What is the difference and what is better - an epilator or a depilator?

Body hair is most often a decoration only in one case - if it is on the head. All other vegetation is not only unattractive, but even harmful from a hygienic point of view. We inherited this hair from our ancestors, for whom its presence was simply a necessity of life. Currently, this natural mechanism of the body for saving heat has completely lost its relevance. There are many different technologies and devices to get rid of unwanted hair. And the process itself is called depilation or epilation.

Differences between epilation and depilation

Many people think that the difference between hair removal and depilation is only in pronunciation. This is wrong. The procedures are carried out with different devices and devices. Epilation is done using equipment that removes not only the surface part of the hair, but also destroys its subcutaneous structure - the follicle (bulb). This gives a long lasting effect. In cosmetology, hair removal is carried out using several methods:

• electric hair removal, when the follicle is “burned” by a small electrical discharge;
• photoepilation with intense flashes of light affects the hair root;
• Laser hair removal uses a laser beam as a working tool.

Many people cannot afford hair removal equipment. It is more convenient and cheaper to go to a salon for hair removal.

Epilation involves the destruction of the hair follicle

Depilation involves removing only the superficial part of the hair. Many ladies carry it out on their own, at home. No matter how the procedure is carried out (and options are possible: mechanical, electric depilatory and chemical), the result will not last long, from several days to several weeks. Despite the short-term effect, depilation is the choice of the majority. It can be done as often as necessary (there are no side effects or contraindications like hair removal), it can be done at home, on your own, and hair removal costs orders of magnitude cheaper.

Reviews: which epilator is better

Based on customer reviews, ratings of the best epilators are compiled every year, the main criterion of which is the price-quality ratio. For many years now, leading positions have been occupied by such companies as Philips, Braun and Panasonic. Not so long ago, devices from Rowenta began to claim the title of the best. Manufacturers have already managed to gain the love of customers by producing inexpensive and high-quality products.

The other day I bought a Panasonic ES-ED 50 Epilator, I liked it. No noise, 48 tweezers, so everything is epilated cleanly. Battery powered with backlight, there is also a mode for beginners. I personally didn’t feel any pain (I tried it for the first time), it just tingled a little. I also spent a long time choosing, looked at the reviews, and I’m happy with the choice!

Ariana

https://www.woman.ru/beauty/body/thread/4177624/

I bought a Braun 7-561 epilator. I immediately decided to try it on the most delicate places. I epilated in the shower. I can say that it didn't hurt. Fine. I was pleased with the quality of hair removal. The backlight is also a very useful thing. By the way, I tried wax, sugar hair removal, and, of course, the machine. Still, in the end, my choice is an epilator. I recommend this model, excellent price-quality ratio.

Catherine

https://www.woman.ru/beauty/body/thread/4177624/

I have Brown Silk Epile 9. The head is wide. But I don’t use any attachments on it. I shoot much better and faster without them. For the first time, my eyes bulged from pain. After a few times I got used to it. Now I have been doing hair removal for several years (I started with Philips). I don’t even pay attention to my arms and legs. Nice to do. I don’t do a deep bikini area. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t. The pain is unbearable, and the hair is thick. I reach the triangle. Then I throw it, or cut it short with a clipper. Armpits without problems with an epilator. It's unpleasant if you start it, but tolerable.

Michelle

https://www.woman.ru/beauty/medley2/thread/3835514/5/#m63290075

Beauty requires sacrifice! And these words couldn’t come at a better time when it comes to choosing a hair removal method. Technology has not yet reached the point of making epilators completely painless. However, this has never stopped girls in pursuit of beauty, because the admiring glances of others compensate for several hours of discomfort.

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Types of depilatory devices

Today you can find a fairly wide range of depilatory devices on the market:

• Shaver;
• chemical creams;
• electrical devices.

Razor

The oldest tool here is considered to be a razor. Modern technical improvements of this device make it possible to significantly simplify the depilation process - devices with three and even five heads are produced for this purpose. There are also varieties - trimmers and stylers, powered by batteries or mains (women use them to work with the bikini area). Mobile and compact, they become a frequent travel companion.

