Men and women remove face and body hair for several reasons. Whether it’s for personal hygiene, cosmetic reasons, or both, unwanted hair has been removed in two main ways: depilation and epilation.
Both depilation and epilation refer to the removal of unwanted hair but differ in how this hair is removed.
Therefore, the processes employed vary based on the results one is looking for and the amount of work they’re willing to put in to get these results.
Those who are new to hair removal may not understand the fundamental differences between these two methods. Not only do they sound similar, but they both refer to hair removal.
So, what is the difference between depilation and epilation? This article will explore this question, break down depilation and epilation, the advantages and disadvantages associated with each, and the various hair removal methods that fall under these categories.
If you’re looking for the most effective way to remove unwanted hair and want to know about all the methods used for doing so, you’re in the right place. Read on to find out about depilation vs. epilation, and which is the best option for you.
Depilation vs. Epilation
Both depilation and epilation are ways to remove unwanted facial and body hair. However, they use different methods to achieve this result.
While depilation removes hair from the skin’s surface, epilation goes much deeper and removes hair from below the skin as well.
What Is Depilation?
Depilation removes hair but only does so from the surface of the skin. Both chemical and non-chemical depilation methods are available, but they cut or remove hair instead of entirely removing it from the root, i.e., the root structure remains undamaged.
While shaving is the most common depilation method worldwide, others, such as trimming and using depilatory creams, are also widely known.
What Is Epilation?
Epilation, on the other hand, removes hair from below the skin’s surface. Thus, hair is removed along with the follicle, making this much more long-lasting than depilation.
Because of the hair being pulled out by the root, repeat epilation weakens the root and results in slower hair regrowth and softer hair.
Epilation is ideal for long-term hair removal. Waxing and sugaring may be the most popular methods.
However, epilation includes other methods, such as epilators, electrolysis, threading, intense pulse light, lasers, tweezing, and more.
What Is the Difference Between Depilation and Epilation?
Essentially, epilation removes the entire hair follicle, while depilation simply removes hair from the surface of the skin. This results in depilation being a short-term hair removal solution and epilation being a more long-term one.
Furthermore, many epilation methods such as waxing and sugaring exfoliate the skin at the same time. This isn’t true of depilatory methods like shaving.
However, because epilation removes hair from the root, it is often also more painful than depilation. It can also be more costly than depilation with services like laser hair removal costing much more than razors or depilatory creams.
While depilation methods are less expensive, they need to be performed more frequently.
While these are the main differences between the two types of hair removal techniques, more differences can be explored within the context of the different types of depilation and epilation.
We have compiled a list of the different types of hair removal methods and have explained each one in detail below.
Types of Depilation
The two types of depilation include chemical and non-chemical depilation.
Chemical Depilation
In this type of depilation, depilatory creams are applied to the skin. These use a chemical process to break down and soften the hair strands so that they can be removed from the surface of the skin.
Since these work on top of the skin, they do not reach or damage the hair follicle. The disulfide bonds of the protein chains are broken, which in turn make the hair weak. This softened hair can then be removed with napkins or washcloths.
While this is a quick and painless hair removal technique, you should always take precautions when using depilatory creams.
Patch testing a small area of your skin is advised because these creams can cause irritation and redness. Those with sensitive skin may react badly, and some individuals may even be allergic to such creams.
Non-Chemical Depilation
Instead of any chemical creams, these methods require devices such as trimmers and razors. Hair is removed from the surface through mechanical means instead of any chemical solutions, lessening the risk of allergies or irritation.
Shaving
Shaving is the most common and most affordable form of depilation. However, it is surface-level and thus, doesn’t last long. The most significant disadvantage associated with shaving is how frequently it has to be performed.
While some women can go two to three days without shaving, others have to shave every single day. The need for razors and shaving cream can build up cost over time, and individuals are prone to nicks and cuts that come alongside this hair-removal method.
Additionally, while it is a myth that hair grows back thicker after shaving, it should be noted that the hair can appear darker and coarser because of the angle at which it is cut.
Buff Sponges
Several types of abrasives used to remove hair by rubbing it off. For example, buff sponges use friction against the skin to remove fine hair. However, this isn’t as effective as other methods.
Types of Epilation
For those interested in epilation, there are various options available, including salon services and more affordable DIY methods.
From waxing and threading to laser hair removal, this involves removing hair from the root and can be painful, especially for beginners.
The following list includes physical epilation methods like waxing and methods that focus on destroying hair follicles to reduce hair growth such as electrolysis and laser hair removal.
