Electrolysis

Electrolysis is an effective and innovative way to permanently remove excess or unwanted hair. What’s more - it’s completely safe for both the body and the face. During the session, a professional electrologist will remove excess hair using an electric current.The whole procedure is pain-free and has no harmful or long-lasting side effects.

OVERVIEW

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is an approach for permanent and painless hair removal. During the procedure, a very thin wire is inserted into the hair follicles underneath the skin surface. A small current then travels down the length of the wire and destroys the hair root. This damage to the hair follicle inhibits the growth of new hair roots, and the existing hair soon begins to fall out.

Electrolysis for hair removal isn’t a new concept and has actually been around for more than 100 years. It was invented to combat ingrown eyelash hairs and has been in use ever since. Today, there exists only one FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, and that’s electrolysis.

Who does electrolysis suit?

Hair growth is a completely normal thing and is often desirable as well. However, everybody is different and so there may be some people who would like to try out electrolysis, which could be because they:

• Are unhappy about the region of hair growth (for example, on the chin, breasts, between the eyebrows, or on the upper lip).
• Have hirsutism, which is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth.
• Are transitioning from one gender to another.

What parts of the body can electrolysis treat?

Electrolysis is a suitable hair removal option for most regions of the body, such as the:

• Back
• Thighs, lower legs, and the bikini line.
• Abdomen, chest, and breasts.
• Face, including the chin, lip, and eyebrows.
• Fingers and toes.
• Underarms
• Arms

What causes unwanted hair growth?

Excessive hair growth can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as:

• Heredity factors (The amount and thickness of your body hair are heavily influenced by genetics).
• Hormone prevalence, such as high androgen levels (male hormones).
• Certain drugs, such as some steroids.
• Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What device is used during electrolysis?

The devices used during an electrolysis treatment are called epilators, which use electric currents to destroy growth centers in the hair follicle.

What happens during electrolysis?

Electrologists often use an extremely thin needle (even finer than one single hair) for the procedure. This needle is then inserted into the hair follicle’s opening and a small current is administered, which destroys the hair growth cells. It is normal to feel a slight pinch or some heat for a brief moment when the needle enters the skin.

How many electrolysis treatments will I need?

Usually, several electrolysis appointments are required to achieve the best results. The number of required treatment sessions differs from person to person and depends on many factors such as hair coarseness and body region. Typically, appointments are needed every week or every other week, and this cycle can go on for as long as needed to achieve the desired result.

Treatment duration is dependent on several factors such as the body region and hair type. Larger areas or regions with very thick or coarse hair will require more treatments.

Why do I need so many electrolysis treatments?

Hair goes through many different growth cycles. Hair follicles create hair and later discard it via shedding, creating a cycle of growth, rest, and replacement.Each individual hair can be in a different cycle stage at any given moment, and so it’s important to get multiple treatments to ensure that every single gets caught and destroyed.

How long does electrolysis treatment last?

The duration for one electrolysis treatment session can be from anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour.

What do I need to know after the procedure?

For the initial 24 hours post-treatment, it is advisable to avoid activities that put you at risk of hair follicle irritation, such as:

• Sweat inducing activities
• Tanning
• Exposing the treated area to the sun
• Applying cosmetics or makeup

RISKS / BENEFITS

What advantages does electrolysis have?

After completing electrolysis treatments, many people experience permanent hair removal from the treated area. Another benefit of electrolysis is that it is suitable for many body regions and skin types. It can be used to safely and permanently remove hair from sensitive areas of the body, such as the face, armpits, or bikini line.

Does electrolysis come with any risks or complications?

In general, Electrolysis is considered to be a very safe and effective hair removal procedure. There are some rare chances of infection (in case an unsterile needle is used) or scarring (which may happen if electrolysis is carried out incorrectly). However, it’s important to remember that these risks are very low and you won’t run into any issues if you get the procedure done by a professional and reputable electrolysis practice.

There may be some slight skin redness during and after the treatment, which is normal and subsides easily.

People with deeper skin tones may temporarily get some dark spots on their skin, which fade away over time.

Will electrolysis leave any scars?

There have been no reports of scarring after electrolysis treatments.

Is the electrolysis procedure painful?

Electrolysis is generally a pain-free procedure and does not cause a lot of discomfort. There is usually just a slight tingling sensation with a bit of heat. However, if you have concerns about pain and discomfort, you can talk to your electrologist about using a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) during the procedure.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

What is the recovery time after electrolysis?

Everyday activities can safely be resumed almost immediately after treatment.

Are electrolysis results permanent?

Yes, electrolysis is a safe approach for permanent hair removal and suits many skin regions, types, and tones. Additionally, it is the only hair removal treatment to be awarded approval from the FDA. Electrolysis permanently destroys growth cells in the hair follicles, thus ensuring there won’t be any further hair growth.