However, users note that after using these tools, hair grows back quickly and only becomes stiffer. Another disadvantage is that after a razor the amount of hair growth only increases.

Depilatory cream

Special creams for removing unwanted hair became widespread in the early nineties. They also remove only the surface layer. But at the same time, their special formula allows hair to grow after the procedure much slower than when using a razor. In fact, such creams only dissolve the visible part of the hair.

Electrical appliances

Electrical devices affect hair mechanically. The brands Braun, Philips and Rowenta have achieved great success in this matter. Such devices are mistakenly called epilators, because their effect on the hair is temporary, they do not eliminate the problem forever.

Devices of this type can be disk, spring or tweezer. The latest model is the most refined and effective.

What is an epilator and depilator

Epilators and depilators are often confused even by women themselves - many believe that there are no differences between the devices. But in reality we are talking about completely different devices. There is only one thing in common - both are designed to remove excess hair on the body.

What is a depilator

Depilatories are devices that allow you to remove superficial hairs without affecting the follicles located under the skin. Several devices can be classified into this category:

1. Razors of any type. The devices are disposable, with two or three blades, and reusable, with replaceable heads. The latter are more expensive, but their advantage is greater ease of use. Once the cutting surfaces become dull, you do not have to replace the entire razor; it will be enough to buy new cassettes. Reusable machines have three to five blades. There is also a special gel strip that lubricates the skin and makes the razor glide easier.

   
   A reusable razor is the cheapest and most affordable depilation device.

2. Trimmers. Electrical devices were originally designed to remove hair from the nose, ears, and upper lip, to form neat outlines of a man’s beard. But women use such devices as depilators; for example, using a trimmer it is very easy to make an intimate haircut. The devices operate on mains power or batteries. The difference is that cordless trimmers are convenient to take with you on the road, while electric trimmers are not limited in time of use.

   
   Depilation with trimmers is reduced to short cutting or plucking of hairs

3. Cream and wax for hair removal. Such products also belong to the category of depilatories, despite the strong differences from razors and trimmers. Application is very simple. The viscous composition is spread over the skin in a thick layer and left for 5-10 minutes to set, and then removed against hair growth using a special plate. Wax or cream allows you to remove the superficial part of the vegetation. Some types of depilatory products also contain substances that slow down the further development of hairs.

   
   When choosing a wax for depilation, you need to pay attention to the composition so as not to encounter allergies.

The differences between individual types of depilators can be significant. But any of them are popular primarily due to their ease of use, efficiency and low cost.

What is an epilator

An epilator is a device that operates from a battery or mains power and is designed to remove vegetation along with the roots; this is the main difference. Devices can be divided into two types:

1. Mechanical. The working part, when moving, grabs individual hairs and pulls them out along with the follicles.

   
   The epilator head may consist of small discs or tweezers

2. Laser and photoepilators. When using devices, the subcutaneous bulbs are destroyed from thermal effects, while the skin and tissues around the hairs are not damaged.

   
   Photo and laser epilators do not give effect instantly, but after several procedures

The difference between epilators and depilatories is not only in the principle of operation, but also in price. Devices that act on the hair follicle are more expensive. But the difference lies in the duration of the effect of application. Mechanical devices remove hair for several weeks, but the difference between laser and photoepilators is that the result can last for years.

Which procedure includes sugaring: epilation or depilation?

Sugaring refers to depilation, despite the fact that during the procedure the hairs are removed from the roots. Many salon visitors (and hairdressers) think that this is hair removal. No, if the hair follicle (the sac in which the hair root was) remains in place, the hair will grow back. Sugaring mechanically pulls out the hair, sometimes damaging the follicle. But in most cases the latter remain in place. The hairs in these places often grow thin, underdeveloped (not as hard and lighter). Therefore, the general impression is that sugaring is almost as effective as hair removal.

