WO2000072721A1

WO2000072721A1 - Depilatory strip

Info

Publication number: WO2000072721A1
Application number: PCT/FR2000/001412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franck Mandica; Daniel Bontoux
Original assignee: Seb S.A.
Priority date: 1999-05-27
Filing date: 2000-05-24
Publication date: 2000-12-07
Also published as: AU4930800A; RU2001135862A; FR2794007A1; FR2794007B1; EP1180950A1; TR200103394T2

Abstract

A depilatory strip (1) comprising a support (3) which is coated with a depilatory wax composition (2) which is applied to the skin in a melted form. According to the invention, the support is more specifically made from an electrically resistant material with at least two areas (4) which can be placed in contact with an electric current supply.

Description

DEPILATORY TAPE

The present invention relates to a depilatory strip, in particular in the form of a depilatory wax composition deposited on a support. It also relates to a method of using this band for hair removal and a hair removal device specially designed for the implementation of the band according to the method according to the invention.

The depilatory wax compositions are generally applied hot in the molten form to the skin and, once in the hardened form after cooling, they are plucked with the hairs which they have trapped. The mass of composition to be depilated must therefore be heated to bring it to the molten state, the melting times of the wax masses being quite long, given their poor thermal conductivity. In addition, the application of melted depilatory wax to the skin with poor control of the thickness of the applied layer may cause burning or heat discomfort for some users.

Furthermore, in the prior art, depilatory compositions of the "cold wax" type are known which are in the form of pastes with adhesive properties deposited on a flexible support in the form of a sheet or film of polyethylene, textile fabric, cellophane or other matter. These compositions are used at room temperature. Such supports provided with layers of depilatory paste, ready for use, are known from the documents: US 2,377,774, US 2,425,696, US 2,954,324 and FR 1,287,305. These depilatory strips have numerous drawbacks. First, they require specific storage conditions, their adhesive properties varying with temperature. Then, they may not satisfactorily trap the hairs, part of the latter then not being torn off with the strip. In addition, the composition can adhere strongly to the skin, making it difficult to remove at the end of the operation. Document US 1,620,539 describes a flexible support in the form of a strip covered on both sides with a depilatory wax. The band is applied to the skin after having been immersed in hot water or in a bath of solvent which softens the layer of wax. This method proves to be impractical and time consuming to implement.

Also known in the prior art, in particular from document FR 2 446 616, as well as from document FR 2 576 495 in the name of the applicant, are devices for heating sheets coated with depilatory wax. Such devices include a housing, a heating slot provided in the housing for supporting the sheet coated with wax, as well as heating means adjacent to said slot and heating the wax by thermal convection. These devices have the following drawbacks: they take a long time to heat up; they use sheets coated with wax of predetermined dimensions; in addition, the heated wax layer is never at the right temperature, because heating is done far from the place of use, it can be already cooled once it comes into contact with the skin.

Another type of device intended for heating strips coated with depilatory wax is known from document LU-85026. This device comprises a device for unwinding and rewinding a roll of fabric impregnated with depilatory wax. The unrolled strip of a first drum, brought into contact with the skin, is liquefied by contact with a heating element. It is then solidified, by a cooling element, before being wound up, with the hairs pulled out, on a second drum. This device has the disadvantage of heating the skin only locally, on a small portion of strip of wax. In addition, the heating is done by contact of the wax strip with a heating armature of the device, which requires a significant heating time and makes the hair removal process quite laborious.

Document FR 2 747 278 in the name of the applicant describes an apparatus for human hair removal comprising means for applying to the skin of the user a strip pre-coated with depilatory wax, means for heating the part of the ribbon in contact with the skin, as well as means for tearing off the strip of wax previously deposited on the skin. Operating satisfactorily, we have nevertheless observed quite long implementation times, because the depilation is only carried out on small areas of skin, and the fact that the strip of wax is only heated by heat conduction once brought into contact with the heating element.

The object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide the user with a very short implementation time, rapid, easy and efficient use, in complete safety.

Another object of the invention is to provide a depilatory strip which, associated with a device, simplifies the implementation of the hair removal process for the human person using it.

A further object of the invention is to propose an apparatus for implementing the compact construction method, easy to handle, making it possible to easily apply strips of wax of uniform thickness to the skin, adapting to the configuration of the area to be epilated, even in places that are not easily accessible.

The structure of this device must however remain as simple as possible to ensure reliable operation over time, for reasonable costs of manufacture and assembly.

These aims are achieved with a depilatory strip comprising a support coated with a depilatory wax composition intended to be applied in the molten state to the skin, because said support is made of an electrically resistive material capable of being put in place. contact in at least two areas with a source of electric current.

By a support made of an electrically resistive material is meant any support made of material comprising at least one electrically conductive part which gives off heat by the Joule effect when it is crossed by an electric current.

Thus, a depilatory wax composition deposited on a support, which instantly heats up over its entire surface while being traversed by an electric current, is softened very quickly and uniformly on its surface common to that of said support.

Preferably, the two electrical current contact areas are located at opposite ends of predetermined portions of the tape support.

This has the advantage of heating the support and, implicitly, the depilatory strip over the entire predetermined length. The dimensions of each portion being well determined, it is then possible to calculate exactly the electrical power necessary and just sufficient to bring the composition in molten form to a precise temperature in a given time.

Advantageously, the support coated with depilatory wax is flexible.

This allows the depilatory strips to adapt to the shape of the area to be depilated, while presenting ease of handling and storage.

Preferably, the electrical power applied to the support coated with depilatory wax for heating is less than 30 W, in particular for strips of indicative dimensions of 30 mm × 300 mm.

In combination with the dimensions of the predetermined portions, an electric power limited to this value ensures rapid and efficient heating, while conferring absolute safety against burns due to possible overheating.

According to an advantageous alternative embodiment of the invention, the depilatory band support consists of a metallized plastic film. This embodiment makes it possible to have a heating element with low thermal inertia, very economical, easy to store, in particular in the form of a roll, and also easy to cut to the desired size of the strip. In addition, it is surprisingly found that the depilatory wax has good adhesion properties on such a support.

Advantageously, the support is coated with a depilatory wax composition deposited in a layer of thickness less than 2 mm.

This has the advantage of obtaining a practically instantaneous and uniform heating throughout the thickness of the strip, while avoiding the risk of possible burns of the skin due to a too large strip thickness.

According to a variant of the invention, the depilatory strip support is coated with a depilatory wax composition constituted by a wax of vegetable or animal origin.

This wax offers good conditions of temperature resistance, especially during storage, and good adhesion to the support.

According to another variant of the invention, the depilatory strip support is coated with a depilatory wax composition constituted by a sugar-based wax.

This wax adheres very well to the support and allows it to be deposited in very thin layers on the latter.

Preferably, the depilatory wax contains thermochromic dyes in its composition.

Thus, the depilatory wax deposited on the support changes color between ambient temperature and the temperature of use, to warn that the temperature of use has been reached. This gives even more safety in use. The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a depilatory device specially designed for the implementation of the depilatory band and comprising a housing forming manual gripping means, means for receiving a depilatory band inside. of the housing, as well as means for applying said depilatory strip to an area of the wearer's skin. More particularly according to the invention, the depilatory strip consists of a depilatory wax composition deposited on an electrically resistive support, the support being supplied with current via electrical contacts provided in the housing of the device.

Thus, such a device rapidly heats the portion of wax strip which it uses between the electrical contacts, while allowing easy and safe handling of a so-called "self-heating" strip of wax, which therefore heats up by being crossed by an electric current.

Advantageously, the epilating appliance according to the invention uses a depilatory strip stored in the form of a roller inside the housing, the appliance comprising means for holding a portion of strip pressed against electrical contacts in view. heating, as well as means for cutting a portion of strip to a predetermined size for application to the skin.

Such a device gives the advantage of continuous use of such a depilatory strip, all along a depilation session, the strip being heated on portions which are preferably cut later so that they can be applied to the skin. This is due to the easy and easy application of this strip to the skin, while using a device of simplified and compact construction.

According to a first alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the means for cutting the strip consist of a rocker comprising a hot wire. This makes it possible to trigger the cutting of the strip by simple pivoting of the rocker which brings its hot cutting wire into contact with the depilatory strip. The use of a hot wire gives the advantage of having an efficient cutting device while remaining discreet and easily integrated into a compact construction device.

According to a second alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, the means for cutting the strip consist of a cutting device with a cutting blade.

Such a device is a very simple construction and a reduced manufacturing cost.

Advantageously, the epilating appliance according to the invention comprises means for retaining the depilatory strip mounted to move relative to the housing of the appliance between at least two positions: a first for retaining the strip, pressed against electrical contacts, and a second tape release.

This gives the advantage of being able to easily insert a new portion of depilatory strip between the holding means and the electrical supply contacts.

Preferably, the epilating device according to the present invention comprises means for controlling and adjusting the current transmitted to the strip via the electrical contacts.

This makes it possible to have a device with several heating stages: fast, slow or holding, as well as temperatures adapted to the type of wax composition used or to the sensitivity of the person using it.

The present invention also relates to a hair removal method using a depilatory strip based on depilatory wax intended to be deposited in the molten state on the skin, characterized in that it consists in the use of a strip consisting of a support of an electrically resistive material coated with a depilatory wax, to apply to said support first a current of high intensity in order to bring the wax to the molten state, to subsequently supply the support with a current of less intensity corresponding to maintaining the temperature of the depilatory strip, to apply the depilatory strip thus heated on the skin of the user and to tear off the strip once the wax has solidified.

Such a hair removal process is quick and very effective, while remaining simple.

The invention will be better understood from the study of the embodiments taken without any limitation being implied and illustrated in the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a sectional view of a depilatory strip according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the parts making up an apparatus according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 3a, 3b illustrate perspective views of a hair removal device according to a first variant of the first embodiment, the means for holding the strip being in the closed position;

- Figures 4a, 4b illustrate perspective views of a hair removal device according to a first variant of the first embodiment, the means for holding the strip being in the open position; - Figures 5a, 5b illustrate perspective views of a cutting device according to a second variant of the first embodiment of the device;

- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a hair removal device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a hair removal device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a depilatory strip according to the invention, the strip 1 consisting of a support 3 made of electrically resistive material on which is deposited a depilatory wax composition 2. The two opposite ends 4 of the longitudinal dimension of the strip 1, ends called the current supply, are brought into contact with a source of electric current. The support of the strip, crossed by an electric current, is heated by the Joule effect and it heats the composition of depilatory wax 2.

A depilatory strip thus heated is subsequently deposited on the skin of the user. Once the wax has solidified, the strip is removed, pulling out the hairs it traps.

The support 3 can be in the form of a strip, therefore a piece of resistive material longer than wide. One can imagine such a support of a fairly significant length, on which the portions of strip to be heated follow one another, one behind the other. One can also imagine a support in the form of a sheet, the different portions of depilatory strip then being arranged parallel, one next to the other. In general, the band support can have any geometric shape suitable for the purpose of its use, in particular which conforms to the area to be depilated.

The current supply zones are preferably located in the two opposite ends of the largest dimension of the support. Other variants are also possible, with a supply in any two points of the support 3, the heating of the strip being able to be done by Joule effect on a part of the strip crossed by the current, and by thermal conduction on the adjacent parts.

The conductive support used is preferably made of a flexible or flexible material in order to better match the shape of the surface on which it is deposited.

The conductive support can be produced for example from a metallized film, in particular charged with electrically conductive material. Such a film is for example made of PET with a thickness of 0.01 to 1 mm on which is deposited an aluminum layer with a thickness of 0.00004 mm (i.e. 0.04 μm) at 0.2 mm adhering to it. movie. One can also imagine that aluminum is deposited on the plastic film in the form of an electric heating circuit.

Other materials can be used as a support for the depilatory strip, in particular metallized fabrics, conductive plastic materials, or any other electrically conductive material.

A layer of depilatory wax composition 2 is deposited in the molten state on a support of the type described by any known means, in particular by application with a roller, by spraying, by immersion of the support in a wax bath, etc.

The depilatory wax layer is preferably deposited in a uniform manner, and having a thickness of less than 2 mm so as not to cause burns during its application on the skin of the user while ensuring good coating efficiency. hairs to be plucked.

Different strip sizes can be considered, depending on the areas to be depilated. For example, the average size of a band to be used for hair removal from the legs is 30mm x 200mm.

