Permanent Removal of Unwanted Hair: Pros and Cons of Electrolysis

ByTeresa Ann Pickard

If you are looking for permanent removal of unwanted hair, electrolysis is the only method that the FDA has approved a permanent solution. Just keep in mind that to achieve permanent hair removal, you will need several treatments spread out over weeks or months.

How Electrolysis Works

An electrologist will destroy each hair follicle by using a metal probe or a needle shaped electrode (this needle shaped instrument is not large but very small - fine). When it comes to electrolysis, there are a few different types - thermolysis, blend and galvanic.

There are different stages when it comes to the growth of hair - growing, resting and shedding. It's normal for electrolysis to be done in several sessions because of the different hair growth stages and the fact that hair is never on the same stage at the same time. (You could get just one treatment and the visible area will be "cleared" and look great, but for the best total results, it will take several sessions.)

Now that you have some basic information, let's take a look at a few pros and cons of electrolysis starting with the pros first.

Pros
Beneficial for several different skin and hair types. Unlike laser which targets the color (also known as pigment) of the hair, electrolysis targets the hair follicle itself making all different hair and skin types eligible for treatments.Permanent removal. Other methods can only offer a "reduction" in unwanted hair growth. Electrolysis destroys the hair follicle so it is 99% unable to grow more hair.You can shave the day before treatment. Other methods, such as waxing, require that you don't shave for a certain number of days before treatment.

Cons
Availability of professional electrologists. Sometimes only metropolitan areas or large suburbs have qualified practitioners.Length of treatment. Depending upon the part of the body being treated, it can take anywhere from 10-20 sessions for electrolysis to be effective in permanent hair removal. You need to make sure you can invest the time (and money) for this. Each session will take anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour.Investment. As mentioned above, you already know it's going to take several different treatments. Price will vary on the area you live in but it's estimated that the average price per treatment is $50.00.Hair follicles that are bent can make electrolysis treatments harder. If you've done a lot of tweezing or waxing in the past, this can cause your hair follicles to become misshapen or bent. This will cause electrolysis to be difficult because the needle won't be able to get straight to the root, so destroying the hair follicle will be difficult.Discolored skin. This is not common and usually only happens if the treatments are done improperly.

Does it Hurt?

Every person has a different pain tolerance so there isn't an easy way to answer this. One person could say it hurt a lot but to someone else it might not hurt at all. The 'general consensus' seems to be that it feels like a bee sting or pricking sensation.

A skilled electrologist will constantly be checking with you and looking at your skin to be sure you are handling the treatment well. Ice and ibuprofen can be helpful for people whose skin is very sensitive.

There you have it, some pros and cons of electrolysis for permanent removal of unwanted hair. Always consult a trusted electrologist before making a decision on something this important.

If you are looking for a permanent removal of unwanted hair growth, you owe it to yourself to look into electrolysis. In the Atlanta area, I offer free consultations by appointment. Call me at 770-495-1833 or visit Elite Electrolysis http://teresapickard.com

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