Electrolysis is an FDA-approved permanent form of hair removal. Thus, it’s understandable if, following your first few treatments, more hair appears than expected!
It is completely normal and there may be several reasons for it.
It’s normal
Electrolysis has been used as a permanent hair removal method for more than 130 years, employing a thin needle inserted into the opening of each hair follicle and an electric current running through it to cause chemical reaction, producing sodium hydroxide (commonly referred to as “lye”). Lye attacks the germ cells responsible for new hair growth before dissolving into sodium hydroxide which destroys it and can no longer grow hair in its place – therefore eliminating further hair regrowth after treatment. Understanding this process will give insight into why some regrowth may still appear after treatment is complete; therefore understanding why some hair regrowth may exist after your first session of electrolysis is so crucial!
Always find a trustworthy electrologist and ensure they are certified. Seek referrals from friends, family and other hair removal professionals; then meet them for a consultation where all your questions will be addressed – the reputable electrologist should be more than willing to explain everything thoroughly so that you are completely confident with your choice.
Some individuals experience hair growth immediately following electrolysis sessions due to something known as “folliculitis”. This occurs when bacteria get into follicles and cause inflammation. To minimize its occurrence, daily washing of treatment area with antibacterial soap that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is advised; also remember not to shave or pluck any of your treated areas’ hair.
If you shave or pluck hair, it will take several weeks for the skin to recover from irritation, after which time, hair may start growing back in an odd direction as damaged germ cells in that follicle no longer produce sufficient hair for normal follicular development.
Electrolysis requires multiple sessions to achieve permanency. Many individuals must visit a professional electrologist at least weekly or every other week until their desired results have been attained. When making this determination, consult your electrologist first as to the number of treatments required to get desired results.
Electrolysis treatments involve passing a small electric current through a needle to change the salt and water in your follicle into sodium hydroxide, which is caustic enough to kill hair germ cells that promote new hair growth and stop them from producing new locks. When performing your electrolysis appointment, drinking plenty of water before and during your appointment is also key for optimal follicle hydration and easier treatment.
It’s not permanent
Electrolysis could be your perfect permanent hair removal solution. Performed by trained electrologists, electrolysis offers permanent removal of unwanted hair. Please be aware that electrolysis treatment sessions vary per individual; total number may last from several weeks up to several years depending on desired result.
Electrolysis involves inserting a thin needle into a hair follicle and using a tool designed to extract unwanted hairs from its root. A small amount of heat is then applied, while electrical current converts salt and water in the follicle into sodium hydroxide or “lye,” which destroys cells responsible for hair production thereby making hair growth impossible to return.
Other methods for hair removal primarily target immediate and temporary removal of visible or subsurface hair that has yet to emerge from within a follicle – as they do not destroy the follicle itself.
Note that electrolysis destroys only around 35 percent of hair follicles per session, meaning multiple sessions will likely be necessary to effectively and permanently reduce your amount of hair.
When choosing an electrolysis technician, make sure they are licensed and reputable. Get references from friends or family who have had electrolysis done themselves, as well as looking for practices with an appealing appearance that appear to adhere to good hygiene practices. Furthermore, discuss your medical history with them so that they can advise if treatment will be safe for you.
Tweezing or waxing just prior to an electrolysis appointment should also be avoided in order to prevent false regrowth, since this causes early anagen follicles to be removed without immediate replacement by resting telogen follicles, as this takes time for healing and producing new anagen follicles – giving rise to periods of false regrowth while the resting telogens continue to produce their anagen follicles. As soon as these new anagen follicles appear, you could experience false regrowth until this cycle repeats itself again!
It’s not dangerous
Electrolysis is an effective and long-term hair removal solution. Unlike shaving and waxing, which only temporarily eliminate the unwanted hairs, electrolysis destroys their roots for good – effective against all skin types including sensitive ones! Electrolysis works well with eyebrows, faces, underarms and bikini lines alike and takes multiple sessions for permanent results due to hairs growing back at various phases of growth cycles.
Electrolysis involves inserting a small probe into the hair follicle without puncturing the skin, and applying small amounts of electricity that penetrates its base, cutting off blood supply to it and eventually killing it off. When selecting an electrologist for this treatment, always ensure they have been professionally trained and licensed – ask to see their sterile equipment, feel comfortable around their practitioner and trust him or her completely with this task.
Finding an electrologist is easy when you get recommendations from friends or family members, or look for certified practitioners from your state health department. Some practitioners advertise electrolysis but use electronic tweezers or photoepilators instead; you should visit the clinic to observe its cleanliness and hygiene standards.
There are three forms of electrolysis: thermolysis, blend and galvanic. Thermolysis uses needle or wire heat to heat up the follicle to destroy it while blend uses both heat and current to speed up galvanic reaction more effectively than thermolysis. Galvanic was initially the form used but is no longer popularly employed today.
Electrolysis treatment needs vary from person to person and should take between 8-14 sessions over time, usually performed weekly or bi-weekly. Additional sessions may be necessary if your hair is thick or stubborn or your area of treatment larger than usual.
As hair growth occurs at different rates, visiting an electrologist during periods of peak development is crucial in order to destroy follicles when they are at their most active growth phase and produce long-term benefits. Although the process can be lengthy, its worth it in terms of long-term benefits.
It’s not painful
Electrolysis is one of the most permanent methods available for hair removal. Electrolysis has been around for more than fifty years and remains highly effective. Furthermore, electrolysis is FDA-approved – meaning that it has been thoroughly tested to be safe and effective across a wide range of skin and hair types. Not only that but electrolysis treatments also tend to be significantly less costly and convenient – taking much less time and less money overall!
At your appointment, you’ll lay down on a table, while your technician uses a clean needle to extract unwanted hairs from follicles using heat generated from its tip inserted into each one. As heat from this needle damages growth cells that control hair production, which eventually leads to its cessation – lasting from minutes up to several hours depending on the size of your area being treated. Most clients do not experience pain during an electrolysis treatment session although some may feel slight tingling; if necessary, topical anesthetic can be applied before the treatment begins.
After treatment, your skin may appear red and irritated; this is not usually a cause for alarm. Instead of scratching to reduce irritation caused by bacteria entering open follicles and inflicting inflammation, try applying topical anesthetics like Neosporin or Bacitracin to the area for swelling reduction. You could also try placing a cool compress over itchy spots to help ease itching and inflammation.
Many people are intimidated by the prospect of electrolysis due to its perceived pain. However, this is simply not true – electrolysis should only ever cause discomfort if conducted by someone with inadequate training and an unlicensed provider is hired for your appointment. When selecting your provider make sure they hold full state certification as well as belong to professional associations and participate in continuing education classes so you know they’re up-to-date with industry advances and the latest advancements.
