You’d think it would be easy; notice erroneous hair in need of action, buy a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment and bingo! Hair removed.
But just like so many facets of modern life, particularly where technology is concerned, there are way too many variables, and such a diverse range of specification, to simply settle on the first item you see.
Indeed, there are varieties of hair removal procedures that are better suited to the needs of the user than others. Plucking, waxing, and shaving can eliminate most unwanted hair, but the outcome can be diverse, with the result dependent on the area you’re targeting and the equipment you chose.
Since the pandemic started, salons and wellness have been hugely restricted when it comes to that kind of ‘up close and personal’ treatment, and as a result, DIY hair removal has seen a rise in popularity. One of the most popular tools used these days is what you call an epilator. It is the same as an electric shaver but instead of blades, it pulls hair with rotating tweezers. Epilators come with different accessories and features, and are generally convenient to use and time-saving.
Before buying such a tool, there are a couple of things to consider in order to maximise its potential. With that in mind, here’s our hair removal need-to-know; 5 considerations before buying an epilator.
AREA OF THE BODY YOU PREFER TO EPILATE
Epilators come with variations of head attachments for different areas of the body. Usually, people use an epilator on the legs, but different attachments are also specifically designed for use on more sensitive areas such as the face, underarms, and bikini. These epilators have more tweezer heads and are more strongly built in order to be safely used to manage thicker hair.
So, when selecting an epilator, first check if the body area you’re wishing to target is indeed covered in the attachments provided by the manufacturer.
CONSIDER THE AMOUNT OF PAIN YOU CAN ENDURE
Using epilators can be painful since it involves removing hair from right down at the root. Fortunately, some brands have developed devices which aim to make the process less painful via special attachments which adjust the ferocity of the blade rotation. Most of these come with two-speed settings and the slower option is better for sensitive areas of the body. In this way, you can easily adjust and set the speed depending on the level of pain that you can deal with.
If you can find a device on the market which provides more than two speed settings, prioritise it, as you will grant yourself more autonomy over the pain involved.
EPILATOR PREFERENCE
Each epilator is designed with a different number of tweezers. Generally speaking, having more tweezers makes the epilation faster, but this can lead to a more painful finish.
Usually, a standard epilator ranges from twenty to forty tweezers depending on the epilator that you choose. It should be noted that a higher number of tweezers attached doesn’t automatically lead to a more effective result; quality and performance of the brand that you use also determine this.
The two most popular brands for grooming and personal care in this field are Braun and Philips. For decades, both of these two have been recognised for providing an advanced service. If you’re in doubt when shopping for an epilator, it’s wise to stick with a tried and tested brand such as these.
You also have the option to choose whether you prefer a corded or battery-operated epilator. The corded option is generally cheaper and significantly more powerful than cordless epilators. On the other hand, the cordless option is far more efficient in showers and generally less painful (owing to its relative lack of power). Food for thought, indeed.
WET OR DRY?
Choosing the right epilator to respond to your needs also involves a decision about the wet or dry options available. In short, epilation works much better on dry skin and dry epilators are less expensive, too. What’s not to love? Well, for people with greater pain sensitivity, wet epilation is a much kinder option as it can be used underwater or in the shower, thereby reducing pain levels significantly.
PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL
If you’re thinking of going for a more permanent solution than the epilator, laser tools for hair removal could well be your best bet, helping save time and money if done correctly. Today, laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. This method works by emitting a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The light is then absorbed and damage is caused, which results in a reduction of unwanted hair.
These procedures are safe only when done by the right professional with precision and care. There are different types of lasers used for the procedure, and some are more efficient than others. But before you opt for this method, make sure to consult a professional who can evaluate your skin type and hair colour to determine which laser would be most effective for you.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Let’s not split hairs here; epilation might just become your favourite hair removal technique if you heed our advice and consider every aspect before making your purchase. If you want a long-term solution to your unwanted hairs, it’s the perfect choice, as it gradually reduces hair growth and thickness over time. Hair today, gone tomorrow? We think so!