I actually bruised my skin by pulling the strips too quickly.
From the first time I used the Braun Epilator I felt this sense of relief that I had finally, finally, finally solved that issue! It does take a few passes to get some of the hairs but it is still less time consuming than waxing. And I have NO irritation afterward at all. Smooth skin that lasts. I do have to use the epilator 2-3 times a week to stay hair-free since hair grows at different rates. You can let all the hair grow out and then epilate to keep from having to repeat use, but I'm fine with using it multiple times a week.
I do make sure to moisturize to reduce ingrown hairs as this can be a problem any time the hair is pulled from the roots (as in waxing). Immediately after epilating, I use a cream or oil specifically formulated for use after waxing to minimize any chaffing in the area and keep the skin soft. And I use Tend Skin a day after epilating as I did with waxing which works for me to keep ingrown hairs from forming.
The other great thing is that I have already saved money by not having to buy more razor cartridges (very expensive for a good razor) or waxing supplies. And I'm not continually cleaning up wax spots in my bathroom or putting little pieces of tissue on bleeding nicks from razors.
The light is a great touch on this epilator. My eyesight isn't what it once was so unless I have bright sunlight it is difficult to see where I may have missed hair. With the light, I can epilate at night with just the bathroom light because the light on the Braun shines directly in the area you are working on.
I may have been concerned in the past that this would be too painful to use on a regular basis, but after the bruising, chafing and irritation I was getting with waxing and shaving, it wasn't a concern any longer. I shouldn't have worried about it. I don't consider this to be painful at all. It will probably be a little uncomfortable for someone who hasn't waxed or epilated before, but the sensitivity should go away with use based on the information provided. And you need to be careful using this in areas where your skin is loose. The skin needs to be stretched taut as indicated in the directions for use or you can catch some skin in the epilator. I only had to do this once to remember because that did smart a little. I have only used the exfoliator head once and it was almost too gentle, but is a nice option to have.
If you haven't tried this and you have similar problems with fast hair regrowth and irritation from shaving and waxing, I personally recommend this as a solution.