Vector Hair Removal System Review
For those of you considering the Vector® Electrolysis Professional Hair Removal System for permanent hair removal, we thought our staff would give it a try – especially considering the cost. While the cost is not out of line with other hair removal options, it’s pricey compared to creams like Moom® – buy, as they advertise (and the FDA has approved), Vector is a permanent hair removal system – putting it in another league compared to creams and waxes.
First, a little bit about the Vector system. The Vector Hair Removal System® permanently removes hair using electrolysis – conducting electricity into the hair shaft and permanently destroying the hair follicle and the papilla – essentially the root of the hair. The system has been evaluated and approved by the FDA, and provides the consumer an in-home hair removal system equal to most spa and salon treatments.
The Vector comes in an attractive, compact box that contains a set-up guide that begins with explaining how electrolysis works and what you need to know about the chemistry of hair removal. Included in the box is the Vector Electrolysis Machine, a convenient foot pedal, conductive patches, Galvanic and regular tweezers, and conductive gel to maximize electricity flow. The box works very well for storage after you have finished your treatment.
As with all electolysis, effectiveness is a function of time, intensity and patience. The Setup Guide does an excellent job describing the process physiologically so you can set your expectations and understand what needs be done and what is happening during the process. Simply, electrical current is passed through the skin exiting/entering the hair follicle you select. The electricity’s current is conducted by using a conductive gel. The electricity destroys the hair shaft – simple enough.
With that said, we have several observations regarding packaging, instructions and set-up:
- The package design is well laid out and compact. The information contained in the User Guide/Setup Guide is very useful – especially explaining how and why it works.
- The machine is simple to use. Per Vector’s instructions, it took a few tries to get the “intensity” correct. The higher the intensity, the less time you need to apply the treatment to each follicle. Their instructions are to turn up the intensity until you find a setting that just begins to tingle the skin.
- There are appropriate cautions throughout the User Guide. We recommend you read and study carefully before use. It is a bit time consuming to read everything (though it is a short, concise guide), but it may save you lots of time later.
Several of our staff used the Vector Hair Removal system on several patches of arm and face hair per instructions. Soon after electrolysis it was easy to remove the hair and it was evident it had been damaged/destroyed. The machine’s use is easy, though a bit time consuming because you need to go hair-by-hair. Our staff reported they felt the best use is for removing hair on the lip and chin (mustache and beard) where there are just a handful of errant hairs that keep reocurring. It’s also very helpful for problem areas on the arms.
Per Vector’s instructions, you should use a wax or cream to remove hairs first befor applying the electrolysis treatment. Their rationale is after hairs are temporarily removed (with the wax, gel or cream) they will grow back and be more conductive via moisture and increased mineral content; thus, make the electolysis hair removal process more effective. Considering we review products weekly, we didn’t have the luxury of waiting, but found the system very effective if you coat the target hair well with the conductive gel.
Overall, we rate the Vector Hair Removal System a 9 out of 10. For an in-home hair removal system that rivals a spa treatment, you can’t beat it! It’s a bit time-consuming and requires some patience, but our staff are reporting excellent results with no “grow back” after several weeks from treatment.
The only concerns brought up in our product review meeting is that you may need to remove the hair first and allow it to grow back before electrolysis. Some of our staff need instant gratification, and that pushed their patience. Secondly, to get permanent hair removal, you must “wait out” the hair follicles and their natural growth cycle. If a papilla is in a resting stage, no hair may be present; however, 2 months from now it may cycle back into a growth stage and the hair appears and requires treatment. So, you need to go into the electrolysis hair removal process understanding and accepting you may need 2-3 months (an hour per week, maybe) to permanently remove the hairs.
Again, overall, we think the Vector Hair Removal System is a great system, works extremely well, and for an in-home system, is on par with the best most expensive treatments. Prices range from $225 to $195. The best price we found was $184.95 at HealthyHairPlus.com. We recommend a buy!
