An epilator removes hair by means of a mechanical process, its shaving apparatus operated by electric or battery power. New advances in the 1980s introduced computerized epilator treatment. Routine use of an epilator keeps hair growth manageable. Should hair growth increase dramatically during epilator use, according to the Mayo Clinic, a medical professional must be consulted since an increase in body or facial hair may indicate a sign of medical conditions that may include drug interactions and Cushing's disease.
History
The Mayo Clinic describes electrolysis, a medical or licensed cosmetic procedure, as treatment with an electric current to damage and destroy the hair follicle. This electrical process, introduced by an electrologist at the turn of the 19th century, has been a fixture of cosmetic surgery ever since. The epilator, invented in the 1980s as a home-use product, does not require any special skills to operate. The Epilady Corporation makes the claim that its product is the first home-use equipment, apart from tweezers, to remove hair.
How It Works
Epilators mechanically pluck hairs in the same manner as a hand-operated tweezer, except that the epilator uses multiple methods for pulling the hairs from the root of the follicle. Epilators can be used is in place of waxing or shaving since normal hair regrowth requires four to six weeks. Small epilators replace extensive tweezing of facial hairs.
Commercial Features
Advances in hair removal, also known as hirsutism treatments, include the introduction in 1985 of computerized epilators that evaluate the amount of moisture in the hair follicle, according to the Boston School of Electrolysis. Commercial epilators incorporate earlier electrolysis technology. Rather than pulling the hair from the root base, commercial epilator models sense the moisture in the follicle and then apply a charge of electricity to remove the hair from the follicle.
Home Models
Home epilator design includes specialized equipment for use on the face or legs. The facial model, finalist for a Housewares Design Award in 2007, is a hand-held device with a small head and long handle that allows movement around the nose to remove hair on the upper lip and under the chin. Models for the body resemble electric razors, with a wide top to remove hair from larger areas. Coil epilators incorporate a small metal cable that removes hair by force as it revolves on the hand device. The corded epilator uses a trio of strings to pull hairs from the face or body.
Misconceptions
Use of an epilator is sometimes linked to the belief that removing hair actually increases hair growth. According to Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., this is a myth. Hair may appear to be thicker due to the regrowth after epilator use. As hair grows after epilator treatment, "...it may appear coarse or 'stubby' for a time as it grows out," according to Dr. Gibson. Hairs may also appear darker than the those that were removed, but this also is a misconception, according to Gibson, based on the contrast of the color against the skin.
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