Many people wonder if electrolysis really does work to permanently remove unwanted hair. While electrolysis does work, multiple treatment sessions may be needed in order to fully clear an area.
Success with this method relies on capturing each hair at its optimal point in growth, so we suggest scheduling appointments weekly or every other week initially until all desired areas have been covered.
How Does Electrolysis Work?
Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal method. This process entails inserting a fine needle into each individual follicle and passing an electric current through it to destroy its growth center as well as heat up and damage surrounding tissue for maximum efficacy against future regrowth.
An experienced electrologist can accurately locate each hair follicle without damaging the skin, then deliver just enough electricity to kill unwanted hairs. Electrolysis treatments take more time due to individual treatments being provided for each follicle; thus making electrolysis a more labor intensive solution than alternative methods.
The number of sessions necessary will depend on your desired results as well as the thickness and density of hair in the area being addressed. A trained electrologist can create a realistic plan tailored to you based on the number of sessions necessary to permanently eliminate unwanted hair from that location.
Before attending your session, it is recommended to avoid shaving and the use of chemical exfoliants as this may increase irritation. Furthermore, bring a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking along with an explanation.
After an electrolysis session, it is essential that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen in order to lower the risk of hyperpigmentation in the treated area. Furthermore, use mild cleansing products and pat dry the treated area regularly; use cool compresses after each treatment session in order to reduce inflammation; always follow your electrologist’s instructions for optimal results.
Do You Need Numbing Cream?
No matter how sensitive your skin may be, whether numbing cream is required for electrolysis sessions will depend on several factors: skin sensitivity, previous hair removal methods (like waxing) and how long you feel comfortable laying still for. It also depends on your schedule – going weekly will likely result in hair-free chins within 8-12 months!
Electrolysis offers the only permanent way of hair removal; unlike laser, which only removes surface hairs. Electrolysis destroys germinative cells responsible for growing new follicles – this makes electrolysis suitable for all hair and skin types – including darker locks with lighter complexions that often fail with laser treatments.
But if the pain associated with electrolysis treatments worries you, topical anesthetics or over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen may provide temporary relief. Furthermore, many electrologists offer their clients an optional numbing cream they can purchase and apply at home before their appointment to ensure maximum comfort during treatment.
Before making your appointment, be sure to conduct extensive research in order to find a reputable and qualified electrologist. Ask friends and family for recommendations or bring up any concerns during a consultation session at your chosen location.
Before your appointment, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight or tanning sessions and arrive with clean skin – otherwise your electrologist may ask you to reschedule or cancel due to uncleanliness of skin. Furthermore, caffeine or alcohol consumption before any treatment could increase blood pressure, leading to less effective results and increased discomfort during treatments.
How Long Does Electrolysis Take?
Electrolysis hair removal treatments differ from cosmetic hair removal in that it aims to permanently eliminate hair from its source, rather than simply the visible part. While its results are permanent, when they will show will depend on your skin type and amount of hair in an area as well as how many electrolysis sessions it requires for all areas to become cleared out – most people typically need eight-12 electrolysis sessions; others may need more depending on density/thickness of a given area of dense/thick growth; generally dry skin does not conduct electricity as effectively but an experienced electrologist will be adept at working with all skin types including sensitive ones.
For optimal results, avoid shaving or waxing between appointments as electrolysis requires that hair reach a certain length before it can be safely extracted from its root using an electrolysis needle. You may use scissors or bikini trimmers to trim body or facial hair but make sure the length reaches at least quarter-inch before your appointment.
At first, it’s recommended that treatments occur weekly or biweekly until all areas have been cleared of hair growth. That way, your electrologist can catch any new growth at its optimal growth cycle and maximize electrolysis treatments accordingly. To maximize effectiveness of electrolysis treatments with your electrologist, be sure to come regularly for appointments and follow her advice about hair growth patterns.
As with electrolysis treatments, direct sunlight or tanning after an electrolysis procedure should also be avoided in order to minimize skin swelling. Apply a hydrocortisone cream or Neosporin on your skin post-treatment to calm and soothe it as much as possible.
Will Electrolysis Hurt?
Electrolysis offers one of the safest options for hair removal and should be considered an excellent solution for sensitive skin types. Electrolysis uses heat energy to destroy each individual follicle and tissue sheath so they cannot regrow; furthermore, electrolysis does not rely on chemical removal methods that could potentially irritate and damage surrounding skin cells, making it one of the safest hair removal strategies available today.
Most individuals experience slight to moderate discomfort during electrolysis sessions. This is caused by inserting the probe into each hair follicle and passing an electrical current through it; this may feel similar to having hot pins poked into their skin, while more sensitive individuals may wish to take over-the-counter pain relievers prior to their appointments and apply ice after treatment.
Your comfort levels may depend on what area is being treated, its location on your body, and whether or not the bones are close to the surface in these locations – for instance, cheeks and jaw tend to be more sensitive due to having closer-situated bones than upper arms or legs.
Your skin may experience temporary reddening during or immediately following treatment, however this should resolve within several hours. Individuals with darker skin may notice temporary dark spots following therapy – however these will fade with time.
If you are concerned about how a procedure will feel, it is crucial that you locate a trustworthy practitioner and pose as many questions as possible during your initial consultation. Doing this will ensure you’re working with someone who uses appropriate techniques and will deliver an enjoyable experience. Additionally, do your research about their offering of numbing cream as well as experience treating your specific area and estimate of how many treatments they think you will require.
Are Electrolysis Sessions Painful?
Electrolysis is a multi-step process that may require multiple sessions. Due to this, electrolysis should not be considered painless but more tolerable; many clients report feeling some degree of discomfort; though each person will respond differently and their level of pain depends on many variables ranging from skin sensitivity and tolerance, stress levels, caffeine/sugar consumption, music in the room as well as temperature differences between sessions.
Pain levels also depend on the type of treatment employed. For instance, some electrologists use galvanic method which causes scabbing – this may be particularly painful on sensitive areas like chin or cheeks – while thermolysis does not produce this complication and both methods are generally considered less painful than galvanic treatment.
Before an electrolysis session, it is crucial that you stay well-hydrated. Furthermore, it would be wise to cut out salt, sugar, and alcohol consumption which can lead to water retention – making hair removal harder than necessary.
Trimming unwanted hair before an appointment can help minimize how much needs to be removed afterward, so wearing loose clothing and applying either cold or warm compresses post-treatment are also helpful steps.
Maintain regular electrolysis appointments to achieve the best results. Although complete removal of hair on the chin may take months or even years, once gone it will stay gone.
