Those fancy epilation machines can look promising, but how do they compare to laser hair removal? In reality, epilation is much more like waxing or tweezing, with temporary results, while laser is all about long-term smoothness. Read on to learn more about how they compare to one another!
What is Epilation & How Does It Work?
Epilation is a form of hair removal where the hair is pulled by the root. This term is usually used when referring to the use of an epilator – an electrical device that rolls over the skin, operating the built-in tweezers that pull out every hair they encounter.
Technically, tweezing and waxing are also epilation methods, but in this article, we’ll focus on the use of an epilator.
What is Laser Hair Removal & How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved permanent hair reduction method. During treatment, a targeted, powerful beam of light zaps the hair follicle, damaging its ability to produce hair.
Over a series of treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, hair growth slows down gradually until the hair follicles stop producing hair and the patients are totally hair-free.
The Main Differences Between Laser and Epilation
And now for the head-to-head comparison of laser hair removal vs epilation. When it comes to key factors like cost, results, and pain, which is better?
| Laser | Epilation | |
| Results | Highly effective within 6 to 12 sessions | Minimal-to-no long-term results |
| Time | Monthly treatments | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Technology | Single wavelength light hits hair follicle directly | Hair pulled out from root |
| Cost | Can be pricey initially, costs vary by body part | Tool costs $75-$150, needs to be repurchased every few years |
Results
Laser hair removal is considered a permanent hair reduction method. Normally, after a series of 6 to 12 sessions, patients will notice a near-total reduction in hair growth. While some hair regrowth can occur after a few years (especially in areas impacted by hormonal fluctuations), it can usually be addressed with one or two touch-up sessions. After that, there is no more need for other hair removal methods!
With epilation, on the other hand, results tend to last for two to three weeks before the follicles start growing new hair. While some epilator users notice a decrease in hair regrowth with regular usage, there’s no guarantee it’ll happen to everyone. Even when there is a reduction in regrowth, it rarely impacts the majority of the hair follicles – you may notice your hair growing a little more sparsely, but not the total smoothness of laser hair removal.
Cost
Laser prices vary from body part to body part. While the initial cost of laser hair removal is significant, it’s a one-time investment that saves you a lifetime of spending and hassle.
Epilators cost between $50 and $150 depending on the brand and size of the device. Durability varies from brand to brand, but generally, epilators need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
Time
You should also consider the time spent. With epilation, you’ll need to dedicate around an hour every two or three weeks for the rest of your life. Laser hair removal will often only take 20 to 30 minutes per appointment. After 6-12 sessions, you’ll be done with hair removal forever.
Pain
Both laser hair removal and epilation hurt but in slightly different ways. Laser is the pain of a quick zap of heat (that gets cooled down immediately), while epilation is the pain of pulling out multiple hairs from the root at once. As far as we’re concerned, laser hair removal is the more tolerable experience.
The rubber band-like snap from the laser dissipates almost immediately (especially if you’re getting it done at SEV where every laser is equipped with a cooling function). The sting of pulled-out hair tends to last for a little longer. Plus, if you’re ingrown-prone, you can expect painful bumps as your hair regrows post-epilation.
Laser is also faster, so you don’t have to spend nearly as much time in discomfort compared to epilation. Plus, with laser hair removal, you eventually finish! With epilation, you’ll keep on experiencing the pain every few weeks for the rest of your life.
Which One to Choose?
Can you guess what we think? Between epilation and laser hair removal, laser is the clear winner. Permanent results? Rocking our favorite minidress whenever we want, without any prep? Sign us up!
While laser hair removal is pricier, the time, hassle, and effort that it saves are well worth it. To make this treatment more accessible, we’ve made it our mission at SEV to keep our prices affordable while still creating an upscale, ultra-pampering experience for each customer.
If you’d like to try it for yourself, book your appointment at your nearest SEV.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise. However, I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article.
Epilation
Epilation is a form of hair removal where the hair is pulled out by the root. It is commonly done using an epilator, which is an electrical device with built-in tweezers that pull out every hair they encounter. Epilation can also refer to other methods like tweezing and waxing, but in this article, the focus is on the use of an epilator .
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved method for permanent hair reduction. During the treatment, a targeted, powerful beam of light is used to zap the hair follicle, damaging its ability to produce hair. Over a series of treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, hair growth slows down gradually until the hair follicles stop producing hair, resulting in long-term smoothness. Laser hair removal is considered a permanent hair reduction method, and after a series of sessions, patients usually notice a near-total reduction in hair growth.
Differences Between Laser and Epilation
When comparing laser hair removal and epilation, there are several key differences:
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Results: Laser hair removal is highly effective within 6 to 12 sessions and can lead to a near-total reduction in hair growth. Epilation, on the other hand, tends to provide temporary results that last for two to three weeks before the follicles start growing new hair.
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Time: Laser hair removal treatments are typically done monthly, while epilation requires treatments every 2-3 weeks.
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Technology: Laser hair removal uses a single wavelength of light that directly hits the hair follicle, while epilation involves pulling out the hair from the root using an epilator.
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Cost: Laser hair removal can be initially pricey, but it is a one-time investment that saves you a lifetime of spending and hassle. Epilators, on the other hand, cost between $50 and $150 and need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
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Pain: Both laser hair removal and epilation can cause some discomfort. Laser hair removal is often described as a quick zap of heat, while epilation involves the pain of pulling out multiple hairs from the root at once. However, laser hair removal is generally considered to be a more tolerable experience, and the pain dissipates quickly. Epilation can lead to longer-lasting discomfort and may cause ingrown hairs .
Based on the information provided, the article suggests that laser hair removal is the clear winner between the two methods due to its permanent results, time-saving benefits, and overall effectiveness.
Please note that the information provided is based on this article, and it's always a good idea to consult with a professional or dermatologist for personalized advice and recommendations.
