I thought I'd write some comments about the epila laser hair remover seeing as though it seems quite hard to find feedback from people that have used this item and also there don't seem to be any other products out there like the epila.

Now that I have bought Epila SI-808 (about 4 months ago now -June 07) I am happy to say that it does work.  I had my doubts as I was a bit sceptical as to how a home laser unit for a couple of hundred bucks could get you results (seeing as though it would have cost me a lot more at a salon).

 Before you go out and buy one though you should be aware of some of the downfalls.  First point is that it zaps one hair at a time.  So its slower than if you were to go to a salon, but its not a big deal if you want to laser your arm pits, bikini line, facial area etc, which was the case for me.   I know some friends were thinking of using it to laser entire legs etc, which you could do but it would take hours and I just don't have the patience.    However it's was great for my armpits and I just got a friend to zap the hairs for me.  It took about 2-3 seconds per zap per hair so one treatment took about 30 minutes.

2nd point.  You will not get results in the first session, so be patient!  Don't expect instant results.  Its not going to happen. It took me 3 sessions  at 2 week intervals before I got results.  I have med brown hair and reasonably fair skin. Its the same as salon laser removal - where they do tell you that you will need multiple treatments.  This is no different.

3rd point.  It may take a little bit of trial and error to get the technique correct.  You need to hold the unit as close to the skin as possible.  Aim the laser directly at the hair root and zap.  Sometimes I got a tingly feeling but most of the time I didnt feel much at all. But as I have discovered it didnt mean it wasnt working.  I found it better when I shaved the hair a day or two before because when I didnt I found that often other hairs would get in the way of the hair I was trying to zap and they would smoke from the laser hitting them.

On the good side:

1. Its damn cheap! You will save a lot of money using this compared to going to a salon.

2.  You can do it in your underwear listening to Oprah.. I did.  Just dont watch Oprah.. eyes focused on the lasr and your hairs please.

3. It's easy.. once you get the hang of using it I found we could get through the hairs pretty quick and all thats required is aiming the laser and firing away.. There's not much to it.  There's no accesories or gels required.

4. You can sell it later and get most of your money back.  Now that it's acheived the results I wanted Im thinking of getting rid of it.  Looking at auctions some people have gotten good prices in the $150+ mark for a 2nd hand unit.  I have been told however that with laser hair removal, some hairs can grow back eventually hence Laser hair removal salons will tell you that you will acheive permanent hair reduction.  But only a very small amount of hairs grow back if any at all I have been told.  Still I'm not sure whether to sell it now or hold onto it just in case.  If anyone can give me advice that would be great!

5. Buy one with a friend.  My friend who helped me decided to go halves as I'm going to zap her hairs as well.

Conclusion.. - It's so worth it, when you compare it to the amount you'd pay in a salon.  If you have 0 patience then don't buy it but if you are happy to spend the extra time then you will save thousands!

Happy Zapping!