Products and appliances

Epilators

Epilators

Epilators are popular beauty items for removing body hair and they’re small, portable and easy to use. But as with all electrical appliances, they do come with safety risks. 

There are two main categories of electric epilator. Spring type epilators have coils (usually made of rubber or metal) that rotate and squeeze together to grab hairs and pull them out, then open to release. 

The more common type nowadays are tweezer epilators. They have a head with multiple metal plates which rotate continuously to move together like tweezers, pull out hairs, then release. 

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Key points

  • Epilators must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • Keep your epilator unplugged when not in use. 
  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying an epilator

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the product may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • You will find lots of online reviews of epilators but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. 
  • Register your epilator so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your epilator. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using an epilator safely

  • Only charge the epilator with the adaptor supplied. Check the voltage on the adaptor corresponds to the local mains voltage before you plug it in. 
  • Keep the power plug and cable away from heated surfaces. Once you’ve finished using the epilator, unplug it. 
  • Make sure you keep the epilator, adapter, plug, and cable dry. 
  • If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, any cracks or damage, or there are fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping, unplug the epilator immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.  

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer. 
  • Register your epilator with the manufacturer.  
  • Charge an epilator only with the adapter provided. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Submerging the epilator or adapter in water. 
  • Leaving an epilator plugged in after use. 
  • Using an epilator if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

A woman using an epilator on her leg.

Additional info

Epilators remove hair by plucking it from the root. This can leave bacteria and dead skin cells on the device which could cause skin irritation and infections. Regular sanitization eliminates this so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for keeping your epilator clean and hygienic. 

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