Epilator Vs Shaving – How to Choose the Right One for You?

Epilator and shaving are two easy hair removal options that most women think of. But which one is the most efficient one?

Here we have put an end to this confusion by taking up the epilator vs. shaver debate for you and analyze each hair removal method.

Below, we will be talking about the working mechanism, the pros and cons of each method. By the end of this article, you will be able to make an informed decision on which is the better option.

Let us get into the discussion without any delay. Before that, we will learn what an epilator and shaver are.

What Is An Epilator?

An epilator is a hair removal device that helps in removing the hair from the roots. The newer and advanced models, these days, can remove hair that is as short as 0.5mm. Let us learn how an epilator works and how to use an epilator.

How Does An Epilator Work?

Although the preparation process for both epilating and shaving is similar, the technique used is very different. Let us see what happens in this hair removal method. This is how an Epilator Works.

• Take the epilator and hold it at a 90-degree angle from your skin.
• Holding at a certain angle allows the tweezers of the device to have maximum contact with your skin.
• Start moving the epilator slowly on your skin without applying much pressure.
• Going slowly with less pressure allows the tweezers to pluck the hair easily and efficiently. Thereby, you will have fewer passes on your skin.
• Most epilators from reputed models come with different speed settings. Choose the setting according to your hair type. If your hair growth is thin and finer, go for a low-speed setting. Similarly, for thick and coarse hair, opt for the higher setting.

What Are The Pros & Cons Of Epilator?

Although an epilator is a popular method of hair removal, it comes with a share of advantages and disadvantages. Let us have a look at the pros and cons of using an epilator below:

Pros

• An epilator helps in removing the hair from the root.
• The results last long, i.e., for up to four weeks.
• When epilating, you do not need professional help to achieve smooth and hair-free skin.
• Since the epilator does not contain any blades like the shaver, there are zero chances of cuts or razor burn.
• After epilation, you can expect slower hair regrowth.
• After using an epilator, the hair grows thinner and less noticeable.
• When you epilate, it eliminates the chances of having rough stubble.
• Epilation is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin.
• You can use an epilator for removing hair from almost all areas of the body like the face, sideburns, underarms, arms, legs, and even the pubic area.
• Since the epilator does not contain any blades like the shaver, you do not have to worry about replacing the blades.
• Epilators are very cost-effective.
• Most epilators are waterproof. That said, you can have a comfortable wet and dry hair removal process.

Cons

• Epilating can be a painful method. People with a high tolerance for pain may find it a little bearable. Moreover, with regular use, people will no longer find the process painful.
• Epilating can be a little painful when using on sensitive areas of the body.
• Sometimes, you may require multiple passes on the same area to get rid of all the hair.
• Epilator is not a preferable option for men or people with thicker or coarser hair growth.
• Epilation may cause redness and bumpiness on the skin for some people.
• Epilators are loud when operating, and this can be annoying to some.
• Epilators require regular cleaning and maintenance.
• They can be a little difficult to clean.
• Epilating is a little time-consuming process when compared to shaving.

What Is A Shaver?

Shaving is the easiest and most painless hair removal method. An electric shaver looks similar to the epilator. However, shaver works in a completely different way than the latter. Let us learn how an electric razor works.

How Does A Shaver Work?

Shaver’s do not remove the hair from the roots. Instead, they just cut the hairs at the skin level using cutters (blades).

What Are The Pros & Cons Of Shaver?

Let us have a look at the pros and cons of using a shaver for removing hair.

Pros

• Shaving is an easy, quick, and effortless method to remove hair.
• Shaving does not include any pain when using it, unlike an epilator.
• It is very cost-effective and efficient.
• It is the best option for hair removal in the underarms and legs.
• You can have a comfortable wet and dry hair removal process using a shaver.

Cons

• Shaving leaves behind stubble.
• Since the razor cuts the hair at the surface level, hair grows faster.
• You need to shave frequently.
• You need to frequently replace the blades of a shaver.
• There are high chances of cuts or razor burn.
• Shavers require regular cleaning and maintenance.

What Are The Difference Between Epilator and Shaver?

Here is a comparative analysis of epilator and shaver. This table will give you a complete understanding of both hair removal procedures. 

Epilator vs. Shaver – Which Is The Better Option?

Let us take up the debate of epilator vs. shaving. We will discuss the key parameters to consider in each type and see the winner in each segment.

1. Working Mechanism

Let us start with the working mechanism. Although an epilator and electric shaver look alike, their working mechanism is entirely different.

An epilator works by removing the hair from the root. It has tiny rotating tweezers that pluck the hair easily and efficiently. This further leaves smooth, soft, and hair-free skin.

On the other hand, an electric shaver works by cutting the hair at the surface level of the skin. That said, the root remains under the skin, giving you rough stubble.

2. Effectiveness

Let us move on to the effectiveness of both hair removal devices. As discussed above, an epilator works by removing the hair from the root. Hence, it leaves smooth, soft, and hair-free skin. Moreover, the hair that grows back is thinner and finer than it was before.

Contrary to the above, the shaver works by cutting the hair at the surface level of the skin. This leaves the root under the skin, giving you rough stubble. Additionally, the hair that grows back is thicker and coarser than before.

