Preparing Your Skin for Epilation

The difference between a frustrating epilation session and a smooth, effective one often comes down to preparation. Many people skip pre-epilation steps, then wonder why they experience discomfort, missed hairs, or skin irritation. This guide covers everything you need to do before picking up your epilator to ensure the best possible results.

Why Preparation Matters

Proper skin preparation serves multiple purposes that directly impact your epilation experience:

• Improved hair grip: Clean, properly prepared skin allows epilator tweezers to grasp hair effectively on the first pass
• Reduced discomfort: Exfoliated skin releases hair more easily, minimising the pulling sensation
• Fewer ingrown hairs: Removing dead skin cells prevents hairs from becoming trapped beneath the surface
• Better results: Preparation ensures more hair is captured, meaning longer-lasting smoothness
• Less irritation: Proper prep reduces the likelihood of post-epilation redness and bumps

One Week Before: Starting Your Routine

For best results, begin preparing about a week before your planned epilation session:

Stop Shaving at the Right Time

If you've been shaving, you'll need to let hair grow to the optimal length. Epilators work best on hair that's 2-5mm long—approximately the length of a grain of rice. For most people, this means stopping shaving about 3-5 days before epilation, though this varies based on individual hair growth rates.

If your hair is currently longer than 5mm, you have two options:

1. Trim: Use a trimmer attachment (many epilators include one) to shorten hair to the ideal length
2. Shave and wait: Shave the area and wait 3-5 days for regrowth

Begin Regular Moisturising

Well-hydrated skin is more supple and releases hair more easily. In the days leading up to epilation:

• Apply moisturiser daily to areas you plan to epilate
• Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula
• Focus on dry areas like shins and knees
• Stop moisturising 24 hours before your session (see below)

24-48 Hours Before: Exfoliation

Exfoliation is perhaps the single most important preparation step. It removes dead skin cells that can:

• Block tweezers from gripping hair at the root
• Trap hairs below the skin surface
• Contribute to ingrown hairs post-epilation

How to Exfoliate Properly

Choose your preferred exfoliation method:

Physical Exfoliation:

• Use a loofah, exfoliating glove, or body brush
• Alternatively, use a gentle body scrub with small, round particles
• Work in circular motions with light to moderate pressure
• Focus on areas prone to ingrown hairs (bikini line, underarms)

Chemical Exfoliation:

• Apply a body lotion containing AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid)
• These dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells
• Ideal for sensitive skin that doesn't tolerate physical scrubbing
• Apply the night before epilation and rinse off in the morning

The Day Of: Final Preparation Steps

1. Check Hair Length

Before you begin, verify your hair is the right length (2-5mm). If it's too long, trim. If it's too short, consider waiting another day or two.

2. Clean Your Skin

Hair removal is more effective on clean skin free of:

• Oils and lotions (these prevent tweezers from gripping)
• Deodorant (for underarm epilation)
• Sweat and dirt
• Makeup or self-tanner

Take a warm shower or bath before epilating. The warmth serves multiple purposes:

• Cleanses the skin thoroughly
• Opens pores for easier hair extraction
• Relaxes muscles and skin
• Softens hair shafts for smoother removal

3. Dry Thoroughly (for Dry Epilation)

If you're epilating dry, ensure your skin is completely dry. Moisture prevents effective hair grip and can be uncomfortable:

• Pat skin dry with a clean towel
• Wait 10-15 minutes after showering
• Don't apply any products (lotions, powders, or sprays)

4. For Wet Epilation

If using a wet/dry epilator in water:

• Ensure water is warm (not hot) for at least 5 minutes before starting
• You can use shower gel or soap, though some prefer epilating on rinsed skin
• Don't use bath oils or bubbles—they coat hair and prevent grip

Area-Specific Preparation

Legs

Legs are typically the easiest area to prepare and epilate:

• Standard exfoliation and cleansing routine works well
• Pay extra attention to knees and ankles where skin texture varies
• If you have very dry skin on your shins, focus moisturisation there in the days before

Underarms

The underarm area requires special consideration:

• Stop using deodorant at least 24 hours before epilation
• Hair grows in multiple directions here—you'll need to epilate from different angles
• Trim hair if it's longer than 5mm; underarm hair can grow quickly
• Cleanse thoroughly but gently

Bikini Area

This sensitive area demands the most careful preparation:

• Exfoliate very gently with a soft cloth or mild chemical exfoliant
• Trim hair to exactly 3-5mm; too long or too short increases discomfort significantly
• Consider using a numbing cream (available from chemists) 30-45 minutes before if it's your first time
• Never epilate irritated, broken, or sunburned skin in this area

Face

Facial skin requires the gentlest approach:

• Only use epilators with facial attachments designed for delicate skin
• Cleanse with a gentle facial cleanser
• Don't exfoliate immediately before facial epilation
• Ensure skin is completely makeup-free

What to Avoid Before Epilation

Certain activities and products can negatively impact your epilation results:

• Sun exposure: Don't epilate sunburned skin, and avoid tanning for at least 24 hours before
• Swimming: Chlorine can irritate skin; wait a day after swimming in treated pools
• Retinoids and strong AHAs: If you use prescription retinoids or high-strength acids, avoid applying to areas you'll epilate for 3-5 days before
• Waxing or depilatory creams: Wait at least two weeks after these treatments before epilating
• Alcohol and caffeine: Some find these increase skin sensitivity; consider avoiding for a few hours before
• Tight clothing: Wear loose clothing on epilation day to avoid friction on freshly epilated skin

Creating Your Pre-Epilation Checklist

Here's a quick reference checklist you can use before each session:

Troubleshooting Common Preparation Issues

"My hair is too short"

Wait 1-2 more days. Trying to epilate hair that's too short leads to frustration and potential skin irritation from excessive passes.

"I forgot to exfoliate"

You can still epilate, but be prepared for potentially more ingrown hairs afterward. Ensure you exfoliate regularly between sessions going forward.

"My skin feels dry"

Dry skin can make epilation less comfortable. Apply moisturiser tonight and epilate tomorrow instead.

"I have a slight sunburn"

Wait until the sunburn has completely healed. Epilating damaged skin causes pain and can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation.