what is the difference, what is better to choose

Hair decorates a woman in one case — if they are on the head. In other places, unwanted vegetation is best removed. Advertising offers us many means and tools to achieve this goal — it remains only to choose the right one. So, there is a depilator and an epilator, but not everyone knows what is the difference between these two devices.

Differences between epilation and depilation

Many people think that the difference between epilation and depilation is only in pronunciation. This is not true. Procedures are carried out with different instruments and devices. Epilation is done on equipment that removes not only the superficial part of the hair, but also destroys its subcutaneous structure — the follicle (bulb). This gives a lasting effect. In cosmetology, hair removal is carried out by several methods:

• electric hair removal, when the follicle is «burned» with a small electrical discharge;
• photoepilation with intense flashes of light affects the hair root;
• laser hair removal, as a working tool here is a laser beam.

Hair removal equipment is not affordable for many. It is more convenient and cheaper to go to the salon for hair removal.

Epilation involves the destruction of the hair follicle

Depilation involves the removal of only the epidermis of the hairs. 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 carried out as often as necessary (there are no such side effects and contraindications as epilation), it can be done at home, on your own, and depilation costs orders of magnitude cheaper.

Types of depilatory devices

Today in wide sale you can find a fairly wide range of depilatory devices:

• Shaver;
• chemical creams;
• electrical devices.

Razor

The razor is considered the oldest tool here. Modern technical improvements in this device can greatly facilitate the process of depilation — for this, devices with three and even five heads are produced. There are varieties — trimmers and stylerspowered 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 tougher. Another minus — after a razor, the amount of vegetation 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, the special formula of their composition allows hair to grow after the procedure much more slowly than when using a razor. In fact, such creams only dissolve the visible part of the hair.

electrical appliances

Electrical appliances affect the hair mechanically. Brands Braun, Philips and Rowenta have achieved great success in this business. Such devices are erroneously called the epilator, because their effect on the hair is temporary, they do not eliminate the problem forever.

Devices of this plan can be disk, spring or tweezers. The latest model is the most advanced and efficient.

See also: epilator or wax, which is better to choose?

What procedure does sugaring include: epilation or depilation

Sugaring refers to depilation, despite the fact that during the procedure the hairs are removed from the root. Many visitors to salons (and masters) 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 as well. But in most cases, the latter remain in place. The hairs in these places often grow thin, underdeveloped (not so hard and lighter). Therefore, there is a general impression that sugaring is almost as effective as epilation.

Sugaring also does not completely remove the hair follicle, therefore it refers to depilation.

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

This procedure generally gives a temporary effect, but rather long-term (a new procedure will be required not earlier than in 2-3 weeks).

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

See also: epilator or shugaring, which is better?

Hair removal options

Depilator vs epilator — what’s the difference? Perhaps this is best illustrated by epilation procedures, which are characterized by the complete removal of the hair along with its follicle. Here are the following types:

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

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

1. Photoepilation — This is hair removal by means of a light pulse of krypton lamps. The energy of their heat waves is absorbed by melanin, which kills the hair. This method is more effective for dark hair, and for gray hair it shows a zero result.
   
2. Laser hair removal This is laser hair treatment. The procedure will give absolutely smooth skin, but this result is achieved only after attending sessions for many months. For all types of skin and hair, a neodymium laser is recommended. Unlike photo-epilation, laser is effective on all types of hairs.
   
3. Elos epilation is the shock joint dose of radio waves and light energy. A specially selected wavelength destroys the follicle. The technique does not bring discomfort and is safe. For total deliverance, you will have to go through at least ten courses.
   
4. Thermolysis — This is the killing of hair follicles with an electric current. The device has an electrode inserted into the follicle — it destroys the root along with the rod. The method is recognized as very uncomfortable — you have to additionally anesthetize the surface of the skin.
5. Under galvanic electrolysis means the decomposition of the follicles by a chemical reaction. Achieved by continuously passing current through the saline solution.
6. blend method combines thermolysis and chemical action.

What to choose: epilation or depilation

Those who use depilation are satisfied with the result of the procedure and recommend it to others. Hair is shaved well, painlessly and quickly. If we talk about sugaring and waxing, then the skin immediately after the procedure is smooth, without inflammation. In addition, sugar paste has a scrubbing effect, removing the keratinized layer of the skin. Another plus: such a procedure is inexpensive and can be carried out independently. Serious drawback — short-term effect. Just a few days, and the procedure must be repeated. It is not always and not always convenient.

Epilation is effective. During the course of procedures, you can get rid of excess vegetation 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 large list of contraindicationssoreness of the impact itself.

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

1. Skin type and features. Owners of thin, sensitive skin should not use a razor and tweezers. For them, the best option for depilation is a chemical effect with special creams. Ladies with tight skin without damage, not prone to rashes and tolerant of pain, can afford epilation.
2. pain threshold. For girls who are intolerant of pain, hair removal is not suitable. In this case, it is better to use a razor or creams.
3. Hair color. If the hairs are light, almost transparent, depilation cream is more than enough. Dark hair will have to be removed by more radical methods.
4. Financial aspect. If we calculate the cost of all procedures in the long term, then depilation will not greatly benefit from epilation. It is necessary to use creams or razors often, and it is enough to do a salon procedure once every few months. In the annual financial cut, the cost will be almost the same, and the purchase of a home epilator will quickly “beat off”.

See also: how to use a home photoepilator.

Having understood how the epilator differs from the depilator, you can choose the optimal type of procedure, taking into account the characteristics of the skin and hair. However, before starting the application, it would still be better to get advice from a dermatologist and trichologist.