You can remove excess hair using an electric epilator for home use - a compact, ergonomic device that removes hair from the root. With the right choice, the effect of use will be no worse than in the salon. That’s why it’s so important to approach the issue of purchasing an electric epilator responsibly.
Types of electric epilators and their features
There are several types of electric epilators - the features of the products need to be known in advance in order to choose the appropriate option.
Needle-shaped
Needle electroepilators are considered effective. When using the devices, a thin needle is inserted into the follicle to a depth of 0.5 mm, applying current. Such devices are used in specialized salons due to their high cost.
Divided into the following types:
- Thermolysis. Represents an alternating effect of current. It is the most effective procedure, completely removing the hair follicle. The thermolysis procedure is painful, and it is not possible to remove the follicle the first time.
- Electrolysis. A painless technique based on applying current through the surface of the epithelium. During electrolysis, the needle is not inserted under the skin, so its integrity is not compromised. The applied current produces sodium ions, which, when combined with tissue fluid, form an alkali that “kills” the follicles.
- The “blend” method combines the procedures listed above. Hair follicles are heated by electric current and then destroyed by alkaline acid.
Needles for needle electroepilators are made of medical steel, coated with Teflon (suitable for those who do not tolerate pain well), gold-plated needles are suitable for allergy sufferers.
Tweezers
The technique of electroepilators with tweezers is as follows: each hair is captured with tweezers, through which a current is passed every 2-3 minutes. The procedures performed using the equipment are safe and do not cause pain.
As beauty industry experts note, using a tweezer epilator can hardly be called effective. And all because the current does not reach the follicle - the hairs do not conduct it, which is why the follicle is not destroyed 100%. To solve this problem, a special gel was invented that improves the passage of current.
The purpose of the Blend method
The goal of the Blend method is to destroy the entire follicle so that regeneration does not occur. However, if the current is allowed to rise into the upper layers of the skin, pigmentation and even scars can occur.
When the needle is inserted into the follicle, the RF current starts from the tip of the needle and moves upward in a pear-shaped pattern (teardrop destruction pattern). The blend electrologist must know when to stop the current flow to prevent destruction of the upper layers of the skin.
If only an electrologist could look under the skin and find out where the current is now! If only the electrologist could stop the current after the follicle is completely destroyed to protect the upper layers of the skin from damage!
In fact, the blend method allows you to “look” under the skin! Later in this article you will see that a blend specialist using the actual structure of the hair and the follicle itself and a two-handed electrolysis technique can know when the current reaches a critical point.
First of all, the structure of hair will be explained in order to understand what it means to “see under the skin”. Then it will be explained how to use knowledge of the structure of the hair and follicle in a two-handed technique for performing the procedure.
How to choose a device for your home?
The best option is to use tweezer electroepilators, which do not destroy the follicle, but injure it. This makes the procedure itself safe and painless. You can also use a needle type of electric epilator, but only if you have experience working with such equipment, since the woman’s safety and health depends on it.
But there are a number of parameters that are worth paying attention to:
- Speed. Most epilators operate at 2 speeds. The first is used when working with thin hairs, the second is more suitable for coarse and thick ones. At first, experts, while there is no experience, advise working with the device at first speed.
- Brand. It is better to choose products from trusted brands - in this case, the quality of the device and a long period of use are guaranteed.
- Design. The main thing when buying an epilator is the technical characteristics of the device. However, the comfort of use depends on the shape of the device. Therefore, before purchasing equipment, it is recommended to hold the device in your hands for a while and evaluate its convenience.
- Price. You should not buy a cheap device. Most often, such electric epilators do not differ in quality and reliability, and will not last long.
Overview of electrolysis equipment
Depil-Plus 13 Mhz is designed for salon use. Received excellent reviews from craftsmen and clients
The recognized leader in the segment is the Spanish brand ROS'S; its equipment for electrolysis has received positive reviews from professionals and clients. The palm goes to the Depil-Plus 13 Mhz model, which combines fairly high performance and low cost.
The device can operate effectively in electrolysis, thermolysis, blend and flash modes. Not least popular is the function of air ozonation, which provides antibacterial protection and promotes the healing of microwounds.
Needle electroepilator "Polly"
Depil plus-2 differs from Depil-Plus 13 Mhz by the presence of a cooling system, which provides a fairly high level of pain relief. If you are looking for a classic needle-type electric epilator for the salon without additional functions, pay attention to the Kh-12 Plus.
Review of manufacturers and models
There are many electric epilators on the market for cosmetology services, which differ both in purpose and in the way they work.
Among domestic products there are:
- “Bumblebee 1000” from the Moscow plant “Proton”. This device is inexpensive, easy to use, and reliable. It removes hair using flash hair removal, but on sale you can find models with an electrocoagulator, however, they are recommended for use in salon conditions.
- Device “EHVCh-20-MTUSI”. In many Moscow salons you can find the “MTUSI electrolysis” service, that is, using a coagulator developed at the Moscow Technical University. The epilator has thermolysis, and the ability to adjust time and current power is also available.
- Epilator “KOEP-1”. A domestic device with various functions: you can perform electrolysis and coagulation, it has a hair removal counter function, and a timer.
Top foreign manufacturers and models:
- Rowenta EP7530. A reliable electric epilator that causes virtually no pain due to the supply of cold air. There is also Soft Sensation technology, which slightly smoothes the skin, which eliminates the pain when removing hair. The Rowenta EP7530 model has 2 speeds and internal lighting. However, not every girl succeeds in removing hair the first time.
- Braun 5329 Silk-epil 5. This electroepilator comes with a special attachment for cleaning the face. This equipment is characterized by high power, which ensures smooth skin, while this Braun model also copes with fine hairs. And thanks to the presence of a special cooling glove, you can soothe your skin. The disadvantages of the model include a high noise level and an insufficiently long wire.
