Having to deal with unwanted hair every day can be a nuisance and negatively affect your confidence. You need an effective solution that will eliminate this hair for good. Electrolysis is a safe, widely-regarded, and FDA-approved hair removal method used around the world. It is highly effective compared to other hair removal techniques and is particularly helpful for people suffering from excessive hair growth, also known as hirsutism. Here is what you should know about electrolysis and how it works.
What Body Areas Can Be Treated Using Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is recommended for people who wish to have unwanted or excess hair removed permanently. The procedure is helpful for those suffering from excessive hair growth. Electrolysis can remove hair from most body parts, including the upper lip, stomach, eyebrows, hairline, bikini line, underarms, breasts, thighs, and legs.
How Does Electrolysis Work?
During your electrolysis hair removal session, you will be asked to lie on the treatment table. A topical anesthetic can be applied if you request it. The electrolysis technician, also known as an electrologist, will apply a needle-shaped probe into your hair follicle. The probe discharges a wire filament targeted to the hair follicle, releasing small amounts of electric current that destroys the root hair.
Once the follicle base or root hair is destroyed, the hair will not grow. The process is performed repeatedly on the treatment area until each hair follicle has been removed. There are three types of electrolysis that you can undergo. They include:
- Galvanic Electrolysis: This is the oldest type of electrolysis for hair removal. It uses direct current to create chemical changes within the follicle that completely destroy the root.
- Thermolysis Electrolysis: This technique uses shortwave radio frequency or AC current to produce heat, causing water molecules in the hair to vibrate at top speed and destroy the root hair.
- Blend Electrolysis: This type of electrolysis combines galvanic and thermolysis electrolysis. If one type is ineffective on specific hair strands, the other technique will eliminate the unwanted hair.
How Many Treatment Sessions Are Needed?
Like many hair removal techniques, the number of treatment sessions needed will vary from one person to another. The electrolysis treatment schedule will be determined by the amount of hair in the body area, skin sensitivity, previous techniques of hair removal, and other factors.
Electrolysis treats only hair that is currently growing. Undergoing multiple sessions will guarantee the best results because human hair grows in varying stages, such as growing, resting, or shedding. Depending on your hair growth, you may undergo 15 to 30 sessions, with each treatment session lasting from 15 minutes to one hour. Therefore, you must commit to the treatment to guarantee complete hair removal.
What Are the Side Effects of Electrolysis for Hair Removal?
After your electrolysis treatment, you will experience slight swelling and redness in the treated area. These symptoms are completely normal and will go away after a few hours. You can ice the areas using an ice roller or ice pack for a few minutes throughout the day to help eliminate the redness and swelling. After your treatment, keep the treated area clean and avoid using makeup for approximately 24 hours. With this, you will ensure open follicles stay clean and bacteria-free.
How Can You Prepare for Your Electrolysis Hair Removal
Before your appointment for electrolysis hair removal, confirm with your practitioner to determine whether there are specific guidelines you should follow. Generally, you should avoid waxing, shaving, or tweezing before your electrolysis session. Your hair should be approximately a quarter inch long to make pulling out easy. If you must trim your hair, use a bikini trimmer or scissors. You should also avoid taking caffeine at least two hours before your appointment, which can raise your stress levels and potentially make your treatment more painful.
Is Electrolysis Right for You?
If you have facial hair or hair in other body parts that you want to eliminate, you should consider electrolysis hair removal. Electrolysis helps you eliminate unwanted or excessive hair for good. Ensure that you research extensively about the procedure, find a certified practitioner, and ask lots of questions before your hair removal appointment. If you still have concerns or questions about this procedure, contact a trusted local electrologist to learn more about this effective and safe procedure.