Comparison Braun Silk-epil 9 SensoSmart 9720 vs Panasonic ES-EL8A

The number of speeds provided in the epilator.

Having two or more speed options in the epilator offers the flexibility to select the most fitting operational mode for specific situations. A lower speed is ideal for minimizing discomfort in sensitive skin regions and effectively removing fine hair without breaking it—ensuring extraction along with the follicles. Conversely, a higher speed aids the epilator in managing coarse and stubborn hair, simultaneously reducing procedure duration.

Note that even in advanced epilators, the number of speeds does not exceed 3 — in fact, this is quite enough.

The total number of individual forceps in the epilating head supplied with the appliance.

A larger number of forceps, on the one hand, speeds up the epilation process, on the other hand, increases discomfort. Thus, for sensitive skin, it is recommended to use nozzles with a relatively small number of tweezers — up to 30. The maximum number found in modern epilators is about 70 – 80.

Note that some models are equipped with several attachments for epilation. For such cases, usually, the nozzle with the largest number of tweezers is taken into account, the data on it are indicated in the characteristics.

— For epilation. A tool designed for traditional hair removal by uprooting the hair along with its roots (follicles). The operative section of this attachment contains numerous small tweezers. Classic epilators are inherently furnished with epilation attachments (refer to "Type"), a feature that is notably absent in other devices.

— Nozzle for an epilation with massage. The epilation head with a massage feature serves a dual purpose: it removes hair and massages the skin simultaneously. This type of attachment can alleviate pain during usage by gently stimulating the skin through the textured surface. The working area typically features a ridged edge. Some versions of these attachments include specialized inserts designed to interact with the skin as the attachment is moved.

— Delicate (bikini area). Attachments designed for sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini region, face, etc., are frequently offered. Many of these attachments are caps that fit onto the primary epilation head. These caps often feature a small aperture that restricts the treatment area and minimizes discomfort. It's important to recognize that a "gentle" attachment (of any style) doesn't automatically guarantee discomfort-free usage. Additionally, even with a sensitive skin-oriented device, an adjustment period might be required for those with sensitive skin.

...— Spot hair removal. A special nozzle for removing hair in a very small area. It can be in the form of a lid with a slot, put on the main nozzle — thus, only a small part of the working surface remains open, convenient for precise work.

— For eyebrows. The eyebrow attachment enhances precision and meticulousness during hair removal. This attachment confines the epilation area, safeguarding desired hairs from being removed. Eyebrow attachments are exclusive to tweezers and disc epilators.

— Foil razor. This attachment essentially transforms the epilator into an electric shaver. Shaving is distinct from epilation as it trims hairs "at the root" while preserving the follicles. Consequently, this procedure induces significantly less discomfort and proves beneficial for sensitive skin areas where plucking would be excessively painful. However, shaved hairs tend to regrow almost instantly, whereas epilation can maintain smooth skin for up to 3 weeks.

— Trimmer nozzle. An attachment resembling a clipper in its action principle. It features two rows of teeth that oscillate left and right during use, trimming hairs caught between them. In terms of hair removal effectiveness, the trimmer falls behind razors and especially epilators. Nevertheless, this attachment can prove valuable for diverse supplementary tasks, like hair length reduction before shaving or epilating, defining hairstyle contours, and eyebrow grooming.

— For exfoliation the face. A variety of exfoliation tips (see the relevant paragraph) intended for use on sensitive areas of the skin, primarily on the face. Provides a soft and delicate effect that maximally prevents the occurrence of irritation.

— To smooth the skin. The skin-smoothing attachment maintains skin tautness. Pulling the skin taut during epilation enhances the speed and effectiveness of hair removal, while also minimizing discomfort. These attachments for skin smoothing are applicable to mechanical epilators, specifically classic tweezers and disc models that extract hairs from the root.

— For rough skin. The coarse skin attachment is primarily intended for the removal of foot calluses and corns. Typically, it consists of an abrasive roller, offering a practical, secure, and efficient approach to addressing troublesome body areas. There are also disc-shaped abrasive models available. Such attachments are commonly found in multifunctional epilators designed not only for hair removal but also for other cosmetic procedures like shaving, exfoliation, and massage.

— Nozzle massager. The massaging attachment facilitates device-assisted massage sessions, typically targeted at the legs and thighs. Utilizing this attachment helps in toning and relaxing muscles, while also enhancing skin stimulation through improved blood circulation.

— Comb. The comb serves the purpose of aligning the hair for more efficient and effortless removal. When hair is properly aligned, the removal process becomes quicker and smoother. In devices that combine both an epilator and a trimmer, the comb frequently acts as a height limiter for the trimming function. The comb, featured in the epilator, can take the form of an attachment on the working head or exist as a separate tool, resembling a regular comb.

— Additional nozzles. Additional nozzles significantly enhance the capabilities of the epilator. Epilators with an extended set of nozzles turn into multifunctional devices for cosmetic procedures. The list of additional attachments may include: for pedicure, microvibration, nose trimmer, etc. The exact list of additional attachments depends on the specific model of the epilator. When choosing an epilator with a set of additional attachments, note that with an increase in the number of attachments, the cost of the set will also increase.

What is the duration required to fully charge the epilator battery from complete discharge to 100%? If the battery usage is limited to home use for convenience, the charging duration might not be extremely important. However, if the device is frequently carried during trips, it's advisable to consider models with a shorter charging time.