Epilator speed settings can make a big difference in comfort, control and hair removal results. Many beginners turn the epilator on, choose any speed, then wonder why the session feels too painful or why the device keeps missing hairs.
The truth is simple: low speed is better for beginners, sensitive areas and careful control. High speed is better for larger areas, thicker hair and faster leg epilation once your skin is used to the device.
Most epilators have 2 speed settings. Some models have 3 settings, such as soft, normal and power. Philips says many of its epilators let users choose low speed or high speed with the power button or speed slider. Philips Series 8000 models list 2 settings, with speed 1 at 64,000 tweezing actions per minute and speed 2 at 70,400 tweezing actions per minute.
This guide explains how epilator speed settings work, which setting to use for each body area, when to use low speed, when high speed makes sense, plus how to reduce pain without ruining results.
Amazon Associate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay.
Quick Answer: Which Epilator Speed Should You Use?
| Situation | Best Speed Setting | Why |
| Complete beginner | Low speed | More control and less shock |
| Lower legs | Low at first, high later | Large area with easier skin |
| Thighs | Low to medium | More sensitive than lower legs |
| Arms | Low to medium | Fine hair needs control |
| Underarms | Low speed | Sensitive skin and mixed hair direction |
| Bikini line | Low speed only | Delicate area with higher pain |
| Coarse hair | Low first, high if tolerated | Prevents harsh pulling |
| Fine hair | Low speed with good lighting | Helps slow controlled passes |
| Wet epilation | Low to medium | Hair may lie flatter in water |
| Dry epilation | Low or high depending on area | Better visibility and faster grip |
If you are unsure, start with low speed. You can increase speed later once your skin adjusts.
What Do Epilator Speed Settings Actually Do?
Epilator speed settings control how fast the tweezers or discs move. A higher speed means the device performs more pulling actions in less time. This can remove hair faster, but it can also feel more intense.
A lower speed gives you more control. It may feel less aggressive, which makes it better for beginners and sensitive areas. It can also help when you need careful movement around curves.
Speed settings do not change the basic hair removal method. The epilator still pulls hair from the root. The setting only changes how fast the device works.
Why Speed Settings Matter
Speed settings matter because every body area is different. Lower legs are not the same as underarms. Fine arm hair is not the same as coarse bikini line hair. Sensitive skin is not the same as skin that already tolerates epilation well.
Braun’s buying guidance says beginners are usually advised to epilate on lower speed settings for a better experience. It also says thicker areas like thighs, legs or hands can use high speed, while the face, underarms and bikini line need low speed.
That is the best basic rule: low speed for control, high speed for efficiency.
Low Speed vs High Speed: Main Difference
| Feature | Low Speed | High Speed |
| Comfort | Gentler | More intense |
| Control | Better | Less forgiving |
| Best for beginners | Yes | Not at first |
| Best for sensitive areas | Yes | Usually no |
| Best for legs | Good at first | Good after practice |
| Best for coarse hair | Good for first pass | Useful if tolerated |
| Best for fine hair | Good with slow passes | Can miss flat hairs if rushed |
| Pain level | Lower for many users | Higher for many users |
| Time required | Slower | Faster |
| Risk of rushing | Lower | Higher |
Low speed is not weak. It is controlled. High speed is not always better. It is faster, but only useful when your skin and technique can handle it.
Speed 1: When Should You Use Low Speed?
Low speed is usually the safest setting for beginners. It gives you more time to guide the epilator and adjust the angle. It also feels less shocking during the first few sessions.
Use low speed for:
- First time epilation
- Sensitive skin
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Facial areas if your facial epilator has speed settings
- Fine hair
- Small areas
- Curved areas
- Touchups
- Areas that feel painful
- Wet epilation
- First pass on coarse hair
Low speed is also better when you are learning how to use an epilator because technique matters more than speed in the beginning.
Speed 2: When Should You Use High Speed?
High speed is useful when you already know your skin can tolerate epilation. It can remove hair faster on larger areas, especially lower legs.
