Hair Removal: Electrolysis the Best Option?
Humans have been removing their unwanted hair for thousands of years with techniques such as shaving, tweezing, sugaring, and threading. The first technical solution for hair removal, electrolysis, is not as new as you might think. It has been used for well over one hundred years.
While electrolysis has been updated and perfected over time, new hair removal techniques have become available too, such as waxing, depilatories, and most recently, laser treatments.
If you are considering electrolysis, you might wonder if it is still the best option or whether it has been surpassed by the latest laser technology. Let’s examine the pros and cons of both.
Electrolysis can be used by anyone with any skin colour or hair colour, and can be used almost everywhere on the body. Laser treatments can only be used by people with light skin and dark hair. As you can imagine, this eliminates a large segment of the population.
The laser focuses on destroying the pigment in hair which is why it won’t work on light or gray hair. In most cases it is ineffective on women’s facial hair. Since the laser is attracted to pigment, it can damage the surrounding skin for those who have dark complexions.
Electrolysis hair removal is the only treatment the FDA considers permanent. Laser technology has still not been approved as permanent nor has it been evaluated to be safe for the user’s skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, lasers can reduce the number of hairs by 40-80%.
Electrolysis is much less expensive than laser treatments, but you generally need more treatments to get desired results. An electrolysis treatment will generally cost around $50, but one laser treatment can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, or even more. That is a tremendous difference!
Laser is considered more efficient for doing large areas because a larger swath can be done at once. Electrolysis must be done one hair follicle at a time.
Both treatments are performed by a doctor, aesthetician, or a licensed practitioner. If your budget does not allow getting professional treatments, there are at-home systems you can try.
There is a range in the quality of home electrolysis and laser systems, with a wide range of prices to match. On beauty product websites, you can spend as little as $50 or as much as $500. As you would expect, the systems with the largest number of happy customers cost $200 or more.
Some health care professionals recommend you not use at-home hair removal systems. If not used correctly, they can cause infection, scarring, burns and changes in pigmentation. When you consider that a professional has spent 300 to 1,500 hours training to perfect their technique, you can see that it would be nearly impossible for you to get similar, side-effect free results at home.
After weighing all these factors, electrolysis still seems to be the gold standard of hair removal. Laser technology is still in its infancy though it will likely continue to improve.
What Is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal done by inserting a very thin needle down to the base of an individual hair follicle. A tiny amount of electric current or heat is then passed to the tip of the needle which in turn destroys the hair follicle and the cells responsible for hair growth. This not only takes care of the current hair shaft but also inhibits it from re-growing in the future. The hair is usually then removed by tweezers or by hand.
This method of hair removal is the only one allowed to be labelled as “permanent” by the FDA, although, some states still prohibit this option from being advertised as such.
Types of Electrolysis
There are three main methods used for his type of procedure. They are galvanic, thermolysis and a blend of the two.
Galvanic:
This type makes use of a direct current of electricity to the hair follicle and it produces a chemical reaction. This reaction changes the saline found in most hair follicles to lye (sodium hydroxide). As the lye heats up it destroys the hair and cells need for hair growth.
Thermolysis:
This form uses an alternating current that acts upon water molecules surrounding the hair. As these molecules start to vibrate they heat up and destroy the hair follicle and some of the tissue responsible for hair growth.
Blend:
Does exactly what the name indicates, it uses a blend of the two methods laid out above.
Note: Some facilities might advertise their service as “electrolysis” but may instead use electric tweezers. While this method is good at removing hair, it does not ensure that the hair will not re-grow. To guarantee that the results will be permanent make sure they use the above methods which make use of needles inserted to the base of the hair follicle. This will not only provide that the current hair is removed but it will also destroy the cells and tissue involved in the re-growth of the hair.
What Are Some of Its Advantages?
The biggest advantage to having electrolysis done is that the results will be long lasting. When done correctly and completely, this method’s results cannot be beat when compared to other forms of hair removal.
