Electrolysis Hair Removal is a method of permanent hair removal that uses electrical energy to destroy the hair follicle, preventing further hair growth. It is one of the oldest and most effective methods for removing unwanted body hair and is FDA-approved for permanent hair reduction.
How Electrolysis Hair Removal Works:
Electrolysis involves the use of a small, very fine needle-like probe that is inserted into the hair follicle. Once the probe is in place, an electrical current is passed through the needle, which targets the hair follicle and destroys it. This process works by damaging the follicle’s ability to produce hair, making future hair growth impossible.
There are three main types of electrical currents used in electrolysis hair removal:
- Galvanic Electrolysis (Direct Current)
- The oldest and most commonly used method.
- Uses a chemical reaction to destroy the hair follicle.
- The probe delivers a direct current that causes sodium hydroxide (lye) to form in the follicle, breaking down the hair and the surrounding follicle structure.
- Thermolysis (High-Frequency Current)
- Uses an alternating current to generate heat.
- The heat destroys the hair follicle by causing it to coagulate, which disables the follicle's ability to grow hair.
- This method is faster than galvanic electrolysis.
- Blend (Combination of Galvanic and Thermolysis)
- This method combines the benefits of both galvanic and thermolysis methods.
- The blend method uses both heat and chemical reaction simultaneously to destroy the follicle, offering faster results with potentially less discomfort.
At Renew+Refresh we mainly use Thermolysis and Blend as they are the most comfortable than traditional electrolysis which was known to be very painful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Step-by-Step Process of Electrolysis Hair Removal:
- Consultation: Before starting treatment, a consultation is necessary to assess the client’s skin type, hair color, and medical history. The practitioner will determine the best treatment plan based on these factors.
- Preparation: The area to be treated is cleaned, and sometimes a topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort.
- Insertion of the Probe: A fine, sterilized probe is inserted into the hair follicle. The practitioner must be precise to ensure the probe reaches the follicle without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Current Application: Once the probe is in place, a small electrical current is applied to destroy the follicle. Depending on the method used (galvanic, thermolysis, or blend), the process can last from a few seconds to a minute per hair.
- Hair Removal: After the follicle is treated, the hair is gently removed with tweezers.
- Aftercare:
- The treated area may be slightly red or swollen immediately after treatment, but this usually subsides within a few hours.
- It is essential to follow aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding sun exposure and not picking at scabs (if any form) to ensure the skin heals properly.
- Permanent Results: Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, meaning that once the hair follicle is destroyed, it will not grow back.
- Works on All Skin and Hair Types: Unlike some other hair removal methods, electrolysis works effectively on all skin colors and hair types, including fine, coarse, light, and dark hair.
- Precision: Electrolysis can target individual hair follicles, making it ideal for small areas like the eyebrows, upper lip, and chin.
- FDA Approval: Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method that is approved by the FDA for the removal of hair.
- Suitable for Both Men and Women: It is widely used by both men and women for hair removal in various areas of the body.
- Time-Consuming: Electrolysis can be a slow process, especially for larger areas of the body. Each hair follicle is treated individually, which means it may take several sessions to treat an entire area (such as legs or back).
- Multiple Sessions Required: Multiple sessions are often necessary to achieve permanent results because hair grows in different cycles (anagen, catagen, and telogen). Electrolysis is most effective during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, so treatments must be spaced out over several weeks or months to target hairs in the right phase.
- Discomfort: Although numbing creams can reduce discomfort, some people experience mild pain or discomfort during the procedure, especially for sensitive areas.
- Potential Side Effects: Some people may experience redness, swelling, or slight irritation after treatment. In rare cases, scarring, hyperpigmentation, or infection may occur if aftercare instructions are not followed properly.
- Cost: We like to focus on the right hairs (white, grey) in smaller areas to keep costs lower. Historically, electrolysis can be expensive, especially for large areas of the body, as each hair follicle requires individual treatment. The cost varies depending on the area being treated and the number of sessions required.
- Face: Eyebrows, upper lip, chin, sideburns, and cheeks.
- Body: Underarms, bikini line, legs, back, chest, and abdomen.
- Other Areas: Hands, feet, or random hormonal body hairs.
Electrolysis is generally safe for most people, but it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, active skin infections, or open wounds). It’s essential to consult with a licensed and experienced practitioner before starting treatment to determine if electrolysis is appropriate for your skin and hair type.