Sugaring also does not completely remove the hair follicle, therefore it is classified as depilation.

Sugaring in its effect turns out to be something between depilation and hair removal. The follicles are damaged, and full-fledged hard hairs no longer grow. During depilation, on the contrary, only the upper part is removed, and at this time the follicles receive more nutrition and are strengthened. New hairs grow even faster, darker and thicker. Sugaring is often called sugar hair removal.

This procedure gives, in a general sense, a temporary effect, but quite long-term (a new procedure will be required no earlier than in 2-3 weeks).

The same can be said about waxing. Today it is less popular than hair removal with sugar paste. However, these procedures are similar in essence. In both cases, the effect on the hair will be similar, and the frequency of procedures will be the same.

What is the difference and how does an epilator differ from a depilator?

Having studied the features of the devices, we can list several main differences:

1. The depilator acts only on the outer part of the hair, while the epilator removes it along with the root.
2. During depilation, the smoothness of the skin does not last long, but after epilation it remains for months and even years.
3. Depilators are much cheaper, while even budget epilators are quite expensive.

Important! The difference between epilators is that they are less likely to cause skin irritation. But when using trimmers, wax and razors, this side effect often appears.

Hair removal options

Depilator and epilator - what is the difference? Perhaps this is best illustrated by hair removal procedures, which are characterized by complete removal of the hair along with its follicle. The following types are distinguished here:

• photo;
• laser;
• elos;
• thermolysis;
• galvanic electrolysis;
• blend method.

They differ from each other in the method of influence and the technical features of the device.

1. Photoepilation is hair removal using a light pulse from krypton lamps. The energy of their heat waves is absorbed by melanin, which kills the hair. This method is more effective for dark hair, but for gray hair it shows zero results.

2. Laser hair removal is the treatment of hair with a laser. The procedure will give absolutely smooth skin, but this result is achieved only after attending sessions for many months. Neodymium laser is recommended for all skin and hair types. Unlike photo hair removal, laser hair removal is effective on all types of hair.

3. Elos hair removal is a shock combined dose of radio waves and light energy. A specially selected wavelength destroys the follicle. The technique does not cause discomfort and is safe. For total relief you will have to take at least ten courses.

4. Thermolysis is the killing of hair follicles using electric current. The device has an electrode inserted into the follicle - it destroys the root along with the stem. The method is considered very uncomfortable - you have to additionally numb the surface of the skin.
5. Galvanic electrolysis refers to the decomposition of follicles through a chemical reaction. Achieved by continuously passing current through a saline solution.
6. The blend method combines thermolysis and chemical exposure.

Where to choose

Modern cosmetology now does not limit its clients in choosing a method to rid the skin of unwanted hair. Each person can give preference to the method that is preferable for her. Some are guided by price, others by quality, others by the pain of the procedure. Unfortunately, there is no ideal option that would suit everyone. It all depends on the sensitivity of the skin and hair structure.

However, when choosing, you should not focus on price. For example, machines may be the cheapest option, but they require a daily investment and, in some cases, weekly changes, which when considering the costs over several years, does not make it the most economical option.

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What to choose: hair removal or depilation

Those who use depilation are satisfied with the results of the procedure and recommend it to others. Hair is shaved well, painlessly and quickly. If we talk about sugaring and waxing, the skin immediately after the procedure is smooth, without inflammation. In addition, sugar paste has a scrubbing effect, removing the stratum corneum of the skin. Another plus: this procedure is inexpensive and can be done independently. A serious drawback is the short-term effect. Just a few days, and the procedure must be repeated. This is not everywhere and not always convenient.

Epilation is effective. In a course of procedures you can get rid of excess hair almost completely and almost forever. Those hairs that “survive” will become sparse, thin and light. In addition to the most obvious drawback - the price of equipment for home hair removal and salon procedures is considerable, there is also a large list of contraindications, the painfulness of the treatment itself.

In the end, it's hard to say which is better. It all depends on the situation, hair and skin type, financial capabilities and a whole list of factors.

