In the nineteenth century, physicians realized that hair growth began at its source: in a “pulp” at the base of each follicle. Removing that pulp permanently removes all hair; unfortunately however, their methods were crude, often leading to scarring and were expensive; poorer patients often demanded higher current flows to accelerate treatment sessions but run the risk of more scarring than usual.
Treatment Time
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal procedure performed by licensed practitioners using small needles inserted into each individual hair follicle to apply an electrical current that destroys them. Although this process is somewhat painful and lengthy, its benefits far outweigh its downsides in the end.
First step of electrolysis timeline: find a practitioner you trust – friends or family may provide recommendations, or your physician might make one for you. After selecting one, it’s essential to make an appointment in advance so as not to disrupt sessions during their schedule.
Before your appointment, it is best to avoid shaving or tweezing your hair, as this could interfere with treatment. Instead, trim it using scissors or bikini razor to ensure that at least 1/4-inch long of hair remains uncut. Furthermore, no caffeine should be consumed prior to attending as this could increase stress levels and make the procedure more uncomfortable.
Once you arrive for your appointment, an electrologist will begin by administering an injection of local anesthetic. Next, she will insert needles into individual follicles. Depending on their size and tolerance level, this could take anywhere between 15-30 minutes.
Some patients may experience a burning sensation or swollen skin following an electrolysis treatment session. To minimize hyperpigmentation and avoid direct sunlight after electrolysis treatment, apply a cool compress and stay out of direct sunlight, staying indoors for as long as possible afterwards and applying sunscreen with high SPF regularly will also help protect from discoloration.
As hair grows back in cycles, multiple sessions may be necessary in order to completely clear an area of unwanted hair. While the amount of treatment hours needed varies from person to person, remember that your results will be permanent as no hair will grow back into those specific follicles ever again – giving you confidence that all unwanted hair has gone forever!
Preparation Time
Electrolysis of substances such as salt or iron oxide in pure water separates it into its component parts, including positively charged ions that migrate towards an electron-providing cathode and negatively charged anions that move toward an anode where they are reduced into chlorine gas or sodium hydroxide.
Electrolysis can also be used for hair removal to permanently destroy the ability of follicles to produce new hair follicles, as opposed to waxing or shaving which temporarily remove hair but don’t prevent its regrowth.
Electrolysis treatments vary in length depending on how long hair has been growing, its size and other personal factors. You may require multiple electrolysis sessions each month over an approximate one year period.
Before an electrolysis session, it’s essential to properly hydrate your skin and avoid using lotions or ointments which could interfere with electricity passing through the epidermis. A numbing cream will be applied prior to each treatment to alleviate discomfort and make the process more comfortable. You should stay out of direct sunlight for 48-hrs prior to your appointment in order to prevent dilation of blood vessels, and limit caffeine, alcohol and chocolate 24-hrs beforehand.
As soon as you arrive for your electrolysis session, your electrologist will apply a thin layer of numbing cream. Depending on where it will be applied, this may feel slightly uncomfortable but try and remain relaxed throughout as any anxiety could heighten pain levels further.
An electrologist will then insert their probe into a hair follicle and use heat and electric current to disable its ability to produce new hair growth. You may experience temporary reddening of your skin; this should not cause severe discomfort, though extra pain relief may be provided through topical anesthetic creams and/or topical anesthetics by your electrologist if necessary.
Session Time
Electrolysis is a slow and laborious treatment; multiple sessions will likely be needed in order to permanently remove hair from a follicle. To perform electrolysis successfully, one needs to insert a needle into a hair follicle before passing an electric current through it in order to heat up surrounding tissue and destroy its function.
Your number of sessions to achieve permanent hair loss depends on your genetics, skin type and the area being treated. Women with very thick and dark hair may require additional treatments than those with finer, lighter locks; furthermore, previous waxing or tweezing could have bent or misshapen follicles making it harder for needle to access them.
Selecting an electrologist is also of great importance. Seek referrals from friends or family and schedule a consultation prior to beginning any treatment sessions. During this visit, examine cleanliness and sterilization equipment as well as make sure your electrologist understands your medical history as well as any medications being taken by taking stock of the information about yourself that your electrologist can provide.
Once you have found an appropriate electrologist, they will begin your session by applying numbing cream directly to the area being treated, followed by injection of local anesthetics to further numb your skin and then begin treatment itself – you must remain completely still during all steps of this procedure.
After using a metal probe to insert needle into hair follicle, an electrologist will then use an electric current flow. Depending on which form of electrolysis (thermolysis, blend or galvanic), appointments typically last one hour or more per session.
Though no exact timeline exists for permanent hair removal, most people report that it takes between 1 to 4 years of regular electrolysis sessions for permanent results to show. Since every follicle needs to be treated individually for optimal results. Even once “completion” has been reached, additional visits may still be required to remove stray hairs that remain.
Post-Treatment Care
Electrology causes minor trauma to your skin, causing it to swell and form small scabs similar to sunburns. Over time, however, they should fade and your skin should return to its regular state. For best results, avoid excessive sun exposure while using gentle cleansers on the affected area and keeping moisturized – this will prevent irritation or redness occurring later on. For greater comfort during treatment sessions you may apply a topical anesthetic beforehand for added peace of mind.
Effective and permanent hair removal requires catching each individual follicle at its optimal growth cycle. Hair follicles go through three distinct stages of development: anagen (growing); catagen (transitional); and telogen (resting). Only when hair has reached telogen can it be successfully eliminated using electrology; for this reason it is crucial that regular visits to your electrologist allow you to maximize each treatment session and ensure all unwanted hair has been effectively addressed.
Many MTF transgender clients choose electrolysis before having feminization surgery as they wish to eliminate facial hair quickly and safely. If this is your decision as well, we advise consulting your physician beforehand in order to make sure it’s safe.
Electrology treatments vary depending on a number of factors, including your personal tolerance level, treatment frequency needs and electrologist skill; it is generally expected to clear all unwanted hair within a year with consistent attendance to treatment sessions and diligent care from an electrologist.
