Unwanted hair growth may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during puberty or diseases like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Electrolysis offers the only permanent solution to permanent hair removal.
An experienced electrologist uses a sterile needle to inject low-level electrical current that effectively kills each hair follicle, killing them off with electrolysis. Finding an electrolysis practitioner with proven track records is essential.
How It Works
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method that attacks each individual follicle directly. To do this, a fine, sterile needle must be inserted into an existing opening in the skin called a hair follicle before passing a small electrical current through it, creating an electric current which triggers chemical reactions which disable each hair follicle’s ability to grow further hairs. Electrolysis works for all types of hair and skin tones/colors/textures while still being safe enough for sensitive areas like facial areas – however sessions must be regular enough.
Before initiating treatment, an electrologist will clean and prepare the area by removing oil, dirt and makeup. A topical anesthetic may be administered if necessary. During actual treatment you may experience a slight prickling sensation – this is completely normal and depends on your pain threshold. Depending on the size and location of the area being treated, treatment sessions could range anywhere between one-four treatments to be complete until all hair follicles have been permanently eliminated.
Electrolysis treatments may lead to new hair follicles being damaged but not destroyed, which could be the result of hormone fluctuations or other factors. While it is not advisable to stop treatment due to possible regrowth, you should discuss it with your electrologist in order to address it promptly.
As with any beauty treatment, electrologist selection should be approached carefully. When searching for one it’s essential that a clean and reliable business offers free consultation and test treatments as well as needle electrolysis instead of tweezers or photoepilators. Make sure references from past customers can be provided, and don’t be intimidated into choosing another electrologist if one does not fit with you comfortably.
Keep in mind that waxing or tweezing your unwanted hair prior to beginning electrolysis treatment may take longer, as the hair will be in a different stage of growth. Don’t give up; keep up your treatment schedule if this is what’s necessary and eventually, you will achieve permanent results – but just know it may take longer than anticipated.
Preparation
Electrolysis may be your only permanent way of getting rid of dark hair on light skin, though it can be time consuming and painful. Results may take years if there’s lots of thick hair present; for optimal results, choose an experienced electrologist.
Prior to your first appointment, it is wise to solicit referrals from friends and family. Be sure to also confirm if the practice utilizes appropriate hygiene and sterilization measures, while during your consultation feel free to pose any questions you have.
Before your electrolysis treatment, it is advisable to avoid bleaching or tanning the area so your electrologist can easily see the roots of hairs. You should also limit caffeine and chocolate intake as these substances can dilate blood vessels and distort treatment results. Whenever possible, apply topical anesthetic cream in order to minimize discomfort during this procedure.
Before entering an electrolysis session, it’s wise to apply moisturizer to your skin in order to keep it supple and avoid becoming dry and irritated during and after your session. In addition, avoid applying makeup directly before your appointment; if necessary use an antibiotic ointment as soon as possible after doing so.
Electrolysis treatments require loose clothing and lying down during treatment. Furthermore, it’s best to refrain from applying lotions or perfumes directly on the area; additionally it will allow your body to heal more quickly.
Electrolysis pain varies by person and should generally be minimal. Your electrologist will administer some numbing cream to reduce sensation but you should still expect some discomfort during the procedure.
After your treatment, it is common to experience some swelling or reddening of the skin, especially during initial clearings. Anti-inflammatory medication such as 200mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours should help ease these side effects and maintain comfort levels during this process.
Aftercare
Electrolysis, unlike temporary hair removal methods like waxing, shaving and plucking, is a permanent treatment to permanently rid yourself of unwanted hair. Although electrolysis may take more time and patience than semi-permanent methods like laser hair removal, its results ensure unwanted hair won’t grow back after receiving treatments with an electrologist.
Choose an experienced, certified electrologist when choosing an electrologist to perform your electrolysis treatments. Many practices offer free consultations so you can meet with an electrologist and ask any pertinent questions before making your decision to use their services. During a consultation session, assess their cleanliness and sterilization practices as well as their environment for any signs of uncleanliness or discomfort. You might also want to check their website as some will offer pictures showing their work and an idea of the results that can be expected from using their service.
Electrolysis procedures will cause some discomfort; the amount varies according to each individual. Common areas for discomfort are the groin, neck and cheeks while upper lips typically handle this process best. Some describe their experience as no more than an instant warm feeling while others find it unbearably uncomfortable – even likening it to “a rubber band popping hard against my bare skin”.
Swelling after electrolysis sessions is completely normal and depends on how much work was accomplished in one sitting. You can reduce swelling by applying a numbing cream prior to your appointment and taking anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen every six hours as preventive medicine.
After receiving electrolysis treatments, it is recommended to stay out of direct sunlight and refrain from using any products which might damage the delicate epidermal layer. Shaving or exfoliation should also be delayed until after full recovery has taken place; alternatively, gentle cleansing with fragrance- and menthol-free aloe gel or lotion can reduce redness and swelling by cleansing treated areas with such products.
Your electrologist may use either galvanic or thermolysis electrolysis, depending on the type of hair removal needed. Both techniques involve passing an electric current through a probe inserted into your hair follicle; galvanic electrolysis uses a heated metal electrode to burn through epidermal layers and destroy hair follicles while thermolysis separates its blood supply to create electrocoagulation that causes its death.
Recovery
Electrolysis may be the only permanent hair removal method that works effectively for many. Electrolysis involves having a trained electrologist insert a thin wire into each follicle opening and use electric current to destroy its root, stopping further hair growth. Electrolysis works best on areas where other methods fail and all skin types; especially beneficial when hormonal changes trigger unwanted hair growth during puberty, menopause or pregnancy and for those suffering from hirsutism which causes excessive hair growth.
Finding an experienced electrologist that understands your skin type is of utmost importance. Do your research to learn if they offer any numbing or other comfort options. Prior to an appointment, avoid shaving, tweezing and waxing (if necessary, the hair must be at least 1/4-inch long so the electrologist can see and remove it with fine probe). Furthermore, avoid caffeine consumption two hours beforehand as these stimulants can increase stress levels and make the procedure more uncomfortable.
Your first appointment should include a consultation and it’s wise to bring a list of questions for the electrologist. Also essential: knowing how many treatments will be necessary in order to permanently get rid of unwanted hair; sessions will depend on individual circumstances but generally clients return every other week until their skin has become completely hair free.
After an electrolysis treatment, your skin may be red and swollen and you should use a cool compress to ease any discomfort. Direct sun exposure should be avoided to avoid hyperpigmentation on treated areas. Also taking anti-inflammatory medication, such as 200mg ibuprofen twice daily may reduce swelling and pain following your appointment.
As part of your recovery process, it’s advisable to use fragrance- and menthol-free aloe gel or lotion in order to moisturize and reduce redness and itching on the affected area. Furthermore, take caution when applying makeup or other products onto the affected areas in order to prevent irritation and inflammation.
