Which body areas are particularly suitable for
tweezing?
Stray eyebrow hairs, scattered hairs in the abdominal
region, stray hairs on the nipples and chin hairs in women past
the menopause.
Eyebrow hair differs in that the majority of them
at any given time are in the resting or telogen phase. This means
their regrowth rate is slower than other hair. It is wise therefore
to avoid overplucking eyebrow hair.
Where are electrical epilators most and least
effective?
Most effective: Large, flat areas like the arms
and legs.
Least effective: Curved areas like the underarms,
and may cause significant trauma to the face and other thin skinned
areas.
How do electrical epilators work?
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.
How long before the hair reappears after tweezing?
Many weeks, between 3 and 8.
How painful is tweezing?
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 epilating can be reduced
by using an antibacterial agent before and after the procedure.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages
of tweezing?
This is generally a very economical method depending
on how much one wishes to spend on good quality tweezers.
Electrical devices range anywhere from $30 to $60.
The main disadvantage of hand tweezing is the time
required. It is a painstaking process and requires much patience.
On the other hand some have expressed that they
enjoy it and find it therapeutic with the procedure becoming almost
compulsive.
Are electronic (Radio Frequency) tweezers effective?
Controversy surrounds the use of electronic tweezers.
The method: The hair is grasped with the electronic
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 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.
Additionally there are some precautions:
As small amounts of radiation are emitted, electronic
tweezers should not be used by pregnant women as harm may result
to the fetus.
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.
