Review (4/5): Review and a "How To" Primer
I've been ripping out hair versus shaving since they first invented the Epilady and am now on my 4th hair removal appliance. For those that are wondering how or why they die, it's not that they stop functioning altogether but rather one will notice/hear a visible motor/rotating slow down during periods of regular/extended use. In researching what was currently available, I'm upgrading from the Braun Silk Epil Eversoft Model #5316 (yellow and gray case) to the Braun Se 3170 Silk Epil 3 (pink & white case) specifically because it is Braun's latest model with a cord. Unless one removes her (or his) hair over a multiple day period, a 40 minute rechargeable battery isn't going to cut it for the "all hair at once" period and/or for perfectionists.
There is no body area I can't use it on now -- legs, underarms, upper lip, and even extreme bikini (we're talking "Brazilian" girls!). I've long since quit using the massage guard and opt for the fastest/closest pull there is. To be totally fair to newbies, no, I didn't get here overnight. And, no, it will never be totally discomfort free (one IS still pulling out a hair by its root). However, even the 2nd time will be light years easier than the first. One is pulling out fewer hairs and they truly, honestly, I swear, cross my heart . . . grow back finer.
Pointers for the first time user: shave first and allow a noticeable stubble regrowth (2 to 3 days worth). The hair is then both upright and long enough to successfully, easily remove. Use baby powder/talcum powder to keep the area you're working on dry and the Silk Epil will glide across the skin and target only your hair. As weird as this sounds, the skin nerves actually start to grow numb from the constant hair-pulling so if the first pass in a sensitive area has you seeing stars -- the subsequent passes will honestly get easier. Move into a more sensitive area gradually on the slower speed (pulling fewer hairs per second) until you feel comfortable or rather numb enough to make a sweeping pass on high speed. Personally, I then shave the same area afterwards (in the shower or bath) to smooth/level the hairs that were too short to pull and my legs are literally as smooth as glass for up to several days afterwards. In my case, this whole process needs to be done roughly every 10 days -- from a visible perspective, I could actually go longer but I do it based on wanting a smooth feeling versus hairless appearance.
If you don't have the time to start with stubble, trim the hair to a roughly 1/4 inch length -- just as they'll do for a bikini line waxing. If the hair is too long, it'll be more prone to breakage versus removal, and it's also more painful.
As for the upper lip, I'd like to tell you that area gets easier over time, but it's just not the case. I just suck it up and take it like a woman!
A newbie may also experience some skin tenderness/bruising afterwards but it'll quickly fade in 24 to 48 hours.
Good luck, ladies (and gents)!
PS: Another tip for newbies: Pull the skin taunt/smooth where it's loser (as in the underarm area, around the bikini line, and on the upper lip) to decrease discomfort and prevent accidental skin pinching. The easiest way to do one's knees is to bend the leg -- the entire knee area becomes smooth. Conversely, straighten the leg to do the area behind the knee.
For those who become nervous at the site of blood, a newbie may also experience a hair root removal (1 or 2 spots here or there especially in sensitive areas) drawing some blood. Some roots, the first time around, are well anchored. The hair then starts to grow back thinner and finer over time making it far easier to remove.