Electrolysis Hair Removal – Frequently Asked Questions
Even though electrolysis hair removal has been around since 1875. There are still many questions surrounding electrolysis and it is still unknown to many people.
During the consultations, I conduct there are a few questions that keep popping up. I thought I would write them out, so others can read and have an understanding of what electrolysis is and how it can help.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis hair removal is a technique where a probe is inserted into the hair follicle and an electrical current, either an alternating current (high frequency), direct current (galvanic) or both is then sent through the probe and will cauterise the blood flow to the hair. This will either weaken or destroy the hair.
How effective is electrolysis?
Electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells of the hair follicle, preventing hairs from growing back.
Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that is recognised as a permanent reduction by government officials and FDA. It is also the preferred method for transgender pre-operations.
How many treatments do I have to have?
This question is most regularly asked and there is no one specific answer. This can depend on the individual needs and medical background. Anyone with a few hairs on their chin, treatments will not take long. However, someone requiring their bikini line will take a lot longer. Anyone with a hormone imbalance may have more hair and need more time at more frequent intervals, as a posed to someone who hasn’t.
How often do I need to have treatment?
The initial treatments will need to at regular intervals to ensure that the hairs are treated in the growing stage, and help the treatment to be effective faster. I personally recommend that clients initially have treatments either weekly or fortnightly, depending on how many are there. Then to gage the hair growth rate from there and as the hairs gradually reduce so will the treatments.
Will the hair come back? No, the hair that has been electrolysed properly will have had the blood cauterised at the root, so it is not possible for it to come back.
However, there are 20-80 hairs in a square centimetre. Some hairs may look the same but may very well be different.
Does it hurt?
This question has many factors to it. First, this depends on your sensitivity, do you have a low pain threshold or high? Also, the area can be more sensitive, under your nose, can be uncomfortable.
The best description of the sensation is a heating of the skin at the point of the needle and sometimes can feel hotter than others. I have many clients that have found electrolysis ‘relaxing’ and have almost fallen asleep. Though I wouldn’t describe everyone’s experience like this.
I hope these questions help you to understand the treatment and will help you decide whether you feel electrolysis is suitable for you.
If you are still undecided and would like more information, please email or call me to arrange a consultation, where we can discuss a tailored plan for any of your requirements.