Use high speed for:
- Lower legs after practice
- Arms if skin tolerates it
- Larger body areas
- Thicker hair on less sensitive skin
- Maintenance sessions
- Quick touchups on familiar areas
- Dry epilation when visibility is good
Do not jump to high speed just because you want to finish faster. If you rush and miss hair, you may end up doing more passes. More passes can mean more redness.
What About 3 Speed Epilators?
Some epilators offer 3 speed settings instead of 2. These are usually labeled soft, normal and power.
Panasonic lists the ES EL9A with 3 speed settings: Power, Normal and Soft. The same product specs list 60 tweezers, cordless use, LED light, wet and dry operation plus washable design.
A 3 speed system gives more control:
| 3 Speed Mode | Best For |
| Soft | Beginners, sensitive areas and pain control |
| Normal | Regular legs, arms and maintenance |
| Power | Coarse hair or faster larger area epilation |
Three speeds are not required for everyone, but they are useful if your skin reacts differently across body areas.
Best Speed Setting for Beginners
Beginners should start with the lowest speed. This helps you understand how the device feels without overwhelming the skin.
A beginner routine should look like this:
- Start on lower legs
- Use low speed
- Hold skin taut
- Move slowly
- Do not press hard
- Stop after small sections if needed
- Moisturize after the skin calms
Do not start with underarms or bikini line. Those areas are more sensitive and can make epilation feel much worse than it needs to.
If you are new, speed setting is only one part of the routine. Good prep, proper angle and slow movement matter just as much.
Best Speed Setting for Legs
Legs can usually handle both low and high speed. Lower legs are one of the best areas for beginners because the skin is easier to stretch and the area is easier to see.
Lower Legs
Start with low speed for your first session. Once your skin gets used to epilation, high speed can help you finish faster.
Thighs
Use low or medium speed. Thighs can be more sensitive than lower legs, especially inner thighs.
Knees and Ankles
Use low speed around knees and ankles. These areas are curved and bony, so a slower setting gives better control.
For regular leg epilation, many women use low speed around curves and high speed on flatter areas like the shin.
Best Speed Setting for Underarms
Use low speed for underarms. This area is sensitive, curved and harder to stretch evenly. Hair can also grow in multiple directions.
High speed may feel too sharp under the arms. It can also make it harder to control the epilator around loose skin.
Underarm tips:
- Trim long hair first
- Wash away deodorant
- Lift your arm fully
- Hold skin taut
- Use low speed
- Move in small sections
- Wait before applying deodorant
- Stop if the skin feels too sore
Low speed is the safer choice here.
Best Speed Setting for Bikini Line
Use low speed only for the bikini line. This is one of the most sensitive areas for epilation.
Do not use high speed around bikini line as a beginner. Do not attempt Brazilian style epilation with a regular body epilator unless your device manual clearly allows it and you are experienced.
Bikini line tips:
- Trim hair first
- Use only the outer bikini line
- Use a sensitive cap if included
- Hold skin taut
- Use low speed
- Work in tiny sections
- Avoid repeated passes
- Wear loose clothing after
For many women, a bikini trimmer is easier than epilation in this area.
Best Speed Setting for Arms
Use low to medium speed for arms. Arm hair is often finer than leg hair, so moving too fast can cause missed hairs.
If your arm hair is fine or light, use low speed with bright lighting. Hold the skin taut and move slowly.
If your arm hair is thicker and your skin is used to epilation, medium or high speed can work on larger areas.
Best Speed Setting for Face
Use a dedicated facial epilator only. Do not use a large body epilator on your face unless the manual says it is safe with a proper facial attachment.
If your facial epilator has more than one speed, choose low speed. Facial skin can become red quickly, especially around upper lip and chin.
Face tips:
- Clean the face first
- Remove makeup and sunscreen
- Avoid active acne
- Use low speed
- Hold skin taut
- Move slowly
- Do not repeat the same area many times
- Moisturize gently after
Precision matters more than speed on the face.
Best Speed Setting for Coarse Hair
Coarse hair can be painful because each hair is thicker and stronger. It may seem logical to use high speed right away, but that is not always best.
Start with low speed for the first pass. This helps the skin adjust. If the area is large and your skin tolerates it, switch to higher speed later.
