Other than individual preference, neither technique is better than the other.
Epilators are electronic devices that mechanically pull each hair completely from the roots. There are different types of epilators available in the market that can be used either with or without water. Epilators can be used if you are too busy to visit a salon and need to remove the upper lip or eyebrow hair.
Waxing is an effective method of hair removal for the arms and feet because it removes the hair completely from the hair root in large quantities. Following are the differences between the two methods.
- Time required: Epilators are quicker in removing the hair than shaving and waxing.
- Convenience: Epilators do not create a sticky mess such as waxing. They do not require more setup to work and are easier to clean up. Some epilators can be used with water and are convenient to use during a shower. However, some epilators can be used without water. Therefore, they are convenient to use anywhere.
- Discomfort: You may have some discomfort with both epilators and waxing, which reduces over time.
- Regrowth: Results with both methods are long-lasting, and the hair may not grow for three to six weeks. However, epilators can remove just 0.5-mm-long hair, whereas waxing may remove 2- to 12-mm hair. Therefore, epilators’ effects last longer, and the hair will take longer to regrow in between sessions.
- Durability: Epilators are durable and compact, unlike waxing products. However, waxing is cost-effective compared with epilators.
- Side effects: Most side effects of waxing and epilators are similar. A person may get painful bumps and rashes around the pores for a few hours after using epilators. This generally resolves after some time. If you have sensitive skin, you may have severe rashes and boils. You may also experience some ingrown hair after using epilators and waxing. Exfoliation before using an epilator is the best practice to avoid ingrown hair. Moreover, try to avoid tight clothes on the area that have been epilated recently. If you have sensitive or allergic skin, you may experience more bruises, rashes, or bleeding in some more sensitive areas of skin. Similarly, while waxing, if you do not practice proper hygienic care, there may be a risk of skin irritation, bleeding, folliculitis (infection of pockets from which the hair grows), or infection. Additionally, your skin may get very dry or sore if you need to do it for the same area multiple times.
Ultimately, both epilators and waxing are great hair removal methods for long-lasting effects. If you have extra sensitive skin and cannot tolerate pain and are fine with additional prepping, then it is best to go for traditional waxing. However, if you can tolerate some pain and need a quick, easy and convenient durable gadget, then epilators are a much better option than waxing. There are different types of epilators, but tweezer-type epilators are more effective.
Which is more painful?
Both epilators and waxing pull the hair from their roots, so they are both equally painful than shaving. Epilators can be particularly more painful if you normally shave or use hair-removing creams or depilatory (shaving) creams. This is because, in shaving, the hair is generally not removed from the root but only from your skin surface. Over time, the root of your hair regrows more hair each time you shave, and the hair follicles may get quite strong.
With waxing or epilators, it may feel like your hair is growing back less and finer. If you have shaved your hair for a long time, it is beneficial to wax off all the hair once, then epilate the regrowth. In this way, epilators may hurt less.
High-powered electronic epilators can have 100 tweezers that pull a lot of hair once with each pass similar to waxing. However, the process of application of warm wax, pressing and quickly removing may hurt less. It soothes your skin and reduces the redness of the skin. Waxing hurts very little, and it is easier than epilators for the first time. Both waxing and epilator sensations are different. Some people may quickly get accustomed to the pain of epilator and find it convenient than waxing.
How to wax safely at home
Waxing at home can be an affordable method for hair removal. For the best results, dermatologists recommend the following tips.
- Before waxing, ensure the optimal length of your hair is about one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long. If your hair is longer, trim them before waxing for a less painful experience.
- Avoid over-the-counter creams containing retinol or retinoids for two to five days before waxing your facial hair.
- Before waxing, gently wash and remove dirt and dead skin cells and dry the skin properly.
- Test the temperature of the wax by applying a small amount inside of your wrist. Check whether it hurts.
- Apply the wax to a small section of your skin with unwanted hair in the direction of your hair growth for best results.
- Place the cloth strip over the wax and press down firmly for two to three seconds.
- Hold your skin tightly with one hand and use your other hand to quickly pull off the cloth strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- While waxing sensitive and tricky spots such as underarms, request another person to help you.
- Soothe your skin by applying a cold pack or aloe vera to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Avoid waxing sunburn and very sensitive skin or if you have taken isotretinoin in the last six months.
- If you experience severe redness and swelling after waxing that lasts more than two days, see your dermatologist.
- Avoid performing bikini wax at home; approach a professional to help wax sensitive areas.
What are the side effects of epilation?
There are minimum side effects of hair removal (epilation), which include
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Infection of the follicles (pockets from which the hair grows)
- Scaring
- Darkening of skin
- Ingrown hair
SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/epilation/
Skin Research Technology: Bjerring P, Egekvist H, Blake T. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of three different depilatory methods. Skin Res Technol. 1998 Nov;4(4):196-199. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.1998.tb00110.x. PMID: 27332688.
Top Is an Epilator Better Than Waxing? Related Articles
Can I Use Epilator on Privates?
An epilator is any device that removes body hair by pulling it out from the roots. Small and portable epilators can easily be used on privates.
Can You Do a Brazilian With an Epilator?
A Brazilian is a waxing method used to get rid of all or most pubic hair. You can do a Brazilian with an epilator — but you should know that using an epilator may not be the best choice for doing a full Brazilian.
Pain Quiz
Is pain all in the brain? Take the Pain Quiz to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the unpleasant sensation we call pain.
Pain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain
What's causing your pain? Learn the common causes of lower back pain, as well as pain in the knee, stomach, kidney, shoulder, chest, gallbladder, heel, sciatic nerve, neck, hip, foot and other parts of the body. Find pain management tips that work to help lower pain triggers, as well as other pain treatments.
Can You Have a Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Without Having an STD?
In about 10% of cases, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may occur without having an STD. The majority of PID is sexually transmitted. The most common causative microorganisms of PID are sexually transmitted and include gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas and mycoplasma.
Skin Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Treatments
If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you must take and observe the following precautions.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women include gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV infection (genital warts). Learn about types, symptoms, and treatment.
STD Quiz
There are more sexually transmitted diseases than just the ones you've heard of. Find out what you've been missing with the STD Quiz.
STDs in Men
Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men include painful urination, bumps or sores on the penis, and penile discharge and itching. Learn about the most common STDs in men.
STDs Facts Slideshow
Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and genital herpes are common STDs. Think you might have an STD? You’re not alone. Find pictures of herpes, gonorrhea, and more. Learn how venereal disease can harm your health, and how to tell your partner if you have an STD.
STDs: Common Symptoms
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Symptoms may include genital sores, unusual discharge, pain during sex or urination, and itching or discomfort.What Are the Top 10 STDs?
According to the American Social Health Organization, each year one out of four teens in the United States develops a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Half of all sexually active young adults get an STD by the age of 25 years.Yeast infections vs. STDs in Men and Women
STDs, also termed sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are mainly transmitted to others during direct sexual contact. A yeast infection is the invasion and multiplication of a fungus (yeast) in or on the body.