As a Pakistani woman, I have a lot of hair, and I’ve spent nearly every day since I was seven trying to get rid of it. For every compliment I get on my thick hair and full eyebrows, there’s a price I’m paying everywhere else. When it comes to hair removal, I’ve tried just about everything.

First, there was Nair, because my mom insisted razors were “bad.” Then came years of at-home waxing, before my family switched to sugaring after hearing it was better for your skin. By college, I was sure laser hair removal was the answer, so I bought a Groupon for 12 sessions. It didn’t work the way I’d hoped—or I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this story today.

These days, my routine includes threading my face at the salon across the street, getting my brows tweezed at Sania’s Brow Bar, waxing my bikini line and underarms at European Wax Center, and shaving my arms and legs at home. It’s a routine that’s both incredibly time-consuming and expensive. At some point, I started wondering if there was a better way.

That’s what led me to epilators. Unlike a razor, which just cuts hair at the surface, an epilator removes it from the root by mechanically plucking multiple hairs at once. The result is smoother skin that lasts for weeks instead of days, making it a nice middle ground between shaving and professional treatments like waxing or laser.

Vogue’s Favorite Epilators for Legs
Best for Beginners: Philips Epilator Series 8000 – $80 on Amazon
Best for Large Areas: Panasonic Epilator – $100 on Amazon
Best Value: Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3 3-270 – $44 on Amazon
Best for Travel: Philips Epilator Series 2000 – $40 on Amazon

The Benefits of Epilators
One of the biggest advantages of an epilator is that it removes hair from the root, so results last much longer than shaving. According to board-certified cosmetic physician Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, that can mean smooth skin for several weeks at a time. With regular use, many people also notice that regrowing hair becomes finer and less dense, making epilators a great option for anyone looking to go longer between hair removal sessions.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah says epilators offer many of the same benefits as waxing or threading, but without the recurring cost of appointments. “They’re convenient because you can use them whenever it fits your schedule, and they’re environmentally friendly since there’s less disposable waste than with razors or waxing strips,” she says. While some users find that regrowth becomes softer or appears finer over time, Dr. Shah notes that results can vary from person to person.

The Drawbacks of Epilators
The biggest downside of using an epilator is the discomfort, especially during your first few sessions. Dr. Schwarzburg says it’s also common to experience temporary redness or mild irritation right after, and some people may be more prone to ingrown hairs. If you have very sensitive skin, active eczema, psoriasis, or inflamed hair follicles, he recommends waiting until those conditions are under control before using an epilator.

Dr. Shah notes that epilators work best on hair that’s between two and five millimeters long, so you can’t use them right after shaving. And while the results last much longer than shaving, each session usually takes more time, especially when treating larger areas like the legs.

How to Use an Epilator
Using an epilator starts a few days before you actually pick up the device. Dr. Shah recommends exfoliating your skin one to two days beforehand. On the day of your session, start with clean, dry skin (unless your device is designed for wet use). Hold the skin taut, position the epilator at a 90-degree angle, and move it slowly against the direction of hair growth without pressing too hard.

Dr. Schwarzburg also recommends working with shorter hair, since longer hairs tend to be more uncomfortable to remove. Once you’re done, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer.Avoid hot showers, tight clothing, and intense workouts for several hours if your skin feels irritated. Regular exfoliation between sessions can also help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. With that in mind, here’s a look at the epilators I’d recommend.

In This Story
Are epilators good for your legs?
How We Tested
Meet the Experts

Best Overall: Philips Epilator Series 8000
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Philips Epilator Series 8000 – $80 on Amazon

Why We Love It: If you want an epilator that does it all, both experts recommend the Philips Series 8000. Dr. Schwarzburg likes its wider treatment head and multiple speed settings, which make it especially efficient for larger areas like the legs. He also notes that its wet-and-dry feature can make the experience more comfortable, especially when used in the shower. Dr. Shah agrees, calling it one of the best all-around options for both beginners and experienced users, thanks to its powerful yet easy-to-use cordless design.

Editor’s Experience: “I have a pretty low pain tolerance, so take this with a grain of salt. Beauty may be pain, but I prefer that pain to come from someone else, not myself. Still, I did what I had to for journalism. Since it’s cordless, I used it in the shower, which made it much more manageable than using it dry. Was it fun? Absolutely not. Did it work? Yes. It removed my hair really well and left my legs noticeably smoother for much longer than shaving. Just know it takes more time than using a razor, and it’s loud enough that my roommates came to ask what was going on. If you’re willing to deal with a little discomfort for longer-lasting results, I think it’s worth it.” – Iman Balagam, Contributor

Best for Large Areas: Panasonic Epilator
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Panasonic Epilator – $100 on Amazon

Why We Love It: If you need an epilator that works on everything from your legs to more sensitive areas, the Panasonic Epilator is a great choice. Dr. Schwarzburg likes that it comes with multiple attachments, making it easy to treat different body parts with one device. He also highlights its wet-and-dry feature, noting that many people find epilating on damp skin more comfortable than using it dry. Dr. Shah is also a fan, praising its flexible head that glides along the body’s curves and its comfortable in-shower performance.

