There are several hair removal methods, and epilating is one of them. It is one of the best hair removal methods that gives you satisfying results when compared to the others.
If you want to know what an epilator is and how it works, you should continue reading below. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about epilators.
By the end of the write-up, you will have a complete understanding of what epilation is, what an epilator is, how it works, its benefits, drawbacks, and others.
Let us get into the details below.
What Is Epilation?
Epilation is the process of removing hair from the root using an electronic device called an epilator. It is the most effective method for removing hair temporarily. Unlike other hair removal methods like waxing and tweezing, this process goes beyond the surface of the skin, i.e., to the root of the hair follicle, and removes it. Epilation does not strip the skin of its nutrients with the hair, which is the most inevitable and miserable result of waxing.
What Is An Epilator?
Epilator is an electric device similar to a shaver but features small tweezers. It is specially designed to remove the hair directly from the roots. The tweezers grab multiple hairs at a time and remove them.
The epilators are available in different options like dry and wet. The dry version allows you to use the device without water. Coming to the wet epilator, as the name says, you can use it during a shower or in the bath. There are some models that you can use both dry and wet. Most of these epilators are battery-operated, whereas some come with rechargeable batteries. Some other versions require electricity to operate. They come with a plug that goes directly into the power outlet.
Using an epilator is the not-so-popular method, as it is least understood by many. However, it can remove even the shortest of hair follicles easily and effortlessly.
Let us learn how an epilator works.
How Does An Epilator Work?
As mentioned earlier, an epilator works by gently pulling the hair from the root by using small discs. When you move this hand-held device over the surface of your skin, the rotating discs grab the hairs and pull them from the follicle. The device comes with speed adjustment settings that allow you to set your speed when using it on sensitive areas of your body.
The significant feature of an epilator is that precision. It can easily grab even the smallest of hairs from your skin, i.e., as small as 0.5mm.
Advanced epilator models come with a host of attachments that you can use based on the area of your body. These versions will guarantee the users a complete hair removal kit.
Is Epilating Painful?
Those who are new to the process of epilating may find a little discomfort during the process. One may feel a tingling sensation while epilating, which will eventually reduce as the session proceeds. It is not as painful as one presumes it to be. However, it may depend on the tolerance levels of the individuals. When you are epilating on more sensitive areas, it is highly recommended to choose a lower speed to avoid any discomfort.
What Are The Benefits of Using An Epilator?
Long-lasting Results –The results you can expect from using an epilator are better than any other hair removal method. You can enjoy smooth and hair-free skin for several weeks. Even after that, the hair that grows will be finer and sparser than before.
Great for Sensitive Skin – An epilator works great for sensitive skin as it does not contain any harsh products.
Suitable for Sensitive Areas – An epilator is ideal for using almost on your whole body, including your face and most sensitive areas like underarms. Depending on the area you want to epilate, you will have to use the right attachment.
Convenient to Use in the Shower – Some epilators (wet) are specifically designed for using them in the bath or shower.
Removes Even Tiniest of Hairs – Epilators remove hairs that are as short as 0.5mm (0.02 inches), unlike waxing.
Highly Efficient – Some epilators have a wide pick-up range, i.e., as many as 72 tweezers. It easily picks up short hairs and removes even those lying flat against your skin.
Cost-effective – The only expense incurred with an epilator is the cost of buying it. After that, you may only have to pay for the electricity required to charge it.
Portable – Since an epilator is a hand-held device, you can easily carry it in your suitcase or your purse.
No side-effects – There are no significant side effects to using an epilator. Your skin does not feel burnt or sticky after the session.
Easy-to-use – Even if you are a first-time user, you will not find it difficult or confusing. It is almost like an electric shaver, and you can quickly get a hang of it. Upon regular use, you can increase the speed.
What are the Drawbacks of an Epilator?
Pain – Epilating is a little painful method. However, it depends on the pain tolerance levels of the individuals.
Ingrown Hair – The major side effect of using an epilator is ingrown hairs, not for everyone, though.
Cost – An epilator has high upfront cost than the other hair removal methods.
Charging and Batteries – You may require charging batteries every time before using the device. Moreover, some devices do not have rechargeable batteries.
