Customer Reviews

Emjoi AP-9GAR Gently Gold Caress Rechargeable Hair Remover

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

This product works as advertised. If you don't want to shave, but don't want hair either, the Emjoi is great.

I've been using an Epilady recently (yes, it's about 13 years old) and I needed to use it about twice a week - it was less painful if done often, and the spring broke off about as much hair as it pulled out. It was also completely worthless for underarms or the bikini area, which I would get waxed at a salon. I saw another review that compared the Emjoi favorably to the Epilady and decided to give it a try (it came to my attention as a gold box item).

After going 3 weeks without using the Epilady on my legs (getting to the point where using it would have been painful) I used the Emjoy and had almost complete hair removal in 1 or 2 passes, minimal pain, and very few hairs broken off. Additionally, I was able to use it on my underarms (although it may take several tries to get the hair totally gone, it's already better than if I'd shaved), and I am gradually working on the bikini line. This additional functionality alone will pay for the tool in a couple months of not needing a salon waxing.

In comparison with an Epilady, or even waxing, the Emjoi wins in every regard -
Efficacy: The force of the discs pulling the hair out is greater than the spring used by the Epilady. This means that instead of grabbing each hair and tugging 5 or 6 times before it pulls it out, the Emjoy actually pulls it out on the first or second attempt, almost every time.
Application areas: Using an Epilady anywhere but the legs would result in hair tangled in the coil, pinched skin, intolerable pain, and generally no hair removal when I tried it. With the Emjoi, hair was removed, no skin was pinched, and there was minimal pain - even less than what I experience with salon waxing. But there was some discomfort, because hey, yanking out hair from sensitive skin hurts, but not as much as razor burn on sensitive skin does.
Time: It took about 5 minutes to do what would have taken me 15-25 minutes previously, had more complete hair removal, and hurt a lot less.
Portability/Convenience: the Emjoi has a rechargable battery and dosen't need to be plugged in to work. And no need for a salon appointment.
Pain: Pulling out hair doesn't seem to hurt as much as tugging on it several times so the Emjoi is much better than the Epilady. And compared with salon waxing, I have control over what area is covered at a given time and can go fast or slow or stop as needed. Except for a small patch on one ankle and the first pass over either the underarms or bikini line, there really wasn't any pain, just the sensation and mild discomfort of hair removal.

I can't speak to the longevity of the product, but I hope is lasts as long as my Epilady, because I plan to be using it forever.

Ok, ripping the hair out of your skin by the roots is never fun, but this has to be the least traumatic device I have used yet. I have tried everything from shaving to waxing to other epilators. This one is, by far, my favorite. It has several features I have never seen before that make it clearly the best.

It has two speeds. I use the slower speed for my underarms and bikini area and the faster speed for my legs. I have very fine blonde leg hair that most other epilators won't grab. The emjoi gets every last one without tugging. And the slower speed makes using it under my arms (the most painful area for me) tolerable. Underarm stubble is really gross so epilating is so much better than shaving and this can't burn your skin like wax. I have a salon waxing system too, and I always manage to burn my underarms when I use it. OUCH! I got the accessory pack too which gives you a sensitive attachment that covers some of the tweezers. It's really nice for the bikini area. I have even used it on my eyebrows in a pinch.

This machine is cordless. This is really nice for travel and convenience. I actually use it while I watch TV sometimes. It holds a charge for quite a while too, so when I travel for a few days I don't even bother to bring the cord with me.

A word of caution - if you use any type of epilotor you need to exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs. I have found that using a moisturiser with alpha hydroxy in it helps a lot too.

Emjoi should include the above words in the ads for this machine. If your hair removal method is working for you, don't bother to try this. If keeping your legs smooth is a constant battle, the pain might be worth it for you. True, it doesn't get all the hair on the first pass, and you do have to prevent ingrown hairs, it's painful(hurts like h*ll the first time)and you have to continually touchup. But all this is a small price to pay for reasonably smooth legs every day. Before this machine I had to shave every single day. Shave in the morning, porcupine legs by noon. Waxing kept my legs smooth for 3 weeks, then there were the next 3 weeks spent hairy as I grew it long enough to wax again, all the while hoping that no dress-wearing occasions popped up while I was growing the hair out. Now I can touchup every few days and my legs always look good. My husband is a welder-with his calluses, he can't feel any stray hairs, anyway!It was too painful for my underarms tho. And I wish it didn't sound like an "personal massager"! I'm embarrassed to use it unless I am home alone!If you go in the bathroom to use it, it sounds like you are doing the unmentionable in there! Bottom line, if keeping your legs smooth is a battle, this is the best weapon of choice!

This product is decent compared to traditional razor shaving but I don't think it works as well as if you were to go to a salon and get a professional waxing. The nice thing about it though is that you can use it within a day of hair growth so you don't have to wait for that half inch worth of hair before heading to the salon.

It really does hurt the first couple of times but after that the pain isn't as noticable. Some things I don't like are that I get the feeling that sometimes it does not pluck the hair completely but instead breaks the hair off. Therefore, after you use it you still do not have a smooth finish. Sometimes I go back over my skin with a razor. Another con is that it does not get hairs at odd angles very well. For example it does not get the hairs around my knees all that well. It takes going over the same area a few times before all hairs are removed. I feel like I am constantly using it!

ONE more complaint - sometimes it SUCKS IN YOUR SKIN!!!!! talk about pain!!! There is an opening on the top and if you don't have your skin pulled back taut, there is the chance that your skin will get sucked into that opening. It does not cause lacerations or anything but it does hurt!

Aside from all of these complaints, I would like to say that I like having it as plucking the hairs keeps them away longer than shaving does. Also, I have not tried any other hair "pluckers."