As visible in FIG. 1, the length of the wax layer 2 is preferably less than that of the support 3, the support having on either side of the wax layer two zones 4 for supplying current . However, the wax layer could have the same length as the support, in which case the power supply would be on the opposite side to that covered by the wax 2. The width of the wax layer 2 deposited on the resistive support 3 can be equal to or less than that of support 3.

In the case where a metallized film is used as a support for the depilatory wax composition, the latter will be deposited, preferably on the metallized part in order to have better heat transfer between the heating support 3 and the wax layer. 2. In another variant, the support 3 could also be coated with depilatory wax on the plastic side, therefore that opposite the metallized one to ensure better grip. In the study of the embodiments illustrated in the figures, it is considered that the wax is deposited on the plastic side of the metallized film.

The depilatory strip 1 is preferably made from a wax having a fairly low softening temperature in order to have the shortest possible softening time. However, the use of any depilatory wax composition applied in the molten state to the skin can be considered.

By way of example, the depilatory wax composition used can be a vegetable or animal wax, in particular Carnauba wax, rosin, beeswax or that of Candellila. The depilatory wax composition can also be a sugar-based wax.

Additives can be incorporated into the depilatory wax to improve its functional properties: plasticizers, emulsifiers, surfactants. Other products with anti-irritation, anti-redness, antiseptic and softening properties can also be incorporated into the composition.

Advantageously, thermochromic dyes could be incorporated into the depilatory wax composition. The user could thus follow the evolution of the color with the temperature and apply the strip when the wax it contains has just reached its melting temperature.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a depilatory device using a depilatory strip 1 of the type described, therefore using an electrically resistive support pre-coated with depilatory wax.

The epilating appliance 5 is constructed from a central part forming a body or housing 8 of the appliance. The interior of the body 8 is used to store the depilatory band 1, as well as various other components of the device which will be presented later. The exterior of the device has two covers: lower 11 and upper 12 which have the same external shape as the body 8 and close on the latter revealing an application area 9 of the depilatory strip 1. The two covers 1 1 and 12 are mounted removable, using screws 48, on the body 8 of the device and form a closed casing constituting manual gripping means of the device 5.

The depilatory strip 1 is packaged in the form of a roller 6 and it is stored in a housing 7 provided for this purpose inside the housing 8. The depilatory strip is unwound over a portion, called the application portion, and it rests on the application area 9 of the device.

The upper cover 12 may have a removable cover 13 facilitating the user's access to the housing 7 of the roller 6 for the purpose of replacing the latter once it has been completely used.

The application zone or applicator sole 9 is preferably perpendicular to a longitudinal median plane and which is parallel to the covers 11, 12 of the device. This application area is also slightly convex towards the outside. This allows the wax strip to be easily deposited on the wearer's skin. The application zone 9 has a ridged surface ensuring good adhesion of the depilatory band 1 on this zone and limiting the heat losses towards this zone 9 which are to the detriment of the heating of the wax.

The body 8 of the device 5, as well as the covers 11, 12 and the cover 13 can advantageously be made of a plastic material by any known molding technique.

The epilating appliance 5 is provided with a cable for connection to an electrical outlet which supplies, via a voltage transformer, the current supply to the appliance. The electrical current received is supplied to an electronic card 38 which controls and regulates the operation of the device. The outputs of the electronic card 38 are connected to the two contacts 26, 28. Map 38, as well that the contacts 26, 28 are located inside the housing 8.

The electrical contacts 26, 28 are placed in the two longitudinal ends of the applicator sole 9, tangentially to the exterior surface of the latter.

The depilatory strip 1 which normally rests on the applicator sole 9 is supposed to come into contact, through its zones 4 for supplying current, with the electrical contacts 26, 28 of the device for its current supply. In order to ensure good electrical contact, the ends 4 of the strip 1 are preferably kept pressed against the electrical contacts 26, 28 of the device. To achieve this, holding means are used in the form of two pressure rollers: front 14 and rear 16.

The pressure rollers 14, 16 are pivotally mounted relative to the body 8 of the apparatus by means of return springs 18, respectively 20 and pins 22, respectively 24. FIG. 3a shows the apparatus with the two rollers 14, 16 in closed position when the ends 4 of the strip 1 are kept pressed against the surface of the contacts 26, 28 of the device. Position 4a shows the same device with the rollers 14, 16 in the open position.

