Epilators are hair removal devices that pull out several hairs at the same time. They are basically just fast tweezers, fast electric tweezers. When you first see one they can look a little scary. But they are not as scary as they look!
The original model of the epilator was the Epilady and it was sold to the public for the first time in 1986. Using spring and coils, the Epilady grasped multiple hairs on the surface to which it was applied and pulled the hairs out. Unlike waxing, hair removal of this type didn’t remove the uppermost layer of skin, which to some people made removal slightly less painful. However, this procedure to remove hair took as long as using an electric razor. This meant that instead of being subject to the one or two removals of waxing strips, the device caused an uncomfortable feeling at minimum and was painful to many for the entire hair removal process.
Nevertheless, removing hair by the roots remains incredibly popular among women and many men because it means hair removal lasts longer (weeks) and the skin stays smoother. Other companies like Remington manufactured their own versions of the epilator, each with various hair removal processes. A court case involving Epilady and Remington went in Remington’s favor, and Epilady was not allowed to retain the patent on creating epilators. This has allowed many companies to enter this market with their designs.
Hair removal with epilators is not always a perfect process. Although practice does mean you get better and better at it. Usually the first few times the epilator is used are the most painful and most difficult. Subsequent uses aren’t quite as difficult, most people who regularly use epilators will vouch that these products aren’t painless after several gos. A few models do have cooling elements or massagers that might slightly reduce pain, such as the Philips Satinelle Ice Premium.
There are a couple of companies that offer a money back guarantee if customers are not fond of the epilator. These offers aren’t consistent, but it might help if people are interested in trying one. It is recommended that people bear in mind the first few times are likely to be more painful.
Some women use an epilator in between waxes to help keep the legs looking smooth. Since pulling out hair by the roots creates some nerve damage, subsequent tweezing or pulling of hair is not quite as painful for a few weeks after waxing. Others have given up on these products because they find them far too painful to use. Though shaving may not create extremely smooth legs for long periods of time, when done correctly, it usually doesn’t hurt.
