Electrolysis:
The Permanent Hair Removal Option

Electrolysis is a hair removal option that is generally considered to offer permanent hair removal.

It was invented over 130 years ago so it's by far the oldest option available and therefore has a long track record.

Electrolysis was originally used to treat ingrown eyelashes but developed into a wider use hair removal procedure for many other body parts.

A person who is trained to perform the procedure is referred to as an Electrologist.

Electrologists have three main methods at their disposal and each refers to the type of electrical current being used.

Depending on the practitioner that you choose, they might offer one or more options so its best to get them to explain each option that they offer so you can select the one most appropriate for you.

Types Of Electrolysis

• Galvanic Electrolysis which is the original method and tends to be used for thick, coarse hair.
• Thermolysis which utilizes a high frequency electrical current and is generally used on fine hair.
• The Blend Method which uses a combination of Galvanic Electrolysis and Thermolysis and tends to be used for facial hair removal.

How Electrolysis Works

A small electrical current is then delivered to the base of the follicle to destroy the hair growth cells.

When done properly, the end result is that the hair is unable to regrow resulting in the permanent removal of the unwanted hair without damage to the skin.

Again, an electrical current is used so it is not a laser hair removal process.

If you're planning on having a large area with a significant amount of hair treated – such as your back – think about how long it will take to treat every single hair.

Given that each hair needs to be treated individually, you can probably imagine that this is one of the biggest considerations when looking at Electrolysis as your hair removal option.

The longer the treatment time required, the more time and money you're going to have to invest.

Electrolysis: Benefits

• Is generally regarded to offer permanent hair removal (when performed properly), something other hair removal options cannot truly claim.
• Is the oldest hair removal option available so there is a long track record to point to.
• Can be very effective for small areas of hair ie. lip, chin, eyebrows, ears, bikini line, underarms, etc.
• Can be very effective for a wide variety of skin and hair types.

Electrolysis: Considerations

• Requires a skilled and trained practitioner.
• Time consuming. Each hair is treated individually.
• Side effects that can result from improper operation include infection from an unsterilized needle, hair regrowth, scarring or other skin damage.
• Given that each hair is treated individually, can be expensive.
• May not be (time and cost) effective for body areas with a significant amount of hair ie. back, legs.
• Can be painful.

The flipside is that compared to newer non-permanent hair removal choices that can cover larger areas of hair quicker, it can be a more time-consuming process for areas that have large amounts of unwanted hair.

In other words, the tradeoff is between permanent hair removal or faster treatment times with other non-permanent hair removal options that at best might offer permanent hair reduction or long term hair reduction.

As with other hair removal options, success and possible side effects of the hair removal will vary by patient.



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