A soft and smooth skin, easy to glide over without much hair, any roughness, or itching is what everyone wishes for. However, shaving and using creams may not give us the perfect skin we wanted; while the former allows itching and much hair to grow over time, continuous use of the latter darkens the skin. Using epilators and waxing is one of the best ways to remove hair from the root without much stress. Although both differ in their process, they give the perfect result; allowing lesser hair to grow over time and no darkening of the skin.
However, using both requires knowing their process, after effect, cost, and suitable hair length. This article will give you the similarities and differences between the two, how to know the one that will be suitable for your skin, and some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Epilators and Waxing; similarities and differences
Epilation and waxing both give a long time effect compared to shaving. Although, using them causes more irritation and pain, especially for first-time users because hair is getting removed at the root. There are also a few risks associated with both methods, which include; tenderness, redness, bumps, and the presence of ingrown hairs, which can lead to infection.
However, they differ in their process, suitable hair length and skin areas, some after effects, and their costs.
- Process: Epilator is an electric device that grips and plucks out hair in the direction of its growth as it is glided over the skin. Waxing, on the other hand, involves the use of cold or hot wax and paper or cloth strips applied in the direction of hair growth but plucks against its growth. In the use of hot wax, the paper strips are applied immediately while you wait till the cold wax becomes hard and then remove it.
- Hair Length: Epilators can remove shorter hair compared to waxing. Hair can be ⅛ inch long to use epilators but it should be at least ¼ to ½ inch long to use waxing.
- Skin Areas: large areas with tough skin such as the legs and arms, sensitive parts of the body such as; the armpits, face, and bikini are suitable for epilators while waxing is suitable for all parts of the body except for those with sensitive skin.
- After Effect: Although both have after effects, waxing has more effects as its continuous use may lead to an allergic reaction, and burns may occur with the use of hot wax and sun sensitivity.
- Cost: An epilator costs about $20 – $100 depending on the quality while waxing about $20 – $30 for a single kit.
Epilators and Waxing; Which is Better?
Both techniques are the best. However, choosing the best depends on individual preference.
Epilators, although cost higher, are more durable, last longer with proper management, and do not need constant replacement unlike waxing, which you replace constantly and even costs high if it is not a DIY; not easy to set up, always sticky, and creates a mess are some of its faults.
However, waxing is cost-effective; hair must be about ½ inch long, which stretches the sessions between waxings. But, epilators pull out the shortest and tiniest hair which allows it to grow back at a reduced rate. Moreover, it can be used with or without water, that is, in or out of the shower.
Waxing serves one more purpose; it not only pulls out hair but also removes dead skin cells due to the adhesion of the wax to the top layer of the skin. Although it causes more irritation, it gives a fresher and smoother skin.
Which one should you go for?; Epilation or waxing.
To know the best for you requires a lot of experimentation and remember, not everything that works for your friends or even relatives works for you.
As we have known, both cause a lot of pain and irritation. However, if you are someone with sensitive skin or with a busy schedule, you should go for an epilation as it is easier, convenient, and requires less investment in both time and money. But, it is noisy.
For sensitive areas like the bikini, armpit, torso, and face, both techniques can be used. Although, using epilators can make it more painful. Those with tanned skins can also go for waxing because epilators will not remove dead cells.
But, because of the burns and allergic conditions associated with waxing, you may go for a cold wax or epilator. This choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there exceptions to those that can use wax or epilators?
Yes! There is. Anyone undergoing cancer treatments or taking medications such as; certain antibiotics, hormonal birth control, or using retinol-based creams shouldn’t opt for waxing and if you are too sensitive to both methods, you should opt for shaving.
What should I do before I Epilate or Wax?
Make sure your hair isn’t longer than ⅛ inch if you want to epilate or ¼ inch if you want to wax. If it is, then trim down slightly. You should also exfoliate the area a few days and not a day before your appointment.
You can also take a pain reliever 30 minutes before you epilate or wax.
How can I ensure my DIY or appointment goes smoothly?
If you want to epilate, decide if you are using that epilator on dry or wet skin. If you are opting for wet skin, dampen your skin with water 10 minutes beforehand. But, if you opt for a dry one, make sure you take a shower to remove oils and weaken the hair strands.
If you are waxing, always apply a pre-wax treatment to prevent irritation. Once you are done with both methods, apply lotion or moisturizer to prevent ingrown hair and itching.
What should I do after I wax or epilate?
Make sure you moisturize to prevent irritation and check for any ingrown hair to prevent infection. You can return to exfoliate 24 hours after your DIY or appointment if you waxed.
What can I do to minimize ingrown hairs and other bumps?
To minimize it, make sure to exfoliate either before epilating or waxing. But, if ingrown hairs happen, do not pick them up, apply lotion, and if it doesn’t go away, see your doctor. You can also take a pain reliever 30 minutes before you epilate or wax.
How can I ensure my DIY or appointment goes smoothly?
If you want to epilate, decide if you are using that epilator on dry or wet skin. If you are opting for wet skin, dampen your skin with water 10 minutes beforehand. But, if you opt for a dry one, make sure you take a shower to remove oils and weaken the hair strands. If you are waxing, always apply a pre-wax treatment to prevent irritation. Once you are done with both methods, apply lotion or moisturizer to prevent ingrown hair and itching.
What should I do after I wax or epilate?
Make sure you moisturize to prevent irritation and check for any ingrown hair to prevent infection. You can return to exfoliate 24 hours after your DIY or appointment if you waxed.