Electrolysis provides permanent results as opposed to laser hair removal which relies on pigment. Electrolysis has been practiced for over 100 years and provides lasting solutions.
No matter if they appear on your face or body, this permanent hair removal option can provide long-term and effective solutions. We interviewed a professional to learn all there is to know about this effective long-term method.
Why Electrolysis?
Electrolysis has long been considered the gold standard when it comes to hair removal. Electrolysis works on any color of hair, skin tone or texture – including white hair! The technique involves inserting a small metal probe into each individual follicle before using an electrical current to weaken and destroy its cells – since each hair grows at its own rate, multiple treatments will need to be conducted until all unwanted hairs have been destroyed permanently.
Electrolysis can be relatively painless; however, its impact will depend on a person’s individual pain threshold and treatment area. Electrologists note that electrolysis treatment for sensitive areas like the groin or neck is especially sensitive while facial treatments should also be carefully planned for. It is wise to find a practitioner who offers numbing to work within different pain levels and comfort zones before choosing electrolysis as your procedure of choice. Likewise, take a tour of their facility before meeting with technicians for their approval to proceed with any procedure.
Though electrolysis takes more time to treat larger areas, its results are long-lasting and safer than alternative approaches like chemical depilatories, home waxing kits or shaving. “Electrolysis is one of the safest ways to rid yourself of unwanted hair as long as you consult a licensed electrologist with high-quality equipment,” according to Limoges.
Electrolysis stands out as one of the only hair removal treatments specifically tailored for transgender and gender non-conforming people, as well as those living with PCOS, according to Dana Elise, an electrologist who works with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Consider that although laser hair removal is promoted as permanent, it’s actually not. Lasers target pigment and don’t kill root follicles of each hair follicle – meaning after some number of sessions (which will vary from client to client), hair will begin growing back again after treatment has ended. In contrast, electrolysis kills all hair follicles which result in permanent hair removal. Lasers may work for other shades too if managed by trained practitioners familiar with such hair colors.
How Electrolysis Works
Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into the opening of a hair follicle and passing an electric current through to destroy it permanently. As opposed to photoepilators or other temporary methods of hair removal, electrolysis offers permanent results.
Elise recommends taking an over-the-counter pain reliever prior to each appointment in order to ease discomfort, particularly if your pain tolerance is low. If this is the case for you, please take an over-the-counter painkiller for your own protection as an added measure of safety.
As with braces, electrologists must be licensed and certified before beginning treatment plans with them. “Like braces,” advises Michele Green of dermatology practice Michele Green Dermatology Group, and regular appointments to get optimal results are needed to get desired results from electrolysis sessions. Michele also suggests for best results it would be wise to avoid waxing products prior to sessions as well as use gentle cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help reduce bacteria entering hair follicles that cause inflammation – all necessary for successful electrolysis sessions!
Electrolysis uses an electrical charge delivered through a needle into each hair follicle to change its salt and water into sodium hydroxide, more commonly known as lye. This causes permanent destruction to your follicle by knocking out its root, so no new hairs will grow back there in future treatments.
Consideration should be given when planning an electrolysis procedure:
Time can be the biggest hurdle with permanent hair removal methods; sessions on small areas like your lip may take 15-30 minutes while those targeting larger ones could last several hours or even several days. Another factor to keep in mind when considering permanent hair removal methods is your risk for keloid scarring, which may become noticeable and require surgery for removal. If this is something that concerns you, consult your dermatologist about various permanent solutions before making a final decision.
Before selecting an electrologist, take time to inspect their practice to make sure it appears clean and that workers are wearing gloves and using disposable equipment. Furthermore, ask questions during your consultation session to ensure you’re choosing a practitioner with safe and effective techniques.
How Long Does Electrolysis Take?
Electrolysis treatments will vary from person to person, with some needing multiple sessions over a year and a half period in order to achieve permanent hair removal results. Electrolysis does cause some discomfort; however it’s less painful than waxing or other chemical depilatories.
Your electrologist employs a small, sharp needle that’s inserted into each hair follicle in order to eliminate its ability to produce another hair follicle. How much discomfort you experience depends on both your pain threshold and session duration; to minimize any discomfort during electrolysis treatments you could use topical anesthetic cream prior to appointments.
Make sure your electrologist is licensed and qualified by choosing one from either the American Board of Hair Removal Professionals or National Accrediting Commission for Hair Professionals; both organizations offer qualified electrologists. When searching for electrolysis providers, use only needle electrolysis instead of photoepilators or other devices – this will guarantee maximum safety and efficacy of treatment. To find such professionals quickly.
Before beginning electrolysis treatment, it’s essential to prepare yourself for the commitment required of regular appointments with an electrologist. Most individuals seeking electrolysis need to visit their electrologist once every other week or once weekly until their desired area has been cleared; then less frequent appointments can be scheduled until all hair growth has stopped completely.
Electrolysis works best by capturing each hair at its optimal growth state; this requires time. Thus, electrolysis may take longer than other hair removal methods like waxing for small amounts of hair that need removing more quickly and effectively.
Electrolysis requires patience and perseverance, but its results are truly permanent. Other hair removal options such as waxing or chemical depilatories only produce temporary solutions; electrolysis offers long-term solutions. Electrolysis may be ideal for anyone tired of dealing with unwanted hair or wanting an effective alternative to other methods for its removal.
What Are the Side Effects of Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is one of the safest permanent hair removal methods available; however, there can still be side effects which vary in intensity depending on an individual. Most commonly experienced are slight pain during and after treatments due to direct electric current being used to destroy hair follicles; additional temporary side effects could include reddening, swelling and tenderness in treated areas; these side effects should pass quickly after completion of treatment.
An electrolysis session may result in hair follicle infection, leading to folliculitis rash. If this is experienced by a client, they should stop electrolysis sessions until the infection clears up; an antibacterial cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid could help stop bacteria entering into their follicles; using antiscrub cleansers could also prevent further irritation by keeping hands off this area and avoid scrubbing as this will irritate and inflame it further.
Electrolysis treatments sometimes cause temporary bruising as another unwanted side effect, though this should only happen under extreme circumstances such as when an electrologist presses too hard on your skin or when puncturing an follicle with needle. Any temporary redness should subside quickly by applying witch hazel directly after your appointment.
Gia has extensive training and experience with electrolysis treatments to permanently remove unwanted hair. She holds licensure from Tennessee – one of the states with stringent licensing standards – which offers some of the strictest requirements in the U.S.
Before scheduling an electrolysis treatment appointment, inquire with your practitioner to determine any special instructions they require of you before and after electrolysis treatment. Most practitioners advise against shaving, tweezing or waxing between appointments as this could stimulate new hair follicle growth.
Before your electrolysis appointment, it is also wise to avoid caffeine as this can increase stress levels and make the procedure more uncomfortable for you. If you decide to undergo electrolysis treatment, make sure you commit fully and keep all appointments! Failing to do so could delay achieving permanent hair removal.
