Frequently asked questions
What type of tweezers are best?
According to the experts we spoke with, high-quality slanted tweezers are the gold standard for the average person. “Pointed tweezers can be excellent for things like ingrown hairs or very fine hairs, but they require a steadier hand and are generally better suited to experienced users,” says Healy. If ingrowns and irritation are something you often deal with, Dr. Queller shares that trimming might be a gentler option.
The experts also share that technique matters. “Always pull your skin taut and tweeze in the direction of hair growth to reduce breakage,” says Amanda Robinson, celebrity brow artist and owner of Iris+West Lash Co. It’s also important to avoid over-tweezing, which can damage the hair follicles over time and lead to more redness, irritation, ingrown hairs, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. “Avoid digging into the skin to remove short or ingrown hairs, since this can lead to scarring and infection. Don’t share tweezers, and avoid repeated plucking in the same area,” says Dr. Queller.
Pro tip: Tweeze with good lighting and clean your tweezers to keep them hygienic.
Does the quality of tweezers matter?
The quality of the tweezers you use absolutely matters. “Good tweezers are calibrated so the tips align perfectly. Poor quality ones often have tips that don’t meet properly, which means it’s easier to pinch skin instead of grabbing hair,” says Robinson. She also notes that good-quality tweezers also hold their tension longer, so you’re not fighting them every time you use them. “Tweezers are one of those things where investing a little more makes a real difference,” she says.
How often should you buy new tweezers?
With proper care, you actually don’t have to worry about replacing your tweezers often. “A well-made stainless steel tweezer can last for years, and I typically recommend replacement only when the tips become damaged, misaligned, or no longer grip hair effectively,” says Healy. So, there’s no need to replace them on a schedule; rather, you should purchase a new pair when performance declines. “I always recommend storing them in their case with the protective cap in place. A good pair of tweezers can easily last a decade when treated with care,” he adds.
Should you clean your tweezers?
You should absolutely clean and sterilize your tweezers. “Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol before and after use to keep them sanitized and free of buildup,” says Robinson. This will help remove oil, skin care residue, and bacteria while preserving the finish of the tool.
After asking experts for tweezer recommendations, I evaluated them based on material, precision, and overall efficacy in plucking hairs without causing a ton of irritation. The best grooming tools were made of stainless steel and had precision tips that allowed us to grasp thick and thin hairs on various parts of the face, including the upper lip, chin, brows, and around the nose. I landed on the eyebrow tools that successfully plucked hairs without pinching our skin, and those that were durable enough to last a while without breaking down.
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