Professional electrology hair removal techniques deliver permanent relief, unlike waxing, threading, tweezing and other hair removal methods which only offer temporary results. Electrology utilizes solid probes instead of hollow needles that could transmit bacteria or viruses and compromise its efficiency.
Electrolysis typically causes a quick warmth that varies with each client and at certain points during their cycle. Sensitivity also varies by individual.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment consisting of multiple sessions designed to permanently close off an unwanted hair follicle. Electrolysis stands apart from waxing and other chemical depilatories by targeting individual follicles directly, effectively stopping new hair growth – thus making it the only permanent hair removal method recognized by both American Medical Association and Federal Drug Administration.
At treatment, you’ll lay on a table while being monitored by a technician who will insert needles into each unwanted hair follicle and use heat or low-level electrical current through them to stimulate each one. The process usually lasts from minutes to hours and may cause brief pinches and heat sensations from each time the needle enters a hair follicle.
If you’re interested in electrolysis, make sure that you locate a licensed electrologist with experience performing this procedure. Get referrals from friends and family or check if your state requires electrologists be licensed or certified before making your choice.
When receiving electrolysis treatments, make sure not to shave or use any other forms of hair removal between appointments as this could lead to irritation that will delay results of treatments.
Though electrolysis may be painful and time-consuming, experts consider it well worth your while as it works to permanently remove unwanted hair. Furthermore, other benefits to using this form of hair removal such as not irritating your skin have also been touted by proponents of electrolysis as being worth your while. If discomfort remains a concern for you before beginning treatment with your electrologist may provide painkilling injections before commencing with electrolysis sessions.
How does electrolysis work?
Redox (oxidation reduction) reactions occur when electrical current passes through an electrolytic cell, creating chemical reactions called redox reactions which would not occur spontaneously. Redox reactions transform electrical energy into chemical energy by creating ions in the electrolyte (molten or dissolved state) that convert electrical into chemical energy; anions are attracted to electrodes with negative charges, or cathodes, while electrons move towards negatively charged anodes; the reaction occurs within half-cells that are separated by salt bridges for efficiency of both reactions to take place simultaneously.
An anode’s redox reaction can destroy the nucleus of hair follicles, providing one key method of permanent hair removal. Over time, hair production will decrease until eventually all follicles close off permanently and cannot regrow hair again. A trained electrologist can create a treatment schedule tailored specifically to each area with respect to number of hairs present, skin sensitivity issues, previous methods used and any other factors considered important when providing this service.
As for side effects, there’s a minimal risk of hyperpigmentation in the treated areas; this risk can be minimized by using an effective moisturizer after treatments to keep skin hydrated and reduce any redness or inflammation that might ensue.
Overall, most people can achieve effective and safe results from professional licensed electrologists. As with other methods of hair removal, there may be an initial learning curve when it comes to electrolysis; many find more success when they keep appointments as regrowth hairs can sprout at any point post-treatment that could thwart results. It’s essential that your appointment schedule be kept strict because hair regrowth could occur at any time after your initial session, potentially undermining results.
How long does electrolysis take?
As with any permanent treatment, the number of sessions will differ for everyone; once you reach your targeted number of appointments, however, your unwanted hair should be completely gone from your body for good.
Electrologists treat individual hair follicles at a time, so it takes longer for larger areas of body hair removal than laser or threading treatments. While it requires patience and more investment up front, permanent results will show in time and money saved over time.
At an electrolysis session, an electrologist employs a thin probe that they slide under a hair follicle and insert into its opening where hair growth occurs. Electric current from their machine passes through this point on the probe tip creating heat that destroys its ability to produce further hair follicles.
Electrolysis treatments vary in terms of pain severity depending on each person’s pain threshold and treatment area. Elise has found that most clients describe electrolysis treatments as having an unpleasant, sharp-stinging sensation which quickly subsides once the probe is removed from their skin. She advises applying topical anesthetic prior to your appointment in order to minimise discomfort.
Before choosing an electrolysis practitioner, be sure to seek recommendations from friends or family who have already undergone this procedure. Arrange a consultation session, and ensure you feel at ease by asking about cleanliness and sterilization practices of each practitioner.
Once you’ve identified an electrolysis practitioner, follow their guidelines when preparing for your electrolysis treatments. For instance, they might advise against shaving or waxing for several days prior to their appointment, so be sure to trim existing hair using scissors or bikini trimmers instead. Furthermore, some practitioners might provide specific instructions regarding preparation that could ensure successful outcomes from electrolysis treatments.
Is electrolysis painful?
Electrolysis offers an alternative to laser hair removal that’s less painful: electrolysis works on all skin colors and hair types alike, though it may be slightly more uncomfortable as each follicle must be targeted individually by the technician – slowing the procedure considerably compared with laser treatments. As a result, you should only receive electrolysis treatment from licensed facilities managed by professional providers.
An experienced electrologist should be able to answer any of your questions regarding safety and comfort during needle electrolysis treatments. Make sure your practitioner uses needle electrolysis (not laser or tweezers), has valid license and insurance, is comfortable working on your desired area, has plenty of experience, etc.
At each session, it is also important that your practitioner has a clean and sterilized work station and uses disposable needles. Direct sun exposure after treatment increases the risk of hyperpigmentation in treated areas.
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal option, but results take time and effort. Sessions should usually take place weekly or biweekly depending on the area to be treated, in order to achieve your desired look and make permanent changes that leave skin hair-free forever.
Other hair removal methods, like waxing, may be more convenient than electrolysis; however, they’re still temporary as they remove only the hair shaft while leaving behind dermal papillae that continue to produce new growth cycles and may lead to thicker coarser textures of hair that is harder to treat with electrolysis.
Is electrolysis safe?
Galvanic electrolysis is an ideal hair removal treatment suitable for all skin types and tones, including sensitive ones like sensitive. As the only permanent hair removal method, electrolysis works on all body parts such as eyebrows, cheeks, chin, jaw line, forehead ears neck shoulders arms underarms breast abdomen legs back. Electrolysis works on blonde, red gray or white hair color making it suitable for treating areas that don’t respond as well to laser treatments such as chest or abdomen legs back.
Electrolysis uses electric current to destroy the growth cells of hair follicles, thus stopping hair from growing back in that spot. Electrolysis can effectively remove unwanted facial and body hair permanently as well as ingrown hairs, red bumps (folliculitis) and milia. Electrolysis may also be useful in treating piercings, tattoos and scars.
Electrolysis treatments, like any medical procedure, may cause side effects. Common reactions include redness, swelling and scabbing at the treatment site following electrolysis treatment; these side effects usually subside within a few days; however, infection risk exists if performed by unlicensed practitioners who use improperly sterilized needles during this process.
Electrolysis treatments often result in ingrown hairs, which occur when damaged follicles become clogged with hair and skin debris after electrolysis treatments, making the ingrowns uncomfortable and unsightly; however, they are treatable through regular follow-up appointments with your electrologist and the use of no harsh chemicals that irritate your skin – ultimately outweighing any temporary side effects that may occur – making electrolysis an excellent long-term solution for permanently eliminating unwanted hair growth.
