Electrolysis, a permanent hair removal method, uses an electrical current to destroy each unwanted hair’s root. This technique works on all skin types and colors – even those living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Electrotherapy procedures performed by qualified electrologists tend to be relatively safe, though any treatment can cause minor side effects.
Redness
Redness on the skin is an expected side effect of electrolysis and typically lasts 1-3 days depending on your sensitivity. Elise provides thick, soothing cream to her clients following treatments in order to continue moisturizing for several days following. In this process, needles are inserted into hair follicles where an electrical current destroys hair roots to stop future hair growth, closing off small blood vessels which causes what feels like pinching sensation during treatment.
Electrolysis was invented in 1875 and remains an exact science and permanent method of hair removal, FDA approved. Practiced by highly trained electrologists under hygienic conditions with client aftercare following suit, its benefits can last a lifetime with very few permanent side effects.
Treatment uses a thin metal probe that corresponds with your hair growth to penetrate into each opening of a hair growth follicle and destroy its root, effectively stopping further hair growth. The procedure may take a few hours per area on your body; more likely however, multiple sessions or sittings may be required in order to permanently eliminate all active hair growth in an area of your body.
Electrolysis involves applying an electric current to drive non-spontaneous chemical decomposition reactions in an electrolytic cell. This apparatus consists of two electrodes – the cathode (positive electrode) and anode (negative electrode), both submerged in an electrolyte solution containing positively and negatively charged ions – where an electric current passes between these electrodes, exchanging electrons back and forth and leading to decomposition and the release of hydrogen and oxygen gases (H2) into the atmosphere via electrolyte solutions dipped between them – creating the decomposition reaction which produces hydrogen and oxygen gases as waste from electrolyte solutions dipped beneath their surfaces.
Swelling
Swelling can be an unwanted side effect of electrolysis treatment and is caused by increased blood flow to the treatment area. Most times it will resolve itself within hours; otherwise a witch hazel ointment may help.
Redness may indicate an allergy or over-treatment has taken place and requires different needle type or current settings for hair removal. Excessive swelling suggests the skin may be sensitive and requires more gentle methods of hair removal.
Electrolysis involves applying direct current through an electrolyte solution that enables ions to move around freely and conduct electricity. Electrodes are immersed in this solution and, under electric current, different charged ions migrate towards each other with positive cations migrating toward the negative cathode and negative anions migrating toward positive anode, leading to chemical reaction between anode and cathode releases electrons that lead to mass loss as well as producing water or even scabs as end products.
Electrolysis typically requires multiple sessions or sittings to achieve lasting results for most people, making it extremely frustrating if no improvement can be seen after only one. Therefore, it is imperative that you conduct sufficient research in finding an electrologist licensed and experienced enough in electrolysis procedures.
Blisters
Electrolysis treatments often produce inflammation and redness as side effects, particularly for newcomers to electrolysis treatments. But it’s important to remember that everyone responds differently – someone might scream out in pain while another might remain still while pretending not to feel anything at all, according to Elise.
Bumps can also occur as an adverse side effect of electrolysis, though they’re less common than redness or swelling. When hair follicles are damaged and begin bleed, resulting in small bumps or small scabs which may become itchy; to minimize this side effect, make sure your area stays moisturized as much as possible and apply soothing ointment as needed.
Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into the opening of each hair follicle and passing an electrical current through it, killing off its growth cells and rendering new hair unreachable. You’ll likely require multiple sessions for effective hair removal – be prepared to make an investment into yourself as part of this long-term process!
Hair growth steadily diminishes over multiple treatments and eventually stops altogether in treated areas – providing an effective yet safe permanent hair removal method suitable for all skin types and colors.
Before beginning electrolysis, be sure to find a trustworthy practitioner with extensive experience specializing in your specific hair type (friends or family can often recommend suitable candidates). Research any prospective electrologists to see what their methods entail, their fees structure and any successful cases they have had working on clients.
Ingrown Hairs
Electrolysis, unlike waxing and tweezing, permanently destroys hair follicles. A fine probe is inserted into the natural opening of each follicle without puncturing the skin, before heat, sodium hydroxide or electricity is used to cut off its blood supply and destroy it – sometimes taking as many as 18 sessions to completely rid yourself of unwanted hair! Sessions for permanent hair removal vary between individuals but could take anywhere between one year and 18 sessions before permanent hair loss has taken place.
Be it needle, laser or any other electrolysis methods, it is essential that you find a practitioner with ample experience and skill. Consider visiting a clean facility where they offer services; inquire as to their training and skills as well as any possible consultation sessions available before making your choice of hair removal program. Having an initial consultation before beginning treatment provides the ideal opportunity to gain more information on its process, length of treatments needed as well as costs involved with hair removal programs.
Electrolysis treatments often cause ingrown hairs as one of the side effects, caused by damaged or opened follicles that don’t close correctly after treatment, leaving an exposed, vulnerable follicle susceptible to infection. If you notice ingrown hairs developing after your electrolysis session, make sure you let your electrologist know quickly so they can treat them before they worsen further. They may even provide advice on how you can avoid ingrowns during future sessions; otherwise they could turn into cysts or scarring and require further medical treatment or even surgery!
Discoloration
Hair follicles in our skin experience an endless cycle of growth, rest and shed. While other methods for hair removal simply temporarily reduce regrowth rate and slow regrowth timeframes, electrolysis permanently destroys hair root from which new hairs cannot grow back in.
Permanent electrolysis hair removal treatment approved by the FDA as a permanent permanent hair reduction treatment is one such permanent hair reduction method. While at-home epilators exist, professional electrologists offer higher quality and sterile equipment, as well as customized solutions tailored specifically to you and your individual needs.
Though some patients experience discomfort with this treatment, the severity varies significantly from individual to individual. Some may feel only slight tingling while others report burning sensations or plucking-tweezing-like sensations. A good electrologist will work with you to maximize your comfort levels during a session and may offer topical anesthetics as additional measures against pain.
Folliculitis, or clusters of pimples that appear around the treated area, may occur as a side effect of electrolysis therapy. Although this complication is uncommon, it could occur if bacteria gets into hair follicles and causes irritation; to help avoid this problem dermatologists recommend cleansing with an antibacterial cleanser prior to and following electrolysis sessions.
Electrolysis can be time-consuming and expensive; however, the potential savings from depilatories, shaving creams and waxing may make electrolysis worthwhile in the end.
