Are you also bothered by the unwanted hair you see when you go in front of the mirror, especially on your face? Do you feel like your confidence is being reduced because of this hair that grows on your upper lip, chin, and between your eyebrows? Are you tired of temporary solutions like waxing and threading? So, today I am here to talk about a permanent solution to this unwanted hair problem. That is the treatment method called Electrolysis.
Simply put, what is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a treatment that permanently removes unwanted hair, meaning it will never grow back. It's a very reliable method that's been around for over 100 years. It was actually first developed to remove ingrown hairs.
This is a very delicate procedure. A trained professional (electrologist) carefully inserts a small, wire-like device, thinner than your own hair, into the hair follicle on the surface of your skin. Then, a very small electrical current is sent along the wire, destroying the cells at the root of the hair follicle that grow the hair. When the root of the hair is destroyed in this way, the ability of a new hair to grow from that place is completely lost. The existing hair also falls out.
Most importantly, electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Who is this treatment most suitable for?
Having body hair is normal. But sometimes it can be a nuisance. Many people consider electrolysis treatment for the following reasons:
- Hair growth in unwanted places: For example, some people do not like hair growing in places like the upper lip, chin, between the eyebrows, and breasts.
- Hirsutism: This is a medical condition in which women develop excessive hair growth on their bodies, similar to that of men. This can be caused by a hormonal imbalance.
What parts of the body can this method be used on?
Another advantage of electrolysis is that it can be used to remove unwanted hair from most areas of the body.
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Face | Sensitive areas such as the upper lip, chin, and eyebrows |
| Armpit | Underarm hair |
| Breasts and abdomen | Hair around the breasts and on the stomach |
| Lower body | Bikini line, thighs and lower legs |
| Hands and feet | Hair on fingers and toes |
| Outside | Hair on the outside |
Why do we get unwanted hair like this?
There may be several reasons for this.
- Heredity: Sometimes this is genetic. If your mother or grandmother had a lot of body hair, you may have the same tendency.
- Hormone levels: Women can develop unwanted hair, especially when there is an increase in male hormones called 'androgens' in the body.
- Certain medications: Some medications, for example, some types of steroids, can cause increased hair growth as a side effect.
- Some medical conditions: Women with a condition called `Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS),` which is very common in our country, experience excessive hair growth in this way.
If you suddenly notice an increase in body hair growth, it is very important to see your doctor to find out the cause before resorting to other treatments .
How long does the treatment take? Why do I need to go back and forth?
You need to be patient here. This is not something that can be done in one day. You will have to attend several sessions . Usually once a week or every two weeks. Sometimes it can take a year or a year and a half to complete this treatment.
Why do you have to go so many times?
Just think, just like the hair on our head, not all hairs on our body grow and fall out at the same time. Every hair has a growth cycle. It has three phases: growth, resting, and shedding. Electrolysis treatment is only effective if the electric current is sent to the root of the hair during its growth phase .
When you go for treatment, some hairs may be in the growth phase, while others may be in the resting phase. So, to catch every hair in its growth phase, we need to go through several consecutive treatments.
A single treatment session can typically last anywhere from 15 minutes to about an hour , depending on the size of the area you are treating and the type of hair.
What should I be careful about after treatment?
The first 24 hours after treatment are very important. During this time, you should avoid anything that will further irritate the hair follicles.
- Avoid sweaty activities: Avoid exercising and heavy sweating for 24 hours.
- Avoid sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure and tanning.
- Avoid applying makeup: Avoid applying makeup to the treated area as it can cause infection of the hair follicles.
Are there any advantages, disadvantages, and risks to this?
What are the advantages?
- Permanent solution: After completing the course of treatment, the hair will not grow back.
- Suitable for any skin tone and hair type: Unlike some laser treatments, this can be done on any skin tone and any hair type (black, brown, white).
- Good for sensitive areas: It can be done very safely on sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.
Disadvantages and risks
The main disadvantage is that it takes time and requires patience to complete the treatment.
In terms of risks, electrolysis is a very safe treatment if performed by a qualified, experienced professional. However, there is a small chance of infection if dirty equipment (non-sterilized wires) is used. There is also a small chance of scarring if the treatment is done incorrectly. Therefore, you need to be very careful about the location you choose.
The skin may be slightly red during or after the treatment. This will disappear completely within a few hours. Some people with darker skin may experience temporary dark spots in the treated areas. However, these will fade over time. Do not apply bleaching creams to them.
Is this painful?
This is usually not painful. Most people feel a tingling or mild burning sensation. If you are concerned about pain, you can ask your practitioner if you can apply a topical anesthetic before the treatment.
How to choose a good professional?
This is the most important thing. Your money, time, and skin safety all depend on who you choose.
- Check qualifications: Check to see if the person has a certification from a recognized institution in this regard, or if they have received the necessary training. Check to see if those certificates are displayed.
- Get recommendations: If you have friends or relatives who have had this treatment, ask them. Or, ask your family doctor about a good place.
- Go for a consultation: Many good places offer a free initial consultation. Go there and ask all your questions. You can get an idea of their knowledge by the way they answer.
- Cleanliness and hygiene: When you go to the place, look around. Is it clean? Do they use disposable equipment? Ask about the methods of sterilizing equipment. Only choose the place if you are comfortable with all of these.
Take-Home Message
- Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment .
- This cannot be done in one go. To achieve successful results, you need to complete a series of treatments that can last several months or even a year.
- This is a very safe treatment if performed by a qualified, experienced professional.
- Before choosing a treatment center, carefully research their qualifications, cleanliness, and recommendations from others.
- If you are having problems with excessive hair growth, it is important to first consult a doctor , as it could be a symptom of an underlying condition such as PCOS.
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