Waxing
Waxing is a hair removal technique in which wax is applied to the skin and then pulled off, removing hair with it. Both hot and cold wax can be used for this, and hair can be removed using wax strips or by pulling the wax itself.
This method is extremely popular because of how effective it is. Not only does it remove hair, but it also results in smooth skin and lasts for approximately 2-3 weeks.
However, it does have its disadvantages as well. Not only is it messy and time-consuming, but it can also get expensive if done by a professional at a salon.
Additionally, waxing is not appropriate for those on medication like Accutane or those suffering from conditions such as varicose veins and diabetes.
Sugaring
Sugaring is similar to waxing and is sometimes considered a form of waxing. However, it’s often used for smaller areas of the body, and is great for precision waxing and waxing sensitive areas like the face and pubic region.
That being said, sugaring can be done on larger areas as well. It’s known for being less painful than traditional waxing and is an eco-friendly alternative for those who are interested in reducing waste.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses light energy to target dark pigment and damage the hair follicle. Unlike waxing, sugaring, and threading, this isn’t a service that can be performed at home.
Because this is restricted to salons and requires equipment and professionals to use it, it can get quite expensive.
That being said, it’s extremely long-lasting and is often called “permanent hair removal” because of how long the skin remains hair-free. When hair does eventually appear, it is considerably finer and sparser.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is epilation via electric current and stops hair growth by destroying the hair follicle. It consists of a fine needle being inserted into the follicle.
Once it reaches the root, a galvanized current is conducted through the needle to damage the hair follicle and stop hair growth. While this isn’t as popular as other epilation methods, it’s still highly effective.
Threading and Tweezing
Threading is an epilation method that is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Thus, threading is restricted to smaller surfaces such as eyebrows and the upper lip area.
It is a technical method that involves precision and skill and involves using thread to pluck out a few strands of hair at a time. Similarly time-consuming, tweezing is even more painstaking since it removes a single strand of hair at a time.
Epilators
Epilators are sometimes referred to as electric tweezers because they tweeze out multiple strands of hair simultaneously. Recently, using epilators has become a popular choice because the process is inexpensive.
Individuals only have to make a single investment and can use the device over and over. The device itself is easy to use, and the technique relatively straightforward. Like other epilation methods, this can be a painful process, especially at the beginning.
Choosing a Hair Removal Method
Now that you know what is the difference between depilation and epilation, you may be wondering which hair removal method to choose.
Unfortunately, we cannot give you a concrete answer because this depends on a number of personal factors, including skin type, pain threshold, rate of hair growth, type of hair, etc.
Area
Individuals often opt for different methods of hair removal depending on the area of the body the unwanted hair is on. This may be influenced by pain in that specific area or may be because of the finish the specific result gives.
For example, waxing facial hair is painful but results in a smooth and long-lasting finish. Some may choose to opt for waxing despite the pain because shaving may not give them the same results.
Convenience
Methods like waxing and using depilatory creams are messy. Those who prefer less messy and more convenient options may want to epilate instead.
Similarly, while laser hair removal requires going to a salon, some may simply prefer threading at home because it’s more convenient.
Skincare, Medication, and Medical Conditions
These are essential factors that many forget to consider when looking into hair removal methods.
Skincare like retinol and chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) can affect your ability to get waxed, as can medication like Accutane and medical conditions like varicose veins and diabetes. In this case, depilation methods like shaving could be a better fit.
Pain Threshold
If you have a high pain threshold, you’ll be able to tolerate epilation methods like waxing and sugaring.
However, if you have a very low pain threshold, pulling hair out by the root may be too painful. In this case, you’d be better off sticking to depilation methods like shaving.
Hair Type
Hair type can have a significant impact on the type of hair removal method you choose. For example, if you have extremely coarse hair, shaving may not be the best option for you.
On the other hand, peach fuzz is the perfect candidate for shaving and cannot be removed with wax because it wouldn’t be able to adhere to the short hair.
Skin Type
Those with sensitive skin may not be able to wax or use depilatory creams but may love sugaring or shaving. Because of this, it’s always recommended to patch-test a small area before trying a new method of hair removal.
Final Thoughts
We hope that our detailed guide answered the question, “What is the difference between depilation and epilation?” explained the different types of depilation and epilation methods, and detailed the pros and cons of the two types of hair removal.
Ultimately, hair removal is a very personal decision, and what works for one individual may not work for another.
This article provides all the information you need to choose the best type of hair removal for you.
Whether you choose depilation or epilation, we wish you the best of results. Keep the advantages of each in mind when making your choice to ensure that the hair removal method you choose serves your unique needs.