These at-home epilators saved me so much £££ on salon appointments (2025)

The Braun Silk-épil 9 is a brilliant option for beginners. The pivoting head means you can get into those hard-to-reach areas, while the row of 40 tweezers ensures a precise shave.

And, if you’re a sensitive soul, the device comes with a gentle mode to look after that delicate skin of yours.

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This epilator proves that silky-smooth skin needn’t cost half your monthly salary.

Equipped with two different attachments, this budget pocket rocket can be used to de-fuzz your underarms and legs – plus there’s a diddy detail head so no rogue hair survives. Better yet, there are two speed settings – including one for your, ahem, intimate area – which ensures a result that’ll give your go-to salon a run for its money.

There is one thing to note: unlike many on this edit, this is a corded gadget which does come with pros and cons. Yay, it means non-stop hair removal while you catch up on Monsters. But, it may not be the best tool to invest in if you’re a hard-core jet setter.

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A very advanced option indeed, the Philips 8000 wet and dry epilator uses unique rounded tweezer heads to grab even the smallest of hairs, meaning you get the smoothest results possible.

There’s an in-built light and it’s cordless, so it’s a cinch to use. It also comes with everything from a trimming head to a bikini trimmer, and a special attachment for sensitive areas, so you can ensure that no hair goes untouched.

Key Specifications

The Braun Beauty Set contains a high-spec epilator alongside every single add-on you could possibly need, including a facial cleansing brush and massage attachments.

Braun’s most advanced Silk-épil device is impressive in so many ways. Firstly, there's the wider-than-usual head and in-built light that ensure you can grab and remove every hair (even the ones you can't see in natural light).

The pivoting head makes awkward areas easier to reach, while the gentle vibrating setting reduces any pain. This one can be used on both wet and dry skin, and there’s even an attachment to transform it into an electric shaver.

Key Specifications

Philips’ hand-held gizmo is not just a cute face. The Corded Compact epilator is a powerful and speedy device that removes hair in no time.

It’s designed with two speed settings which will grab onto even the most stubborn hairs, leaving skin smooth and stubble-free for weeks.

The slender head is equipped with a built-in light which means no rouge hair will be left un-tweezed. Better yet, you can work your way into all the nooks and crannies that are usually hard to epilate (think: ankles and bikini line).

Small and compact, you can comfortably hold it in the palm of your hand, giving you full control over your shaving experience.

Key Specifications

If you want to dip your toe into the world of epilating but your threshold is a little sensitive, we’d say this is a great option to choose. At first, epilating can cause a little discomfort; however, the more you do it, the less painful it becomes.

Compared to the fellow Braun epilators, the Silk-épil 9 comes with a handy cooling glove which will soothe any stinging sensations after epilating. It’s also 100% waterproof so you can use it in the shower or bath to minimise potential irritation.

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This is the most impressive face epilator on the market right now. The slender handle allows for precision tweezing, while the additional attachments mean you can perform an entire salon-standard facial at home.

Use the deep-cleansing brush head to sweep away dead skin cells and oil, before massaging in your favourite serum using the toning vibrational wand.

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Let’s face it, removing hair on the bikini line is fraught with problems. The area is more prone to issues, like shaving rashes and ingrown hairs – thanks to friction from your underwear. In terms of intimate body hair, it can be really tricky to know which hair removal option to go for.

You may think that epilating your bikini line is only for the brave, but this Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex goes a long way to making it as painless as possible. The flexible head really gets into those hard-to-reach spots, and the row of 40 tweezers (yes, really) grabs onto those short hairs that even your wax would let slip.

Still a bit panicky? We’d recommend following Dr. Sturnham’s advice and de-fuzzing your bikini line in warm water to reduce the pain. Luckily, this epilator is completely waterproof, so it can come into the shower with you.

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If the clock is your greatest enemy, put down your troublesome razor and pick up this speedy gadget.

Braun’s Silk-épil 9-720 Epilator is built with 40 razors and a wide head to ensure that every single hair is plucked in the quickest time possible. Better yet, the head can pivot which helps you epilate every crevice, nook and cranny.

And, for the sensitive spots, like your bikini line and underarms, the kit comes with a trimmer attachment to shave your hairs rather than unroot them.

Key Specifications

With an epilator attachment, electric shaver head and cleansing facial brush attachment, Braun’s Silk-épil 5 is a great all-rounder for that Sunday-night self-care session.

The epilator has ‘micro-grip tweezer technology’ that allows for easy removal of hairs as short as a grain of sand (cool, huh?) Oh, and the kit comes with a treatment massage head and bikini trimmer, guaranteeing serious precision when it comes to preening your bikini line.

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For any gals on a budget, we get it: epilators are definitely an investment. But in the long run, they will probably work out cheaper than a lifetime of razors or spenny salon sessions. If you want to try epilating and are looking for a cheaper alternative, this Silk-épil 3-410 might be just the thing.

Ringing in at under £40 (on sale), this 20-tweezer epilator is ideal for beginners. Despite being on the cheaper side, it is still a well-established name and it comes with a bikini trimmer for shaping and smoothing your bikini line – ideal now that summer is approaching.

There is one downside: it isn’t rechargeable so has to stay plugged into the wall. The bright side is that this means no charging breaks – so you can get it all over in one go.

Key Specifications

The number-one question: is epilating painful? When you think about it, you’re essentially pulling multiple hairs out simultaneously, right from the root. So depending on your pain threshold, there may be some discomfort. (Don’t panic though – you’re unlikely to be screaming into a pillow.)

What’s more, the pain tends to decrease each time you epilate. “It’s best advised to epilate in warm water to make it a more comfortable experience. The warmth of the water releases endorphins which helps to reduce any discomfort or irritation. If you’ve tweezed or waxed, it’s a similar feeling,” says Dr. Sturnham.

“Epilation offers a long-term hair removal solution that, if used both regularly and correctly, can last up to four weeks,” says Dr. Sturnham. So, that’s a good deal longer than the rusty razor that’s lingering at the back of your shower, and around the same time as a good wax.

As a general rule, depilatory creams and razors will keep your legs stubble-free for the shortest amount of time, as they only remove the hair from above the skin. An epilator removes each hair right from the root, meaning you’ll have a couple more weeks before your legs begin to bristle.

After something even more long-lasting? You need to consider IPL hair removal. Sensitive soul? Maybe it’s the electric shaver for you.

Ok, apart from the obvious – super-smooth legs for weeks – there are so many benefits to epilating. Firstly, if you’re prone to shaving rashes, nicks and cuts, the epilator is your friend. You can kiss goodbye to those tiny paper-cut shaving wounds that never seem to stop bleeding.

Secondly, epilating is so much more cost-effective than a regular wax appointment. Sure, many of the best epilators sit in the triple-figure arena, but once you’ve cancelled a couple of intimate hours with your therapist, your new device will have paid for itself. So please, go forth and shop.