Anyone who has never had to use an epilator may feel a bit overwhelmed when trying to figure out how in the world to use it! Actually, it isn’t as complicated a process as it may sound and after your first time or two you’ll be a virtual expert. There are, however, some things you need to know before getting started so here is our guide to using an epilator for the first time.
Photo by Amy
Understand the Process
Before you begin any new task or process for the first time, it is essential that you understand what you are doing and why. The first thing to know about epilation is that you are literally plucking hair from under the skin, plucking it by the roots. That is what an epilator does and why it is preferable to depilation that only removes hair that is above the skin as in shaving. Hair that has been shaved is noticeable sometimes within just a matter of hours but hair that has been removed with an epilator can take up to six weeks to grow back visibly. That’s a basic understanding of what epilation does.
Understand the Product
The next step is to read the entire array of product information that comes along with your epilator. Each epilator is different and they all are used a bit differently as a result. There are epilators that can be used on dry skin and epilators that can be used on wet skin and there are those that can be used in either way. It is suggested that the best epilator for face hair removal would be one that you can use wet. The reason for this is because wet skin is softened and therefore epilation (plucking the hair from the root) is less painful.
Why Exfoliation Is Suggested Prior to Epilation
The reason most often cited when explaining why you need to exfoliate the area first is because it is said to prevent ingrown hairs as they grow back in. Exfoliation scrubs dead skin cells from the body and because you are scrubbing those dead cells away there may be a bit of irritation. Always exfoliate the day before you intend to use your epilator.
A Brief Summary of the Steps When Using an Epilator
The steps to take would look something like this:
- Understand what epilation is.
- Learn about your product and how to use it.
- Exfoliate the day prior to epilation.
- On the day you are going to epilate, gather all your ‘tools’ where you intend to work.
- Use the product as directed.
- Gently cleanse the area and if necessary to dull pain, use a lidocaine ointment.
That’s really all there is to it! If you have never used an epilator before you may be a bit uncertain but it is easier than you think. The only thing you need to be aware of is the fact that you will experience some amount of discomfort if not exactly pain. Have you ever used tweezers on your eyebrows? That pinching, burning sensation is quite like what you will feel when using an epilator. After your first time you’ll be an old pro and those few moments of discomfort are well worth the results – hair that may take more than a month to grow back. That’s epilation in a nutshell.
