Electrolysis Hair Removal, Electrolysis Treatment at Home

Electrolysis is a process during which the hair follicle is targeted by an electrical current from a very thin needle, causing localized damage to the dermal papilla. Electrolysis uses a sterilized needle which is inserted into each hair follicle. The hair is then simply removed with a pair of tweezers. Electrolysis is the one hair removal option that can truly claim to offer permanent hair removal .

Electrolysis can be a very good tool to get rid of unwanted hair. However, make sure you choose a qualified and skilled practitioner, as the procedure can produce little white scars if not done properly.

How Electrolysis Hair Removal Works

Electrolysis is a time-consuming process during which individual hairs are targeted and is only useful for small areas. (Since the arrival of laser hair removal, electrolysis has shifted into the background somewhat.) However, unlike lasers, electrolysis is effective for both dark and fair hair. Take care to stay out of the sun or use a very good sunscreen for about two days after having electrolysis, and keep perfume and chemicals away from the treated area.

Electrolysis directs electric pulses into hair's follicles where they shock the hair's root and inhibit hair growth. It is done one follicle at a time, so it's impractical for large areas - but it is perfect for hairy chins or upper lips. It must be performed by a skilled practitioner, because electrolysis can cause slight scarring in some people.

While having the Electrolysis treatment, you feel a tingling sensation in your hair follicle. The discomfort is more acute in sensitive areas. You repeat the treatments every six to 10 weeks.

It is safe to have hair removed from most parts of your body using electrolysis, as long as the skin is undamaged. Exceptions are the hairs inside your nose and ears, and those on pigmented moles.

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.

Electrolysis: Benefits and considerations

• Oldest hair removal option available so there is a long track record to point to and can be very effective for small areas of hair such as lip, chin, eyebrows, ears, bikini line, underarms, etc.
• 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 i.e. back, legs.