Epilation and Electrolysis Epilators

Epilation is a very popular method of hair removal. However there is confusion about the name epilators.

Epilation is a very popular method of hair removal. However there is confusion about the name epilators. Epilators always used to mean electrolysis epilators however nowadays epilators refers to hair removal machines that are very accessible in stores and online. These are now all classified under the common name epilator.

It is very important for the consumer to understand the difference between epilation as a short term hair removal solution and electrolysis. Epilation nowadays is referred to as the method that removes hair non-permanently in unwanted areas of the body. These machines are small electrical appliances which have heads made of interlocking coiled wire which as it whizzes around grasps the hair and rips it from the follicle.  This is only a temporary method of hair removal and the hair quickly grows again so whilst it does offer a solution to unwanted hair it also has some downsides as this method is not a permanent hair removal process and therefore the consumer has to do it repetitively in the space of a month without diminishing the number of hairs. The hair would be constantly growing back once removed after a short period of time. Other downsides of using this type of 'epilator' is that red bumps and ingrowing hairs may appear, the hair is often broken off and therefore not removed from the root and there is an argument that by forcibly ripping the hair from the follicle actually stimulates hair growth.

Unlike this form of epilation, electrolysis is a Permanent Hair Removal method.  The hair removal machine, which can deliver this is called an electrolysis epilator and is used for treating all skin and hair types without leaving any permanent marks or having any adverse effects on the skin when performed by a qualified and skilled practitioner. This is because permanent hair removal electrolysis is performed using radio frequency and sometimes a direct current delivered directly to the root of the hair by means of a small thin needle which is inserted in the hair follicle and cuts off the supply of nourishment to the hair, therefore eradicating it permanently.  Each hair takes a number of treatments but electrolysis hair removal is permanent hair removal. As there are different types of electrolysis machines as there are three different types of electrolysis including galvanic epilator, diathermy epilator and blend epilators.

The electrolysis epilators are markedly different from the temporary home use non permanent hair removal ‘epilators’.  The electrolysis machine is for professional use and is equipped with keypad operation and digital displays for ease of use. Electrolysis machines have movable needle holder with which when loaded with a needle deliver the energy required to perform treatment. The SX-B blend epilator can be used for the three different types of electrolysis: Thermolysis (also known as Diathermy), Galvanic and Blend (which combines the Thermolysis and Galvanic). Practitioners use the SX-B blend epilator for a variety of treatments and procedures from permanent hair removal to advanced cosmetic procedures, which target 20+skin conditions. Another popular electrolysis machine is the SX-T thermolysis epilator. This epilator can be used with a footswitch and unswitched needle holder. In order to be able to use permanent hair removal electrolysis epilators official training and qualification is required. That is why it is important to choose a reputable manufacturer and training academy able to provide high quality machine and bespoke training to the aspiring electrolysist, and professionals in the field.

Radina Simeonova is associate author with Sterex Ltd, expert in epilators - the permanent hair removal and also offering electrolysis machine, age spot removal, sebaceous cyst removal, thread vein and skin tag removal.

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