Permanent hair removal is something dreams are made of, but how do you achieve it? Electrolysis is a well known and safe method of permanent hair removal used across the world. Today’s electrolysis methods work by targeting the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy and destroying it. An extremely fine probe is then inserted into the hair follicle, and it is removed with tweezers to keep it removed permanently.
Electrolysis’s origins start in 1875 when it was discovered that ingrown eyelashes could be permanently removed by energizing a fine needle and inserting it into the eyelash follicle. Now, we know that this sounds slightly terrifying and painful, but it’s not! Throughout the years’ medical research and developments have continued to learn even more about the electrolysis process to make it completely safe and reliable!
Today, electrolysis is the only permanent method of hair removal approved by the Federal Drug Administration and it’s recognized by the American Medical Association and the FDA as a safe and permanent hair removal treatment.
Is electrolysis the treatment for you? We’ll answer some common questions you may have below!
Everything you need to know about electrolysis
How Does Electrolysis work?
The electrolysis treatment uses an extremely fine pre-sterilized, disposable probe, which is inserted into the hair follicle. A small amount of electrical current is applied to the follicle through the probe, destroying the hair. An effective treatment accomplishes permanent hair removal by destroying the base of the follicle. Once the follicle base is destroyed, hair growth can no longer occur.
If during the initial treatment, the hair is only damaged rather than destroyed, undernourished and weaker hair will grow in its place. However, because this hair is weaker, it will be more responsive to future treatment!
How Has Technology Changed Over the Years?
Electrolysis was first developed in 1875, but since that time this treatment has had dramatic changes. Today’s epilators (the probe used) are able to deliver bursts of energy that are measured in thousandths of a second. Both speed and comfort define modern electrolysis methods.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
Like most hair removal treatments, the number required will vary from person to person. Accounting for the amount of hair in the treated area, skin sensitivity, previous methods of hair removal, and many other factors will determine your treatment schedule. With electrolysis, it’s important to note, the only hairs that can be treated are hairs currently growing. Because of this, multiple sessions will give you the absolute best results!
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know how much regrowth will occur or when your body will stimulate any new hairs. Because of this, it is extremely important that electrolysis treatments are done as soon as any regrowth is detected. Without continued treatment, the hair will grow back in its original locations. Electrolysis treatment, more so than other removal treatments, must keep to the appointment schedule set at the beginning of the program. If appointments are missed, you are less likely to get the best results!
Generally, weekly sessions lasting thirty minutes to one hour tend to work best. As sessions are continued and more hair is removed, less frequent fifteen-minute touch-ups are normal. Basically, if you stick to your treatment schedule, the sooner you’ll be hair free, and that’s something to celebrate!
Did you know the 1st treatment of any new laser hair removal area is Only $59? Check out our Specials today!
Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Painful?
Many patients often describe the sensation that comes with electrolysis as a quick warmth. Like with most hair removal treatments, there are some areas that tend to be more sensitive than others as well as higher sensitivity when a woman is on her period. However, with the advanced equipment used today, adjustments are easily made to make each treatment a more comfortable experience.
If you have lower pain tolerance, we do recommend taking a pain reliever 30 minutes prior to your appointment. This helps lessen the sensation you may feel during treatment.
What are the Side Effects?
After your treatments, you may experience slight redness and/or swelling of the treated area – but this is completely normal. Symptoms like this should go away within a few hours at most.
Something to note, after the hair is treated, it is important to keep the area clean and to avoid using any makeup for at least 24 hours. This will ensure the open follicle stays clean while it’s prone to any bacteria.
Does Electrolysis Work if You’ve Waxed or Tweezed before?
You bet it does! Although, any previous hair removal does cause regrowth to be coarser. This usually will require more treatments and untreated or finer hair. You’ll still get permanent results by the end of your program – it just may take a little longer!
What’s Popular? Waxing, Cellulite Reduction, Eyebrow Microblading, & Facials / Chemical Peels.
What Areas are Usually Treated?
Electrolysis can remove hair from most body areas. The most commonly treated areas for both include eyebrows, upper lip, hairline, stomach, underarms, legs, and bikini line.
Are the Probes Safe?
The probes used during treatment are one and done. Only new, pre-sterilized, disposable probes should be used during treatment, period.
All other equipment used as well as the treatment area itself will be completely sanitized before and after each and every treatment!
If you have any other questions about the electrolysis process, please feel free to chat with our staff at Alite Laser – we’re more than happy to help!