Electrolysis Permanent Hair Removal

During the electrolysis procedure, an electric current destroys the hair follicle, preventing the root from producing new hair. To destroy the hair follicle, a tiny needle is inserted into each individual root. Electrolysis is an extremely effective method of hair removal, but it can be time consuming. Typically, 3 - 5 sessions are required for even a small area of the body such as the upper lip or chin. Upper-lip hair removal may take 10 hours, and removing hair from the forearms may require weekly treatments for a year.

Special Concerns

Electrolysis can be painful and may cause scarring, burning or infection (if needles are not properly sanitized). Electrolysis is not recommended for all skin types, particularly dark skin, as there is a chance for hyper-pigmentation (areas of the skin that are noticeably darker than surrounding areas) and keloid (raised scar tissue) formation.

It is also important to make sure your treatment specialist is experienced. Needles inserted incorrectly can cause additional pain or discomfort.

As of early 2008, only 31 states required licensing for electrolysis hair removal treatments, so it is very important to choose a reputable technician to ensure your hair removal process is as safe and pain-free as possible.

Cost

Effective electrolysis treatments are not only time consuming, they're also quite expensive and may require many sessions spanning a long period of time (up to 18 months). Prices vary, but expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $150 per treatment, depending on the electrologist you choose.

Electrolysis offers a permanent solution to those in search of hair removal options, but some of the drawbacks of the treatment - such as the time commitment required for the treatment - have lead to new developments. On the next page, learn about Intense Pulsed Light hair removal.