An epilating appliance for the removal of human body hair, with a casing adapted to be held in the user's hand, with a rotary cylinder including pincer elements driven by a motor. At least one actuator element extends through the rotary cylinder for actuating the pincer elements coupled thereto. The actuator element being operable by an associated pressure element and being displaceable against the pressure of a spring, wherein structure is provided for adjusting the gripping force of the pincer elements.