Electrolysis hair removal is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Many factors influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. 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. The number of sessions required to achieve permanent hair removal varies between individuals.
Although we understand that the timeframe may seem broad, it is simply not feasible to provide a more precise estimate due to a big variation in response to treatment.
The number of treatments needed is influenced by the following factors:
- Your skin – Skin type and sensitivity of the treatment area.
- Skin hydration – Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can dehydrate your skin, making it more sensitive and more prone to irritation. It can also cause sweating, which will make the procedure more difficult and can make you feel more uncomfortable. It’s important to follow your electrologist’s pre-treatment care instructions.
- Hair thickness – The thicker the hair the longer it takes to remove it.
- Quantity of hair – Hairs in close proximity to each other take more time than hairs that are spaced further apart.
- Pain tolerance – Electrolysis can be a quite painful procedure. Everyone has their own tolerance for pain. The higher your pain tolerance, the longer we can continue the treatment. At Electrolysis 100% Permanent Hair Removal & Skin Care we offer various options to make your treatment as comfortable as possible: numbing medication, lidocaine injections, Intravenous Hydration, Oral Sedation and more.
- Your electrologist – Look for signs that the electrologist takes their work seriously. The more experienced the electrologist, the more hair will be removed in one treatment.
- Your cooperation.
How long does each electrolysis hair removal treatment take?
The electrolysis hair removal treatment time varies depending on the area being treated and the number of treatments required. For example, electrolysis for chin hair may take 15 minutes per session, while electrolysis for upper lip hair may take 30 minutes per session. The electrologist will inform you of how long each treatment is expected to last before starting.
Finding the right electrologist for electrolysis hair removal
Electrologists have special training to perform electrolysis hair removal. If you are considering electrolysis hair removal treatments, it is important that you do your research before committing to sessions.
A wrong decision can mean extra sessions and cost along with unnecessary discomfort and scarring.
- Know the electrologist professional’s qualifications.
- Electrolysis hair removal is a professional procedure, and you should ensure that the electrologist performing your electrolysis treatment has adequate training.
- Request to see before-and-after photos of their work.
- Read reviews from real patients who have had electrolysis treatments at their clinic.
- Get a consultation to evaluate your personal situation and needs.
- Make sure the electrologist uses the right technique and has the right training.
Large Volume Electrolysis and your pain threshold
Your pain threshold is a very important factor when it comes to how long electrolysis treatments can take and that’s why here, at Electrolysis 100% Permanent Hair Removal & Skin Care we developed a Large Volume Electrolysis Protocol with a set of pain relief options provided through a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Nurse Practitioners that include Oral Sedation, IV Hydration and Lidocaine Injections. Our protocol proved to be very efficient for clients who request long electrolysis hair removal treatments. If you want to learn more, please free to contact us or read more information on our Large Volume Electrolysis Page.
So there you have it! The number of electrolysis hair removal treatments depends on several factors, including the area being treated, hair density, hair type and your pain tolerance. It is a gradual process and requires multiple treatments. It is important to consult with an experienced electrologist who can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Learn More About Electrolysis
FAQs
“On average, between 10 and 14 treatments are needed for extensive electrolysis in a particular area,” says Green. Each electrolysis session is typically done every four to six weeks. Therefore, the completion of electrolysis treatments can take a minimum of one year.
How many hairs can electrolysis remove? ›
How Much Hair Can Be Removed in One Session? Electrolysis damages roughly 35% of hair per session — the amount may be lower or higher depending on your hair type. An electrologist may be able to eliminate soft hair quicker than coarse hair since the former is easier to destroy.
How long does it take for electrolysis to work? ›
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.
Why is my hair growing back after electrolysis? ›
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.
What happens if you stop electrolysis? ›
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. Once a treatment program begins, it is important that appointments are kept to the predetermined schedule set at the beginning of your program.
Why is electrolysis hair removal not popular? ›
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.
Is electrolysis 100% permanent? ›
Traditional Electrolysis
Regardless of the cause – heredity, metabolic, or hormonal conditions – electrolysis will permanently remove unwanted hair to reveal a glowing, confident you.
What is a downside to electrolysis? ›
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.
Do you have to let your hair grow out for electrolysis? ›
The following pre-treatment care suggestions should be followed to ensure the best results possible. Let your hair grow out to 1/8” or 2mm, and shave 2,3 days before your appointment. We need enough length to be able to grab the hair with tweezers.
What is the success rate of electrolysis hair removal? ›
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.
Once you start Electrolysis refrain from plucking, waxing or threading. Any method that requires to pull the hair from the root will slow down your progress.
How many sessions of electrolysis chin? ›
How Many Sessions Does It Take for Electrolysis Hair Removal? Most people need multiple sessions to achieve permanent hair removal. The exact number of sessions varies. However, it usually runs between 8 and 12 sessions.
Does electrolysis get rid of hormonal hair? ›
If you're tired of the daily upkeep through shaving, and you're ready for something better, electrolysis is the only 100% permanent form of hair removal recognized by the FDA, and it works great for hormonal hair growth due to conditions like PCOS.
What is the main disadvantage of electrolysis? ›
Also, electrolysis works with the widest range of skin and hair types. It's good for sensitive areas of the body, like the face or bikini line. The main disadvantage to electrolysis is the length of time needed to achieve permanent hair removal.
Who should avoid electrolysis? ›
Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.
How many hairs can electrolysis remove in an hour? ›
The probe is then removed along with the entire hair which will come out effortlessly. Today's galvanic electrolysis machines are highly automated and run up to 32 probes consecutively allowing a good clinician to successfully treat up to 200 hairs per hour.
Does electrolysis really remove hair permanently? ›
Yes. Unlike other hair removal methods that offer a temporary solution, Electrolysis is permanent and is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.
Does electrolysis remove all facial hair? ›
To fully clear your facial hair permanently it can take anything from 8 months up to 2 years in some cases. The number of sessions needed varies from 8 to 15 sessions. The number of hours needed varies from 90 to 300 hours.
How many electrolysis sessions for pubes? ›
As a guide, it is likely that at least 8 or more treatment sessions will be needed after the first pass clearance has been made, and that you plan to complete treatment eight weeks before surgery. This ensures that the process has been completed and that your skin is in the best possible condition for surgery.
