Electrolysis offers an alternative solution to laser hair removal by permanently eliminating unwanted hair growth centers. It is therefore an ideal option for people with various types of hair or skin.
Electrolytic cells use direct electrical current, in which solution components travel towards a negatively charged electrode (cathode), receive electrons and are transformed (oxidized) into neutral elements or new molecules.
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is an FDA-approved permanent hair removal technique. Unlike laser treatments, electrolysis destroys every component of a hair follicle – dermal papilla, matrix and bulge. As such it offers complete hair follicle destruction.1
Electrolysis involves inserting a fine, sterile metal probe into the opening of a hair follicle. A small electric current passes through it, closing off its natural opening and stopping any future hair growth as well as dissolving existing roots that might still exist. This procedure prevents new hairs from growing while simultaneously eliminating existing ones that might already exist.
Martinus van Marum accidentally discovered electrolysis while using salts to reduce tin, zinc and antimony in 1785. Michael Faraday later published two laws of electrolysis that provided mathematical expression of the process and definitions for electrode, anode, cathode, cation and anion. Today electrolysis plays an essential role in both commercial extraction of reactive metals from their ore deposits and chemical decomposition of ionic compounds into individual elements.
Procedure can be uncomfortable, though its intensity will depend on both your pain tolerance and treatment area. “Groin and neck areas tend to be most sensitive while cheeks and chin can often be treated without too much discomfort,” according to Dana Elise, an electrologist who has been providing both medical and cosmetic electrolysis services for more than 30 years.
Before your appointment, confirm the practitioner is qualified to perform electrolysis. Ask for references from previous clients and visit their website; see if numbing services are provided, what equipment they use and the number of sessions expected before seeing results.
How Does Electrolysis Work?
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal technique that destroys each individual follicle completely and permanently, cutting off its blood supply to cease supporting hair growth. Therefore, multiple sessions must be attended in order to fully get rid of unwanted hair for good – it’s not something you can accomplish in one sitting!
Medically licensed professionals use sterile needles to deliver small electric currents directly into each hair follicle to heat up its surrounding tissues, damaging dermal papilla (the hair’s growth center) and matrix. You may feel a slight burning sensation as the needle enters each hair follicle.
The small electric current also irritates nerve endings around the follicle, resulting in temporary skin irritation and mild discomfort for most individuals; though some with lower pain thresholds or during their period may experience increased sensitivity during treatments.
When selecting an electrologist, look for one with a clean and sanitary environment offering free consultations and test treatments. Ask to meet the electrologist personally; ask whether they use needle electrology rather than tweezers or photoepilators; ensure they’re certified by professional organizations; also be certain they adhere to consistent scheduling – missing multiple sessions could lengthen the duration of electrolysis treatment considerably.
How Long Does Electrolysis Take?
Electrolysis treatments take time depending on their size and location of treatment areas; single hairs usually only take fractions of a second to be removed, while larger areas could take up to an hour or more for complete removal.
Permanent results require multiple sessions, as hair grows in cycles. Your practitioner will tell you exactly how many treatments will be necessary during your initial consultation.
Before your appointment, it is essential that you avoid shaving or tweezing any affected area and staying out of direct sunlight – this can increase the likelihood of skin reddening post-treatment and leaving it looking patchy or flakey. Furthermore, any topical skin treatments which exfoliate or irritate including any retinol creams or chemically exfoliating scrubs must also be discontinued prior to going in for your visit.
Electrolysis may cause sensations of burning or heat, but most clients find the discomfort tolerable.
To ensure a comfortable experience, select a reputable and experienced practitioner. Ask friends or family members for recommendations, or visit a practice offering free consultation. During this meeting, make sure to ask any questions that arise regarding the electrolysis procedure itself and also inquire into their cleanliness/sterilization practices – this can make all the difference in terms of comfort during an electrolysis treatment session.
How Do I Prepare for Electrolysis?
Many individuals have questions about electrolysis, and speaking to a practitioner is the best way to prepare. They will explain how long the procedure will take and whether they offer any numbing cream that could make the experience more comfortable.
Electrolysis can be used to safely and effectively remove hair from several areas, including eyebrows, chin, neck, underarms, bikini line and stomach. Electrolysis is an easy and safe hair removal solution suitable for use on any skin tone or color; however it should be noted that some areas have greater propensities to develop ingrown hairs; therefore it’s crucial to follow aftercare instructions after treatment has taken place.
Before your appointment, it is also wise to avoid using chemical depilatories such as shaving cream, waxing or gels in the weeks prior. Such products can irritate skin, making it harder for an electrologist to locate hair roots. Furthermore, you should allow some growth of hair in areas you wish to treat so as to allow an electrologist an optimal opportunity to see and reach them.
Avoid excessive sunlight exposure for several days prior to beginning any procedure, as too much sun exposure can dilate blood vessels and make treatments more painful. A numbing cream may help alleviate discomfort associated with procedures.
At any beauty supply store or online, numbing cream can be purchased to ensure optimal effectiveness. Follow the directions on its label to achieve maximum effectiveness; during treatment you may feel a subtle tingle which should be tolerable. Afterwards, apply cold compresses for several hours following to reduce swelling and redness while taking Ibuprofen to ease any discomfort experienced during or following application of cream.
What Are the After-Effects of Electrolysis?
Electrologists employ needles or heated wires with heated tips to damage the base of hair follicles, thus inhibiting future hair growth and making existing ones fall out. Electrolysis has been around for more than 100 years and remains one of the only permanent forms of hair removal available today; it can treat unwanted facial and body hair such as eyebrows, upper lips, chins, breasts thighs bikini lines. Electrolysis may also help women suffering from hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
Choose an experienced skin expert when selecting an electrologist to perform this procedure, since an inexperienced electrologist could use subpar equipment that causes irreparable scarring and other permanent skin damage. Also avoid bleaching the hair directly prior to an appointment as this makes it harder for an electrologist to view hair roots properly. Also try to limit caffeine and alcohol intake for at least 24 hours prior to any procedure as these substances dilate blood vessels which is why dilation of blood vessels occurs during these treatments.
Redness and swelling after treatment sessions isn’t uncommon, as blood vessels supplying hair follicles expand to increase blood flow to them. Additionally, you may notice bruising around the area which should subside quickly with time – the application of Arnica ointment will hasten this healing process further.
Expect scabs to appear after treatment; these are part of the natural healing process and should not be scratched off. Melfol Calm Balm may help soothe them as they recover; moisturizing also aids faster healing.
