What is Epilation? Different Types of Hair Removal

There are countless hair removal methods to choose from, but estheticians and other skin experts categorize them all into two primary camps: epilation and depilation. But what is epilation and how does it work? And what are the different types of epilation out there? Find out everything you need to know right here at Bare Beauty Wax Supply!

What kinds of epilation are there?

Each of the following types of epilation removes hair from the root, but that’s where the similarities end. Since each technique eliminates the entire strand from tip to bulb, you can expect it to last longer than any depilation method, such as shaving. From the day you wax, sugar, or otherwise epilate, it will take about three to six weeks before you need to remove hair again.

Waxing

First up, we have waxing. It involves heating a specialized wax to a designated temperature and consistency, applying it in strips, then skillfully removing those strips after they set. Waxing is generally broken down into hard wax and soft wax, depending on the area of the body you are going to wax.

Hard wax is best for sensitive areas, while soft wax is better for larger areas, such as the arms and legs. Each brand has proprietary formulas for hard and soft waxes using different ingredients.

Sugaring

Next up is sugaring, another popular epilation method. Instead of hot wax, this technique uses a simple paste made of lemon juice, sugar, and water. It’s applied to the skin at room temperature and then manipulated in a similar manner to waxing. One key difference between the two is direction.

Wax is removed against the direction of hair growth, while sugar paste is removed with the direction of hair growth. Some people with sensitive skin and topical allergies find that sugaring is more comfortable than waxing. However, the results depend heavily on your specialist's level of expertise. 

Tweezing

Tweezing is another manual epilation method that’s been around a long time. It’s great for touching up your brows, but it isn’t suitable for larger treatment areas. 

Threading

A highly skilled threading specialist can give you perfectly sculpted brows using only a thin cotton thread. The results are super precise, but the process can be slow and tedious. It’s also essential to find a practitioner with ample experience, as poor technique can damage the skin and be particularly painful. 

Epilators

Epilators are electric devices that use rotating tweezers to pluck multiple hairs at once. You’ll find models for both wet and dry hair removal, and they can be effective for spots like the legs and underarms once you’ve perfected your technique. 

While more efficient than traditional tweezers, these tools are clunky, slow, and cause a lot of discomfort, especially for new users. There’s also a higher risk of breakage and ingrown hairs than with other techniques. 

Laser hair removal and electrolysis

Laser hair removal and electrolysis both offer permanent hair reduction with a series of treatments. That being said, these methods can be prohibitively expensive and really uncomfortable. Additionally, many laser devices can only eliminate dark hair from light skin, since they target melanin. 

Where to find epilation services

Depilation is simple enough to perform at home, but when it comes to epilation, you’ll likely want to consult a professional for the best results. Negative side effects range from simple ingrown hairs to damaging and burning your skin. Let’s explore where you can receive epilation treatments. 

Epilation at home

Convenience and cost are two big pros of at-home epilation, but what are the cons? While tweezers and epilators are designed for at-home use, other methods are best performed by a licensed esthetician. 

Waxing, sugaring, and threading come with a much steeper learning curve and pose greater risks for beginners. While you can find an inexpensive at-home waxing kit at any supermarket, attempting DIY epilation can lead to burns, skin lifting, patchy results, and dangerous infections. 

Spas and salons

There are countless spas and salons, and many set high expectations for their practitioners and maintain excellent hygiene standards. However, this is not necessarily universal. Always take time to research any new-to-you epilation business. Online reviews can be very enlightening!

Professional, licensed estheticians

We recommend seeking professional waxing services. Estheticians go to school to learn proper techniques and hone their skills in order to provide the best possible treatments. They know how to comfortably and effectively eliminate unwanted hair and can offer comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. 

Types of epilation to use for different body hair

Another way to decide which kind of epilation is right for you is by considering what treatment area you want to target. Everybody is different, so consider how your skin and hair types vary by location before choosing. 

Epilation for arms and legs

While you could technically use any of the above methods to epilate your arms and legs, we suggest waxing with a high-quality soft wax. Larger treatment areas, like the arms and legs, are excellent candidates for soft wax.

The skin here is usually more resilient than facial and intimate areas, so it can tolerate a more aggressive technique. Strip waxing also exfoliates the skin for a brighter complexion and more even texture. 

Epilation for intimate areas

Sensitive skin and thick, coarse hairs call for a gentle yet effective approach to epilation. Hard wax is one of the most popular options for Brazilian and bikini line hair removal, as it only adheres to hair and is formulated to minimize irritation. But this isn’t a treatment to attempt at home. Opt for a licensed esthetician with experience and glowing reviews. 

Epilation for facial hair

So, what kind of epilation is best for the face? Well, that depends. While hard wax is a natural contender for the brows, chin, and upper lip, soft wax may be used on fine vellus hairs on the cheeks. If your goal is high-precision eyebrows with unmatched definition, see if there’s an experienced threader in your area. 

Shop Bare Beauty Wax Supply for the Highest-Quality Products!

The best epilation methods should be accompanied by the ultimate pre- and post-treatment skincare products from Bare Beauty. Shop our collections of skin prep solutions and aftercare products to complement your next wax!