Is Electrolysis Right for You?

You may feel like you’re alone in having unwanted hair, but you’re certainly not. In fact, many people share similar concerns. Whether it’s hormonal changes, hereditary factors, medication, or the impact of life events like stress, unwanted hair can affect both men and women in various areas of the body. No matter the specific problem area, age, gender, hair or skin type, or hair and skin colour, there is a solution—and electrolysis is one of the most effective, safe, and permanent methods available.

Electrolysis provides a permanent solution for hair removal, helping people just like you regain confidence and feel comfortable in their skin. Despite the various reasons for excess hair growth, many individuals find that electrolysis is the key to overcoming this common issue.

This page has been thoughtfully created to address many of the common questions people have. If you’re searching for a specific answer to a pressing question, the following buttons may be particularly helpful:

History of Electrolysis

Electrolysis for cosmetic hair removal has been in practice since the early 1900s, originally developed within the field of ophthalmology in the 1870s for the permanent removal of ingrown eyelashes.

Electrolysis is a versatile and non-discriminatory treatment, effectively removing hair from any skin type, hair colour, or body area. Whether hair growth is due to hereditary, metabolic, or hormonal factors, electrolysis offers a permanent solution that can help reveal a more confident you.

Electrolysis is the only hair removal method approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the USA) as permanent. The British Advertising Standards Authority has also granted permission to claim electrolysis as ‘permanent hair removal’ in advertising. In contrast, other methods of hair removal do not offer permanent results.

Treatments such as Laser and IPL, which rely on light technology, are FDA-approved for ‘hair reduction’ rather than permanent hair removal. Additionally, these methods are more selective and may not work effectively on all hair and skin types.

The Sciencey Bit – How Does Electrolysis Work?

Electrolysis works by inserting a tiny, pre-sterilized needle into the opening of the hair follicle. A small amount of electrical energy is then discharged into the follicle, creating friction within the surrounding tissues. This friction generates mild thermal heat, which destroys the matrix cells responsible for hair production at the base of the follicle. The process is carried out through cauterisation or coagulation, depending on the stage of the hair growth cycle. This disrupts the follicle’s ability to produce hair, gradually weakening and eventually eliminating hair growth permanently.

Common Treatment Areas

Electrolysis is effective for all skin tones and hair types, and can be applied to most areas of the face and body. This includes common areas such as the eyebrows, chin, upper and lower lip, jawline, and sides of the face, as well as the breast, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, feet, legs, and back. Following a personal and confidential consultation, Carrina will create a tailored treatment plan to address your unique hair removal needs.

Why Do People Choose Electrolysis Hair Removal?

For many, unwanted hair isn’t just a routine maintenance issue—it can become a source of self-consciousness that impacts personal relationships and day-to-day life. Whether it’s hindering confidence, social interactions, work, sports, or self-expression, unwanted hair can take a significant toll. Electrolysis provides a solution for those looking to regain control and feel more confident in their own skin.

Is All Electrolysis the Same?

There are three main modalities of electrolysis used today: galvanic, thermolysis, and a blend of both.

• Galvanic electrolysis uses a direct current to produce a chemical reaction in the hair follicle, leading to the permanent destruction of the hair root.

• Thermolysis uses short-wave radio frequency to generate heat, which destroys the hair follicle.

• The blend combines both galvanic and thermolysis methods, offering a more versatile approach to hair removal.

All of these techniques result in effective, permanent hair removal, and Carrina will determine the best modality for your unique needs during your consultation.

What Does Electrolysis Feel Like?

The sensation during electrolysis can vary from person to person. Most individuals experience a momentary heat or pinch at the site of treatment. For the majority, discomfort is minimal, though individual pain tolerances can differ. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so the experience may feel different depending on the location being treated.

Many clients find the process easy to tolerate, with some choosing to read, listen to music, or even take a nap during their session.

Does Electrolysis Have Any Side Effects on the Skin?

Following treatment, it’s common to experience some temporary redness or slight tenderness in the treated area—this varies from person to person. Thanks to modern technology and refined techniques, electrolysis is now more comfortable and efficient than ever before.

Carrina will provide thorough aftercare instructions and any personalised guidance needed to support your skin’s healing process. Clients are assured of the highest level of care, professionalism, and attention throughout their treatment journey.

What About After Treatment?

After treatment, it’s common to experience mild redness or tenderness, which typically fades within a few hours. With electrolysis performed by a skilled practitioner, the risk of complications or serious skin irritation is minimal.

For the first 24 hours after treatment, it is important to avoid activities that could irritate the hair follicles, such as excessive sweating, tanning, prolonged sun exposure, or applying makeup. This will help ensure optimal healing and the best possible results.

How Long Will My Electrolysis Treatment Take?