Another plus is that it is ideal for all varieties of hair and skin types. It is available to just about anybody who would like to try it. Laser hair removal, for example, usually works best for only lighter coloured skin and darker coloured hair and is normally not recommended for darker skin colour or very light coloured hair. Electrolysis has no such limitations.
It is also safe for pregnant women who may experience addition hair growth due to hormonal changes; however, it is best to check with your physician before having it done just to be sure.
What Are Some of Its Disadvantages?
While the results of this form of hair removal are often positive, electrolysis does have its share of drawbacks.
First, it will cost money. Electrolysis hair removal prices vary from region to region and depend on how big of an area or what part of the body will be worked on. It also depends on what type of facility you have the procedure, be it a spa, clinic, or doctor’s office. Often times, if you live in a densely populated city, you will be able to find deals and discounts as different establishments try and compete for your business.
Second, it also can be time consuming. Since individual hairs are being targeted, having a large area done will take time. Also, since all hairs in a particular area of skin may not be in their active growing cycle, it will take multiple sessions over a series of weeks in order to ensure that area is completely hair free.
Another negative aspect of electrolysis is the fact that some patients may have problems with needles. This is a common apprehension that a fair amount of people share.
Does it Hurt?
For the most part, it is not too painful. With that being said, everyone responds differently and tolerance levels to this kind of procedure may vary. Most individuals who have electrolysis experience a mild pricking or tingling sensation as the work is being done. Topical anaesthetics can be used for patients with sensitive skin to help numb the sensation.
Is It Safe?
For the most part this method is very safe, although with any type of procedure there are some individuals that may experience some adverse reactions. The most common type of complication seen is some minor skin irritation and redness.
To lower the risk of electrolysis side effects the best course of action is to make sure that whoever will be doing the procedure on your skin is a trained electrologist that is experienced with the equipment being used. Having a licensed (in states that require a license) and certified professional to carry out the procedure would help ensure it is done as safely as possible.
Electrolysis first made its way onto the scene around in the late 1800’s and it has been used for ages to remove unwanted hair from the face and body. Through the years advancements in training, technology and equipment have made this a very safe, effective and more easily tolerated way to extract hair and inhibit it from reappearing. Today, electrolysis is an extremely enticing permanent hair removal option for those who wish to get rid of unsightly hair for good.
Is Electrolysis For Permanent Hair Removal For You?
You ruined the shaving again? Did you run out of razors and had to get up and go to the store and pick up a package or two? Making eyebrows need waxing every four weeks? Have you ever wondered where ever end? The answer is now, is possible with electrolysis for permanent hair removal.
Electrolysis for permanent hair removal is the only proven solution for hair removal ever. Millions of people around the world have used electrolysis for permanent hair removal with much success. Electrolysis has been proven time and again to be the most efficient and effective way to get rid of unwanted body hair.
Electrolysis is not limited to a specific area of the body can be applied wherever you see fit. If you had a one-face for as long as you can remember and waxing hurts and only the hair grows back again, electrolysis for permanent hair removal is your solution.
You are a man and you have masses of back and shoulders and hair waxing has never been an option, and electrolysis for permanent hair removal may be the answer to your problems too. Imagine being able to take your shirt at the beach, without embarrassment, permanent hair, permanent hair removal, removal, that would be a free choice to say the least.
To find electrolysis to remove hair electrolysis for permanent hair removal can be obtained at any licensed dermatologist offering the service. Moreover, many high-end salons are a skin specialist on staff who is qualified to perform the procedure. A more recent is a hair removal clinic, which offers the possibility of conventional electrolysis or the new laser treatment. The laser treatment is so painful and requires less time, however, this treatment does not offer permanent results, as the electrolysis.
To have the procedure done you go under a simple evaluation in which your skin type and levels of resistance of the hair can be determined. Afterwards you have scheduled the first treatment and an estimate of how many treatments you must also be given. Depending on your hair, you can request one to ten treatments to see permanent results. The easiest way to find a centre of electrolysis is the phone book or online. Also ask a friend how they had the procedure will help you find the way to a life without hair.