Today, hair removal is an integral part of many people's beauty routine. Technological advances have made it much easier to get rid of unwanted hair. However, you may be hesitating between using an electric epilator or a pulsed light epilator. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we'll detail in this article.
How do the two hair removal methods work?
Electric epilators: an effective mechanical method
Electric epilators use rotating tweezers to remove hair at the root. It's an effective method, even if you have relatively short hairs. With such a solution, you get long-lasting results, meaning you can wait at least three weeks before repeating the operation. It's important, however, to always choose the right device for the area of your body.
The benefits are directly perceptible in terms of efficiency, and you should know that the electric epilator works independently of your skin type and color. It can be used all over the body, even in the most sensitive areas. You'll see long-lasting, satisfying results.
As with any hair removal method, there are also disadvantages to consider. The process is generally painful, especially if you're not yet used to it. Not to mention the risk of ingrown hairs, as mechanical hair removal encourages this type of appearance.
Intense pulsed light epilators: semi-definitive technology
Intense pulsed light epilators send pulses of light into the hair bulb to destroy it. As a result, you won't see hair destruction right away, but repetition of the process slows down regrowth and produces significant long-term results. These are known as semi-definitive results, as your hair density gradually decreases.
As time goes by, you space out your sessions and they take much less time. Intense pulsed light hair removal is much less painful than mechanical hair removal. For some people, there's no sensation of discomfort, so it's a good option if you're sensitive. What's more, you don't have to give up the method's effectiveness over the long term, and by repeating the method at regular intervals, you'll enjoy smooth skin. After several sessions, maintenance sessions are progressively reduced and you'll only need to do a few touch-ups.
As for the disadvantages, it's mainly a question of the type of hair you have and the color of your skin. For best results, it's best to have dark hair on light skin, otherwise the lack of contrast won't work in your favor. This is the only drawback to this method of hair removal, and you should be aware that it is totally inappropriate to use it if you have light-colored hair or dark skin.
Advantages and disadvantages of each method
Advantages and disadvantages of electric epilators
It goes without saying that electric epilators remain an attractive solution for effective hair removal. It's a versatile, practical device that you can use right from your own home. The purchase price of an electric epilator remains reasonable, generally ranging from €40 to €150. No matter what your skin type or hair type, it works optimally and you'll see immediate results.
Bear in mind, however, that ingrown hairs can unfortunately appear, which means you'll need to exfoliate regularly. And don't forget that pain is difficult to tolerate, especially during the first few applications. For facial application, use remains limited, and some models are unfortunately not compatible with this objective.
Advantages and disadvantages of Intense Pulsed Light
Intense pulsed light is a more modern technology, but also more demanding. That's why the purchase price of a device is often higher, and you need to carry out regular maintenance, i.e. several sessions to observe definitive results.
You'll benefit from an ideal solution for effective hair removal with long-term results. You'll also appreciate the comfort of use, whether on traditional or more sensitive areas.
Which method should you choose, depending on your skin and hair type?
Electric epilators: for all skin and hair types
By choosing an electric epilator, you're making a universal choice, as the device is perfectly suited to all hair and skin types. It's effective on both fine and thick hair. Unfortunately, take into consideration the potential irritation on sensitive areas, especially the bikini line and face. If you're sensitive to this kind of pain, we don't recommend a mechanical epilator.
Intense pulsed light: for fair skin and dark hair
For dark hair and fair skin, pulsed light remains the best method you can choose. There's a marked contrast between the two, so you'll get much better results. On the other hand, if you have dark skin, red or blond hair, effectiveness will be greatly reduced.
Durability and cost of hair removal: what's the long-term investment?
Electric epilators: a reasonable investment
Electric epilators are available at affordable prices, and their reliability means you can keep them for many years. It's an economical choice, especially when compared with hair removal sessions at an institute.
Intense pulsed light: a long-term investment
If you're looking to make a long-term investment, consider a pulsed-light device. The purchase price varies between €200 and €500, but once the initial treatment has been carried out, you'll only need a few touch-ups to keep your hair growth at a minimum. This is an interesting solution for anyone looking for a semi-definitive solution.
Comfort and pain: which method is most bearable?
Electric epilator: quick, but painful results
If you don't want to suffer when you epilate, you'll find it hard to bear mechanical hair removal. This is especially true if you want to use the appliance on the most sensitive areas. To reduce the sensation of pain, you can use massage heads or perform your session underwater.
Intense pulsed light: less painful, ideal for sensitive skin
For sensitive skin, Intense Pulsed Light remains an ideal, virtually pain-free device. You'll appreciate how comfortable it is to use on the whole body, and particularly on sensitive areas such as the underarms and bikini line.
Conclusion
Depending on your pain tolerance, budget, hair and skin type, you now know which type of epilator to choose. Electric epilators are a universal option, effective in the short term but often painful. Pulsed light hair removal, on the other hand, offers excellent results if you have compatible hair and skin.