Electrologists utilize a needle to inject into the base of a hair follicle. Once there, an electric current destroys dermal papilla so that hair cannot regrow back.
Permanent hair removal through laser therapy requires multiple sessions, but once that process is complete, all unwanted hair will be completely gone for good.
Pain
Electrolysis typically causes some level of discomfort for most individuals; its intensity depends on various factors including skin sensitivity, area being treated and individual pain threshold. Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique using fine needles to destroy each unwanted hair follicle’s growth center; many compare its sensation with hot pinpricking or pinching. Over time however, discomfort typically reduces with each treatment session received and subsequent sessions become increasingly effective at eliminating hair growth altogether.
Electrologists employ a medical device known as an epilator to administer the current that destroys hair follicles. The epilator features a fine needle attached to a small handheld machine which generates electricity that kills each follicle through small holes on the surface of skin; when used by experienced electrologists it produces sufficient heat on its tip for killing off each hair follicle effectively and safely. A low quality instrument could result in burning, scarring and infection issues for which more experienced technicians must be sought.
Electric current entering follicles activates a chemical reaction which destroys cells responsible for hair regrowth over time. For this reason, several electrolysis treatments may be necessary. Each session typically lasts 15-60 minutes; many clients come back weekly or bi-weekly until all areas have become hair free.
Electrolysis may cause discomfort on specific parts of the body; however, most can tolerate electrolysis’ discomfort since it’s far less painful than temporary methods like waxing and threading, and also has far fewer side effects than these other options.
Some clients with high tolerances for discomfort can even drift off during an electrolysis treatment session, while others only feel minimal sensation as each treatment brings them closer to achieving perfectly smooth skin.
If you’re interested in electrolysis as a permanent way to eliminate unwanted hair, ask friends and family for referrals of reliable electrologists. Schedule a consultation, ensuring you ask plenty of questions at your first appointment – this gives you an excellent opportunity to assess their professionalism, cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Numbing
As its name implies, numbing is defined by an absence of sensation. After skiing all day or hearing that your favorite band had broken up, your toes may feel numb; in this instance, sadness, shock or anger wouldn’t come into play immediately. Numb can also refer to lack of emotions; depression and abuse victims often develop emotional numbness as a response mechanism.
Emotional numbing can also serve as a protective mechanism, shielding people from painful memories and feelings – especially those related to abuse. When experiencing this numbing, it is wise to seek professional assistance; often this indicates an underlying issue which needs treating.
Topical anesthetic is typically applied prior to electrolysis appointments in order to numb your skin sufficiently and allow for an effortless experience without much pain. You may still feel an occasional pinpricking sensation from when an electrologist inserts their needle into a hair follicle, which may become slightly irritating but shouldn’t last too long.
Hair follicle removal typically requires multiple sessions that range in duration from 45 to an hour or more, depending on the area being treated. You will likely set appointments weekly or every other week until all hair has been eradicated from that region.
Electrolysis sessions involve having an electrologist insert a fine needle into each hair follicle and pass an electric current through it, using very slow, controlled current to disable its ability to produce new hairs. Although some clients may find the treatment uncomfortable, most clients can tolerate it well enough to tolerate treatment successfully.
Elise advises using a thick and rich cream post-treatment to keep skin from becoming dry and itchy; alternatively you could try applying a cool compress or an ice pack to help decrease inflammation and irritation in this area.
Time
Electrolysis works on individual hair follicles, unlike laser hair removal which affects multiple at once. Therefore, treatment may take more time.
Each follicle needs to be treated when it reaches its optimal growing stage, which means each session could last anywhere from 15-30 minutes for small areas such as lips or eyebrows to an hour-plus in larger ones such as legs.
Some individuals have higher tolerances for pain than others and the level of discomfort can differ depending on where and which follicles are being targeted during treatment. On average, discomfort should be minimal and does not last long. At The Permanent Cosmetic Clinic, our electrologists strive to make each client as comfortable as possible during the procedure, including using numbing cream and discussing all available treatment options prior to commencing with actual procedures.
Electrolysis involves inserting a probe into the hair follicle and applying electrical current. This causes a chemical reaction that ultimately eliminates its ability to produce new hairs.
It may take several sessions before an area is fully cleared; on average, approximately 15-30 minute treatments each week for several weeks until that goal has been reached. Subsequently, treatments will taper off to around half an hour per session or less.
Electrolysis costs vary based on numerous factors, such as its location and provider experience; however, most electrologists offer package deals to save you money on permanent hair reduction journey.
Before beginning electrolysis treatments, it’s essential that prospective clients do their research. Be sure to find a licensed provider with experience, ask friends and family members for recommendations, and find providers offering free consultations for potential customers.
Areas
Electrolysis is an effective and permanent way of eliminating unwanted hair, which makes it the preferred solution in most instances. Electrolysis typically works faster and better than shaving or waxing; the number of sessions will depend on which part of the body needs treatment and how coarse its hair is.
First time electrolysis may be uncomfortable; however, with time your tolerance level will grow and you will become used to its sensations. Your experience of discomfort will depend on various factors including when your menstrual cycle (for women), caffeine/sugar intake, music selection and so forth. At your appointment an electrologist will insert a probe into each hair follicle before plugging the needle into an electric current source; the electrical current then travels through its tip destroying dermal papilla which supports hair growth preventing its return – effectively ending it’s appearance once and forever!
After an electrolysis session, your skin may look red and irritated for up to 24 hours post-session; any discomfort should subside within this timeframe. Antibiotic cream can help soothe both pain and itching; however, you must avoid scratching treated areas as this could lead to infections.
Electrolysis is a safe, permanent way of eliminating unwanted hair at a much more reasonable cost than laser treatments. Make sure that when selecting an electrologist for treatment that they are licensed and reputable. Also it’s essential that they be informed about any medical conditions or medications they are taking as this may impact how painful the treatments will be.
