Here’s Why I Stopped Shaving & Started Using this Under $40 Braun Epilator Instead!

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Get easy, effective, long-lasting hair removal with this Braun epilator and kiss daily shaving (and professional waxing) goodbye!

woman holding Braun Silk Epil 3 epilator

Raise your hand if you think hair removal is a pain. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Maybe it’s just me, but I have the hardest time finding a hair removal method without a big downside. I personally like having smooth legs, but between the pain of waxing and the irritation of chemical creams, I just hadn’t found one that truly works for me – until now. 🙌

I recently tried the Braun Silk Epil 3 Epilator. I’m obviously very picky about my hair removal methods, but I have to say that this handy little device may be the best thing I’ve tried yet.

Before we jump in, know this post is not sponsored. With spring break on the horizon, I wanted to share this effective hair removal tactic for anyone looking to hit the beach in the spring!

woman using Braun epilator on leg

Right now, you can score it on Amazon for under $40!

Considering how pricey epilators can be and how well the Braun Silk Epil 3 works, I’d consider this price a steal! If you want a cordless version that can also get wet in the shower, try the Silk Epil 9 on Amazon as well for around $114.

Braun Silk Epil 3 $39.94 (regularly $43.99)

Braun Silk Epil 3 epilator

Here’s why I’ll be using an epilator from here on out.

Epilators remove hair completely from the follicle. It’s more like waxing than shaving in that sense, which means two things:

1. You’ll most likely find that your skin feels smoother after using an epilator because there’s less stubble left over.

2. Your skin will stay smooth longer since hair takes a much longer time to grow back when it’s been epilated or completely removed.

While the epilator does rely on routine use to truly be effective (more on that later), I was sold on the idea of only having to use it once every week or so instead of having to shave daily.

holding an epilation device

I even took a before and after photo to show how well my Braun epilator works!

Speaking of shaving daily, before trying the epilator for the first time, I decided to grow my hair out longer so I could see how big of a difference it really made.

Here’s what it looks like before epilating 😬 & after: 

before photo of leg with hair

after photo of leg with no hair

As you can see, there’s a dramatic difference between the two photos. You can also see that there are hardly any stubbly areas! Using the Braun epilator only takes slightly longer than shaving, so smoother legs without any extra hassle is a win-win for me. 😍

Note: It is worth mentioning that your skin won’t ever feel 100% smooth right after. While I was happy with the results from epilating alone, It’s totally fine to quickly run a razor over the epilated area to get your skin as smooth as possible.

I’ve found that using an epilator saves money in the long run, too.

holding a Braun epilator

A pack of razors isn’t cheap. Epilators are typically more expensive in the short term, but having to buy and replace cartridge razors adds up! Not only will you have to use an epilator less often, but you’ll also be able to use one device a lot longer. This equals a lot of $$$ saved over several months or even years!

In addition, if you go to get professionally waxed regularly that also adds up quickly too. 🤑

woman using Braun hair removal device

But how does the epilator truly feel?

There’s no way around it–most folks experience pain the first few times they use an epilator. I’m no exception. There was definitely some wincing on my first use. 😅

Still, I didn’t find the pain from my Braun epilator to be anything I couldn’t handle. It’s just a bit uncomfortable and takes a little getting used to.

That being said, the Braun Silk Epil 3 comes with two attachments–one for epilating and one for shaving.

woman using epilator shaving attachment on underarms

The epilator is great for legs, arms, or other generally non-sensitive areas, and it comes with two speeds. The first is gentler & better for beginners. On the other hand, the shaving attachment is better for the underarm, bikini line, or other places with sensitive skin.

Note that you technically can use an epilator on those areas as well, I’m just not nearly brave enough to try it quite yet. 🤣

exfoliating glove

There are a few things I like to do to take care of my skin before and after.

First, like with any new skincare or shaving product, it’s best to test a patch of skin since you can’t be sure how you’ll react.

