Some women decide to make a statement by not shaving. Some just don’t feel like it. Lately, I’ve been reading the book “#GIRLBOSS” by Sophia Amoruso, who inspired a Netflix series and built the distinctive fashion retailer “Nasty Gal” through raw determination. By 2016, her company had developed a reputation for a toxic work culture. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was subsequently acquired by Boohoo Group. In her book, she describes her humble beginnings, before the rise and fall. She hitchhiked, didn’t shave her legs, and scavenged scraps from a dumpster at a donut shop. Amoruso’s early tendencies serve as a reminder that you can go a different way when it comes to grooming, and still be passionate about the fashion world.

For those of us who still do #girlgrooming, there’s shaving, plucking, waxing, tweezing… but lately I’ve also been reading a lot about the epilator. An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically gripping it and pulling it out. The way epilators pull out hair is similar to waxing as it removes hair from the roots. But wax strips remove cells from the epithelium of the epidermis; an epilator doesn’t. 

There are dry epilators, which can be used without water, or wet epilators, if you want to get it done in the bath or shower. I read that it’s painful, especially the first time, but you’ll apparently be smooth like a baby for up to 4 weeks. 

According to Healthline, another benefit of epilation is less body hair over time. Hair grows back softer, finer, and at a slower rate. You’re meant to use the epilator at a 90-degree angle to your skin. Hold it loosely against your skin, don’t press. Pull your skin taut and then slowly move the epilator in the direction of hair growth. Elsewise, you’ll cut the hair at the skin but won’t remove it from the root. 

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The health information website also notes some important tips for using the epilator:

• Redness and skin irritation could happen to you. So if you use the device at night, those effects won’t be on display when you go out! The redness often goes away after a couple of hours. You should start on a low setting so that you can get a sense of how you respond to the pain.Take your time and move the device slowly because if you move too quickly, you could leave some hairs behind.
• Moisturize your skin after using an epilator to reduce any irritation.
• Don’t forget to clean your epilator after each use to reduce the chances of getting a skin infection. We’re all more conscious of hygiene and the miracles of soap because of COVID-19, so maybe this tip feels a little repetitive — but it’s super important.
• Remove any lingering hair and use alcohol to clean the device.

An epilator typically costs $40 and up but keep in mind, the costs of endless, disposable razors will also add up significantly over time. If you’re curious to try one out, we picked out some goodies that you might like. Or, if you feel more like a young Sophia Amoruso type, just let it all grow wild!