Epilator for hair removal: which one is better to choose?

The appearance of unwanted facial hair is a delicate and common problem. Not all depilation methods can solve it. Mechanical hair removal can cause severe irritation and even inflammation if the skin is very sensitive. Depilatory creams can also cause an allergic reaction. A distinct alternative to these hair removal techniques is hardware hair removal.

Salon procedures show good results. But at home, you can also perform hair removal no less effectively. Professional portable epilators will cope with their task no worse than the powerful devices of a cosmetologist.

Why do women get facial hair?

Hair grows over the entire surface of the body, except for the feet and palms. There are some on the face too, but they are vellus hair. When suddenly a woman develops hard hairs in this area, it is necessary to determine the cause of this anomaly.

Hormonal imbalance in the body

It is known that a woman’s blood contains female and male sex hormones in a certain balance. Sometimes, under the influence of certain factors, this balance is disturbed, and secondary male sexual characteristics may appear on the face: a mustache and beard begin to grow. Hormonal imbalance can occur for the following reasons:

• failure of the ovaries is the most common cause of the appearance of excess hair on the face;
• functional disorders of the adrenal glands: the body produces substances that are modified into male hormones;
• improper functioning of the pituitary gland of the brain, accompanied by excessive production of male hormones (cortisol and androgens);
• metabolic disorders;
• hormonal changes during adolescence, menopause, and pregnancy.

On the face of American actress Salma Hayek you can see the hairs above her upper lip.

Taking medications

Some medications can cause side effects such as increased facial hair growth. Therefore, if such a problem occurs, you should analyze whether you have recently taken such medications:

• corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Cortisone);
• streptomycins;
• penicillins;
• cephalosporins;
• psoralen groups.

Genetic predisposition

It's no secret that southern women have a much higher tendency to have increased facial hair than northern women. And this is passed on from generation to generation.

Scientists explain this genetic predisposition to increased growth of facial hair by an excess of solar energy, which promotes the activation of metabolic processes. That is why southern women have a hot temperament and emotionality and, accordingly, increased hair growth on the body, including on the face.

Masculinization

The term “female masculinization” means the restructuring of the female body when it begins to produce more male hormones. This can happen when a woman has suffered stress and, due to life circumstances, takes on male responsibilities. Her psyche reacts to such events and is rebuilt in a “masculine way,” and more male hormones appear in the blood.

Will hair begin to grow thicker after removal?

Even now there is no clear answer to this question among hair removal specialists. Some argue that the number of hair follicles on the body is determined genetically and will not increase due to shaving or hair removal. The myth that shaving hair becomes coarser and thicker is explained by the fact that the razor cuts off the tip, making it blunt, which makes the hair appear thicker. As for sugaring and other hair removal methods, they are not capable of permanently removing hair from the body, no matter what the advertising of a beauty salon promises. But the hairs actually become lighter, softer and less frequent due to damage to the hair follicles. A study from the University of South Carolina. Even now, there is no clear answer to this question among hair removal specialists. Some argue that the number of hair follicles on the body is determined genetically and will not increase due to shaving or hair removal. The myth that shaving hair becomes coarser and thicker is explained by the fact that the razor cuts off the tip, making it blunt, which makes the hair appear thicker. As for sugaring and other hair removal methods, they are not capable of permanently removing hair from the body, no matter what the advertising of a beauty salon promises. But the hairs actually become lighter, softer and less frequent due to damage to the hair follicles. A University of South Carolina study published in 2015 reports that hair plucking stimulates processes in the immune system that lead to active hair follicle regeneration and can increase hair growth. But scientists have yet to study this issue in more detail, so we advise you to proceed from your own experience.

How to deal with excess vegetation

To eliminate the problem of excess hair on the face, you need to approach it comprehensively:

• identify the cause of the appearance of antennae;
• remove hairs using depilation.

To identify the cause that caused intense hair growth, you need to contact a specialist - an endocrinologist or gynecologist . The doctor will prescribe certain examinations and, based on the test results, prescribe the necessary treatment.

If facial hair appears as a result of taking certain medications, you should also inform your doctor about this. Perhaps the specialist will adjust the dose or replace the drug.

When the cause of increased facial hair is heredity, it is pointless to prescribe any treatment. In this case, only depilation is needed.