Redness – After epilating, most users may notice mild redness and discomfort. However, it will subside in a few hours.
How Does Epilating Compare To Waxing?
Epilating and waxing are a bit similar to hair removal methods. An epilator is an electric device used to pull hair in the direction of hair growth. The waxing hair removal method requires wax and strips to pull hair against the direction of hair growth. However, epilating is the most effective and convenient method when compared to waxing. The advanced models of epilators can remove hair as short as 0.5mm, which is 0.02 inches. Whereas, waxing can remove hair as short as 2mm.
In comparison, an epilator is quick in hair removal than waxing. Every time you wax, the process can leave your hands sticky. With an epilator, there is no such mess. There are fewer side effects with epilating like redness, irritation, tenderness, and ingrown hairs. With waxing, you may notice redness, irritation, bumps, scarring, allergic reactions, rashes, sun sensitivity, and ingrown hairs. Being very portable and handy, you can carry an epilator easily in your suitcase or your purse.
An epilator is suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. It is ideal for using almost on your whole body, including your face and most sensitive areas like underarms. Depending on the area, you want to epilate, you will have to use the right attachment. Waxing may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin. You can use waxing on specific areas of your body like the arms, legs, underarms, torso, face, bikini area.
When it comes to the price, an epilator is cost-effective. Although it has a high upfront cost when compared to waxing, the results are long-term. It is a decent investment in comparison to your regular parlour visits on a regular basis.
You can replace the rotatory heads of the epilators yearly once. Moreover, you may have to epilate once or twice a month. Cleaning these devices is also very easy, and there is absolutely no mess.
| COMPARISON | EPILATOR | WAXING |
| Process | An epilator is an electric device used to pull hair in the direction of hair growth. | The waxing hair removal method requires wax and strips to pull hair against the direction of hair growth. |
| Areas | An epilator is suitable for almost the whole body. | You can use waxing on specific areas of your body like the arms, legs, underarms, torso, face, bikini area. |
| Pain | Tolerable | Moderate to Intense |
| Side Effects | Redness, Irritation, Tenderness, and Ingrown Hairs | Redness, Irritation, Bumps, Scarring, Allergic reactions, Rashes, Sun sensitivity, and Ingrown Hairs |
| Results | 3-4 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Cost | Includes initial device cost and power cost | Waxing costs a decent amount for a professional service every time |
| Skin Type | An epilator is suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. | Waxing may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin. |
| Hair Type | An epilator is suitable for all hair types. | Waxing is suitable for all hair types. |
| Hair Length | An epilator can remove hair as short as 0.5mm. | Waxing can remove hair as short as 2mm. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Ans: It all depends on the type of epilator you are using. If you have a wet model, you can happily use it in the shower. If you have a dry model at home, make sure your skin is completely dry before you start the epilating process.
Be it a wet or dry model, it is always advisable to wash your skin first and ensure it is clean. Also, get rid of any moisturizers or creams on the epilating area. Before epilating, wash your skin with warm water, as it allows your skin pores to open up. This allows the epilator to remove your hair easily.
Ans: The rate at which hair grows may differ from individual to individual. On average, you can expect the results to last for about three to four weeks. The results you can expect from using an epilator are better than any other hair removal method. You can enjoy smooth and hair-free skin for several weeks. Even after that, the hair that grows will be finer and sparser than before.
Ans: While shaving, the device trims the hair at the surface level of your skin. It does not remove the hair from the roots. Consequently, the hair that grows back will have to break through the skin. It damages the hair follicle and ultimately affects the growth cycle. Unlike that, an epilator works by gently pulling the hair from the root by using small discs. When you move this hand-held device over the surface of your skin, the rotating discs grab the hairs and pull them from the follicle.
Conclusion:
I hope this article gave you deep insights on what an epilator is, how does it work, how to use one, and how effective it is over waxing. If you feel that epilation is the best hair removal method for you for long-lasting effects, why wait! Choose the right one from the right brand to get rid of the fuzz and embark on a smooth and hairless journey.
Do you have more questions about the epilator? Feel free to post them in the below comments section, and expect your answers soon.
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Stay healthy and stay safe!!!