3. Tolerance To Pain

Epilation is a very painful hair removal method. People may experience pain during the process, and the severity of pain depends on their tolerance levels. People who have less tolerance to pain may face discomfort throughout the process. However, with regular use, people will no longer find the process painful. It may cause redness and bumps in some people.

If you want to eliminate the discomfort, we advise you to epilate after a hot shower. This softens the skin and allows the hair follicles to open up, guaranteeing a gentle epilation process.

On the other hand, a shaver is a painless hair removal method. There is no pain involved when using razors.

4. Hair Length

Let us talk about the hair length up to which these devices are capable of removing. An epilator can successfully remove hair that is at least 0.25inches in length.

Contrary to this, a shaver can cut hair of any length, including the ones that are closer to the skin.

5. Smoother Skin

Epilators leave smooth skin after removing hair from the roots.

Whereas, a razor leaves a rough stubble on the skin after shaving.

6. Ingrown Hairs

An epilator minimizes the chances of ingrown hairs. Comparatively, it causes fewer ingrown hairs than a shaver.

Ingrown hairs are inevitable when using an epilator. When you shave in the wrong direction, you are prone to have more ingrown hairs.

7. Hair Type

An epilator is the best option for women having darker hair. Being thicker and coarser, this hair is clearly visible to the eyes even after shaving. Hence, the perfect choice you can opt for is an epilator. It removes the hair from the roots and hence becomes invisible. Moreover, when the hair grows back a few weeks after epilation, it is thinner and fewer.

8. Hygiene And Maintenance

Both epilator and shaver require regular cleaning and maintenance. When it comes to the epilators, you need to clean them with the supplied brushes and rinse them properly water. You can further sanitize them with rubbing alcohol. It is advisable to clean the epilators after each use to keep them performing at their best. Cordless epilators need to be charged frequently to keep them operating without any interruption.

Coming to the shavers, you need to change cartridges weekly once. This will keep the device clean, hygienic, and free from hair, dead skin cells, and debris. The blades of the shavers get blunt with regular use. They may even start rusting when you leave them in a steamy environment. It is advisable to rinse them carefully in between strokes and after each use.

9. Comfort

When we talk about comfort, epilators are painful and may cause discomfort to a certain level. If you are a first-time user, you are to experience pain and discomfort. However, it is dependent on the pain threshold levels of every individual.

Epilating can be a little painful when using on the sensitive areas of the body like the face, underarms, and pubic areas. Women need to be a little careful when using epilators on these parts. It is advisable to slow down the device when using it in these areas.

Regular usage may get you habituated to the pain, and you no longer feel much discomfort. If in case of any redness, apply some ice over those areas. It will help alleviate the redness and pain. Contrary to an epilator, a shaver rarely hurts the user. It is the best suitable option for use in the most sensitive areas. That said, you can comfortably shave without any pain or discomfort.

10. Stubble

There are fewer or almost zero chances of having stubbles on the skin when using an epilator. This is because the hair gets destroyed by the roots. As a result, you will have smooth and soft skin.

On the other hand, a shaver cuts the hair only at the skin level. Unlike an epilator, it does not remove the hair from the skin. There are high chances of having rough stubble on the skin after shaving.

11. Speed

Epilating is a time-taking process when compared to shaving. Moreover, you need to be careful when using it. You need to hold the device at a perpendicular angle from your skin to allow the tweezers to have maximum contact with your skin.

Comparatively, shaving is quick and easy. If you calculate the total time taken for removing hair from different areas of the body like legs, arms, etc., a shaver is considerably faster. However, be careful not to cut yourself when shaving faster.

12. Risk Involved/Side Effects 

Coming to the risk of injuries involved when removing hair, an epilator is highly reliable. However, you can experience some side effects like redness, bumps, pain, and irritation after the epilation. Do not worry. Use a cube of ice over those areas to alleviate the discomfort.

When using a shaver, there are high chances of cuts, irritation, bumps, and razor burn.

13. Area of Application

You can use an epilator for removing hair from almost all areas of the body like the face, sideburns, underarms, arms, legs, and even the pubic area. However, it can be a little painful when using on the sensitive areas of the body like the underarms and pubic region. It is most suitable for legs and arms.

You can use a shaver for removing hair from almost all areas of the body like the face, sideburns, underarms, arms, legs, and even the pubic area. You can comfortably shave even in the most sensitive areas of your body.

14. Suitability

Epilators are suitable for all skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may experience a little redness and discomfort after epilating.

Shaver is most suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

15. Cost

Let us move to cost, the crucial determining factor.

Epilators are comparatively expensive than a shaver. However, when compared to the maintenance costs incurred by the latter, epilators are worth the investment.

Shavers are cost-effective and less expensive than epilators. However, you need to replace the blades of the device frequently to ensure their peak performance. On the whole, they can a little expensive in the long run.

FAQs:

Final Verdict:

Here are the final remarks. Although shaving is a painless, quick, and cost-effective hair removal option, epilators are the most effective devices. They give you long-lasting results and are cost-effective in the long run. However, it is up to the discretion of the user to decide what suits him the best. If you do not want to invest so much time in frequent hair removal sessions, go for an epilator. It gives you long-term results. If you cannot bear the pain, you can opt for shaving.

This article should be of great help in deciding which hair removal method should one opt for. With all the information provided in this ultimate guide, make a wise decision and enjoy the best possible results.

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