Can I use an epilator on my face as an alternative to shaving?

Question

My skin gets really irritated after shaving and so I don't do it very often. I was thinking that maybe I can use an epilator instead of a razor. How about it?

I actually have a good shave oil that softens the hair before shaving and leaves my skin un-irritated immediately after shaving and usually the day after. The problem occurs when my hair starts to grow back and it tends to grow back into the skin (I'm caucasian by the way).

I'm thinking that part of the problem is that the hair is really sharp because of the cutting from the blade. If I pull it out it seems that I would avoid that problem (because the tip of the hair on a new hair is thinner than the rest of it).

And yes, an epilator is a device that pulls the hair out.

I could just shave more often but I'm *really* lazy. :)

Answer 1

No, they really hurt if your face gets irritated after shaving then it really will be irritated from the epilator.

just put a hot wash cloth on your face a few times for a few minutes to soften your facial hair then shave with a shaving gel or better yet, hair conditioner.

After you shave put a cold wash cloth to soothe your skin, or even get a after shave balm that has soothing ingredients like aloe and chamomile.

But do not use that epilator.

Answer 2

You could probably try it, but it may not work as well as shaving, and might take longer. By epilator, do you mean those devices that have multiple tweezer-like prongs? They might be just as irritating. Since I've never shaved my face, it's hard to say which method is best. Have you tried a really thick and rich shaving cream, and a new blade about every three times? The sharper the blade, the closer the shave. It's usually a dull blade that causes the irritation. Then I would also suggest a soothing aftershave lotion that doesn't contain alcohol. There are some that contain witch hazel instead, or that have skin lotion as a base. But go ahead and try the epilator first and see if it does the job without irritating your skin. If the results are unsatisfactory, you can always go back to shaving. And if all else fails, you could grow a beard! Good luck!

Answer 3

I wouldn't advise using one. Epilators work by mechanically pulling hairs out of the skin. Epilators are usually used on the skin of the legs and arms, where there are fewer sensory nerve endings as compared to the skin of the face. Even with the relative paucity of nerve endings, removal of hairs from the legs and arms is said to be painful, particularly the first time the epilator is used. I would assume that using it on your face would be much more painful (lots of sensory nerve endings). The process (pulling hairs out by the root) is said to be similar to removing hair by waxing (that's gotta hurt).

I ask forgiveness in advance if I suggest things that you are already doing or that are obvious. I'm just trying to be thorough.

Do you shave with an electric shaver, or with a regular razor? I used to use a screen-type electric shaver (think Remington, Braun), and it used to irritate my skin if I used it on a daily basis. There are powders that you can use to lessen the irritation from electric shavers. They do help, but may not be 100 percent effective in preventing irritation. Consumer researchers have also found that rotary blade type shavers(think Norelco) give a closer shave than the screen type ones, and I found them to also be less irritating.

If you use a regular razor, I would advise against using the cheap disposable ones (the ones where you throw the whole thing away when it's dull). They will tear up your face. Use a good multiblade razor with replaceable heads, preferably one marketed for 'sensitive' skin. I've found that the more blades there are, the less irritation there seems to be. The downside is that the razors with four or five blades seem to clog more easily than those with two or three blades. Change the blades regularly so that you're never trying to shave with something as sharp as a butter knife.

The shaving cream you use can make a world of difference. Regular gel and foam shaving creams are heavily perfumed and can be harsh on your skin. I've had good results with the Nivea for Men and Aveeno shaving creams. The one I'm using now is Gillette's Complete Skin Care Shave Multi Gel (the soap and fragrance-free version). It's good, but I think I like the Nivea for Men better (less irritation, allows the razor to glide well across the skin). There are devices that warm the shaving cream for you. Might help, and it can't hurt, right?

Some shaving lotions to soothe the skin after a shave are reported to be good, but I've never used one.

Your technique may be contributing to the irritation. Do you shave before or after you shower? Facial hair is softer and easier to shave after a shower. If before a shower, try a very warm, wet washcloth on areas where you're going to shave. Leave it in place for several seconds to allow the hair and skin to soften and relax. The first set of shaving strokes should move from higher on the face to lower to get the bulk of the hair off. Then you can shave against the direction of the hair growth (down to up) to get a good close shave. After shaving I rinse off the shaving cream residue (don't use soap) with warm to very warm water, and then do a second rinse with cold water. The warm water soothes the skin, and the cold water helps prevent folliculitis (at least it does for me). Don't use an astringent or cologne right after you shave. Aside from stinging like the dickens, the alcohol can overdry your skin (a source of irritation) and any perfumes or scents may also be irritating. Moisturize your skin with a good, mild face cream (again avoiding perfumes and scents). Dry skin is easily irritated.

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

i think your whiskers are too stiff to use 1 of those.