What is the difference between epilation and depilation?
Many clients use the words epilation and depilation as if they meant the same thing. In reality, they describe different approaches.
Depilation
Depilation removes the visible part of the hair or removes hair for a shorter period. The result is usually temporary and the hair grows back after some time.
Depilation methods include for example:
- shaving,
- depilatory cream,
- waxing,
- sugar paste,
- threading.
Epilation
Epilation focuses on removing the hair with the root or on long-term reduction of hair growth.
Epilation methods include for example:
- laser epilation,
- IPL epilation,
- electric epilator,
- some professional device-based methods.
For clients, it is important to explain the difference simply: depilation is usually a shorter-term solution, while epilation can offer a longer-lasting effect.