How to use an epilator
Managing your body hair needn't be a rush-job in the shower with a razor or a pre-planned mission to the waxer, because there's actually a way to achieve salon-quality 'hairlessness' in the comfort of your own home, with very little fuss or bother. If you've ever toyed with the idea of epilating, but the prospect of the pain or knowing how to do it properly has stood in your way, then here's a handy guide. The good news is, the more you do it, the easier it'll become.
Read on for Braun Beauty Ambassador, Nathalie Eleni's, no-nonsense tips for pain-free, efficient, long-lasting hair removal at home...
A few days before
If the pain of epilation puts you off, you may be interested to know that prepping the skin a few days before can go a long way to minimising the 'ouch' factor. "Skin that's dry, parched, cracked and sensitized is already unhappy so before you epilate use a body brush or body scrub, to slough away any skin build-up, then keep skin hydrated until you're ready to epilate," says Eleni. "The softer, more supple skin will be much happier,making the hair removal process much more comfortable."
Before you epilate
When you pay for a professional hair removal service there are certain pre-treatment processes it's wise to incorporate into your own DIY sessions. "In a salon you'd expect an alcohol or pre-wax cream to be applied to the area you're about to treat, and the same is useful when epilating at home," recommends Eleni. "Find a fragrance free lotion to prep skin and make sure skin is clean before you start."
Go slowly
Forget about ripping off a plaster, it's actually better to be slow but sure when epilating as being too fast could mean you'll miss some of those hairs and get a patchy result. "The first time you epilate it's normal to feel slightly anxious about how it's going to feel. Ease yourself in by treating small areas around the knee and keep skin taut as you go. Do a little bit at a time and when you've had enough, stop. You can build up to an area and speed that suits you. Avoid starting with the ankle as it tends to be slightly more sensitive," advises Eleni.
Short back and sides
"It tends to be the case that the shorter the hair the less painful it is when you're epilating, so if it's your first time use a trimmer to cut the hair down to around 2mm," recommends Eleni. "If you want to make it even less painful epilate after a bath when skin is still slightly warm and a little damp."
Sensitive areas
The bikini line needn't be off limits in your DIY lower-body deforestation, but you do need to go carefully. "Shave or trim the hair down and keep the skin you're treating taut at all times. Don't start on the inner thigh, instead start at the very top of the knicker-line just below your belly button," suggests Eleni. Make a batch of camomile tea and freeze into ice cubes, and apply it to the treated area immediately after you epilate to soothe. And if you're a regular at the gym, use a tea tree cream to keep the area clean for a few days after treatment."
Under arms
A five-o'clock shadow under the arms isn't a good if your aim is to be hair-free, and this is where epilating can be a saviour for your pits. "The hair under the arms tends to grow in three directions; down, up and across, so treat small sections and change the direction of the epilator so you can all the hair. It is a sensitive area though, perhaps even more sensitive than the bikini area, so treat small areas at a time until you get used to it."
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