Electrolysis, unlike shaving, waxing and depilatories, permanently destroys hair follicles. Although multiple sessions may be needed depending on each person’s individual circumstances, electrolysis treatments tend to produce long-term results and should only be done as required by their body.
Our experts emphasize the importance of finding an electrologist with both experience and license to treat. He or she should be able to advise you as to the number of treatments required in order to reach desired results.
Costs
Electrolysis treatments vary significantly in cost depending on a variety of factors, including hair type, skin color and area being treated. Thick or coarser hair takes longer to remove and requires multiple sessions than fine or light hair; larger areas also take more time per session and increase costs accordingly; prices per treatment typically range between $50-200; it is wise to discuss specifics of your situation with your electrologist in order to get an accurate idea of what you can expect.
Professional electrologists should have experience working with your type of hair. Furthermore, they should be licensed and certified. Check your state regulations or use the American Electrology Association provider search to locate qualified electrologists as unlicensed or noncertified electrologists can cause undue pain, scarring or infection.
Following your procedure, your skin may become red and swollen for one or two days following treatment. To minimize this discomfort, cold compresses or cooling moisturizing cream should be applied frequently to reduce redness and swelling; continue this practice between sessions as it will help avoid irritation and rash development. Also avoid direct sun exposure in order to lower your risk of hyperpigmentation in this area.
If you are considering electrolysis, it is recommended to plan multiple sessions over an extended period. This will increase your odds of success while decreasing any possible side effects. Furthermore, weekly or biweekly appointments should be scheduled in order for treatments to work faster and be more effective.
Electrolysis may be more expensive than shaving or depilatories, but it provides a long-term solution to unwanted hair. When compared to shaving, depilatories, or laser hair removal treatments over a lifetime of shaving, depilatories, or laser hair removal sessions it makes financial sense. Unfortunately it should not be undertaken if pregnant/breastfeeding women have metal implants in their bodies, pregnant/breastfeeding mothers are breastfeeding, or those with extremely sensitive skin should consult a physician first – electrolysis can damage nerves which lead to serious side effects causing long term problems with electrolysis treatments which should not cause irreparable harm!
Treatments
Electrolysis treatments vary in length depending on the size and shape of the area you want to address; from several minutes up to an hour may be needed depending on its scope. Since multiple sessions will likely be necessary in order to clear an area from hairs, it’s crucial that visits to your electrologist are scheduled on an ongoing basis – ideally every week until that area has been successfully treated.
The length and frequency of treatments depend on various factors, including hair thickness and density, type of skin and your attendance frequency. Some clients may require appointments every two weeks while others will only require treatments once every month or less. Electrolysis treatments are most frequently applied to eyebrows, lips and chin, though electrolysis may also be used on arms legs back chest.
Before your electrolysis treatment, be sure to notify your electrologist of any skin sensitivities or medical conditions you have, medications you are taking (as these may impact how sensitive you are), and a high pain threshold; ask for topical anesthetic from them – but remember, the probe pierces skin and hair follicles one at a time so each zap from electrode will still feel significant.
Electrolysis, unlike laser hair removal, is considered a safe and effective means of permanently eliminating unwanted hair. It can be performed on all skin types and colors and most areas of the body; our experts believe electrolysis to be especially helpful for people with sensitive or damaged skin, though they caution that it might not be an ideal solution for people who have coarse or fast-growing hair.
Electrolysis may be a lengthy and time-consuming process, but both experts agree it will pay off in the end: hair growth will become thinner and lighter over time and its results are permanent.
Numbing
Electrolysis is an extremely permanent hair removal method. Electrolysis works by dismantling hair follicle roots to prevent future growth, yet can be painful on sensitive skin. You can minimize pain by applying topical numbing cream containing 5% lidocaine; available from most beauty supply stores. These packets make applying the required amount easier while eliminating contamination issues associated with multi-use jars or tubes.
Apply numbing cream before your appointment; however, check with your practitioner for specific guidelines regarding this matter. Elise, for instance, advises her clients against shaving, tweezing, and waxing prior to an electrolysis session as the hair must be at least quarter-inch long in order for electrolysis probe to pull it out effectively. Furthermore, avoid eating or drinking anything acidic such as coffee, wine and citrus fruit prior to their appointments.
As part of your procedure, you may experience some warmth from an electric current running through a probe. However, this sensation should only last briefly; using numbing cream should help alleviate any feelings of discomfort, and an ice pack may be available if it becomes unbearable.
After your treatment, the treated area may become irritated and form small scabs, which usually heal within three or four days unless they persist and require dermatologist removal. Keloid scars – large raised scars that do not fade over time – may also occur as possible side effects.
Select an electrologist who has extensive training in electrology and maintains current licensure and certifications; check your state regulations online for this. Furthermore, ensure they work in a sterile environment using disposable needles during every session as this will decrease the chance of infection or scarring.
Side effects
Electrolysis is a safe procedure that uses no harmful chemicals or toxins, making it suitable for all hair and skin types and areas, including eyebrows. Furthermore, electrolysis does not cause long term health concerns and provides permanent solutions for unwanted hair removal – though multiple sessions may be required before you see results that meet your desired goals.
While many associate electrolysis with facial features, it can also be an extremely effective treatment for other parts of the body – including breasts and genital areas. Common side effects of electrolysis treatment may include redness, swelling, welts, tiny blisters or scabs; additionally, your skin may feel hot or sting briefly during treatment but this pain should fade quickly.
Cost of electrolysis varies significantly; on average, expect to pay about $50 for a 30 minute session. Of course, total expenses depend on what area of your body requires treatment and how many sessions are necessary; note that most health insurers do not cover electrolysis treatments as it’s considered cosmetic procedure.
Selecting a reliable electrologist is also of utmost importance, and there are various online resources that can help you locate a certified and experienced electrologist – such as The American Electrology Association’s database of electrologists organized by state.
After an electrolysis appointment, it’s essential to protect the skin by staying out of direct sunlight and applying moisturizer. Furthermore, shaving should be delayed until after healing has completed; at minimum wait one week. If necessary, electric foil razors should be used instead of manual ones in order to avoid ingrown hairs and use a numbing cream prior to shaving.
Electrolysis’ benefits still outweigh its drawbacks, however. Approved by the FDA as the only permanent hair removal technique suitable for all skin types and colors, electrolysis is safe for all hair types as well as saving money in the form of reduced shaving and waxing costs.