For coarse hair:
- Trim long hair first
- Use low speed at first
- Hold skin taut
- Move slowly
- Increase speed only on less sensitive areas
- Do not press hard
- Use aftercare to prevent bumps
High speed can help on coarse leg hair, but it may feel too harsh on underarms or bikini line.
Best Speed Setting for Fine and Light Hair
Fine and light hair needs control, not just speed. If you move too fast, the epilator may miss flat lying hairs.
Use low speed with good lighting. A built in light is very helpful. Philips Series 8000 models include Opti light plus 2 speed settings, while Braun Silk épil models often use SmartLight to reveal fine hairs.
For fine hair:
- Use bright lighting
- Exfoliate gently before
- Keep skin dry for better visibility
- Hold skin taut
- Use low speed
- Move slowly against hair growth
- Change direction if hair lies flat
If the hair is too short to catch, wait a few days.
Best Speed Setting for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin usually does better with low speed. You need less shock, more control and fewer repeated passes.
Braun Silk épil 5 is promoted with gentle mode that is adjustable for sensitive areas, wet and dry use, a massage roller cap plus Smart Light. Philips Series 8000 models use ceramic hypoallergenic tweezers and warm water comfort on wet and dry models, which can also help sensitive users.
Sensitive skin tips:
- Use low speed
- Choose wet mode if your device allows it
- Use a massage cap or sensitive cap
- Avoid high speed on delicate areas
- Do not epilate irritated skin
- Moisturize after the skin calms
- Wait longer between sessions if redness lasts
For sensitive skin, comfort features matter as much as speed.
Wet Epilation Speed Settings
Wet epilation can feel gentler, but hair may lie flatter against the skin. That means you need slow controlled movement.
Use low to medium speed in water. Do not rush. The device may glide differently on wet skin, so control matters.
Wet epilation is useful for:
- Beginners
- Sensitive skin
- Underarms
- Pain reduction
- Warm shower routines
- Users who dislike dry pulling sensation
Use wet mode only if your epilator is made for wet and dry use. Never use a dry only corded epilator in water.
Dry Epilation Speed Settings
Dry epilation is often better for visibility and grip. Hair stands up more clearly, especially fine and light hair.
Use low speed if you are new or treating sensitive areas. Use high speed for legs once you are comfortable.
Dry epilation is useful for:
- Fine hair visibility
- Faster sessions
- Lower legs
- Arms
- Experienced users
- Maintenance touchups
If dry epilation feels too painful, switch to wet mode if your device allows it.
Speed Settings by Epilator Type
Basic Corded Epilators
Many budget corded epilators have 2 speeds. Philips Satinelle Essential BRE235 has 2 speed settings for thinner and thicker hairs. Philips describes it as a corded compact epilator that removes hair from the root, with a washable head plus ergonomic handle.
Use low speed for beginners. Use high speed only when the area is less sensitive.
Wet and Dry Epilators
Wet and dry models usually have 2 speeds and more comfort features. Philips Series 8000 has 2 speed settings, 32 tweezers, wet and dry use, cordless handling plus Opti light.
Use low speed in the shower at first. Use high speed on legs once you are comfortable.
👉See Wet and Dry Epilators on Amazon
Premium Epilators
Premium models may include flexible heads, Smart Light, Smart Touch, massage caps or more precise control. Braun Silk épil 9 Flex SkinSpa includes a fully flexible head, 40 MicroGrip tweezers, Smart Light, wet and dry use plus cordless operation.
Use speed settings based on area. Premium does not mean high speed everywhere.
3 Speed Epilators
Panasonic models like ES EL9A give soft, normal and power settings. Soft is best for sensitive areas, normal works for regular use, power helps with thicker hair on larger areas.
Epilator Speed Settings by Body Area
| Body Area | Best Speed | Notes |
| Lower legs | Low first, high later | Best beginner area |
| Thighs | Low to medium | Inner thighs may be sensitive |
| Knees | Low | Curved and bony area |
| Ankles | Low | Use small controlled movements |
| Arms | Low to medium | Fine hair needs patience |
| Underarms | Low | Stretch skin carefully |
| Bikini line | Low | Outer bikini line only for most users |
| Face | Low | Use facial epilator only |
| Chest or body hair for men | Low first, high later | Coarse hair can hurt more |
| Back hair | Medium if tolerated | Hard to reach, helper may be needed |
Should You Use High Speed for Better Results?