After applying a portion of depilatory tape to the skin of the user, it must be detached from the roller 6. Means for cutting a portion of tape are provided for this purpose.

Thus, according to a first variant of the embodiment described, the cutting means are represented by a lever 30 pivotally fixed in the body 8 of the device. The cutting lever 30 is constituted by two parallel L-shaped rocker arms 32, fixed in their middle on a pivot axis 34. Two ends facing the rocker arms 32 are connected together by a wire conductor 36 supplied with current by the electronic card 38. The axis 34 is fixed in the body 8 of the device so that the wire 36 extends transversely relative to the width of the sole applicator 9, the wire 36 being placed between the sole 9 and the depilatory band 1. The wire 36 is placed below the band 1, while the opposite ends of the rocker arms 32 protrude relative to the band, as as visible in Figures 3a, 3b.

In operation, after inserting a roller 6 of depilatory tape into the housing 7 and closing the cover 13 of the housing 8, the user grasps the end of the tape by hand and pulls until the tape 1 covers the sole 9 over its entire length. At the start of use, the pressure rollers 14, 16 are in the open position, allowing the passage of the strip 1 on the sole 9. The depilatory strip 1 once unwound, the user rocks the rollers 14, 16 in their closed position , as shown in Figure 3a. By actuating the on / off button 50, the strip is supplied with current via the contacts 26, 28 and it begins to heat up.

The heating power applied to the strip support 1 is modulated in two stages: a first, called rapid heating, when a high power is passed to liquefy the wax as quickly as possible, and a second, called holding, when the applied electrical power is lower, the strip can be applied to the skin.

The heating cycle, as well as the values of the intensity of the current applied, are controlled by the electronic circuit 38. By way of example, in particular for a strip of 30mm x 200mm, the specific electrical power corresponding to rapid heating is approximately 20W, the heating time being approximately 10s, the operation being carried out, for example, at a value of the voltage of 6.5 V and of the current intensity of approximately 3A. The specific power applied during the temperature maintenance phase is approximately 10 W, and it corresponds to the heat losses in the wax strip.

The device with the depilatory strip 1 thus heated is ready to apply the strip to the skin. Thus, the user places the front part or adjacent to the pressure roller 14, in contact with the skin and she presses the sole 9 on the skin to bring the strip 1 over its entire length successively into contact with the skin. The applicator sole 9 has a shape in an arc of a circle favoring a successive application of the strip on a curved surface. Thus, the pressure is exerted as the application, allowing to follow the configuration of the area to be epilated.

When the rear or adjacent part of the pressure roller 16 comes into contact with the skin, the latter comes to press on the projecting ends of the rocker arms 32, which pivot the rocker 30 around its axis 34. Following this pivoting, the wire conductor 36 is supplied with current and functions as a hot wire cutting the strip 1.

The strip 1 once applied to the skin, begins to solidify and adheres to the skin, its ends 4 sliding easily under the pressure rollers 14, 16. The solidified strip is subsequently torn off with the hairs which it has trapped.

According to a second variant of the first embodiment, the cutting means 40 comprise a cutting blade 42. As shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, the blade 42 is inserted in a support 44 pivotally mounted in a cradle 46 about an axis 45. The cradle 46 is fixedly mounted on the body 8 of the device. In operation, the strip 1 is cut at the end of application, by a simple pressure exerted on the support 44 in the continuity of the movement for removing the strip.

FIG. 6 represents an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. This device allows the application to the skin of two strips 1 ′, 1 "of different widths. The structure and operation of this device are close to that previously described. The differences consist essentially in the use of two rolls of depilatory strip 1 ', respectively 1 ", the apparatus being provided with two pairs of contacts 26", 28 ", respectively 26", 28 ". In operation, the device can successively apply strips of different widths to the skin. FIG. 7 illustrates a hair removal device 5 according to a third embodiment. The device 5 comprises a housing 8 inside which is housed the depilatory strip in the form of a folded sheet 62. The different portions of strip 1 intended to be applied to the skin are arranged in parallel, side by side in the direction of the width of the sheet 62. The apparatus 5 comprises a tape drive roller 52 which rotates about its axis 54 and brings a portion of tape 1 between two jaws for supplying current 56, 58. The jaws 56, 58 are mounted on springs, not shown, and allow the strip 1 to pass, while maintaining contact on its current supply ends 4.