1. Skin type and its features. For those with thin, sensitive skin, it is better not to use razors and tweezers. For them, the best option for depilation is chemical exposure with special creams. Ladies with thick skin without damage, not prone to rashes and tolerant of pain can afford hair removal.
2. Pain threshold. Hair removal is not suitable for girls who are intolerant to pain. In this case, it is better to use a razor or creams.
3. Hair color. If the hairs are light, almost transparent, depilatory cream is more than enough. Dark hair will have to be removed using more radical methods.
4. Financial aspect. If you calculate the cost of all procedures in the long term, then depilation will not benefit much from hair removal. You need to use creams or razors often, but a salon procedure is enough to do once every few months. In an annual financial context, the cost will be almost the same, and the purchase of a home epilator will quickly pay off.

Epilation at home

It is for their simplicity and ease that many people, including me, fell in love with epilators. However, when a person picks up this device for the first time in his life, he simply does not know what to do with it. The instructions for this tool most often do not help at all, because this process is very individual. Everyone has their own sensitive areas on the skin, which will have to be treated with special care and attention. You may also need to use some additional means, such as local anesthesia, if you don’t want to endure the pain at all. If you have never had to do hair removal before, you can watch training videos on the Internet (one of them will be presented in this article).

The process of removing hair with an epilator

Some tips on how to use an epilator:

1. If epilation is performed for the first time, then you should operate the device only at minimum speed, listening to the sensations.
2. It is worth using a massage attachment during hair removal so that blood circulation in the skin is not impaired.
3. You should not put pressure on the epilator - it will not work better, but this action can easily cause irritation.
4. Epilation should be carried out strictly against the direction of hair growth so that the device removes them and does not just press them to the surface.
5. When epilating your armpits, it is better to stretch the skin a little for greater comfort during the process.

Preparing the skin for the procedure

Epilation by any possible means is always a stressful load on the skin. To avoid irritation and ingrown hairs, it is necessary to carry out special preparatory procedures. They will allow the hair removal process to proceed smoothly, efficiently and practically harmless to the skin.

• A day before hair removal, it is necessary to treat the skin with a scrub to clean the surface of dead epidermal cells. The usual and cheapest remedy is suitable for this. The scrub treatment procedure must be carried out as carefully as possible and strictly against the direction of hair growth. You should avoid pain and small wounds, as they may increase during hair removal.
• After scrubbing, apply moisturizer to the skin. If the skin is sufficiently moisturized before the procedure, this will significantly reduce pain. This procedure is carried out strictly after removing dead skin particles and cleansing the pores with a scrub, since after this the moisturizer is absorbed best.
• After these procedures, you should not perform any other procedures other than taking a hot bath before hair removal. You should wear loose and light clothing to avoid irritation on the treated skin areas. The next use of cleansers is carried out only two to three days after the hair removal procedure.

Caring for your epilator

In order for the tool to last as long as possible and not break, it is necessary to take care of it. This seems obvious, but in practice it is sometimes even forgotten, and as a result, epilators become unusable. It must be cleaned after each procedure so that the working parts do not become clogged with hairs.

Epilator care kit - removable head and brush

For this purpose, the small brush that comes with the device is most often used. With it you can easily clean work surfaces and visible parts of the disks. You should also remove the nozzle and clean everything underneath it. If you don’t have a brush at hand or it’s lost, you can use an ordinary old toothbrush.

But cleaning the surface is not everything. Hard-to-reach parts of the epilator can be blown out with a hairdryer or cleaned with a vacuum cleaner without an attachment. Most often, it is the working head that gets dirty, and if a hair dryer and vacuum cleaner did not help, and if the instructions do not prohibit doing this, then you can wash it under the tap.

