The Truth About Electrolysis

Many women are surprised to learn that electrolysis has been used to remove unwanted hair for a long time. The simple process of using electrical current to terminate hair growth was invented over 100 years ago and first used on the eyebrow line. The technique is now used by both men and women to remove unwanted hair over many parts of the body. Electrolysis may work for you, too, but first, take a look at the facts.

Significance

What makes electrolysis so appealing to many is the promise of permanent hair removal with no side effects. The treatment, which involves inserting a fine gauge needle into the hair follicle, destroys the papillae with an electric current. Once the papillae and hair follicle are destroyed, hair growth is also destroyed.

Types

There are three types of hair removal. Galvanic electrolysis, also called the Galvanic Method, destroys the papillae by producing sodium hydroxide when DC (direct current) is introduced. Thermolysis uses high frequency AC (alternating current). The current causes water molecules around the follicle to vibrate and the heat kills the follicle. Thermolysis is sometimes referred to as "high-frequency electroepilation" or "radio frequency current." The Blend Method combines the Galvanic Method and Thermolysis Method. The methods may be used together or one after another.

Considerations

There are several factors to consider before trying electrolysis. Some people will experience little or no pain at all during the process, while others will be extremely sensitive to the current. Topical anesthetic can be applied to help with pain management. The cost of electrolysis varies greatly, from as low as $20 for a 15-minute session to as much as $300. For simple removal along the eyebrow line, one session will be enough, while removing hair from the bikini line and leg area can take multiple, hour-long sessions, costing thousands of dollars. Ask your electrologist for an estimate of the number of sessions that will be necessary to achieve wanted results. Also, the results of electrolysis will often depend on the skill of the technician, so it's important to get referrals. Finally, the effectiveness of electrolysis can also depend on genetics. Coarse, dark hair is more resistant to treatment than fine, lighter-colored hair. Skin that is prone to keloids can also be problematic when it comes to electrolysis.

Misconceptions

Electrolysis is not the same as laser hair removal; the two methods use a completely different mechanism for removing hair.

Warning

Women often complain that hair has regrown after electrolysis. Sometimes, this apparent regrowth is the growth of hair from surrounding follicles. So, repeated treatment in the same area is necessary. Sometimes, hair will regrow from the follicle if a technician has not been accurate. Scabbing appears after electrolysis; picking at these scabs can cause pitting. Skin can also freckle around treated areas. Freckling should disappear after a few weeks, but can take up to 24 months. Occasionally, infection can occur so it is important to keep the treated area clean and cosmetic-free. Any skin that shows signs of irritation should not be treated with electrolysis until after a physician has been consulted.