Everything You Need to Know About Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis hair removal is the only form of permanent hair removal that is FDA-approved. But how does it actually work? Click here to learn everything you need to know.
Keyword(s): electrolysis hair removal
Studies have shown that the average woman spends a lot of time over the course of her lifetime shaving her legs.
No, like--a lot of time.
No, like 72 days of her life.
And that time isn't even including any hair removal besides the legs! What about facial waxing? Brazilians? Armpits?!
If you're the kind of person who feels like losing that 72 days to back-breaking hair removal is...well...not worth it, you might be just the person for electrolysis hair removal!
If you've got a hunch electrolysis hair removal might be right for you, here are some things you might want to know about the treatment!
What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?
Electrolysis hair removal is a form of permanent hair removal. The process involves the use of a microscopic needle that emits heated electric currents directly into the hair follicle shaft, destroying the follicle and its ability to regrow or support new hair growth.
Electrolysis hair removal is the only 100% FDA-approved hair removal treatment on the market. Unlike other treatments that claim to be "permanent" until those little patches of hair start to creep back to the surface...the effects of electrolysis are really, truly permanent.
Though the procedure is less common than laser hair removal, its results are often more satisfactory than those of other similar treatments. It can be performed with equal effectiveness on areas of the body and face alike.
Am I a Good Fit for the Treatment?
When it comes to any cosmetic procedure, there are usually some factors that can determine how thorough the results will be on any given patient. The same is true when it comes to electrolysis.
With regard to the more-common laser hair removal treatment, candidates are really only suited for the treatment if their skin and hair have significant color contrast, since that procedure works through targeting contrasting hues.
For electrolysis, however, contrast between the hair and skin makes little-to-no-difference! No matter how fine or fair, dark or coarse the hair, you're probably a good candidate for electrolysis hair removal!
How Long Does it Take?
The length of the procedure itself will vary based on a number of factors, including the amount of hair and area of the body being covered. In general, treatments can last between 15 minutes and 1 hour from start-to-finish. Some patients do request longer treatments.
In terms of the amount of time it takes to begin seeing results from your electrolysis treatments--well, this may not be quite so speedy.
Many patients find that they require several treatments before they're satisfied with the outcome from their electrolysis treatments. This sometimes means patients receive 15 to 20 treatments to any given area before the treatment has thoroughly taken hold.
Since hair grows differently in different areas of the body, electrolysis is often able to work more quickly on certain regions of the body. Electrolysis treatments on the legs, for instance, may take hold after just 12 weeks of treatments. Hair on the head, however, could take up to 3 years.
In general, completion of most areas of electrolysis treatment can be expected between 12 and 18 months, if the suggested treatment plan is followed.
Does it Hurt?
Many people's first question before considering any cosmetic procedure is, "Does...uh...does it hurt?"
When it comes to electrolysis, the answer is, "Eh."
Similar to most other treatments (and even things like tattoos), the level of discomfort patients experience depends largely on the area being treated and the patient's overall sensitivity to pain.
Electrolysis treatments are described by some as feeling like a tiny shock every other second. Others report a feeling of heat or tingling across the affected area.
To combat any procedure-specific discomfort, some electrologists give patients the option of having a topical numbing agent applied. This can take care of the sting and discomfort some patients experience during the treatment.
After the procedure, most patients experience some minor redness and burning discomfort on the skin that lasts for a couple of days. Patients can apply creams to soothe this pain, though.
Are there Any Side Effects?
As with anything medical or procedural, there is potential for some minor side effects following electrolysis hair removal.
The major risk at hand comes from the fact that the electrical current doesn't discern between hair follicles and other types of local cells. This means that there's a slight risk of minor scarring, mostly due to the treatment's collateral damage. This scarring should be extremely subtle if it's present at all.
Because of the raw nature of the skin, there's also a very minor risk of infection--although this really only happens when patients neglect to keep the treated areas clean. Follow your electrologist's instructions and you'll be totally fine in this area.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of electrolysis hair removal can vary widely depending on a lot of factors. These include the area and amount of hair being treated and the number of treatments necessary. They also include the clinic and area of the country in which you're being treated, and more.
As a baseline, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $200 per electrolysis treatment. Most clinicians base the treatment's cost on the amount of time each session takes to complete, so these numbers can vary, even from one session to the next.
Although the cost of treatments may begin to add up over time, many patients see it as completely worth the commitment. No more time spent hunched over shaving or waxing, and no more money spent on those pesky razors!
Want More on Electrolysis Hair Removal?
It's no wonder electrolysis hair removal is so fascinating and desirable, because the treatment really is totally permanent!
The procedure renders hair follicles completely unable to regrow hair. This means you'll be completely free to never think about shaving or waxing ever again.
Electrolysis hair removal is the perfect route for the person who's too busy living life to worry about pesky unwanted hair. If this sounds like you--check out our options for electrolysis and shoot us a message!