In operation, when the strip is in place, well positioned relative to the jaws 56, 58, the user actuates a hot wire which cuts it over its entire length along the line C-C. The heating is triggered thereafter, according to the same heating cycle as previously described. Once the wax is heated, the user applies the device to the area of hair to be depilated, the strip being deposited with the roller 60 which descends and runs along the slide 61 over the entire length of the strip 1. The strip of wax once solidified, it can be removed by keeping the roller pressed on the latter and pulling on the housing 8 of the device.

Other embodiments of an apparatus operating with a depilatory strip deposited on a resistive support can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus an apparatus of the type described in document LU-85026 could be used with a depilatory band according to the invention. For this, the device should be supplemented with electrical contacts and an electronic card to supply the resistive support of the strip. These contacts could be mounted in the device housing on return springs and send current into the strip by simple pressure exerted on the device housing. In this case, the device is dispensed with cutting means, the strip once applied to the skin and solidified is torn off by a used tape winding drum and stored in the case of the device.

Claims

1. depilatory strip (1) comprising a support (3) coated with a depilatory wax composition (2) intended to be applied in the molten state to the skin, characterized in that said support (3) is in one electrically resistive material capable of being contacted in at least two zones (4) with a source of electric current.

2. depilatory strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the two current supply zones (4) are at the opposite ends of predetermined portions of the strip support (3).

3. depilatory strip according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (3) is flexible.

4. depilatory strip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric power applied to the support (3) for heating is less than 30 W.

5. depilatory strip according to claim 4, characterized in that the support (3) consists of a metallized plastic film.

6. depilatory strip according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support (3) is coated with a depilatory wax composition (2) deposited in a layer of thickness less than 2 mm.

7. depilatory strip according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support (3) is coated with a depilatory wax composition (2) consisting of a wax of vegetable or animal origin.

8. Depilatory strip according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support (3) is coated with a depilatory wax composition (2) constituted by a sugar-based wax.

9. depilatory strip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depilatory wax (2) contains thermochromic dyes in its composition.

10. epilating appliance (5) comprising a housing (8) forming manual gripping means, means for receiving (7) a depilatory strip (1) inside the housing (8), as well as means for application (9) of said depilatory strip (1) to an area of the skin of the user, characterized in that the depilatory strip (1) consists of a depilatory wax composition (2) deposited on an electric support resistive (3) and that the support (3) is supplied with current via electrical contacts (26, 28, 56, 58) provided in the housing (8) of the device.

11. epilating appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that the depilatory strip (1) is stored in the form of a roller (6) inside the housing (8), the appliance comprising holding means ( 14, 16, 56, 58) of a portion of strip pressed against electrical contacts (26, 28, 56, 58) for heating, as well as means (30.40) for cutting a portion of strip (1 ) to a predetermined size for application to the skin.

12. Hair removal device according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for cutting the strip (1) consist of a rocker (30) comprising a hot wire (36).

13. epilating appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for cutting the strip (1) consist of a cutting device (40) with a cutting blade (42).

14. hair removal device according to claim 11, characterized in that the holding means (14, 16, 56, 58) of the depilatory band (1) are mounted movable by relative to the housing (8) of the apparatus between at least two positions: a first for holding the strip (1) pressed against electrical contacts (14, 16, 56, 58) and a second for releasing the strip (1 ).

15. Hair removal device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it comprises control and adjustment means (38) of the current transmitted to the strip (1) via the electrical contacts (14, 16, 56, 58).

16. Hair removal method using a depilatory strip (1) based on depilatory wax intended to be deposited in the molten state on the skin, characterized in that it consists in the use of a strip (1) consisting of a support (3) made of an electrically resistive material coated with a depilatory wax (2), to apply to said support (3) first a current of high intensity in order to bring the wax (2) to in the molten state, to subsequently supply the support (3) with a current of less intensity corresponding to maintaining the temperature of the depilatory strip (1), to apply the depilatory strip (1) thus heated on the skin of the user and tear off the strip (1) once the wax (2) has solidified.