We all have unwanted hair on certain parts of our bodies. Especially for the ladies, you may have an unwanted moustache. You could also want to trim your eyebrows or just normal hair on your skin. Shaving, tweezing and some other methods are effective but temporary. Some methods like waxing are very painful and still hair grows back.
Long-term solutions to unwanted hair are Laser Treatment or Electrolysis. The superiority of Electrolysis vs Laser hair removal has been a debate for a while. Below, we take an in depth look at electrolysis as a form of hair removal.
What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?
Electrolysis is a scientific process for removing unwanted hair. Using a fine needle like a probe, measured electric currents are applied to hair follicles. This destroys the roots of the hair, hindering growth. Electrolysis is mostly not painful for most people. However, if the pain experienced during this procedure becomes unbearable, the doctor can administer some anesthesia. The three methods of electrolysis are Galvanic, Thermolysis, and Blend.
Galvanic Electrolysis
This is the oldest form of electrolysis. This method removes hair via chemical reactions. When the electric charge is applied, it reacts with the salinity at the base of the hair follicle, producing sodium hydroxide. This stops hair growth. It is best for rough or coarse hair.
Thermolysis
Thermolysis is the improved version of galvanic electrolysis. Instead of an electric current, a high frequency radio wave is used. This produces heat that destroys the follicle hindering hair growth. This method of electrolysis is ideal for fine hair.
Blend Electrolysis
This method of electrolysis fuses both galvanic and thermolysis. This method is ideal for facial electrolysis hair removal.
Benefits of Electrolysis Hair Removal
There are a number of reasons why electrolysis is the best form of hair removal. Benefits of this treatment include
- It is a long term solution for unwanted hair.
- It is relatively painless. In case the pain becomes too much the doctor can administer some anesthesia.
- It is approved by the FDA.
- Is harmless. You can even have facial electrolysis hair removal.
- Full body electrolysis hair removal yields the best results compared to other hair removal methods.
- It is ideal for all hair and skin types.
Apart from hair removal, electrolysis can also be used to remove blemishes on the skin, thread veins and also skin tags.
Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent?
Generally, electrolysis is considered to be a permanent hair removal technique. This hair removal process requires several visits to the doctor for it to be effective. Hair has three stages of growth. There is the growing stage, then resting and finally shedding. All your body hair cannot be at the same stage at the same time. This is why you need several visits to the doctor. During each visit, the electrolysis handles different stages of your hair’s growth.
Procedure For Electrolysis
Different clinics and medical practitioners have varied ways of performing electrolysis. However, there are some basics that apply to the procedure in general.
1. A cream acting as anesthesia is applied to the area being treated. This is to reduce the pain of electrolysis.
2. A very fine and flexible prod is inserted into the follicle of the hair. Insertion is generally painless. However, you will experience a stinging effect once the current is discharged.
3. Time varies depending on the patient and area being treated. But a session can last for up to two hours.
After electrolysis, some swelling may occur. The treated area may turn red or have some discomfort. This is normal and will clear in a few hours or two days at most. You should have this procedure done by a qualified healthcare expert. Electrolysis should be done in a clean place using sterilized equipment. After electrolysis hair removal, clean the treated area to avoid the risk of infection.
Medically Reviewed By
Professionally, a trained Microbiologist and Plant operator, Eustace is an experienced health content writer who is passionate about helping people lead a healthy life.
