Waxing versus Epilators: Which Is Better?
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Hair removal can seem like a struggle. We want smooth legs, underarms and bikini areas, but that undesired hair always grows back so quickly. Waxing and epilators are two methods that can give long lasting results, however, each has their own pros and cons.
Which is better? Read on and you decide.
Waxing has been around since ancient times and involves the use of warm beeswax applied to the skin which captures the hairs to be removed. A cloth or paper strip is placed on top of the wax and is quickly pulled away, stripping the skin of the hair.
Epilators are electric devices that look like electric razors but instead of rotating blades have one of three different types of heads to remove hair. Choices include rolling tweezer types, spring types or rotating disc types.
Cost:
Waxing can be performed at home with a do-it-yourself kit for $25 to $75 dollars or done professionally for $20-$200 a session. Epilators cost $40 to $150 dollars but once you own one, there are no additional costs.
Ease of Use:
An epilator can be used anytime and any place. They only need an electric source and some models are cordless rechargeable.
Waxing does require heating, though some brands have pre-waxed sheets. Waxing in general can be messy to use and requires the disposal of used sheets. Epilating one’s legs will probably take less time than waxing them.
Pain:
Both epilators and waxing are painful, especially in the beginning until you get used to the sensation. Each process has a learning curve to be successful in their use. Both epilating and waxing can result in hairs that break off at the surface instead of removing the entire hair follicle.
Some epilators, such as the one by Braun, advertise having massaging rollers to reduce the tension on the skin, while others like Phillips advertises an ice cooler in the rotating head as an additional feature intended to reduce pain.
Women who have used the wax method to remove hair caution other women not to ice the skin first, as the cold tightens the pores so the hair is more painful when it is pulled out.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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