In these modern times of 'Man-Scaping' and 'Metrosexuality', it's important that guys today ... well ... be more nicely groomed than they were like twenty years ago. Many men are fortunate not to have to go through the process of removing unwanted hair from certain areas of their bodies. I'm not so lucky. Therefore, I was looking for a viable alternative to shaving and waxing. I thought this was it.
I'm sure if he were alive today, the Marquis De Sade would want one. Certainly, the Grand Inquisitor would want a bunch for his 'team' as well. So if you were curious to know if the Emjoi Optima (a.k.a. AP99) is painful, now you know. The reason why it's so painful is because you have to really take your time and systematically run it over the area you want epilated ... you just don't go 'zip-zip' and the job's done. If you think waxing's painful, this is by far worse. But, people are like snowflakes ... everyone's different. And besides, guys are babies and we just can't take pain ... anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.
Included in the package are the Emjoi Optima, carrying case, shaving head, and loofa sponge. It's a simple device ... two speed on/off switch and a removable epilating head. One of the drawbacks of the Optima is the fact that it's not battery operated ... you have to plug it in.
The shaving head is a nice add-on to the overall package. Unfortunately, I haven't had an opportunity to use it because I already own an electric shaver.
Using it is very simple. You shower and exfoliate with the included loofa sponge (which is quite nice by the way). Dry off completely and begin the torture. Almost immediately after use, expect a red bumpy area to appear where you used the machine. But, also only expect it to last a few hours at the most. So, don't use it right before you need to go somewhere, unless the area that's been done is going to be covered by clothing.
My experience with using the thing is that about half the hair broke at or slightly below skin level, half was actually pulled by the root. Why is this important??? Well my little snowflakes, the hair that's pulled out by the root will grow back finer and therefore easier to pull the next time. The hair that breaks off at or below skin level will grow back faster, just as coarse as it was before, and you'll have a higher instance of ingrown hairs (something that I seem to susceptible to). Emjoi insists that with repeated use, it gets easier ... but I'm not so sure I really want to use it again.
One of the other drawbacks I've noticed is that it's hard to get into certain areas. Namely, behind the knee is a problem and anywhere the skin is loose. If you try to run it over loose skin, be prepared to get a good pinch. To avoid this, stretching the skin taught is a good idea but sometimes impractical if you're doing this alone. So, you might have to enlist the help of a real close friend (someone who owes you a favor, probably) or your significant other.
On the plus side, the hair that was actually ripped by the roots did grow back finer and probably easier to pull. Also, the pulled hair grows back a lot slower than shaved hair ... another plus.
Lastly, cleaning it is pretty easy too. Just a q-tip and some alcohol and few minutes is all it takes to get in between the tweezing heads.
CONCLUSION: If you normally wax or get waxed, AND you're not the type that has a problem with ingrown hairs this is a pretty good choice for you. If on the other hand you're a big baby when it comes to pain, and you get ingrown hairs a lot, you're better off sticking with your current method.
Comes with interchangeable dual function shaver head with long hair trimmer Kit comes with deluxe carry case, and Loofa sponge. 36 tweezers to remove ...More at Amazon
The Emjoi Optima is a groundbreaking hair remover that is fast, comfortable, effective and long lasting. It uses a revolutionary tweezer disc system, ...More at J&R Music and Computer World
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