High speed can be faster, but it does not always give better results. If you move too fast or lose control, the epilator can miss hair. Then you may repeat the same area more times, which can irritate skin.
High speed is best when:
- The skin is not very sensitive
- The area is large
- Hair is visible and grippable
- You already know the device
- You can keep steady movement
- You are not treating underarms or bikini line
Low speed is better when:
- You are new
- The area is small
- Skin is sensitive
- Hair is fine
- Pain is high
- You need precision
- You are treating curved areas
The best setting is the one that removes hair cleanly with the fewest irritating passes.
Does Low Speed Hurt Less?
Low speed often feels less intense because the device pulls hair more slowly. It gives your body time to adjust. It also makes you less likely to rush but low speed can still hurt if:
- Hair is too long
- Skin is not held taut
- You press too hard
- You repeat the same area
- You start on a sensitive area
- Your skin is dry or irritated
If you want to reduce pain, speed setting helps, but prep and technique matter too.
Does High Speed Remove Hair Faster?
Yes, high speed can remove hair faster on large areas such as lower legs. But faster is useful only when the device is catching hair properly.
High speed may not work better if:
- Hair is too fine
- Hair is too short
- Skin is loose
- You are moving too quickly
- The area is curved
- You are nervous and tense
Use high speed when you already have control.
How to Change Epilator Speed Settings
The method depends on the brand. Philips says speed can be selected by pressing the on/off button or sliding the speed setting slider up, depending on the model.
Common speed controls include:
- One press for speed 1
- Second press for speed 2
- Third press to turn off
- Sliding switch from low to high
- Separate soft, normal and power modes
- Smart pressure features on premium models
Always check your manual because brands use different controls.
How to Know If Your Speed Is Too High
Your speed may be too high if:
- You feel sharp sudden pain
- You are flinching
- Skin gets red too quickly
- The epilator skips over hair
- You cannot keep a steady angle
- You keep pressing harder
- You feel pinching
- You miss many hairs
- You want to stop after a few seconds
Switch to low speed and take a break.
How to Know If Your Speed Is Too Low
Low speed is usually safe, but it may not be efficient enough in some cases.
Your speed may be too low if:
- It takes too long on lower legs
- Hair is thick but skin tolerates epilation
- You need many passes on large areas
- You are already experienced
- You feel comfortable increasing speed
- You are doing maintenance, not first session
Increase speed only on areas that are not too sensitive.
Best Speed Setting for First Session
For your first session, use low speed only. Start on lower legs. Do not try to finish your full body in one day.
First session routine:
- Exfoliate gently the day before
- Trim long hair
- Take a warm shower
- Dry skin fully if using dry mode
- Use low speed
- Work in small sections
- Hold skin taut
- Move slowly
- Stop if the pain feels too much
- Moisturize after skin calms
Once your skin adjusts, you can test high speed on lower legs during later sessions.
Best Speed Setting for Maintenance Sessions
Maintenance sessions are usually easier because there is less hair to remove. If your skin already tolerates epilation, you can use high speed on large areas like lower legs.
Use low speed for:
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Face
- Touchups
- Curved areas
- Sensitive patches
Use high speed for:
- Lower legs
- Arms if tolerated
- Larger flat areas
- Shorter maintenance sessions
Speed Settings and Pain Control
Speed setting is one of the easiest ways to manage pain, but it is not the only way.
To reduce pain:
- Start low
- Trim long hair
- Exfoliate gently
- Use wet mode if available
- Hold skin taut
- Move slowly
- Do not press hard
- Use a massage cap if included
- Take breaks
- Epilate at night
- Moisturize after skin calms
If you are worried about pain, read a full does epilating hurt guide before starting sensitive areas.