You’ll also want your skin to be dry and free of lotions or oils when you use the Braun epilator. Before I do anything, I like to use an exfoliating glove and a little soap to help prevent ingrown hairs before patting dry. After epilating, I apply some unscented lotion to soothe any red skin.

Note: Redness right after epilating is totally normal and any irritation should disappear shortly.

Braun Silk Epil 9 epilator

Several Hip team members love their Braun epilators as well!

You don’t just have to take my word for it that epilating is the way to go. Collin and Emily have been using the Braun Silk Epil 9 & were actually the ones who inspired me to try epilating out for myself!

Here’s what Emily said about hers:

“So mine is a little different from Brandi’s as my epilator is rechargeable and can also be used wet or dry. Personally, this was a game-changing aspect for me as I find it less painful when using the epilator after a few minutes in the shower or soaking in the tub.

While I would never fully submerge it in water, it can definitely be under the showerhead and will never break. How can I say that with confidence? I have been using mine regularly since 2016 🤯 That said, the wet/dry model is more expensive so if you’re very unsure about epilating, going with a dry model to start might be the way to go. But upon first researching epilating several years ago, I knew my pain tolerance would much favor the wet capability so I took the plunge, and as I mentioned, the one and only epilator I’ve ever had is still going strong.

Admittedly, I will still both epilate and shave, sometimes together, sometimes individually, but I haven’t stopped recommending epilating to anyone who will listen to me about it (and I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments as a long time user)!” Emily


box of braun women's cordless wet and dry epilator

These are some other great, inexpensive epilator options:

SIlk Epil 9 epilator in bath tray

Like all hair removal methods, epilating isn’t free of downsides.

It’s painful at first & can cause redness, and you’re way more prone to ingrown hairs, although those can be mostly prevented by using an ingrown hair spray and making sure you exfoliate regularly to keep your hair follicles clear.

woman holding a hair removal device

Lastly, epilating does rely on consistency to really work since hair grows in cycles & what’s pluckable one week may change the next. But on the bright side, the more you epilate, the less painful it’ll be, so it actually gets easier over time!

After finally trying it out myself, I feel that the positives outweigh the negatives & I’ll definitely be swapping a razor for my epilator way more often than not. 🙌


See our full list of beauty hacks that save you even more!


About the writer:

Brandi has an Associate's Degree and 5+ years of experience writing and creating online content for local businesses.


Join The Discussion

Comments 46

  1. Lindsay

    Oh Lord God this epilator is the devil. It’s so painful to use! OMG

    • Sarah Miller

      I read this and laughed. All I could hear is Kathy Bates saying this in The Waterboy). I didnโ€™t like this thing either. Glad it works for some of you though. Itโ€™s like tweezing my leg hair. Thanks for the laugh Lindsay!!

    • MaryKay

      Thanks for the laugh, Lindsay!๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ I’ll stick to old fashioned shaving!!!!

  2. Becca

    I have never heard of these before! I usually am in tears after I wax so this might be something for me to look into! Thanks for sharing!

    • Anne

      I actually found using an epilator to be much more painful than waxing. I’ll stick with waxing!

  3. Marinova

    โ€œRedness afterwards is normal and should disappear shortlyโ€ NOPE not for me!! Epilators give me what looks like a rash that conveniently lasts a week, long enough for me to need to epilate again for another โ€œrashโ€. Iโ€™ve tried multiple epilators and all did this.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      DARN! So sorry to hear that, Marinova. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! ๐Ÿ’ž

    • NikkiLLM5

      Iโ€™m with you. I swell up like a hornets nest got ahold of me. I think it depends on the thickness of your hair and how much hair you have. I have leg hair thatโ€™s bad coarse and looks like a Sasquatch! Iโ€™ve had laser and electrolysis. I did fine with those. But this was like ripping my skin off! I have too much hair, hair thatโ€™s very thick, and has great roots! Keep that in mind.

