subject: The Truth about Electrolysis Hair Removal [print this page] The Truth about Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis hair removal is not a painless experience. While some say that it isn't all that bad, but you can definitely feel it. It feels a lot like a prickling sensation or a burning feeling. Electrolysis hair removal is also a time consuming procedure as it involves targeting each individual hair follicle. A sterilized needle is inserted into each follicle and an electrical current is sent to the base of the hair follicle. This effectively destroys the hair growth cells. Next, each and every hair is removed with a pair of tweezers.
Electrolysis hair removal is commonly done on the chin, upper lip, sides of the face, bikini line, breast area, and eyebrows. Most clients, including many men follow an IPL/Laser treatment with electrolysis to target any scattered hairs. Some clients go from laser treatments to electrolysis to treat any white or grey hair because laser therapy is only effective on dark hair. Electrolysis is suitable for all hair colors and skin types. If you haven't been able to use laser treatments for one reason or another, electrolysis hair removal might be the perfect alternative.
Before having the procedure done, you will have a consultation to make sure that you are a good candidate for electrolysis.
The technician will ask questions about any medical conditions you suffer from as well as your medical background to make sure there is nothing preventing you from having electrolysis. If you do have any type of medical condition, you may need to provide the salon with a note from your physician before you will be treated.
If everything checks out and you proceed, the area will be cleaned before a sterilized needle is inserted in a hair follicle. At this point a small electrical current is delivered to the follicle's base. This will loosen the hair at which time it will be removed with tweezers.
There are times when a hair will have to be treated twice before it can be removed. If you feel any kind of pulling sensation, the treatment was unsuccessful. A properly treated hair should pull out with ease.
It should take about five minutes to remove a few dark hairs on the chin. However, larger areas, especially areas with fine hair like on the side of the face will take longer to treat.
Several visits may be necessary to achieve the best results, like if there are many very fine hairs to remove.
You will likely notice some reddening or raised bumps in the area after the treatment. This is a perfectly normal reaction which should subside after several hours. To relieve any discomfort, a soothing lotion will be applied immediately following the procedure.
Tiny scabs will likely form around the opening of the follicle. This reaction is also normal. However, you must try not to pick at the scabs. Otherwise, the healing process could be delayed and scarring could occur.
Initially, you will go for treatments weekly. After several treatments the hair growth will begin to slow, allowing you to go for treatment every two weeks, and eventually every three weeks. However, your individual course of treatment will depend on the area that's being treated and your rate of hair growth.
There are many kinds of equipment used for electrolysis hair removal. When you begin to look for a qualified electrologist, be sure the machine that is used will perform each of these three hair removal techniques.
Thermolysis - uses a high-frequency electrical current and is best suited for removing fine hair
Galvanic Electrolysis - commonly used to remove course, thick hair
Blend Method -uses galvanic electrolysis along with thermolysis and is most commonly used to remove facial hair
Personally, I believe the Apilus is the most effective machine for hair removal. Clients of mine that have undergone electrolysis at other salons have noticed the difference when this machine is used. It is more effective, comfortable, and much less painful than other electrolysis machines.
The cost of electrolysis hair removal will vary from clinic to clinic, often depending on the number of minutes you select. You will normally receive a discount when more minutes are purchased.
