Electrical epilators are most effective on large, flat areas like the arms and legs.

They are less effective on curved areas like the underarms. They could cause significant trauma to the face and other thin skinned areas.

Many of these devices have tweezer discs in the head which rotate picking up the hair in the process and plucking them from the root. Many are contoured in such a way as to glide easily over all parts of the body.

Hair may not reappear for at least 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the individual's rate of hair growth, hair texture, etc.

A slight stinging or pricking sensation is often felt. Red bumps may appear due to swollen hair follicles but they usually disappear after some hours.

The risk of infection with epilation can be reduced by using an antibacterial agent before and after the procedure.

Hair length should ideally be between 2 and 5 mm.

Ensure your skin is dry and free from grease or creams.

Epilation is generally a very economical method of hair removal depending on how much one wishes to spend on good quality tweezers. Electrical devices range anywhere from $30 to $60.

A note on radio frequency tweezers

Controversy surrounds the use of electronic tweezers.

With these epilation devices, the hair is grasped with tweezers and held for 15 to 20 seconds while a current travels through the tweezers and down the hair shaft. The hair can then be slid out.

The effectiveness of this epilation treatment has been questioned by some as hair is not a conductor but rather an insulator. Some conclude the effectiveness is no better than with ordinary tweezers.

As small amounts of radiation are emitted, electronic tweezers should not be used by pregnant women as harm may result to the fetus.

Also, electronic tweezers should not be used by anyone wearing a pacemaker as the high frequency emitted can interfere with the frequency of the pacemaker.

Additional warnings concern possible damage to the eyes from the small amounts of radiation.