- Philips HP6548. An epilator that removes even the finest hairs due to the presence of ceramic textured discs and a vibration effect. The model is equipped with 2 speeds, the head can be washed with water. The kit includes a cleaning brush and a case.
Subtypes of needle hair removal
Depending on the model of needle electroepilator used, the destruction of the hair follicle occurs using thermolysis, electrolysis and Flash and Bland technologies based on their action.
Thermolysis is the process of coagulation of the follicle under the influence of high frequency alternating current. Having an immediate effect, cauterization destroys the hair follicle and leads to the cessation of hair growth. Large areas of skin can be treated in one procedure.
Electrolysis is a method of alkaline-acid destruction under the influence of direct electric current according to the galvanic principle, while two electrodes act on the hair root - the anode and the cathode. Epilation is slower, but the process is less painful, and a cosmetologist can remove hair in curved hair funnels.
How to use it correctly at home?
The electrolysis procedure at home will be of high quality if you strictly follow all the important rules and properly prepare for the procedure.
General rules
After purchasing the device, you need to purchase an anesthetic drug. Most often they use Lidocaine or Emla ointment. Whatever product is used, it is used to treat the skin an hour before the procedure.
And to avoid an allergic reaction to the product, you must first test it on a small area. Before the procedure, be sure to treat the needles with alcohol to avoid infection.
After this, epilation is carried out. Upon completion, the skin will be reddish and swollen - you should not be afraid of this, this is how the body reacts to the procedure. The redness will go away in a couple of days. The event can be repeated after 20-25 days, but no later than after 2 months. If you regularly perform hair removal, then after an average of 10 sessions you can forget about the vegetation in the treated area for several years.
After electrolysis, slight redness of the skin may appear - this is a completely normal reaction.
Remember about contraindications that do not depend on the electrolysis method. It is not recommended to carry out the procedure on inflamed areas of the skin, especially if it is viral in nature. Hair removal is also contraindicated for those who:
- suffered a stroke;
- has diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems;
- suffers from varicose veins.
Preparation for the process
The hair removal procedure does not require long preparation. It is important to keep your skin clean. Therefore, if possible, it is worth taking a bath and using a scrub that will remove the dead skin layer, which will simplify hair removal.
Remember that the length of the hairs should be at least 3 mm, but the most acceptable option is about 5-6 mm.
If you are afraid of pain, you can give local anesthesia using lidocaine cream or spray. In special salons, injections of Lidocaine or Ultracaine are used for this.
How to proceed during the procedure?
Using an electric epilator may have a number of nuances, which are described in more detail in the instructions. However, the general guidance is as follows:
- Connect the device to the network and install the needle in the holder. Treat your skin with an antiseptic in advance. Insert the needle into the pore to a depth of about 0.5 mm. Moreover, this should be done only in the direction of hair growth, which will allow you to get as close as possible to the follicle.
- Press the current supply plate and release after the time specified in the instructions.
- Remove the hair with tweezers - if it comes out easily, it means the procedure was carried out correctly. Repeat the procedure with other hairs, retreating 5 mm.
Follow-up skin care
The skin recovers after hair removal within a week. To prevent the process from being delayed, you need to follow simple care rules:
- the treated areas of skin should not come into contact with water in the next 24 hours;
- in the first 3 days you should avoid taking a bath, using perfume or cream;
- within 4-5 days after hair removal, you need to treat the skin with an antiseptic, which will avoid infection;
- Do not sunbathe for a week after the procedure, otherwise pigment spots may appear;
- You should refrain from any physical activity - this will cause sweating, which will make the recovery process longer;
- the crusts that appear cannot be peeled off - scars often form in their place;
- Do not touch the skin with dirty hands - this increases the risk of infection;
- You should take care that underwear and clothes do not rub areas of the skin after hair removal; it is better to choose loose items.
Operating principle
A needle electroepilator acts on the hair follicle with alternating or direct current, depending on the principle of operation. The needle of the device is inserted into the hair funnel towards the root, and then an electric current is applied to it. The bulb is cauterized, losing the ability to reproduce hair cells. The vessels feeding the hair root also undergo coagulation, which leads to the cessation of supply of nutrients to the follicle. This occurs due to the physicochemical processes of thermolysis and electrolysis.
Reviews
Elena, 28 years old, Omsk : “I spent a long time choosing which epilator to buy, and decided to buy Rowenta. I liked the value for money. True, the first time I did hair removal for about 3 hours - it was painful. But after a couple of sessions there was no such sensation anymore, I got used to it. The only negative is that the hairs grew unevenly at first, but this problem was solved over time.”
Alexandra, 30 years old, Vladivostok : “In recent years I have been using a razor, but it’s been 6 months since I switched to an epilator. At first I did it in a salon, now I do it on my own. At the very beginning it was unpleasant, it felt like an electric shock. But after a couple of sessions I got used to it, but now I don’t think about the smoothness of my legs. I have a Braun epilator - it’s inexpensive and just right for the price for the first time. But next time I’ll buy a more powerful device.”
Model "Bumblebee 1000"
“Bumblebee 1000” is a common model of needle electroepilator for home use with tungsten threads. The device is produced in Russia, its price is 32-38 thousand rubles. The model is easy to set up and control; after switching on, you can proceed directly to work. The manufacturer positions the device as an epilator-coagulator for carrying out simple procedures on rough areas of the skin using Flash technology, including the removal of warts and spider veins. The “Bumblebee 1000” line is also represented by a separate coagulator for removing benign skin tumors. The device is supplied with detailed instructions, after studying which you can begin hair removal of unwanted vegetation at home.
