Electrolysis could be the perfect permanent solution if waxing, threading and tweezing have not worked to remove hair effectively enough for you. Although costly and time consuming, electrolysis remains one of the only hair removal methods that truly work.
However, for some individuals it can be painful – although the level of pain varies from person to person.
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis uses small specialized filaments to target individual hair follicles and permanently stop them from growing again. The technique requires precision and can only be performed by trained electrologist; while inflammation may arise after treatment, but usually only lasts minutes afterward; for added comfort you can take anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen prior to your appointment to help alleviate its discomfort.
Finding an electrolysis practitioner should not be difficult: just seek recommendations from friends or family who have undergone electrolysis treatments themselves and then arrange a free consultation at their clinic to meet with the practitioner and ask any necessary questions. Make sure you know exactly how long treatment will last as well as costs involved – don’t forget that many providers offer payment plans!
Your practitioner will insert thin filaments that resemble hair without puncturing your skin, such as thin threads that look nothing like needles. They are quickly heated using computer-controlled current and will permanently disable hair growth cells within your skin.
Electrolysis sessions typically require 18 visits in order to reach permanent hair removal results, depending on the area being treated. Hair grows in cycles with three phases: growing phase, resting phase and falling-out phase – each must be addressed separately for effective removal results.
If you are considering electrolysis, speaking to your physician or dermatologist is recommended first in order to ensure it’s appropriate and safe. They will likely refer you to a reliable electrologist; once found it’s important to follow their guidelines when prepping for treatment – including not shaving between appointments as this allows your practitioner to effectively treat at least quarter-inch long hair; caffeine should also be avoided two hours beforehand as this can raise stress levels and potentially increase pain experienced.
How Does Electrolysis Work?
Electrolysis is a more manual technique than laser hair removal, requiring skilled electrologists to manually target each individual hair with electrical current to heat and destroy it without harming surrounding skin. Electrolysis has proven itself as the only effective permanent hair removal option; one treatment session could last between 15-30 minutes for small areas such as arms and legs or several hours in total for larger ones such as legs.
An electrolysis session typically produces a mild heat sensation and pinching sensation. Individuals’ pain levels vary; some tolerate it better than others and different areas of their bodies may be more sensitive than others. Many choose to read, listen to music or nap during these treatments.
Your skin may appear red immediately following treatment, though this should subside within several days depending on your tolerance. To reduce irritation further, use soothing cream as directed and avoid activities which irritate hair follicles like heavy sweating and tanning.
Electrolysis sessions typically require 10-12 sessions to completely and permanently eradicate unwanted hair in an area, although this depends on individual. Electrolysis takes longer as each individual hair follicle must be targeted directly, according to dermatologist Karan Lal, MD from Schweiger Dermatology of Hackensack and Hillsborough in New Jersey. “Since hair growth cycles last so long it’s essential that each follicle be targeted at its appropriate moment for maximum effectiveness,” states Karan Lal.
Waxing or tweezing may take multiple sessions to remove all hair in an area. Because these methods bend the follicles, electrology is often the better solution if used for hair removal needs. Therefore, only use professional electrologist services when looking for solutions.
Ask friends and family for referrals of experienced practitioners or visit a practice before making an appointment. During your consultation, observe whether the facility is clean and well-kept as well as whether workers wear disposable equipment like gloves. It is also a good idea to meet with the electrologist first so as to ask any pertinent questions before beginning treatments sessions.
How Long Does Electrolysis Take?
Individual hair follicles must be individually treated, and electrologists usually suggest scheduling at least one session weekly until an area has been completely cleared up. Regular appointments ensure all new growth is caught while it is still within its optimal growth cycle for faster and superior results.
Electrolysis stands out from other hair removal methods because its results are permanent compared to shaving or chemical depilatories which may lead to ingrown hairs and cause skin damage. Electrolysis provides a long-term solution with no adverse side effects.
Electrolysis stands out among other hair removal methods for being safe and effective for any skin color or hair type, making it suitable for delicate areas like the bikini line or face. However, keep in mind that electrolysis takes more time and money than other options in achieving lasting results – meaning a commitment of time and funds over a number of years must be made to reach permanent hair reduction results.
Electrolysis can be performed safely when administered by a licensed and experienced electrologist. While there may be some risk from an unsterile needle or of scarring during treatment, overall risks should remain very minimal if choosing an experienced practitioner.
Some patients may experience redness and swelling at the treatment site following a session; these side effects usually subside within 24-48 hours. If you have particularly sensitive skin, it is advised that you inquire with your practitioner about using topical anesthetic prior to attending their appointment.
Elise recommends her clients trim facial and body hair with scissors or bikini trimmers before coming for electrolysis treatments, to allow at least 1/4″-length hairs that can be effectively removed using electrolysis probe. This allows Elise to more effectively treat their clients by keeping hair at least 1/4 inch long so she can perform electrolysis treatment more easily.
How Painful is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is currently recognized by the FDA as an FDA-approved permanent hair removal method. Your electrologist will insert a thin probe into your natural follicle opening and treat each individual hair using a slight impulse from her epilator equipment; she then destroys each follicle to stop it from producing new hair growth. You may experience some redness or pink in the area while experiencing slight prickling sensation from electrodes – however a cold compress after each session can help soothe these reactions and make treatment more bearable.
Though each person experiences different sensations during treatment, most do not find it painful. Depending on your pain threshold and tolerance level, the sensation could feel similar to tickling or slight stinging sensations; some even fall asleep during sessions! Eventually your tolerance will increase with repeated treatments, and you’ll learn how to deal with its sensations more comfortably.
Find a qualified electrologist to perform your electrolysis treatments, preferably one who uses needle electrolysis – the only guaranteed permanent hair removal method. When selecting an electrologist, look for experience using this technique, their website should describe it well, ask friends and family members their opinions, use sterilized disposable needles and offers free consultations as these are key characteristics to look out for when searching.
Your skin may become slightly red and tender following your treatment, but this should quickly diminish after some time has passed. To reduce discomfort, try applying cooling gel or purchasing cold compresses from local pharmacies. Your electrologist should provide guidelines for pre-treatment, such as not shaving or tweezing before attending. Also avoid caffeine for at least two hours prior to each appointment.
Electrolysis usually requires multiple appointments before your unwanted hair can be permanently eliminated; this could take anywhere from six months to 18 months for most individuals, though the total number will depend on individual preferences and schedules. But the benefits are more than worth your while! If permanent hair removal is your goal, electrolysis could be just what’s necessary!