  4. Alina

    I’ve been using the braun epilators for over 20 years. I think I have the 9, which has more attachments. The shaving head is awesome as well. It leaves my legs smooth. I use the epilator attachment when going on a trip. For me, the hair will grow under skin initially, and it gets irritated. But for a trip is great, not to have to worry about leg hairs for a week. With shaving my hair grows the same day. I do use the epilator for my armpits, and it is great. I don’t have to shave it everyday anymore. I should add that I haven’t used a razor in a very long time. So in the long run you do save money. Plus I do not like using razors. My legs itch bad and get irritated. But not with the electrical shaver.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Oh wow! Thanks a ton for taking a moment to comment, Alina. Good to know how the epilators have worked for you through the years! ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ™Œ

    • Gscribble

      Same!

  5. irene

    I’ve been using an Epilady from the 90s and I am ALMOST hairless now! LOL! This Braun looks slightly different, but probably works similarly. I would not recommend it on the bikini line, but it’s not bad on legs and underarms.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks a bunch for your helpful comment, Irene! ๐Ÿค—

  6. vbo

    An Epilady was one of my first ever online purchases! Ithink i was embarrassed to buy in a storeeven though it wasnt’ a facial model that’s waht i was using it for….and have ever since…the same one i got back in 2000 is still going strong.

    the braun 3 is only $39.99 at target & walmart on regular price though so i while i appreciate the reviews, this isnt really saving most people.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks so much for sharing and for letting us know how well yours has worked through the years! ๐Ÿ™ŒAwesome to hear it has held up so well!

  7. Renee

    In my opinion, epilation is much more painful than waxing. Yes, waxing hurts, but at least you can cover a large area with each pull. An epilator is like waxing, in take it pulls hairs from the root, but it does not cover anywhere near the area that waxing does. Imagine tweezing (which is what an epilator is – just a lot of tweezers at once) each and every hair on your leg. I have a very high tolerance for pain, but I do not like epilators. Full disclosure, I do have a lot of dark hair. I have “man” legs!

    • Anne

      I totally agree with you! I have tried both, and I would take waxing any day over epilation! Plus, after waxing for repeated times, you get used to it and it’s not as painful anymore.

  8. breanna-2

    I tried epilating about 8 years ago when I was pregnant with twins. It was the most painful thing I ever did. It was like 100 tweezers pulling out my hairs. I prefer shaving and that is how it will stay. ๐Ÿ˜‚

  9. Tracie

    FYI – The Braun Silk Epi 9 is on sale for $84.99 at Target.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for the heads up, Tracie!

  10. melhaldoupis

    I’ve been using my epilator for years & absolutely love it. The first few times it hurt but now I barely notice it.

  11. Vironika

    I was JUST searching epilators on Target, Walmart, and Amazon! Lol ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      PERFECT! ๐Ÿ™Œ

  12. smoresto

    How long does the hair need to be for this to work?

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Great question! Here is what I found listed in the Q&A –
      “Q: How short or long does the hair hav to b. Does it matter?
      A: It really doesnโ€™t matter, it gets all of the hair but if itโ€™s really long, try to slow down in that section so that it can grab it completely.”
      Hoping this is helpful! ๐Ÿ’—

  13. Laurie Villotta

    I have very dark coarse hair. Does it work on that hair type. I also have same hair on my chin and neck. I am sure it would not be safe to use for that.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Hey there! Be sure to scan through the Q&A near the bottom portion of the product page as there are many responses on that!๐Ÿค—

  14. Lesly

    Nothing to do with epilators, but if you dry your disposable razor off after each use, it will last a LONG time. I can use a disposable razor for months and months before I decide to break out a new one. Just a cost-saving tip. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. yjr2004

    I bought an ILP permanent hair removal a few years back. Best investment I ever made. (about $150.00). I used it for 7 weeks straight once a week. It is a little time consuming, but now years later my legs, underarms, upper lip and down under are hairless. Love it.

