Getting rid of the hairs on your legs is one of the most frustrating things ever. If like me, your hair grows fairly fast and fairly dark, then you have to keep up this routine fairly frequently, and sometimes, you just can’t be bothered.
Many women out there use a razor to get rid of the hair, as some of the other alternatives can take too much time. In comparison, some women seem to prefer an epilator to get rid of their hair, even though it may cause more pain temporarily.
But why? What are the differences between the two, and which one should you opt to use? Well, let’s look at both these different methods of hair removal to work out which one of them might be best for you.
Contents
Razor vs Epilator
How it works
We all know how a razor works – shaving the hair down to next to nothing, so you can’t see it anymore. It’s probably the most common method of removing hair, with both cartridge and disposable razors being relatively popular. But not everyone knows how an epilator works.
Essentially, it pulls the skin out by the root, so it’s not even there any more. This can actually be quite painful, and is a common reason why women avoid using an epilator, as you need to have a fairly high pain threshold to be able to take it. However, epilators have got better at this over time,
An epilator doesn’t need blades like a razor, which makes them a much more cost effective option. However, that’s not the only reason why some people prefer an epilator.
Growth
Even if you’re using a very aggressive safety razor, your hair is going to grow back to stubble length within a few days. Within a week or two, you’ll be back to looking like a shaggy dog. It’s the easiest facial hair removal method you can use to get a close shave, but it doesn’t last a particularly long time.
An epilator lasts a lot longer than this, and it can be several weeks before you have to do the same routine again. So, an epilator can be the better choice to use before a holiday if you can’t be bothered shaving whilst you’re away.
Time
Time is another major factor in your decision. Shaving might take you a while at first, but once you get used to it, you should be able to get done within minutes. An epilator can take a whole lot longer than this, so bear that in mind.
Let’s go over the pros and cons of both of these hair removal methods to see which one of them would be better for you.
Pros & Cons of Using a Razor
Pros
- The main benefit of using a razor as opposed to using an epilator is time. If you’re using a cartridge razor, then you can shave your legs or elsewhere in just a few minutes. However with an epilator, it’s going to take you a little longer than that.
- Unlike some other methods of hair removal, using a razor is by far the least painful. If you’re shaving right, then it shouldn’t be painful at all!
- Nowadays, there are a lot of different options for you to try when using a razor. You can opt for a cartridge razor, but there are also some great safety razors out there too.
Cons
- One thing that has always bugged me about shaving is the costs of cartridges. These can really add up over time, and makes shaving with a razor quite expensive. However, you can consider using a safety razor, which is significantly cheaper than shaving with a cartridge razor.
- Generally when you’re using a razor, the fresh leg fells may only last for a day or two. Then, stubble reemerges and you’re back to square one.
- Depending on your skin type, a razor can be a major cause of irritation. This isn’t a surprise that gliding metal across your skin can do this.
Pros & Cons of Using an Epilator
Pros
- With an epilator, your hair is going to take a lot longer to grow back that with a razor. Whilst a razor shave might only last a few days, an epilator is more likely to last a few weeks.
- Using an epilator literally pulls your hair out as opposed to shaving it. If you do this properly, then it can leave your legs feeling as smooth as possible.
- Because you can recharge your epilator at will, there isn’t the same expenses that you have to face with a razor. You won’t have to stock up on cartridges monthly, which can help reduce your overall costs.
Cons
- The main reason not to use an epilator? It hurts! Whilst using a razor is pain free, and epilator feels like a ton of tiny pricks in your skin.
- Depending on how experienced you are with an epilator, it can actually leave more bumps on your skin than shaving with a razor does. The first time you use an epilator will undoubtedly cause some bumps and ingrown hairs.
- If you want to use an epilator over a large surface areas, then it can take a long time to do it properly. So whilst it can last a lot longer than shaving, you’re going to have to commit a lot more time too.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, everyone is going to have a different option and preference on how to shave. A razor wins for many people as it’s the most convenient, pain free option and you can be done within just a few minutes. However, using an epilator will last much longer than a razor, if you’re willing to spend a lot of time using it and withstanding the pain. If you’re looking for a razor to use, check my guide to find which one would be best for you.