How Does Electrolysis Work? & Other FAQs (2024)

FAQs

How does electrolysis work? ›

An electric current moves down the wire to the bottom of the follicle, destroying the hair root. The follicle damage prevents hair from growing and causes the existing hair to fall out. Electrolysis has been around for more than 100 years. It was first invented to remove irritating ingrown eyelash hairs.

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.

Due to the nature and cause of hair growth, there are special cases where electrolysis is not successful. Hormones and medicines can cause unwanted hair growth, and can continue to do so even after electrolysis sessions.

The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. On average, it takes around 12 months to complete 8 to 12 electrolysis sessions. However, the duration may range from 8 months up to 2 years in certain cases.

Electrolysis relies on moisture in the follicle to be effective. Drinking lots of water the day after your treatment helps the skin heal faster.

Some common myths about electrolysis include: Electrolysis is very painful. For most people, today's methods don't cause a lot of pain, but it can hurt. If you find it too uncomfortable, your doctor may be able to give you an anesthetic cream.

Electrolysis can discolor skin - It's rare, but if the hair isn't hit precisely, it can cause hyperpigmentation to the surrounding skin. The damage is minor and depends on the skin reaction of each individual. Also, damage can be mitigated by a highly skilled technician, as well as the use of sunscreen.

Electrolysis is not as popular as laser hair removal for a few reasons: Longer Treatment Time: As mentioned, treating each hair follicle one by one makes electrolysis a much lengthier process. Discomfort: The procedure can be more uncomfortable, which deters some people from opting for it.

Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.

Hormonal changes can affect hair regrowth after electrolysis hair removal. Hormones can stimulate hair growth, even in areas that have been treated with electrolysis. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can result in hair regrowth after electrolysis.

Is electrolysis worth the money? ›

The Benefits of Electrolysis

Our experts gave a resounding "yes," touting the procedure for its ability to make the skin hair-free for good. Though electrolysis requires lengthy sessions (15 to 60 minutes) spaced one month apart (for roughly 12 to 30 sessions in total), Dr.

We cannot know how many hairs will eventually grow or when your body will stimulate new growth. It is therefore very important that electrolysis is performed upon the detection of re-growth. Left untreated, hair will reconstitute itself to its original diameter and depth.

many celebrities lead an active schedule. Luckily, an electrolysis session clocks in at an hour, or less, depending on the area being treated. After the session, patients are able to go about their daily business with next to no discomfort or other side effects.

Electrolysis only destroys about 35 percent of hair follicles per session, says Elise, so it can take up to 18 electrolysis sessions spaced three to four weeks apart to completely remove hair from a single area, says Elise. Remember: Permanence takes time, especially when you factor in how your hair grows.

Your electrologist — There will always be a certain amount of regrowth, even when electrolysis is performed by a skilled operator. The average killing rate is 50-60 % with 60-75% being roughly the highest level possible.

The Greek translation of electrolysis is "to break up by electricity." So electrolysis procedure works by destroying the roots and the follicle of unwanted hairs with an electric current. The end result is that the unwanted hairs do not grow back.

Unlike other hair removal options, professionally performed electrolysis eliminates unwanted hair, permanently, with unsurpassed results. Moreover, it does so for the largest variety of skin and hair types. Waxing, threading and tweezing are alike. With all of these, ingrown hairs and discoloration may result.

Please don't shave the area prior to your appointment

We're often asked if you need to shave or trim your hair before electrolysis (as you might before a laser treatment). The answer is no – in fact, as you'll read in the next tip, we ask that you don't shave the area at least 3 days before your treatment.