Epilator characteristics

To choose the right device for caring for facial hair, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics, this will allow you to choose the best epilator options:

• It is necessary to pay attention to the number of revolutions - this affects the speed of the procedure.
• The number of speeds also matters. Don't stop at just one option. It's better when there is an alternative for skin types.
• As for power, both batteries and the electrical network are quite acceptable options.
• The more options, the better, so you should choose a dual mode - wet and dry hair removal.
• Floating heads allow you to adapt to the features of the facial contour.

What do floating heads look like?

• Functional attachments will come in handy - for massage, peeling, cleaning, which provides additional opportunities for skin care.
• For sensitive skin, models with a blowing function are suitable, which can reduce pain.
• And the lighting built into the device will help you see the most inconspicuous hairs.

You can get acquainted with the models of epilators on the manufacturers’ websites, where there is a description of the characteristics. After analyzing the options, it is not difficult to decide for yourself which ones are the best.

Ways to get rid of excess hair

A woman can tidy herself up and make her facial skin smooth using many methods. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Using a razor

The most common method of hair removal among men is shaving. Men are forced to use a razor several times a week. Some women, having discovered the problem of excess hair on their face, rush to use the male method of depilation, because it has a number of advantages:

• speed of the procedure;
• complete absence of pain;
• availability (a disposable machine can be purchased at any store at a low price).

When using a razor, you can get smooth skin in a few minutes, but not for long.
However, experts are categorically against this method of hair removal, since there are many more disadvantages than advantages:

• women's skin is much more delicate than men's, and a razor can harm it;
• after shaving, the hairs will appear again on the 2nd–3rd day, but they will already be much thicker and stiffer than the previous ones;
• With constant use of the razor, the hair will begin to grow faster, and you will have to shave more often. The skin will become rough and thick, and accordingly, there will be a risk of ingrown hairs, as well as the development of pustules or folliculitis.

Therefore, under no circumstances should women use a razor to remove facial hair!

Use of depilatory creams

Chemical depilation involves applying special products to the problem area, which contain substances that destroy the keratin of the hair, as a result of which the hair dies and is easy to remove.

Manufacturers often add components to depilatory creams that inhibit hair growth. In addition, the products contain vitamin and moisturizing complexes. The depilatory cream can be selected according to your skin type.

To remove the antennae, you need to apply the cream to cleansed skin and leave it to act for 5-10 minutes. After this, the composition should be removed with the spatula included with the cream and the remaining residue should be washed off with warm water. It is not recommended to use detergents after the procedure. It is better to apply a soothing cream or lotion without alcohol to the skin.

The undoubted advantages of the method include:

• painlessness;
• short duration;
• new hairs grow slowly and their structure is weakened;
• When exposed to depilatory cream, the skin receives additional care.

Among the disadvantages of chemical depilation are the following:

• the effect does not last long - only 3-7 days, depending on the structure and thickness of the hair;
• components of the cream may cause an allergic reaction;
• After the procedure, ingrown hairs may appear.

The compositions of depilatory creams are enriched with plant extracts and vitamin complexes that carefully care for facial skin.

Mechanical depilation

Many women pull out the hairs above their upper lips. To do this, they use tweezers or a depilatory machine.

Tweezers - a weapon against antennae

If there are not very many hairs on your face, then you can use tweezers. After using this tool, whiskers will not appear on your face for 3-4 weeks. However, not many women use tweezers, since depilation with it has a number of disadvantages:

• painful sensations when pulling out hairs;
• the duration of the process, since the hairs are removed individually;
• inability to remove all hair;
• there is a high probability that when a hair is removed, its follicle will remain in place, and thicker and coarser hair will grow from it. If the bulb accidentally shifts its position, then there is a risk of ingrown hairs.

Tweezers are found in every home, and women sometimes use them to remove hair from their faces.

Depilatory machines

It is not always possible to remove all the hairs above the upper lip with tweezers, especially in cases where they grow densely. Using a depilatory machine will be more effective:

• You should select low speed on the device, since the skin above the upper lip is delicate and sensitive;
• stretch your upper lip;
• place the depilatory machine perpendicular to the skin and slowly move in the direction against hair growth;
• Finish depilation by applying a soothing cream.

