What is the difference between depilatory and epilatory methods?

The distinction between depilatory and epilatory methods lies primarily in how they affect the hair. Depilatory methods refer to techniques that remove hair at the skin's surface, meaning they do not target the hair follicle itself. Common depilatory methods include shaving and the use of creams that dissolve hair without affecting the follicle.

In contrast, epilatory methods involve removing hair from the root, which means they affect the hair follicle and, as a result, can lead to slower hair regrowth. Typical epilatory methods include waxing, tweezing, and some laser hair removal techniques, which aim to extract hair from beneath the skin.

Understanding this distinction helps practitioners and users choose the appropriate method based on their hair removal goals, whether seeking immediate results or longer-lasting smoothness.