Hair removal during pregnancy

During pregnancy, women often experience an increase in hormonal levels in the body, which leads to active hair growth throughout the body. For many, this becomes a real disaster, and therefore the topic of hair removal during pregnancy is quite popular in society. There are many opinions on the harm and benefits of this procedure for women carrying a fetus. However, experts are firmly convinced that hair removal is practically harmless even during pregnancy. But, of course, there are limitations.

The most important factor is the individuality of this process for each person. One woman calmly copes with the unpleasant and painful sensations of hair removal, and therefore this procedure will not suffer any consequences for her. At the same time, another may have a low pain threshold, and she is afraid of this type of hair removal from the body. Stress and fear can negatively impact your overall health.

Emla pain relief ointment

To enable women with sensitive skin to take care of themselves during pregnancy, there are special pain relief products. In addition to the massage and cooling systems included with some epilators, local anesthetic agents are also used. For example, Lidocaine spray or Emla ointment. They treat the skin immediately before epilation, but you must strictly follow the instructions on the packaging. The main rule is that you cannot perform your first epilation with an epilator during this period. It is better to use familiar and less stressful means.

Video: instructions for using epilators

Methods and devices for hair removal

Many girls resort to more expensive hair removal procedures to get rid of hair for a long time. However, it should be understood that a one-time procedure is not enough to achieve this goal - you need to complete a whole course. The most common hair removal methods are:

• Laser. It is based on the effect of laser radiation on hair follicles and the vessels from which they are nourished. After a course of treatments, the hair falls out on its own.
• Photoepilation. The procedure is based on the destruction of the bulb with a light flash. However, for this it is necessary to carry out it during the active stage of hair growth. It will not have any effect on light or gray hair.
• Elos. In this method, light exposure is combined with radio waves. To achieve the desired effect, at least ten procedures are necessary. It is the most painless hair removal.
• Thermolysis. According to this method, the follicle and hair shaft are destroyed by electric current. The procedure is not the most pleasant and requires additional pain relief.
• Galvanic electrolysis. The hair follicle is destroyed by a chemical reaction, during which an electric current continuously passes through the saline solution.
• Blend method. It is a combination of galvanic electrolysis and thermolysis, which makes it one of the most effective, but also painful methods. It also requires a course of procedures.

IMPORTANT! Laser hair removal is contraindicated in the presence of diabetes mellitus and numerous moles.

How else do you fight body hair?

Body hair can be removed by depilation and epilation.

Depilation is shaving, to put it simply. Hair removal includes the following types:

1. Removal with an epilator (the method and device are described in this article).
2. Sugaring is a method of hair removal that is performed using sugar paste. You can prepare the paste at home or visit a qualified sugaring specialist. The removal method is simple: spread the paste in a thick layer on the skin and tear it off with a sharp movement, against the direction of hair growth. The procedure may cause discomfort in the form of unpleasant sensations, especially for those who use the service for the first time.
3. Waxing. The procedure is similar to sugaring in the method of application and removal. Only instead of sugar paste they use hot wax. The frequency of the procedure is once a month.
4. Laser hair removal is getting rid of hair using a laser. The procedure is expensive, but the effect lasts for a long time. The essence of the method is this: a special device is directed at the vegetation. The laser acts on the hair follicles, expands them, and the hair falls out.
5. Photoepilation is a method that uses a light device that directly affects the hair follicles. The next procedure will need to be carried out in 4-6 weeks.
6. Electrolysis or electrolysis. This expensive method will allow you to get rid of unwanted vegetation forever. The method is practically painless. It is carried out with a device that transmits small electrical impulses into the follicle area. As a result, salts are formed, which lead to the death of the hair root.

What to give preference to?

If you have not yet made your choice, then before spending your money on a hair removal device, read about the differences, advantages and reviews of depilators and epilators.

