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. Icing irritated skin after either waxing or epilating may reduce redness and mild swelling.
Hair removal:
Here is an area where epilating may be superior. In order to wax, one has to wait for hair to grow out enough to be trapped in the wax. Waxers usually wait about 40 days between sessions. Waxing cannot remove very small or fine hair while epilators can remove any and all hairs.
Both waxing and epilating can result in ingrown hairs, but with epilating, you can exfoliate afterwards to reduce the risk rather than exfoliating right after waxing, or several days before.
Frequency of use:
Again, epilators may be a better choice than waxing since they can be used every other day if desired. This means if you were suddenly invited to a swim party and wanted to touch up your legs, you can with the epilator, but if you had waxed and were showing hairs, you could only use a shaver or depilatory for a touchup.
Use all over the body:
Here waxing may be a preferred choice for certain sensitive skin areas such as underarms or bikini areas due to more likelihood of swelling. Waxing seems to cause less irritation in these areas than epilating.
Some women report in forums that they love their epilators while others can’t deal with the pain so they stand by waxing.
Share your experiences with either technique and tell us which you prefer.
Sources:
Are Epilators Better than Waxing? Buzzle.com.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/are-epilators-better-than-waxing.html
EPILATOR VS. WAXING. Livestrong.com.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/90819-epilator-vs.-waxing/
Choosing the Right Epilator: Eight questions to ask. Simply Hair Removal.
http://simplyhairremoval.com/Choosing-the-Right-Epilator.html
Waxing vs Epilators – What do you Prefer for Hair Removal?
by RIDS on SEPTEMBER 24, 2010 in HANDS & FEET / NAIL ART. Indian Makeup and Beauty Blog.
http://makeupandbeauty.com/waxing-vs-epilators-advantages-and-disadvantges/
Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles
Edited by Jessica Obert