The length of each electrolysis session varies depending on the area being treated. Smaller areas may take just a few minutes during a follow-up appointment, while larger areas could take up to an hour. For most clients following the recommended treatment plan, full completion or near completion of their hair removal goals can typically be achieved within 18 months.

Several factors can influence the duration of treatment, including the hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of the hair, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, hereditary factors, hormone levels, certain medications, and stress. Each individual’s treatment plan will be tailored to these factors to ensure the most effective and personalized approach.

Are All Hairs Eliminated in One Treatment or Is Regrowth to Be Expected?

Excessive hair growth, or hirsutism, can range from fine, vellus hair to dark, coarse hair found on both the face and body. To effectively break down the hair growth cells, particularly for deep, coarse hairs, more than one treatment is generally required.

Hair follicles go through different growth cycles, and many hairs will not be visible on the skin’s surface at the same time. The hair growth process includes stages of growth, rest, and shedding, known as the hair growth cycle. Because individual hairs are in varying phases of this cycle at any given time, multiple treatments are often necessary to fully address unwanted hair.

After a personal and confidential consultation, Carrina will develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your unique hair removal needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

What Medications Cause Hair Growth?

Several medications can contribute to unwanted hair growth, also known as hirsutism. It’s important to consult with your GP or pharmacist about the medications you are currently taking, as well as how they may interact with each other. Certain medications can stimulate hair follicles, leading to increased growth on areas such as the face, chest, or back. A healthcare professional can help you identify any medications that may be contributing to this and advise you on potential alternatives or solutions.

Has Electrolysis Technology Changed Much?

Yes, electrolysis technology has evolved significantly since it was first introduced in 1875. Modern advancements have made the process faster, more comfortable, and even more precise. Today’s epilators are much quicker, using advanced computer technology that allows for current timings measured in thousandths of a second, compared to the longer current applications used in the past. Intensity settings can now be fine-tuned to suit the needs of each individual, enhancing both safety and comfort.

Additionally, the equipment used by contemporary electrologists is far more sophisticated and efficient, ensuring that treatments are completed with greater precision. These advancements not only improve the speed of treatments but also reduce discomfort, making electrolysis a more comfortable and accessible option for those seeking permanent hair removal.

Why Choose Electrolysis Over Temporary Methods Like Waxing?

Electrolysis offers a permanent solution for unwanted hair, unlike temporary methods such as waxing, threading, or tweezing, which only provide short-term results. Electrolysis is effective on the widest variety of skin and hair types, making it the go-to option for lasting hair removal.

Temporary methods often come with drawbacks. Waxing, threading, and tweezing can lead to ingrown hairs, discoloration, and even increased hair growth over time. Shaving and depilatories can irritate the skin and require frequent maintenance, with hair regrowing quickly. While these methods may seem more affordable at first, the costs add up over time, not to mention the inconvenience of repeated treatments.

Electrolysis, on the other hand, removes hair permanently, saving you time, money, and the hassle of regular touch-ups. It works effectively on most areas of the body, leaving you with smooth, healthy-looking skin for the long term. No other hair removal method can match electrolysis for its universal success and lasting results.

How Much Does Electrolysis Cost?

The cost of electrolysis depends on several factors, including the amount of hair to be removed and the size of the treatment area. Generally, electrolysis is competitively priced compared to other hair removal methods, including laser treatments.

When considering the long-term expenses of shaving, depilatories, or repeated laser treatments, electrolysis offers a more cost-effective solution due to its permanence. Investing in electrolysis means investing in yourself, as it eliminates the need for continuous maintenance and touch-ups, ultimately saving you both time and money over the years.

How Many Treatments Are Required with Electrolysis?

The number of electrolysis treatments required can vary for each individual. Factors such as the amount of hair, previous hair removal methods (like waxing or tweezing), genetics, hormonal influence, nutrition, and overall health all play a role in determining the treatment plan. For areas that have been frequently waxed or tweezed, more sessions may be needed compared to areas that have been shaved.

Treatment sessions typically range from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. For the best results, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule. Consistent sessions, rather than sporadic appointments, help achieve permanent hair removal more quickly and effectively.

How Often Should I Schedule Electrolysis Treatments?

The frequency and duration of electrolysis appointments vary depending on the area being treated and the progress of your treatment. For smaller areas, such as a few hairs on the chin, you may only need a 10-minute session. Larger areas, like extensive facial hair or legs, will require longer appointments, potentially lasting an hour or more.

Initially, treatments will be more frequent and longer as more hair is present and requires removal. As treatment progresses and fewer hairs remain, the frequency and duration of appointments will gradually decrease.

For the best results, it is essential to follow the electrologist’s recommendations and maintain consistency. Regular, scheduled treatments will help achieve permanent hair removal more effectively and quickly than sporadic appointments.