When choosing a device for eliminating unwanted vegetation, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• Skin type. For those with delicate and sensitive skin, it is better to opt for depilatory creams. It is better to avoid razors and epilators, as they can cause ingrown hairs and skin rashes.
• Amount of hair covering. For those with light and sparse hair, hair removal is essentially not necessary. But, if you want to feel smooth and soft skin, then it is better to use depilatory cream. But if there is a lot of hair on the body, then in this case you should give preference to expensive epilators. The thing is that the effect of the epilator makes the hair structure softer and thinner.
• Sensitivity to pain. Epilators are devices for strong women who are not afraid or can endure pain, since the procedure is accompanied by extremely unpleasant, painful sensations. But depilation is quite comfortable.
• Financial opportunity. If you do not have any contraindications to the use of a depilator and an epilator with differences in the types of procedures, then focus, first of all, on your financial capabilities. If finances allow, then it is better to purchase an epilator, which will reduce the number of procedures.

Design and fundamental differences

Depilator - a machine with rotating or parallel moving knives:

• The hairs pass through a steel mesh that serves as a stop; a rotating knife cuts off the trunk.
• The hair falls between two knives and is cut off; in this case, one row of knives is static.

A mechanical epilator is structurally similar to a depilator and has rotating elements, but made in the form of tweezers that pull out hairs - due to the speed of rotation, the procedure is practically not felt (slight redness of the skin is possible).

Devices that act on electrical discharge are divided into types:

• Needle-shaped. An electrode is inserted into the hair follicle to a depth of less than a millimeter. They are used in beauty parlors and beauty salons. We do not recommend carrying out such procedures yourself.
• Tweezers. An electrolytic composition is applied to the surface of the skin, increasing current conductivity, the hair shaft is clamped with tweezers and electricity is supplied.

Methods used using electrolytes (composition that increases electrical conductivity):

• Thermolysis is a thermal effect on hair follicles using high-frequency alternating current. Used with needle devices. The procedure is painful, but effective.
• Electrolysis - electrodes are not inserted under the skin, but are applied in parallel. Similar to thermolysis, current is supplied, but constant. Under the influence of electricity, alkali is released, which helps destroy the root. The procedure is painless, but lengthy.
• “Blend” is a two-in-one method: thermolysis and electrolysis are used alternately.
• “Flash” is an accelerated method of thermolysis.
• “Sequential Blend” - softened impact, current is supplied with a lower amplitude.
• "Sequential Flash" - a crash course due to the increased sine wave of alternating current.

Methods applied by the beam of light:

• Photoepilation is the effect of high-frequency light on a group of hair: penetrating into the structure of the hair shaft, destroying the follicle.
• Laser is a more intense and targeted, targeted effect compared to photoepilation. The method is radical.

In essence, there is no technological difference; in both cases, the hairs are not removed immediately - you will need to wait up to three weeks and they will fall out on their own. There is no 100% guarantee that hairs will not grow back.

Reviews about the depilator

We have presented a description of depilators and epilators. But an important factor is reviews from real customers.

Women who use only depilators claim that, in general, the procedure brings good results. Hair is removed painlessly and quickly. The skin becomes smooth, and the razor blades carry out a certain scrubbing effect, cleansing the skin of dead particles.

In addition, depilators are inexpensive and won’t hurt your wallet.

However, there is still one “but”. Depilation will have to be done frequently, which is not very convenient, especially on vacation.

In general, depilatory products do not cause any complaints from customers.

Types of mechanical epilators

Mechanical epilators are the most convenient and safest for home use. That's why they are the most popular. And they are also divided into types.

Disc epilator. The working part of such an epilator is a head with disks pressed tightly against each other, which rotate at high speeds, capturing and pulling out hairs. There can be from 20 to 30 disks.

Tweezer epilator . The tweezer epilator has built-in mini-tweezers instead of discs. They pluck hairs just like regular hand tweezers. There can be from 20 to 50 tweezers.

The speed and quality of hair removal depends on the number of discs or tweezers. Disc epilators treat a larger area at a time. But sometimes, in order to get perfectly smooth skin, you have to go through the same area with a disk epilator repeatedly. Tweezer epilators provide a more thorough treatment. According to user reviews, the procedure for removing hair with tweezers is less painful. Tweezer devices are more expensive than disc devices.