Hope this helps!

I've used other epilators and love them (burnt the motor out on my Braun after 3 yrs). After the first use or two, it doesn't hurt (other reviewers gave up too early and didn't give them enough time). But the Emjoi is poorly designed -- it's curved head means that the entire head does not touch skin at the same time, so it often misses a lot of hairs. This means you have to go over the same areas again and again. Also, it doesn't handle fine hairs well (after months of epilating, your hairs get very fine). Because of these inefficiencies and poor design, I returned the Emjoi and will instead search out another Braun (hopefully a rechargeable one).

I've tried everything: hand-held razors, electric razors, waxing . . . I finally found the Emjoi Gently Gold Caress. I looked at it for at least 8 months before I finally took the plunge, and am I glad that I did!

One thing you need to know is that it does hurt, BUT only at first. The first time is the worst. You have to remember that your skin is not used to having the hair pulled out at the roots along with the fact that you are pulling out tons of hair. I did experience the red bumps on my skin that last about 24 hours. After the first few times it gets easier and the red bumps don't appear either. I have now been using the Emjoi for three months and I absolutely love it! I wouldn't even think about trading it in for anything else! No more razor stubble and no more itching! I do find that I have to use the Emjoi every few days to get the new hair growth that is constantly coming in. I used to shave my legs everyday anyway, so I don't even see this as a negative aspect to this product.

My advice to anyone that has written negative comments regarding the pain of using the Emjoi is to stick with it more than just a couple of times before you grab your razor. This IS an excellent product!

I really like this product. You do have get use to it, but it does an excellent job of keeping the hair away. Normally to get results like this, you would have to go to a PROFESSIONAL. However, this device will soon pay for itself in 3 months or so. No more having to drop [money] to go see the cosmetologist everytime the hair grows back!!!! Other customers have said that this thing hurts. Of course it does!!! Most hair removal techniques do hurt. My first time did cause discomfort, but it was nothing compared to waxing (especially when it came to doing my legs). And if could get use to the pain (however brief) of waxing, I can certain get use to the discomfort of this. I strongly recommend this product.

My neighbor gave me a Braun Silk-epil and I loved it so very much, but after a few years it seemed to slow down (I think it has somehow gotten hair wrapped around the shaft). I wanted more tweezers and a faster unit so I bought the Emjoi AP-9GAR from Amazon.com a few years ago (you can't find them for a better price anywhere). I still use both epilators, but I prefer the Emjoi. It has many more tweezers and it is easier to make sure that no hairs are left behind in the unit. I have the Braun at work for touch-ups only. I use the Emjoi for my legs, my underarms, my chin and my bikini line. I'll admit, at first the pain was quite a deterrant to using it on my underarms, but I was determined. This has made such a difference. I mostly wear sleeveless tops, and unsightly underarm hair was a problem. After a year, I only need to worry about it once a week or so. I'm also on a once-a-week schedule for my legs after about 3 years of using one or the other device. I can go as long as two weeks in the winter. Not because the hair doesn't grow (wouldn't that be nice), but because it comes in so fine that it doesn't bother me. I never have that "stubbly" feeling. I am most happy about the bikini line. It took me weeks to complete the first round of hair removal in this area as I am one of those unlucky people whose "private" hair seems to grow to my knees. This hair was so heavy and thick that I thought my only hope was laser removal. Not so. After a few months (yes, it did take that long), that hair also became so fine that it also removes with ease now. I do have some problems with ingrown hairs in this area, but it is a minor inconvenience. So, ladies, perservere! It really is worth it. Do a small patch at a time and use a "post-epilation" cream to ease irritation. I do recommend the Emjoi AP-9GAR over any other unit. For intimate curvy areas, it is important to be only one shaft wide. It has plenty of tweezers. It does go faster plugged in than on the batteries, but I use it both ways. It now takes me about 45 minutes to completely remove hair from both legs, bikini area, chin and underarms.

PS: I still haven't convinced my sister. She thinks I'm a masochist after trying my unit one time. Ha! What a wimp!

Update Feb 2, 2006: My Braun finally quit, so I bought another Emjoi AP-9GAR to keep at work for touch ups. I didn't even consider another unit.

If you are like me and not sure if these sort of products work or if they HURT! Well, DO NOT WORRY! It DOES NOT HURT! And It REALLY WORKS! It also will stop the blades/tweezers from rolling if you apply to much pressure (this is great). At first when you turn it on it looks and sounds scary but it's NOT BAD! It feels like little tiny needle sticks at first but you get to where it does not bother you. But I personally like to use it on high on my legs & under arms. And slow on my face (this is one area that I just am not use to yet). Also if your hair is a little to long the first time you use it under your arms, the pulling of the hair is a little much at first, but then not to bad. Just keep it on high and do it quick if your hair is a little long. So I recommend shaving the first time then try it. Do not wait a week after shaving like I did. I tought the longer the hair the better it works. But the nice thing with this is you can use it right after you shave, it works great on really tiny hairs. Then get rid of your razors you will not need them again. And for those hairs that are growing just under the skin you can use a tweezer to get them, cause it does not pinch the skin and get those. So if you are not sure about it like I was take it from me it is well worth the money and another great feature is it is rechargable. I hope this helps you to decide. I truly do love mine.

I hate stubble - and I haven't had any for 4 years, thanks to my Emjoi. I recommend it to all my friends. It is admittedly painful at first, but I only have to use it once every couple of weeks (it takes that long for anything substantial to grow back) and I've gotten use to the feel of the pull. I love not having stubble or razor-burn (especially on my bikini line). I'll never go back to shaving with a blade.