Electrolysis provides an effective and permanent alternative for those who don’t respond well to laser hair removal, including eyebrows. Electrolysis’ versatility enables it to control new hair growth on all types of skin and hair types –including eyebrows.
But how many electrolysis sessions does it take to permanently rid oneself of unwanted hair? While this varies according to person, we’ve got you covered with some expert tips!
During Your Consultation
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique performed by certified electrologists. This procedure entails inserting a thin needle into each individual hair follicle and passing an electric current through it; this heats up tissue and destroys its root, no longer growing new hair and replacing it with finer and lighter ones; unlike chemical treatments or waxing which only temporarily suppress hair growth, electrolysis permanently inhibits it and is suitable for all skin types.
At your consultation, the electrologist will assess both your skin and hair to determine the most effective method and frequency for treatment, along with an approximate number of electrolysis sessions that should be required; each individual’s situation varies accordingly.
Bring any information related to your skin and hair, such as family history of hormonal imbalance or any medications you’re currently taking, to help the electrologist select appropriate power settings that work effectively in your situation. In addition, avoid temporary hair removal methods like shaving and plucking for 2 – 3 weeks prior to making an appointment as this will enable the needles to more quickly locate hair follicles for destruction by electrolysis needles.
Your first electrolysis session may be slightly uncomfortable due to its delicate needles. Your electrologist will apply topical anesthetic prior to beginning so as to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Prior and during electrolysis treatment, drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin will provide more comfort and is better capable of conducting the electrical currents used. Be wary of any possible irritants like caffeine and alcohol which could further complicate matters.
Choose an experienced electrologist by seeking references and reading reviews before making a decision. Also ensure they exclusively employ needle electrolysis – which is the only form of permanent electrolysis – as this will protect the integrity of your hair from damage caused by their services. If not, avoid trusting them with it.
During Your Treatment
Electrolysis takes longer than laser hair removal because each individual hair follicle must be treated one at a time. Sessions usually last 30 to 45 minutes for larger areas such as legs or abdomen, according to PA-C and cosmetic injection expert Sadyk Fayz. While you may experience some minor discomfort from electrolysis hair removal treatment, overall it’s much less painful than other methods of hair removal.
At each treatment session, an electrologist will insert a small needle into each hair follicle and use an electrical current to destroy its growth center, producing a sensation similar to being pinched briefly. If you have sensitive skin, they may be able to find a lower power setting for you treatment session.
After your hair growth center is destroyed, new hair should never recur in that follicle again. Unfortunately, however, it may take multiple treatments in order to completely eradicate a follicle – as each follicle goes through three cycles with anagen (growing phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Therefore, in order to fully destroy each follicle permanently you should visit an electrologist multiple times during each of its three stages of your hair growth cycle in order to permanently eliminate each follicle from future regrowth.
As you continue receiving electrolysis treatments, your unwanted hair will begin to diminish in size until eventually disappearing entirely. While this may take several sessions for full results to become visible, the journey will certainly be worth your while when considering its lasting nature.
Electrolysis treatments vary in duration depending on each individual, as each hair follicle has a unique growth cycle. But with dedication and commitment, electrolysis could soon have you hair-free for good!
Note that between appointments it is important to avoid shaving, tweezing, or waxing as this will speed up regrowth of hairs at a faster rate and should therefore be avoided until all treatment programs have concluded. Your electrologist will inform you how long before returning to these methods of hair removal.
After Your Treatment
Electrolysis hair removal works regardless of skin tone and body hair texture, offering the versatility needed for effective treatments like laser. While each person experiences electrolysis differently; some may find the treatment painful while for others it can be virtually pain-free. An electrologist uses a small probe inserted into each follicle opening where electric current destroys each growth center; you may feel an electrical pinch-like impulse during the procedure but topical lidocaine cream may help alleviate some sensation.
Respect your electrologist’s guidelines by not shaving, tweezing or waxing before your appointment and informing them if there are any medical conditions or medications which could impede results.
An electrologist should make it as painless and relaxing for their clients as possible during treatment, Elise advises her clients to use moisturizer and ice the area to soothe it after and during treatments, respectively. Most can tolerate and some even find the process enjoyable and relaxing.
Treatment sessions can last between 15 minutes and half an hour, depending on the area being treated. Facial electrolysis on upper lips or eyebrows typically only requires five minutes per session to provide results that leave skin red or pink and slightly swollen; according to our experts, cooling compresses should help ease any discomfort after each treatment session.
Once completed, there should be no new hair growth in that area. How long it takes may vary greatly between individuals; each follicle has its own growth cycle which may be affected by factors like heredity and hormone levels; drugs; temporary methods of hair removal; as well as illnesses like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Maintenance
If you have been experiencing unwanted hair growth on areas of your body that make you unhappy, electrolysis could be the perfect permanent hair removal option for you. Electrolysis offers long-term solutions like shaving, waxing, or chemical depilatories haven’t managed; permanent results with electrolysis take some time but are guaranteed.
Electrolysis involves inserting an extremely fine needle or wire into the base of each hair follicle without puncturing the skin, then passing an electric current down its probe in order to destroy and prevent future hair growth.
Electrolysis involves several distinct methods for permanent hair removal, including Thermolysis, Shortwave Diathermy and Galvanic treatments. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages; no evidence exists to prove any one treatment over another in terms of long-term effectiveness. It is best to seek treatment from an electrologist who has completed training specifically related to permanent hair removal.
Before your appointment, it will be necessary to trim or pluck your hair to an optimal length so the electric current can effectively remove it. Elise recommends her clients avoid caffeine two hours beforehand as this can heighten stress levels, making the experience more uncomfortable.
Your body area will determine how many sessions will be necessary to remove all unwanted hair. The more dense and thick the hair, the longer it may take. Appointments should be scheduled weekly or every other week during this process.
Reason for so many sessions: Each hair follows a three-stage cycle: it grows, rests and then falls out. Since it can be difficult to catch each individual hair when its growing stage comes along, adherence is crucial in successfully treating your scalp hair loss.
