Types of Epilators

Many types of hair removal products exist for dark or thick hair growth on the legs, back or bikini area. An epilator is a small device that uses a rotating head to remove unwanted hair. The head doesn't just shave the top of the hair at the skin, but continues to the root, pulling the full hair out.

Types

• Two main types of epilators exist: the battery-powered epilator and the electric epilator. The battery-powered (or cordless) epilator uses two or four alkaline batteries. An electric epilator may also be cordless if it takes rechargeable batteries. Other models of electric epilators come with an AC adapter. Electric models have variable speeds and other control options. Epilators are also categorized by the type of head. Some epilators use a series of tweezers on rotating discs while others use a spiral of rotating wire to trap and remove hair.

Benefits

• All epilators have an advantage over many other hair removal methods because they remove the hair along with the root. Shaving, tweezing and sometimes do not provide the same quality of hair removal unless performed on a regular basis. Hair removal with an epilator typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. The regrowth of hair varies from person to person, but most epilator users find that regrowth is lighter and finer than before.

Considerations

• Epilators cause some pain since they pull the hair out of the skin. You can reduce this pain by taking a warm shower or bath before using an epilator. This allows your pores to open up and make it easier for the hair to be removed. If you are using an epilator for the first time, practice on one small area before working to more sensitive areas. Some epilators come with a built-in mechanism to reduce pain.

  Another consideration to reduce pain is to continue using the same type. If you replace your wire head epilator, replace it with the same type of wire head. Switching from wire to rotating tweezers may increase pain or create an uneven result.

Misconceptions

• Epilators will not permanently remove hair. Instead, the epilator works to remove unwanted hair that may be coarse and hard to remove with other types of hair removal products. An epilator may make hair regrow finer than before, but most epilator users will still have to use the device at least once a month for smooth skin.

Warning

• Using an epilator can cause ingrown hairs. An ingrown hair is a condition where the hair is cut just below the skin and grows just under the top layer of skin. The skin around the ingrown hair becomes inflamed and infected, eventually causing scars if not treated properly. Alos, if you press an epilator down too hard on the skin, the rotating head may produce scrapes or cuts on the skin.