The advantages of this method are as follows:

• newly growing hairs have a weakened structure, they are thin and soft;
• the number of new hairs is significantly reduced due to the fact that during depilation the hairs are removed along with the root;
• The device is purchased once and serves for many years without additional costs.

The depilator may come with several attachments for different parts of the body, including the upper lip.
The disadvantages of the method include:

• high pain, but it should be noted that with each new procedure the discomfort will decrease;
• the effect lasts only 15–20 days, after which depilation will have to be repeated.

Application of wax

Waxing (waxing) is widely used as a salon service. Soft wax effectively helps to deal with mustaches above the upper lip. The procedure is carried out in the following sequence:

• the skin above the upper lip should be cleaned and disinfected;
• apply warm wax (38–40 °C) or a ready-made wax strip to the skin along the hair growth;
• Apply a strip of non-woven fabric or waxed paper on top and smooth it along the growth of the antennae;
• With a sharp movement, tear off the strip from the skin in the direction of hair growth;
• remove wax residues with a special compound or olive oil;
• Apply moisturizing cream to the treated area.

The advantages of waxing are:

• the duration of the effect is 30 days;
• new hairs grow slowly and have a weak structure;
• All facial hair is removed after the first pull.

Disadvantages of waxing:

• painful procedure;
• the appearance of irritation in the form of redness, peeling, rashes;
• there is a risk of further ingrown hairs.

Video: using wax strips

Sugaring

Sugar depilation is increasingly used to remove facial hair, as it has a number of advantages over other methods:

• absence of severe pain;
• the procedure should be repeated only after a month;
• hairs grow weakened, thin and sparse;
• there is no risk of further ingrown hair;
• no skin irritation;
• availability of the method (sugar paste can not only be purchased, but also prepared at home).

All of the listed advantages of sugaring are provided by its execution technique. Sweet depilation is carried out as follows:

• the skin is pre-cleaned and disinfected;
• Sugar paste is applied to the upper lip in the direction of hair growth;
• with a sharp movement, the plastic mass is torn from the skin along the growth of hairs. If not all hairs are removed the first time, the problem area can be re-treated;
• After completing the procedure, moisturizer should be applied to the skin.

During sugaring, painful sensations are minimized due to the fact that the separation occurs along the hair growth, unlike wax depilation.
Sugar depilation has the following disadvantages:

• not all hairs can be removed in one go, so the skin area has to be treated again, but no more than 2 times;
• It is necessary to acquire a certain skill in using sugar paste.

Video: sugar paste against facial hair

How to choose the best epilator for the face

To make using an electrical device convenient, you need to take a responsible approach to its choice. You should pay attention to the design features of the epilator and its functionality.

Head structure

You can remove facial hair with an epilator if the device has a narrow working part, which allows you to quickly remove fluff on the cheeks and above the upper lip. It is desirable that the device captures vegetation from 0.2 mm in length.

Number of tweezers

When choosing a regular epilator for the body, it is recommended to give preference to models with the maximum number of tweezers or discs. But with facial processing devices the situation is reversed. The fewer elements in the head of the device, the softer the effect. Accordingly, skin irritation, especially noticeable on the face, will not appear.

Power type

For facial care, it is recommended to choose battery-powered women's epilators. They are more mobile; you can sit with a portable device right in front of the mirror, even if there is no outlet nearby. Autonomy should be about half an hour or more.

Number of speeds

A good epilator for women should support at least two speeds. To remove soft, fine hairs, the slow mode is usually used; to remove coarse hair, the maximum mode is used.

Nozzles included

A high-quality facial epilator should come with special attachments for the chin and upper lip, for eyebrow correction. The more working heads and limiters included in the set, the wider the capabilities of the electrical device.

Availability of backlight

To clean your face with an epilator as efficiently as possible, you should buy a model with backlight. If you have it, you don’t have to worry that individual hairs under the nose or on the chin will be missed.

Availability of a massager

The skin on your face is not as sensitive as your underarms or bikini area, but epilation can sometimes be quite painful. A massager, a rubber brush that vibrates and relaxes the muscles while using the device, can help reduce discomfort.

