Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that has been around since the 19th century. Many people choose electrolysis because it provides effective and long-lasting results. Have you also heard people around you saying how good this technique is, but you still can't decide if it's good for you or not?
Many of us want to stick with the old methods of hair removal, while others like to try new methods. If you are one of those who stick with the old methods just because they are afraid of damaging their skin if they try methods like electrolysis, then don't worry. In this article, you will find a comprehensive guide on the benefits of electrolysis and its disadvantages compared to other methods of hair removal. So let's start discussing them.
Table of contents:
- Part 1: What is electrolysis hair removal?
- Part 2: What are the advantages of electrolysis hair removal compared to other methods?
- Part 3: What are the disadvantages of electrolysis hair removal compared to other methods?
- Part 4: Conclusion
What is electrolysis hair removal?
Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that uses probes and tweezers to get rid of all unwanted hair and stop its growth completely. During the procedure, the electrologist inserts a thin probe into your hair follicles. As it goes deeper and deeper, the current flows and damages the hair roots. The hair is then pulled out using tweezers.
This is done in several sessions so that the roots are completely destroyed and your hair does not grow back. The success rate of electrolysis is 93%, so results may vary from person to person.
The procedure is a little painful, so you may want to ask your practitioner to use an anesthetic for you. Also, this method is not suitable for skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema.
To learn about the cost of electrolysis, click on “ How much does electrolysis hair removal cost? ”
What are the advantages of electrolysis hair removal compared to other methods?
Long-lasting
The most striking advantage of electrolysis is that it is permanent. This means that once you have completed all the electrolysis sessions, your hair will be completely gone and there is no risk of it coming back.
The current from the probe targets the growth cells in your hair follicles. Once the growth cells are gone, no more hair will grow and you can enjoy hair-free skin forever.
Cost-effective
If you look at the cost of electrolysis, it can be up to 10,000 euros including all the sessions, and that's way too expensive, isn't it? What about waxing, shaving or laser hair removal? They may cost less, but if we include all the costs you will spend over the course of your life, we reach over 10,000 or even 20,000 euros.
So you can rest assured that electrolysis is a cost-effective option for hair removal. You only have to pay once and then you are free from all the worries, monthly treatments and side effects that come with other methods of hair removal.
Available to all
People with sensitive skin can only use special waxing, shaving can only be done by a professional, and laser and IPL work better on fair skin. Unlike these hair removal techniques, electrolysis can work effectively on all skin types and skin colors and show similar results.
Even if you have dark or light hair, you can still have electrolysis. The procedure uses electricity and does not require melanin to destroy the hair follicles.
Precise and effective
Another advantage of electrolysis is that it is very precise and effective for all skin types. Since the practitioner removes hair by inserting the probe into each hair follicle individually, all areas can be treated precisely.
Waxing, shaving and sugaring can be difficult for small areas like the face, but electrolysis works very well for eyebrow, chin, upper lip and cheek hair.
secure
While electrolysis does have some side effects, they are temporary and most of them are due to malpractice. It is an FDA-approved procedure, which means that the FDA reviewed all the necessary evidence and clinical tests before approving this procedure.
The FDA only grants its approval if it believes that the benefits of the device outweigh its side effects. So electrolysis has been approved by the FDA and is safe to use.
No more razor burn and bumps
Most men love to shave their hair, and some women also find shaving to be the quickest and easiest method of hair removal. But it can lead to ingrown hairs, razor burn, and bumps. These conditions can be painful, irritating, and uncomfortable.
You can save yourself the unwanted pain of cuts and irritation from bumps or burns by replacing shaving with electrolysis.
A solution for ingrown hairs
Did you know that electrolysis was originally not intended for regular hair removal, but to get rid of ingrown eyelash hairs? Pretty interesting, right? The method was first used by Dr. Charles E. Michel and various modifications were made after that.
There are now various devices available for performing electrolysis to treat ingrown hairs and other unwanted hair on the body.
Effective against hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis is a condition where excessive hair grows on all parts of the body. Using epilators can be quite a hassle. Waxing can be more painful to remove more hair and it creates a lot of mess. Also, frequent sessions are required.
So what can be the solution? Try electrolysis, as it can provide satisfactory results for those who suffer from it.
What are the disadvantages of electrolysis hair removal compared to other methods?
Time-consuming
When we compare electrolysis hair removal to other methods, we find that it is more time-consuming. While most other methods only take a few minutes, electrolysis hair removal can take 15 minutes to an hour for larger areas.
Also, a one-hour session is not enough for you. About 12 sessions are needed, which means it can take up to a year to complete the treatment. That's quite a long time.
Painful
Because electrolysis involves inserting a thin probe into the skin and then burning the hair follicles, the treatment is painful for you. It hurts most in sensitive areas such as your upper lip , cheeks, neck and jaw.
The short-term pain caused by electrolysis is very severe for some people, while others can tolerate it to a certain extent.
Causes skin discoloration
Have you ever heard of someone noticing skin discoloration after waxing or shaving? Well, that rarely happens.
On the other hand, people with sensitive skin are very prone to hyperpigmentation after electrolysis. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and occurs when your skin is irritated by the insertion of the probe into the hair follicles. However, the hyperpigmentation fades over time.
risk of infection
You can wax, shave or even use an IPL device at home. When you do the treatment yourself, you are more careful that it takes place in a clean place and under hygienic conditions.
However, you cannot perform electrolysis hair removal at home. If you go to a clinic for the treatment, they may use unsanitized needles or unsterilized instruments. This increases the risk of infections in your body and on your skin.
redness, irritation and scarring
Because a thin probe is used to damage your hair follicles, your skin may be irritated and itchy. Your skin may also turn red. This is because your blood vessels have enlarged to improve blood flow to the treated area and facilitate skin healing. This may continue for a few days.
In addition, incorrect use can lead to skin injuries and scarring.
Unpleasant
Not all of us are comfortable with others touching us, especially in our intimate areas. This feeling of discomfort deters most people from having the treatment. Those who are prepared for the treatment can limit hair removal to areas such as the arms, legs and face.
Conclusion
Electrolysis is a long-lasting hair removal method approved by the FDA. It is economical in the long run, safe, suitable for all skin types, precise and an effective way of hair removal for ingrown hairs and hypertrichosis. It requires a few sessions and can be painful.
If you don't go to a good clinic, mistakes in treatment and the use of unhygienic equipment can increase the risk of infection, bleeding and scarring on your skin. It can also cause temporary hyperpigmentation. Also, since it is an in-office treatment, not everyone may be comfortable with the procedure.
Whether you undergo the procedure or not is up to you. If you are hesitant, you can have an IPL treatment at home with the Try Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL device . It is a virtually painless, FDA approved and fast method of hair removal.
Would you like to learn more about IPL hair removal with Ulike? Click here on “ Ulike IPL hair removal ” .
