Epilator vs. wax: Which is better at hair removal?

Beach season or not, a smooth, hairless body is the standard among girls almost everywhere. Letting your body hair grow out is unacceptable for many women, which is why this is a part of our grooming rituals every week (for some, every day).

Although shaving is probably the method you first used to remove body hair, waxing is actually the most popular hair removal method in the world because it provides hair-free skin for more than just a few days, and it removes the hair from the root so it doesn’t make you feel stubbly, unlike shaving.

How does waxing work?

Like the name suggests, this method uses either a hot or a cold wax (depending on your preference) which is spread evenly across an area of the skin. A cotton strip is then placed on top of this wax, pressing the wax onto the skin, and then ripped off in one rapid motion. This removes the wax and the hair with it.

Many waxing salons and spas offer these services, and drugstores also sell hot wax in a jar and waxing strips that you can use yourself at home.

But those who find the process of waxing to be too messy have found refuge in another method of hair removal that is gaining attention right now: epilating, or the use of a device called the epilator.

What is an epilator?

An epilator is an electronic device that works similarly to waxing when removing hair. It grips the hairs and rips them out from the root, ensuring hairless skin for a period longer than shaving.

How does an epilator work?

An epilator has different types, each using different mechanisms to remove unwanted hair, but the most common among modern epilators is the tweezer type which uses metal plates or discs that rotate when in use; the rotating motion causes a tweezing action when in contact with the skin and the hair. The tips of the rotating discs, like tweezers, grab the hairs, rip them out, and continuously release them.

Find waterproof epilators, since according to some, it’s kinder and gentler to wet skin or when in the shower or bath. However, many users have stated that epilators really work the best on dry skin despite the pain.

Which method is better?

Both can be painful, yet are very effective methods of hair removal, but many are still undecided whether to use a wax or an epilator. Let us talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both and you can decide for yourself.

Cost

Since both methods remove hair from the root, they give you three weeks tops before you have to go at it again.

To wax, you will either have to go to the salon every three weeks to a month, or purchase hot wax every couple of months or so. Waxing strips are also sold in a few pieces per package, which, let us assume, will be enough for one full leg depending on how hairy you are. This requires you to get at least two packs—or four if you have other areas to use them on—every time you have to wax.

On the other hand, you only have to buy an epilator once and it can last you for several years, even up to five years if it’s a corded model. Battery-operated models may need to be replaced every two or three years, but even that is still a lot more affordable compared to waxing which you have to pay for each session.

Irritation to the skin

Epilating is more likely to leave red bumps all over your skin, and can even draw blood if it’s your first time. The red bumps are caused by the irritation that epilating causes when plucking individual hairs from the root. Although it can be alarming, this can easily be remedied by moisturizing afterwards to soothe the skin.

Waxing can also irritate the skin because it also exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface. However, this occurs much less than when epilating, especially if you know how to prepare your skin properly beforehand. Moisturizing is also recommended following the procedure.

Time

Unlike shaving which is instant, both waxing and epilating will take time. If you choose to wax at home, it can take a little more than an hour to two hours if you’re still not used to it. Naturally, it will take less time as you get better at your technique. Epilating will take less than an hour because you don’t have to wipe off leftover wax on the skin each time you go over an area.

Convenience

Waxing needs preparation because of the use of a liquid substance and other tools you might need, like the cotton strips, wet wipes or tissues for excess wax, and the cleanup afterwards will also take time and energy. It’s a very messy process. Even if you get it done professionally, you will need to make an appointment and travel to the salon.

Epilating, on the other hand, only requires you to press a button to turn the device on and start removing hair. It also doesn’t ask much of you for cleanup.

So, what do you think? Which method is better and easier for you?