Speed Settings and Ingrown Hairs
Speed settings can affect ingrown hairs indirectly. High speed with poor control can lead to repeated passes and irritation. Irritated skin may be more likely to trap regrowth.
To reduce ingrown hair risk:
- Use a speed you can control
- Avoid repeated passes
- Exfoliate gently between sessions
- Moisturize regularly
- Clean the epilator head
- Do not epilate too often
- Avoid tight clothing after epilation
Low speed is often safer for ingrown prone areas because it helps you slow down and reduce skin trauma.
Should You Change Speed During One Session?
Yes, changing speed during one session is normal. In fact, it is often the best approach.
Example routine for legs:
- Low speed around ankles
- High speed on shins
- Low speed around knees
- Medium or high speed on calves if tolerated
- Low speed for touchups
Example routine for body areas:
- Low speed on underarms
- Low speed on bikini line
- Medium speed on arms
- High speed on lower legs
- Low speed anywhere that feels painful
You do not need one speed for the whole body.
👉See Epilators With Speed Settings on Amazon
Best Epilator Features Besides Speed Settings
Speed settings are useful, but they work better with other features.
Look for:
- Wet and dry use
- Built in light
- Sensitive area cap
- Massage roller cap
- Skin contact cap
- Flexible head
- Cordless design
- Washable head
- Good battery life
- Easy grip handle
If your current device has only one speed and feels too harsh, consider upgrading from a broader best epilators of 2026 guide.
Common Speed Setting Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes:
- Starting on high speed as a beginner
- Using the same speed on every body area
- Using high speed on bikini line
- Using high speed on underarms
- Moving too fast with fine hair
- Pressing harder when hair is missed
- Ignoring pain signals
- Repeating the same patch too many times
- Using a dry only corded device in water
- Thinking high speed always means better results
- Not reading the manual
Good epilation is controlled, not rushed.
Amazon CTA: Choose an Epilator With Better Speed Control
If your current epilator feels too harsh or only has one speed, choose a model with low and high settings, wet and dry use, a built in light plus comfort caps. Beginners and sensitive skin users should prioritize control over raw power.
👉See Epilators With Speed Settings on Amazon
👉See Wet and Dry Epilators on Amazon
👉See Sensitive Skin Epilators on Amazon
Final Verdict: Which Epilator Speed Setting Is Right for You?
The right epilator speed setting depends on your body area, skin sensitivity, hair thickness and experience level.
Use low speed if you are a beginner, treating underarms, bikini line, face, fine hair or sensitive skin. Low speed gives better control and usually feels less intense.
Use high speed for lower legs, arms and larger areas only after your skin adjusts. High speed can save time, but it is not always better. If it makes you rush, miss hair or irritate your skin, switch back to low speed.
If your epilator has 3 settings, use soft for sensitive areas, normal for regular use and power for larger areas with thicker hair. The best setting is not the fastest one. The best setting is the one that removes hair cleanly while keeping your skin calm.
FAQs
What speed should I use on an epilator?
Start with low speed if you are new. Use high speed only on larger areas like lower legs once your skin is used to epilation.
Is low speed better for epilating?
Low speed is better for beginners, sensitive skin, underarms, bikini line, face and fine hair. It gives better control.
Is high speed better for epilating legs?
High speed can work well on lower legs after practice. Use low speed first if you are new or around knees and ankles.
What speed should beginners use?
Beginners should use the lowest speed setting and start on lower legs.
What speed should I use for underarms?
Use low speed for underarms because the skin is sensitive and hair grows in different directions.
What speed should I use for bikini line?
Use low speed only on the outer bikini line. Avoid high speed in this area, especially as a beginner.
Does high speed hurt more?
High speed can feel more intense because the tweezers move faster. It may hurt more if your skin is not used to epilation.
Does low speed remove hair properly?
Yes, low speed can remove hair properly if you move slowly, hold skin taut and use the right angle.
Should I use high speed for coarse hair?
You can use high speed on coarse hair in larger less sensitive areas if your skin tolerates it. Start low first.
Why does my epilator miss hair on high speed?
You may be moving too fast, using the wrong angle or treating hair that is too short. Switch to low speed and move slowly.
