Experts agree that electrolysis works on all hair and skin types; however, the process can take up to two years for completion.
At an initial consultation, an electrologist will evaluate your skin and discuss which results to expect, along with providing an estimate on how many treatments will be required.
Treatment Area
Electrolysis treats each individual hair follicle individually, taking longer than other options like laser hair removal which target large areas at once. However, it also means it is permanent; after multiple sessions have taken place the destroyed follicles will no longer produce new hair growth.
Electrolysis sessions vary in terms of length for each person due to each hair’s unique growth cycle; some hairs might be in anagen, catagen or telogen phases and some are fine while others coarse. You should visit your electrologist more often if your area of concern contains more coarse hairs and requires frequent electrolysis treatments.
Selecting a skilled and experienced electrologist will help to ensure you experience optimal results. Before scheduling an appointment with them, inquire about their training and experience; additionally look for one with a license to practice in your state.
Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into a hair follicle and passing an electrical current through it, heating and destroying the follicle and leading to its eventual fallout; after which tweezers can be used to pick it out from your skin. Electrolysis is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted hair anywhere on the body including sensitive areas like eyebrows or lips.
Electrolysis hair removal differs from laser hair removal in that it can be used on all hair colors and skin tones, unlike laser. Although bleaching or tanning should be avoided prior to an electrolysis appointment as this makes it harder for the electrologist to see the root of each individual hair follicle. It’s recommended to purchase a numbing cream either from your electrologist or from beauty supply stores before the procedure, to help alleviate discomfort during electrolysis; most patients tolerate electrolysis well with minimal pain levels throughout.
Treatment Time
Electrolysis treatments will vary depending on your pain threshold and density of hair growth in an area, using numbing cream or needles during treatments to minimize discomfort. While you may experience some irritation during these sessions, most people can tolerate them well enough that they can read, nap or listen to music during them.
Electrolysis differs from laser hair removal in that treatment can be completed more rapidly – often within just several sessions in-office and session by session. Initial clearance takes longer but gradually taper off over time.
Your treatments will likely need to occur every week or every other week for several months or longer, while an electrologist inserts needles into each hair follicle and destroys its roots.
Prior to visiting an electrologist, it’s essential that you do some preliminary research on them so you know they are experienced and qualified. Check if they are certified by your state, inquire about training opportunities available, and consider selecting one who offers numbing cream or needles to ensure a more pleasant treatment experience.
An electrologist with extensive training should be able to estimate approximately how many treatments will be necessary to permanently eradicate hair in any one area, and arrange all the appointments necessary.
People typically report that facial electrolysis takes one to four years on average to clear their faces due to factors like hormone imbalances, previous hair removal such as waxing or tweezing and illnesses that spur new hair growth.
Electrolysis offers another solution that can effectively stop hair growth for all skin and hair types – including those not eligible for laser removal. For optimal results, long-term treatments must include good practices to stop future regrowth between sessions such as using an antibacterial cleanser and applying numbing cream before each appointment.
Electrologist’s Skill
Electrologists specialize in permanent hair removal from both the face and body using epilators – an electric needle which enters hair follicles to destroy them with electric current – as a painless treatment plan to meet each client’s individual needs. During consultation, an electrologist will create a customized treatment plan specifically tailored for them.
Finding a qualified electrologist is easiest through recommendations. Ask your friends and family, your doctor and other health care providers for recommendations of qualified electrologists. In addition to getting recommendations, be sure your electrologist is licensed with adequate experience as well as providing a clean and hygienic working environment. Many practices offer free consultations so that you can become acquainted with them and ask any questions before scheduling appointments.
To become a licensed electrologist, one must complete an accredited study program. Program length and structure varies by state – some require as few as 400 hours while others may demand up to 1,000. Most electrologist training is provided through esthetician or cosmetology schools but vocational schools and junior colleges also offer electrology certification programs.
An electrologist must not only complete their education requirements but must also successfully pass a criminal background check and take part in continuing education courses. He or she must abide by a professional code of ethics; such guidelines dictate their conduct such as not engaging in alcohol consumption or illegal drugs before or after treating a client.
An electrologist must also routinely calibrate and maintain their epilator as part of preventive maintenance to ensure its proper operation and decrease errors or complications. Finally, an electrologist must keep up-to-date with new developments within electrology as well as refer appropriate patients when necessary.
Cost
Electrolysis costs depend on several variables. First of all, location can have an effect – prices tend to be higher in larger cities than smaller ones. Insurance will likely result in reduced prices as coverage will cover part or all of the treatment. Sessions required to achieve permanent hair removal vary between people; typically ten-14 sessions should suffice.
Electrolysis requires an electrologist to insert a needle into the opening of each hair follicle and administer a small electrical current, which causes it to close off and stop producing new hair growth. Each session of treatment takes up to an hour; typically patients come back for treatment at least weekly for up to 18 months before stopping altogether.
Skilled electrologists know exactly how to find a power setting that’s strong enough to destroy hair follicles without harming or scarring skin; pain levels should not be noticeable after only a few sessions and some patients become so delighted by the results that they continue coming in even after reaching their goal of permanently removing unwanted hair.
Before an electrolysis appointment, individuals should refrain from shaving, waxing, and tweezing the area to be treated. Instead, scissors or bikini razor can be used to trim away any extra hairs that have arisen since. In addition, caffeine consumption prior to appointments could increase tension levels and make treatment more painful.
People considering electrolysis should consult friends and family who have undergone it before seeking out an electrologist for themselves. After finding one who provides free consultations while meeting all licensing and certification requirements in their state, a person should use the American Electrology Association search engine to find one in their locality.
