Electric epilators are the much higher-tech version of at-home waxing or sugaring kits. Epilators involve a one-time purchase and can be used to remove hair in most of the same body parts as waxing products. Although the results of both waxing and epilator use result in a smooth, hair-free zone, one method may be better suited than the other in terms of how long you have to spend learning each of these hair-removal techniques--as well as your tolerance for self-inflicted pain.
Epilation and Depilation
With the exception of at-home laser hair removal devices, most forms of at-home hair removal yield only temporary results. The cosmetic scientists at BeautyBrains.com place traditional methods of removing hair in two categories: depilation, which removes hair at the skin's surface (shaving, cream depilatory use, sanding and buffing); and epilation, which takes out the entire hair follicle by the root (tweezing, threading, sugaring, waxing and epilator use). But even between the temporary methods of hair removal, epilation has a distinct advantage. Depilation gives results that can last a few days, but sometimes only a few hours. Epilating hair results in skin that stays follicle-free for much longer--between three and six weeks.
About Waxing
Waxing isn't a novel aesthetic process, having been used for thousands of years, according to Chicago-based consumer reviewer Andrea James of HairFacts.com. During waxing, warm beeswax is applied to the skin in a uniform film to capture the hair follicles. A cloth or paper strip is placed on top of the wax and then quickly yanked away, taking hair with it. Although kits are available for purchase at most drugstores, pharmacies and beauty supply shops and can be done at home, cosmetics reviewer Paula Begoun advises that you seek the services of an experienced aesthetician before attempting to do it yourself. In March 2010, James noted that the cost of waxing kits was between $25 and $75. You can expect to pay between $20 and $200 for professional salon services, depending on the body part to be treated.
Using an Epilator
Electric epilators look and handle a lot like electric razors, but rather than a series of rotating blades, rows of tiny, rotating tweezers are on the head of the device. This allows multiple hair follicles to be grasped and tugged out as the epiltor passes over the skin's surface. Like electric razors, epilators are charged using a conventional power cord. Rotary epilating is strictly an at-home procedure, the success of which depends on choosing a state-of-the-art device. Slimmer epilators that remove hair in difficult-to-treat areas like the bikini line are also available for purchase. James indicates that the cost of a rotary epilator generally ranges from $40 to $120.
Cautions
James warns that both waxing and epilating come with their share of discomfort; your success in using these techniques depends on your tolerance for pain. Both techniques can result in undesirable results when used improperly. Waxing and rotary epilating can break the hair off at the surface of the skin rather than removing the entire follicle. Inflammation may occur due to repeating tugging on the hair follicles. Novices to both types of hair removal often find that it takes more than one try before hair is sufficiently removed--epilators must be passed over the same area of skin to remove hair in its entirety. Similarly, newbies to home waxing may find that despite their best efforts, they're unable to remove all hair simply because they haven't mastered the correct application-and-removal technique. It may also be difficult to treat hair in certain parts of the body, as both waxing and electric epilating require the skin to be pulled taut. It may be difficult to epilate hair on the back of the legs, James cautions. Waxing is not only messy, it may be difficult to get the consistency of the wax right--and you may even burn your skin.
The Benefits
Epilating body hair either through waxing, sugaring or use of a rotary epilator is the best bet for those with more troublesome body hair. James states that shaving and use of cream depilatories aren't completely effective from an aesethetic standpoint for those with dark, coarse hair. Depilation leaves behind a dark shadow of hair follicles that can be just as obvious as emerging stubble. Waxing and epilator use are more attractive options if you've had little success with depilatory techniques, but James notes that there are other methods of hair removal that can yield semi-permanent and permanent results (see Resources).
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