Abstract: An epilating device includes an electrically conductive grid adapted to be placed against the skin, to serve as a ground plane, and an array of needle electrodes spaced behind the grid in register with openings in the grid for setting up electrical discharges between the ends of the needle electrodes and the ends of previously shaved hair shafts protruding through the grid to erode the hair shaft and damage the hair follicle. In one embodiment adapted to set up a discharge through the longest hairs protruding through the grid, the needle electrodes are connected in common to a capacitor. In another embodiment adapted to set up simultaneous discharges to each of the hair shafts protruding through the grid, the electrodes are connected to individual capacitors.