Contraindications for depilation

You cannot remove a mustache from your upper lip if:

• there are fresh scratches or wounds on the skin, since any method of depilation can infect the skin;
• there are rashes of various types;
• hematopoiesis is impaired;
• diseases of the central nervous system (epilepsy, psychosis, schizophrenia) have been diagnosed;
• the woman is pregnant. In this case, painful depilation can provoke uterine contractions, and it is undesirable to apply depilatory creams to the skin due to their chemical composition.

Which epilator to choose

If you regularly need facial hair removal, then you will find this short review of the best epilators helpful. Now you will find out what problems they solve and how they work.

For example, the Braun mini epilator, known as the Braun face SE830, is equipped with a working part, a protective cap and a hair removal brush. The set also includes an adapter with a brush, necessary for deep facial peeling. It even helps remove makeup. In addition, in the set you will find a mirror with light and a cosmetic bag that holds all the accessories.

The Braun face SE830 operates in slow and fast mode, powered by a single battery. It is part of the kit. According to consumer reviews, the Braun face SE830 epilator perfectly removes hair from the upper lip, forehead and chin. Many women have learned to use it to correct their eyebrow line. The device plucks out unwanted vegetation in a matter of seconds.

Another high-quality option for female facial hair removal from Braun is represented by the Braun SE7931 model. It is equipped with a nozzle that can gently remove hair from hypersensitive skin. Different speed modes, a massage effect, and the ability to perform wet hair removal make the device a desirable purchase for the most demanding customers. The hair removal process is carried out by 40 tweezers, a trimmer, epilation and shaving heads, and 5 attachments for treating different areas of the face. The floating part of the epilator adapts to the contours of the face, thanks to which a woman can get rid of unwanted hair in hard-to-reach areas.

The next epilator worthy of the buyer's attention is Tweeze (a device for epilating the body and face). Tweezy removes hairs along with follicles using tweezers. This significantly slows down the regrowth of fresh fuzz. The “highlight” of the model is its ability to remove hairs growing at different angles. The device plucks out long and barely noticeable hairs.

Home hair removal with a Twizi device does not irritate or injure the delicate tissues of the face. The process occurs much faster than when using a similar device from another manufacturer.

Our review of the best epilators ends with the Philips Lumea model. The effectiveness of the device is explained by the destructive work of the light pulse, which is aggressive towards the hair roots. The device performs photoepilation, which is known to make the skin smooth for a long time. Re-growth of hair on the treated surface is excluded.

If you believe the reviews of women who have used the Philips photoepilator, hair removal takes place without leaving a trace on the facial skin. The unit does not cause irritation or redness. Photocells do not affect the skin. They only affect the hair.

Possible consequences

Any depilation for the skin brings a certain stress, since the skin is exposed to quite aggressive effects (mechanical or chemical). When hairs are pulled out with tweezers, a depilatory machine or wax, the skin receives microtraumas invisible to the eye, causing it to turn red.

If a hair is pulled out along with the root during depilation, then red dots may form in its place, because when the follicle is removed, the capillaries that nourish the hair follicle are torn.

Bruising sometimes occurs after the procedure. This occurs in cases where the skin above the upper lip was not stretched during depilation.

If, when torn off, the follicle was not removed along with the hair, then there is a high probability of further ingrowth of hair under the skin.

The weakened hair cannot break through the skin and grows under the skin

In some cases, pathogenic microbes and bacteria can enter the injured layers of the skin, resulting in the development of pustules and boils.

When using warm wax due to inexperience, you can get a skin burn.

The use of chemical, wax or sugar hair removal may cause an allergic reaction to the components contained in the cream, sugar paste or wax.

Advantages of the type of hair removal

The Braun epilator was created specifically for facial care, which already makes it a valuable device, because... Here the features of the skin and the contours of the skull are taken into account. The device also has a number of other advantages.

The Braun Face epilator is popular all over the world.

• “Brown” is so easy to use that it allows you to deal with hairs even in your nose.
• Using the device, you can deal with both single hair and entire “thickets”.
• After using the epilator, the need for a subsequent procedure will arise no earlier than 3 weeks later.
• During hair removal, the device does not come into contact with the skin, which means it does not cause severe irritation.
• Using an epilator for the face, there is no need to resort to other means and all kinds of additions.

We can say that this device is quite convenient and economical, and also gives good results. But a couple of points can be considered negative:

• The procedure should not be carried out before going outside, because... after it, the skin on the face remains slightly swollen and red for some time.
• At first, hair removal with Braun may seem painful, because... on the face, the nerve endings are very close to the surface of the skin.

