Electrolysis Hair Removal - Everything You Need to Know

Electrolysis hair removal is a non-surgical, permanent hair reduction treatment that can be performed in an office setting. It works with the widest range of skin and hair types.

It is also one of the safest and most effective ways to remove unwanted hair for good! The only permanent hair removal method that is FDA approved, electrolysis is a great alternative to shaving, waxing, and threading.

How Long Does Electrolysis Take?

Most people require a series of electrolysis treatments in order to achieve permanent results. The total number of sessions will vary depending on how many hairs you have and your personal growth cycle. In general, most people will need between four and eight appointments to achieve permanent results.

How Do I Get Started?

First, you must find a professional electrologist. This is important because the technique used can determine the success of the treatment. Using a machine that is not designed for hair removal can lead to keloid scars, and causing your follicles to rupture during the procedure may lead to infection or other problems.

A skilled electrologist will know how to use the right equipment and the right amount of power to remove your hair without damaging your skin. You’ll be able to feel the device working on your skin, but you will likely not experience any pain.

You’ll need to schedule an appointment to begin the process. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour for each session, depending on the size of the area being treated.

The most common areas for electrolysis are eyebrows, upper lip, chin, ears, beards, underarms, abdomen and bikini line. This treatment is a great option for men and women of all ages and skin types.

What is the Best Type of Electrolysis?

It's always better to choose the best electrolysis hair removal than leaving them untreated. There are three different types of electrolysis methods. The oldest is called galvanic electrolysis and uses direct current to destroy the hair follicle with sodium hydroxide. This is an older process and not commonly performed nowadays, but it can still be effective for removing very thick hair, such as body or beard hairs.

Second, thermolysis is another option that uses heat to burn the hair follicle, leaving it unable to re-grow. This is a more time-consuming and expensive option, but it can be effective for removing thin hair, such as eyebrows or leg hair.

Third, a blend of all three methods is used to treat the hair follicles. This is a more effective and faster procedure, but it can be difficult for patients with very fine hair or sensitive skin.

During an electrolysis treatment, a probe is inserted into the hair follicle, and an electrical current is delivered to the papilla. The papilla is the root of the hair and it’s the point at which the hair grows from, so if this is destroyed, the follicle won’t be able to re-grow.

After a session, your skin will be red and inflamed, but this is usually temporary. Using ice or a cold compress is recommended to help reduce the redness and swelling. It’s also a good idea to avoid washing your treatment area for at least 24 hours after the session, as this can cause irritation and accelerate the recovery process.