Hair removal is something that both women and men do to look good, feel smooth and thin out annoying body hair. These days, hair removal methods that give lasting results are growing in popularity. One popular method is electrolysis. Read on to learn more about this method and to find out if it is right for you.

What is electrolysis hair removal?

Electrolysis is a hair removal procedure where a needle is put inside a hair follicle, and with heat administered from the needle, the hair follicle is burned so hair does not grow back again. The electrolysis machine connects the heat to the needle through a wire, and the technician can adjust the temperature. The higher the temperature, the hotter the needle gets. However, some electrolysis specialists use a numbing gel on the skin area so the patient cannot feel the heat from the machine.

This hair removal method works well and provides patients with long-lasting results. Depending on the person and hair thickness, you may have to go back for several electrolysis treatments before hair permanently stops growing. Of course, with hormone and lifestyle changes, hair may grow back a little bit later in life, but nothing like it was initially. You can go back for more electrolysis treatments whenever you need a touchup.

Benefits of this hair removal method

The primary benefit of electrolysis is permanent hair removal. After getting several electrolysis treatments, the hair will not grow back. This hair removal is not like shaving or waxing, where the hair grows back in a few days or weeks. Electrolysis aims to give people the freedom they are looking for.

Electrolysis treatments are usually quite convenient. It is best to go for a treatment when the hair is in peak growth, so the hair follicle is burned when it is most active. This means you should go for an electrolysis treatment when hair is just below the skin’s surface or just peaking through when you can feel a little stubble. If you go at these times, you are most likely to experience success from these treatments.

Electrolysis vs. laser hair removal

Electrolysis and laser hair removal are completely different hair removal treatments. This method requires one needle to go into the hair follicle and burn the hair at the root. Laser hair removal is done by using a laser to “zap” the hair at the surface of the skin. Laser hair removal must be done two to three days after shaving, so the hair is burned at its peak growth point. Cooling gel is used on the skin to minimize pain. Depending on the area of skin, laser hair removal can take a few minutes or several hours.

Both methods have their own kind of discomfort. However, with both treatments, there are numbing gels that can help. With both methods, you can choose to raise or lower the temperature of the machine depending on how much discomfort you can tolerate. If you decide to use a lower temperature, you will most likely need to go back for more treatments.

What should I expect from my electrolysis appointment?

Your electrolysis appointment will be straight to the point. You will lay down on a table, and your technician will have a clean needle ready to remove your hair. The technician will most likely use a large magnifying glass to see all the hair. Depending on the area where you want the hair removed, the appointment could take minutes or hours. The needle will go into each hair follicle individually and will administer heat through the needle.

What are the side effects?

After your treatment, your skin will probably be red and irritated. This is nothing to worry about. Your skin might need an hour or so to cool down from the heat. Then it should go back to a normal appearance again after that.

How do I care for my skin afterward?

Your skin will be irritated after your treatment. To cool it down and promote healing, use your favorite soothing lotion on the area. Do not use anything with strong scents that may irritate your skin. Using a cream with aloe vera or tea tree oil will calm your skin after your treatment.

Electrolysis in Columbia

Overall, electrolysis is an excellent hair removal method. It will give you long-lasting results, as the hair will not grow back after your treatments are completed. If you want to get rid of annoying hair, give electrolysis a try.

Starting this May, Columbia Skin Clinic is offering electrolysis treatments to our patients. Tabitha Owens is our in-house electrolysis hair removal specialist. She has completed a 600-hour electrology program with The Electrology Institute of NE and clinical study with The Atlanta School of Electrolysis. Tabitha is currently taking appointments at our Columbia location. To schedule an appointment, contact us today!