Editor’s Experience: “With three speed settings, I definitely played it safe when testing this one. It’s best for larger areas like the legs because the wider head covers ground quickly, and I could do both legs on a single charge. The flexible head also tilts to follow your body’s shape, making it easier to maneuver than some others I tried. As expected, it hurt (yes, my eyes watered), but the pain became more manageable as I kept going. I’m not sure I want to keep up this cycle, but as far as at-home epilators go, this is probably the one I’d keep using. The only downside is the battery life. I only tested it on my legs, but reviewers say a full-body session might need a second charge.” – Iman Balagam, Contributor

Best Value: Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3 3-270
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Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3 3-270 – $44 on Amazon

Why We Love It: If you’re curious about epilating but don’t want to spend a lot, the Braun Silk-épil 3 is a solid starting point. Dr. Schwarzburg recommends it for its simple design, tips that help lift flat-lying hairs, and built-in massage rollers that make the experience a bit more comfortable. Dr. Shah also points to its affordable price and consistent performance, noting it’s a smart choice for anyone wanting to try epilating before investing in a more advanced model.

Editor’s Experience:”I wouldn’t go so far as to say I enjoyed using an epilator. The massage rollers made it a little less painful, but I still wasn’t eager to keep going. That said, if you’re less sensitive than I am, this is a very straightforward device and a great starting point. After testing several epilators, I found the sensation is pretty similar across the board. What you’re really paying for is the size, features, and convenience, not a dramatically less painful experience. This one is compact and affordable, but since it’s corded, you’ll need to stay near an outlet, and it can only be used on dry skin.” — Iman Balagam, Contributor

Best for Travel: Philips Epilator Series 2000

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Philips Epilator Series 2000, $40 at Amazon

Why We Love It: If you want a simple, no-frills epilator, the Philips Series 2000 fits the bill. Dr. Schwarzburg recommends it for its ergonomic, easy-to-use design and reliable hair removal, making it a solid choice for beginners. Dr. Shah agrees, noting that while it lacks wet-and-dry functionality, attachments, or the speed of pricier models, its affordable price and simplicity make it great for beginners or occasional use.

Editor’s Experience: “I was genuinely surprised by how small this device is. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but that also makes it a great travel companion if you’re away for long periods or, like me, step into the sun only to realize you missed entire patches of hair. I’ve also accepted that I much prefer using epilators in the shower, so the dry-only design wasn’t my favorite. Still, it’s incredibly easy to use and, as expected, just as effective (and just as painful) as the rest.” — Iman Balagam, Contributor

Everything You Need To Know

Are epilators good for your legs?

Yes. In fact, both experts recommend starting with your legs if you’re new to epilating. “The legs are probably the easiest area to start with because the skin tends to tolerate epilation better than more sensitive areas like the underarms or bikini line,” says Dr. Schwarzburg. He adds that most people find the discomfort decreases over time as hair grows back finer.

That said, epilators aren’t the best choice for everyone. If you have very sensitive skin, are prone to ingrown hairs, or have an active skin condition, Dr. Schwarzburg says another hair removal method may be a better fit.

How We Tested

When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to give well-rounded recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to get professional insight on standout products that these specialists would actually use on their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial best practices to create the thoughtful edits you see on our site.

For epilators for legs, we selected the best based on these features: speed settings, coverage, attachments, number of tweezers, wet versus dry use, whether it has a cord, and the body-care concerns they address. We paired our own personal tests with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which ones we recommend to you. Read more about our testing methodology here.

Meet the Experts

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD is a board-certified cosmetic physician and founder of Skinly Aesthetics.

Dr. Sejal Shah, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic I tested the best epilators for legsthese keep your skin smooth for weeks

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 What exactly is an epilator and how does it work
An epilator is a small handheld device that plucks hair out from the root using multiple spinning tweezers It works like a highspeed electric version of tweezing but it removes many hairs at once

2 Does using an epilator hurt
Yes the first few times can be uncomfortable especially on the legs Most people describe it as a prickly or stinging sensation However the pain decreases significantly with each use because your hair becomes finer and your skin gets used to it

3 How long does smooth skin from an epilator actually last
Typically results last between 2 to 4 weeks Since the hair is pulled from the root it takes much longer to grow back compared to shaving which only cuts hair at the surface

4 Can I use an epilator on wet skin in the shower
Yes many modern epilators are waterproof and designed for wet use Using it in the shower with warm water can reduce pain and irritation because the heat opens your pores and relaxes the skin

5 Is epilating better than shaving my legs
For longterm smoothness yes Shaving only lasts 12 days while epilating keeps legs smooth for weeks The tradeoff is that epilating takes a bit longer and can be painful at first while shaving is quick and painless

Advanced Questions Practical Tips

6 How do I prepare my legs to minimize pain and ingrown hairs
Exfoliate your legs the night before to remove dead skin cells On the day of epilating make sure your skin is completely dry or use warm water Avoid applying lotion right before as it can clog the tweezers

7 What is the best technique for epilating my legs to get the smoothest results
Hold the skin taut with your free hand Move the epilator slowly against the direction of hair growth at a 90degree angle Dont press hardlet the device glide over the