Many women, and some men, seek to permanently remove unwanted hair at some point in their lives. Whether you’re a woman with fancy sideburns and/or a mustache or a man who has excess back hair along with an especially hairy behind, there comes a time when waxing and/or waxing loses its appeal endlessly.
There are a large number of hair removal systems out there, but they all have their pros and cons. For some people who want to get rid of hair in places where it shouldn’t be, or for those who suffer from coarse, stubborn hairs that won’t go away no matter how many times they’re removed, electrolysis may be the answer. .
What is electrolysis?
One of the oldest hair removal techniques was reportedly discovered in 1875, when a certain Dr. Charles Michel used it to remove ingrown eyelashes. His discovery, by today’s standards, was quite simple, but nonetheless considered completely revolutionary: he discovered that the hair in follicles treated with electrolysis was destroyed, virtually permanently.
Electrolysis works simply: a small amount of energy is passed through a needle into the follicle, producing heat that destroys the cells at the base that are responsible for producing hair. The result, however, is far from instant: in most cases, for the procedure to work, the process must be repeated several times.
Currently, three types of electrolysis are on the market today. They are:
Galvanic. This is the original method developed by Dr. Michel. The needle interacts with the salts in the body and produces an electrochemical current and lye that kills the hair. It achieves good results but is slow, however it is said to have the best track record when it comes to hair regrowth.
thermolysis. It produces faster heat using a short wave diathermy current but with less complete results than galvanic electrolysis. Simply put, the needle passes an alternating current through the water, causing a vibration that causes it to heat up, thereby damaging the follicle. Isn’t science wonderful?
Mix. As the name suggests, this type of electrolysis is one that oscillates both ways, passing an alternating and direct current through the needle.
Keep in mind that no matter what type of electrolysis you choose, often the result will depend on the skill of the doctor, preferably a cosmetic dermatologist. You will need to find someone with a proven track record of having successfully performed electrolysis countless times to get the best results. If possible, ask to speak with past customers to see how they rate their experience. Also, keep in mind that follicles that are bent due to tweezing or previous waxing may not work as well.
Advantages of electrolysis
* Lasts much longer than waxing, plucking or shaving.
* It can even (eventually) lead to permanent hair removal in some cases and in some areas.
* It is suitable for all hair and skin types, as it does not attack hair pigment, unlike lasers.
* Better in most cases than laser hair removal as the latter is almost always accompanied by new hair growth (but electrolysis is considerably slower and more painful).
Cons of electrolysis
* It can be painful. Some people find it mildly irritating and uncomfortable, others find it excessively painful. It depends on your own pain threshold, but remember, no pain, no gain.
* Can be expensive. Ask around to find a reasonable price, which will also depend on the size of the area you want to treat, if you will need to have many repeat sessions, etc.
* It can be time consuming, difficult and even boring when dealing with a large amount of hair, for example when trying to tame a very hairy back.
* When done incorrectly, it can lead to new growth, skin damage, and infection. Minimize risks by making sure the technician is qualified (see above) and uses surgical gloves and disposable needles. Redness, swelling, and even scabbing are also to be expected, so don’t freak out too much about some nasty (temporary) side effects.
* Some people lose money when they discover that they do not respond to treatment at all.
* Some find that there is a lot of new hair. This is common in the public area and under the arms; going back once or twice a year for a cleaning should suffice.
* Not recommended for potentially hairy parts of the body, such as the nostrils or inside the ear. It is also not for hairy moles.
What about do-it-yourself electrolysis?
Not recommended. While many people are tempted to buy a DIY kit because they are cheaper and you can perform electrolysis in the privacy of your own home, the drawbacks are many. The process is time consuming and without proper training it can cause serious skin damage.
In fact, the American Medical Association’s Committee on Cosmetics and Skin Health only recommends at-home kits when working on areas like the lower legs, which are easily accessible. The hard and fast rule is: if you have to strain to see the area, don’t treat it yourself.
Other considerations refer to expenses, saying that home kits are a false economy. They only last so long, and if you have a lot of hair to remove, you may burn one off before you’re done, so you’ll have to buy more kits. Going to a salon or med spa may be cheaper in the long run, unless of course you buy a DIY kit just to remove loose hair that a trained professional has missed.
make up your mind at once
The debate over electrolysis vs. lasers for permanent hair removal is ongoing, and you’ll have to see what’s best for you. Obviously, that will depend on a variety of factors, such as your own hair and skin type, the extent of the area you want to treat, your personal pain threshold, and the state of your wallet. In some cases, it may make more sense—and pennies—to just continue waxing and plucking those unwanted hairs.
If you decide that visiting a medical spa is the best option for you, be sure to choose a trained doctor with a lot of experience. It’s also a good idea to get a small area done first and then check the results in several months to see how you respond to treatment. Then again, those Julia Roberts-esque hairy armpits may soon be back in style…
The information in the article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decision about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.