Epilation is an alternative to creams and razor shaving. From offering lasting smoothness, efficiency, and versatility, it is one of the best hair removal methods. But how do you ensure safe hair removal using an epilator? Well, you need to clean it after use.
This article provides practical steps on how you can clean your epilator. But first, what are the health hazards of using an unclean epilator? Let’s find out.
Health Hazards of Using an Unclean Epilator
Well, using an unclean epilator comes with a wide array of health hazards. Here are some of the most common:
Skin infections
The epilator’s shaving head can pick up bacteria, dead skin, and other germs during air removal. This can lead to skin infections such as cellulitis, folliculitis, and impetigo. Cellulitis is the most severe of the three. It causes redness, pain, and swelling in the affected area. With folliculitis, you get irritating small bumps while impetigo causes small sores.
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs are not only nasty but also irritative. They occur when the hair is removed close to the skin. The hair will curl back and grow into the skin. As you’d guess, ingrown hairs can lead to skin infections if not addressed promptly. Besides cleaning your epilator, you should also exfoliate your skin regularly to avoid them.
Allergic reactions
Bacteria and germs on the shaving head can also cause allergic reactions. You’ll experience hives, swelling, and itching if you use an unclean epilator regularly. To avoid further skin complications, you should stop using it and see a doctor.
Razor burns
A clogged head can cause razor burns since it is not rotating as it should. And since it is made of metallic materials, it can cause cuts that can lead to itching and swelling.
How to Clean an Epilator
Pull apart the epilator
The epilator has a modular design with two main parts: the motor and the shaving head. The part housing the motor contains all the electronic components. Generally, hair will get stuck on the shaving head.
As such, removing this part will help you remove hairs in hard-to-reach areas. Standing over a water sink, remove the trimmer cap and shaving head. You can do this by pressing the release buttons.
Dust off using a brush
The Braun Silk-épil7 comes with a brush that enables you to dust off tiny hair. Remove the hairs on the inside of the motor housing. Once done, dust off the loose hairs on the shaving head and trimmer cap.
Again, this should be done over a sink. You can use a hair dryer to remove hairs lodged in the nooks and crannies. Alternatively, you can blow air through your mouth.
Clean the trimmer head with running water
Once you have removed all loose hair, it is time to clean it with running water. This will help remove skin flakes and other debris. The Braun Silk-épil7 is waterproof, so this should not bother you.
Take the shaving head and place it under running water. Ensure to turn it with your fingers, shaking it to remove stubborn hairs. Clean the trimmer cap and place it aside for air drying.
Sterilize it using alcohol
The next step is to sterilize your epilator. This helps remove bacteria that might cause skin illnesses. Here, you will need a cotton ball and alcohol or vodka. Dip the cotton ball in alcohol and gently wipe the shaving head and the trimmer cap.
Let it dry
Finally, pat it down with a towel or dry cloth and let it air dry. Once dry, you can reassemble it.
Why You Should Clean Your Epilator Regularly
For improved hygiene
During the hair removal process, the epilator comes into contact with your skin. As such, it can collect dead skin, bacteria, and dirt, which accumulate on the shaving head. If you then use the uncleaned epilator regularly, you are more susceptible to skin irritation and complications. Cleaning it regularly will help mitigate such illnesses.
For improved performance
Hair, dead skin, and dirt accumulation affect the epilator’s performance significantly. With reduced power and slow speed, the device will not remove hair adequately. It might even lead to skin irritation. To mitigate this and improve performance, you need to clean it regularly.
For longevity
Epilators are intended to last for extended periods. But sporadic cleaning can reduce their lifespan. As mentioned, accumulated debris can lead to mechanical damage such as an overstrained motor. Keeping it debris-free can help mitigate mechanical issues, ensuring your epilator serves you for years.
For easy maintenance
By cleaning your epilator regularly, you simplify each subsequent session. There’ll be fewer hairs, dead skin, and dirt. For this, you’ll need to clean it immediately after use.