    • NubianGoddess

      That awesome! I would love to find an ILP permanent hair removal tool that works for my skin tone.

    • San

      oh wow ! which model IPL device did you use?

  16. Csandst1

    This did not work for me. My legs ALWAYS had red marks on them from the hairs being yanked out. It looked like I had measles all over my legs. I couldnโ€™t show them in public. I tried for a few weeks and gave up.

  17. LauraG

    ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜‚ at the comments. I started using an Epilady when they came out in the 80s. THOSE had coils that rotated around & pulled out your hairs. Painful at first, but it gradually goes away. I had course, dark hair, now I hardly have any. Best advice, take a shower and exfoliate your skin first. When youโ€™re using the epilator, pull the area of skin taught where youโ€™re using the epilator. Toughen up, buttercups! ๐Ÿ˜„

    • Linda

      @LauraG … I still have mine from the 80s and it’s still going strong!!! Have you tried these new ones and are they better? It’s tempting to get a shiny new model >_<

      • LauraG

        Linda, Iโ€™ve had the tweezer type for several years. I donโ€™t know if the tweezers loosen up after while or if itโ€™s just not as effective as that coil type?? I read today that one mfg has produced the coil type again due to demand. ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ

  18. Abbie

    Thank you for the post! I purchased one this last fall. It did really hurt the first time but now I donโ€™t notice any pain. My armpits are completely hairless for a good two weeks after using. It was a good purchase for me.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      That’s awesome! You’re welcome, Abbie! Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Good to know it is no longer painful!

  19. Jessica

    I love mine! Have used it exclusively for a good 8-10 years now. Armpits and all, you get used to it quickly.

  20. Lambchop4ever
    • KimiB

      I’m thinking of trying this! How’s the pain level? I get nervous LoL. I paid a small fortune for laser hair removal at a salon and honestly I’d do it again because I haven’t shaved In 5 years but I’m due for a touch up and this seems soooo much easier than going to the salon ๐Ÿค”

  21. Tricia

    I’ve been using an epilator for years, and I love it. I have pcos which comes with extra hair growth like everywhere ๐Ÿ™„ I epilate my chin and neck every few days and it takes less than 2 minutes. As for the pain you definitely get used to it. I don’t even notice it anymore.

  22. Tina

    I have an Emjoi Epilator from 2001. Still works as great as the day i bought it! I use it on my face and neck. I am soon to be 55 and look like I’m at least 10 years younger. I was worried at first that the epilator would loosen my skin, but it hasn’t. Some helpful hints: yes, the first time is extremely painful. Second time, fairly uncomfortable. The third time, no pain. Stick it out the first two times you will be glad you did! Open your pores with hot water before use the first time. It will lessen the pain as the root of hair can slide out of the open pore more easily.

  23. OneCheapMamma

    Eeek glad I’m done with all that pain and stubble business. I’ve been doing Home IPL Treatments for the last, probably 10 years. I’ve used 2 different models of Silk’n devices over that time. They’re an investment upfront of around $200-300, and not recommended for dark skin. But I am pale with, what used to be, coarse hairs you could always see under the surface after I shaved, and I hated it. IPL lightens any hairs that do come back (actually!) and once you get through the initial tx (depends on the device, mine is once every 2 wks times 4, and then monthly for a few more tx, then maintenance as needed) after that there is barely any upkeep. Best to do in the winter before areas are exposed to sun.

  24. Alina

    Target has the Braun Silk-epil 9 for $84.99 online. That is before your additional 5% off for using the Redcard.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing, Alina! ๐Ÿ’—

  25. U Creel

    I have an Epilady that is ancient, probably not from the 80s but the 90s I’m sure. I don’t have thick or coarse leg hair so hair removal is not painful nor leaves a rash, but I do end up with ingrown hairs/hairs growing under the skin. I have not found a way to eliminate that other than to Epilady on Monday, and then shave my legs the following Monday. That usually helps. Does anyone have suggestions on how to avoid the ingrown hairs?

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