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Are you thinking of having electrolysis for hair removal?
Maybe you researched different hair removal methods trying to find a permanent solution to your hair problem, but you still have questions.
We found this great article about the Top Frequently Asked Questions for Electrolysis Hair Removal that explains the most common concerns.
Here is a summary of the article, for the full original version follow the link.
1. Is Electrolysis Safe?
Electrolysis has been used for over 130 years and s been approved as a safe and legitimate permanent hair removal method by the FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration, who are responsible for public health and safety.
Millions of people have been treated with electrolysis and it has by far the best track record for both results and safety.
2. Does Electrolysis Work on All Hair Types?
Unlike laser hair removal, which is mainly suited for dark hair and light skin, electrolysis is suitable for all types and color of hair. The color of the hair or skin bears no relation to the effectiveness of electrolysis.
3. What Types of Electrolysis are there?
There are three types of electrolysis:
Thermolysis - a tiny probe (about the thickness of a hair) is inserted into the follicle of the hair being treated and a high frequency alternating electrical current is applied, damaging the follicle.
Galvanic - This is a similar process to thermolysis, except a direct electrical current (as opposed to alternating) is applied causing a chemical reaction in the salt water solution that surrounds the root of the hair, which denatures the follicle.
Blend - This is simply a mixture of the two types of treatment.
4. Are there any Types of Electrolysis to Avoid?
Transdermal electrolysis applies electrical current above the surface of the skin rather than to the follicle. This is not an effective method of electrolysis because hair is a poor conductor of electricity. This is the type of electrolysis used in home devices.
We recommend avoiding this type of electrolysis due to its being a largely ineffective method of hair removal.
5. "I'm Afraid of Needles - Will I be alright?"
The size of the probe is so small that the skin is not even punctured. It is nothing like having an injection or giving blood, where the skin is punctured and often a bruise may remain for a number of days.
6. Can Electrolysis give me Permanent Hair Removal?
In a word - yes.
Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that has been medically proven to give permanent hair removal in all cases providing the procedure is correctly delivered.
The FDA have deemed that electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that can be considered permanent on their Removing Hair Safely page. Here is what the FDA says about electrolysis:
"Electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method, since it destroys the hair follicle. It requires a series of appointments over a period of time."
7. How Long does it Take to Get Permanent Hair Removal?
There are many factors at play here and so it is very difficult to give an accurate prediction.
Electrolysis is most effective when applied to a hair in the anagen (growing) phase. In most cases you'll need to have a number of electrolysis sessions over the period of least 12 months to achieve full permanent hair removal. This is because, in most people, it takes at least that period of time for all hairs to reveal themselves.