These negative aspects are not so significant, and you can adapt to them. With regular use of the power machine, the receptors very quickly get used to the procedure and no longer react so painfully to it. If you absolutely cannot tolerate such pain, try doing facial depilation with a painless cream.

Skin preparation

To minimize the risk of unpleasant consequences after removing the antennae, the skin should be properly prepared for depilation.

Experts recommend treating your facial skin with a light scrub 12–24 hours before the procedure. This will remove the stratum corneum, which will make it easier to pull out the hairs along with the follicle, i.e., will reduce the likelihood of red dots and ingrown hairs.

Hair will also be much easier to remove along with the bulb if you steam the skin immediately before the procedure . To do this, you can hold your face over a container of hot water (58 °C) for 10–15 minutes. or for 10 min. Apply a towel soaked in hot water to your upper lip.

To prevent the formation of pustules and boils, the skin surface should be treated with an antiseptic . Chlorhexidine and Miramistin are often used for these purposes.

Features of the laser hair removal procedure for women

Laser facial hair removal is very effective. The result is achieved due to the complete destruction of the follicle. The device applies heat to the hair follicle. Unpleasant sensations are minimized, since the laser light does not affect the skin itself. The light is directed directly at the follicle.

Women with fair skin and dark hair are most susceptible to this manipulation. Since the hairs contain more color pigment, they are much more amenable to hardware treatment. Light or vellus hairs require more sessions. However, it is not always possible to completely remove them.

The cosmetologist must choose the right device and force of influence. To do this, you need to undergo diagnostics in advance.

Skin care after hair removal

The skin above the upper lip is quite delicate and needs care after depilation.

You can relieve redness and red spots with the help of cooling tonics and soothing creams (for example, Bepanten, Panthenol). For these purposes, you can use ice cubes with herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula).

If an abscess has formed, it must be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs (Levomekol, Spasatel) or use anti-acne creams (Zinerit, Metrogyl).

If ingrown hairs appear, they must first be removed using a needle and tweezers, and then the skin should be treated with Chlorhexidine, Miramistin or hydrogen peroxide.

Antimicrobial agent Levomekol soothes and heals the skin above the upper lip

How to use a facial epilator

The instructions for using a homemade facial epilator are quite simple. It looks like this:

1. Shortly before the procedure, the skin is properly steamed and cleansed of impurities and cosmetics using foam, gel or scrub.
2. The face is blotted with a soft towel, and then wait a few minutes until the epidermis is completely dry.
3. The device is put into operation and the nozzle is passed over the desired area in the direction against hair growth.
4. Repeat the movement for the same area no more than three times in order to effectively remove the fluff, but to prevent irritation.

Upon completion of hair removal, you need to wash your face again and treat your skin with a herbal decoction or tonic without alcohol. A clean face is blotted with a dry towel. There is no need to rub the skin; movements should be light and careful. After hair removal, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing cream with herbal extracts to your face.

Attention! When using a women's epilator, you should not press the attachment too hard against the skin - tweezers can pinch it.

Security measures

Whatever depilation method is chosen, experts recommend following general rules that will make hair removal absolutely safe for the condition of the skin:

• Before depilation, you should not apply any cosmetics to the skin, as this prevents hair removal;
• within 12 hours after the procedure, there is also no need to apply creams and lotions so as not to provoke inflammation;
• It is necessary to refrain from visiting the pool on the first day, since pathogenic microorganisms can enter through the injured layer of skin.

How to make the procedure painless

Types of depilation such as waxing, using tweezers and depilatory machines are associated with painful sensations. To make the procedure more comfortable, you can use anesthetics:

• Emla cream. It must be applied in a thin layer to the skin above the upper lip and left to act for 1–1.5 hours. The analgesic effect lasts 2 hours;
• Ane Stop cream-gel. Its anesthetic properties appear after 15–20 minutes;
• Pro Aegis Cream freezes the skin after 15 minutes.

Photo gallery: means for depilation pain relief

Pain relief after applying the Ane Stop cream gel occurs within 15–20 minutes. Emla cream contains lidocaine and prilocaine, which have an anesthetic effect on the skin. The anesthetic properties of the cream are used by tattoo parlor artists.