Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent? (& FAQs) - Ulike (2024)

Almost all hair removal methods provide you with temporary results. Some people like and use them repetitively, while others look for permanent results. Now, there are several procedures available that can help you remove hair permanently. But most people are unaware of them, or even if they are aware, they are afraid of these procedures.

Electrolysis hair removal is one such technique that gives you permanent results. It is a nearly painless, safe, FDA-approved, and permanent method. You can go for it without fearing any permanent damage to your skin and body. However, there are some before and after-care steps that you need to follow to make sure nothing goes wrong before, during, or after the procedure.

Let’s learn more about this method so you can use the electrolysis method without hesitation.

Table of Contents:

    • Part 1: What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?
    • Part 2: Prerequisites and After Care of Electrolysis Hair Removal
    • Part 3: Why You Should Go for the Electrolysis Hair Removal Method?
    • Part 4: After Effects of Electrolysis Hair Removal
    • Part 5: Comparison of Electrolysis Hair Removal with Other Methods
    • Part 6: Final Words
    • Part 7: FAQs

What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?

Electrolysis stops the growth of hair follicles using electric shocks. As they are destroyed from their roots, they lose the capacity to grow hair on the skin. When current reaches the hair follicles, it burns them out making the already-grown hair fall out and discontinuing the growth of any more hair.

Therefore, the FDA approves this as a permanent hair removal method This method is compatible with every skin type, any hair, any hair color, and all body parts so most people can be suitable candidates for electrolysis as long as there is no associated skin disease.

There are three types of electrolysis hair removal methods:

  1. Galvanic (chemical dissolution)
  2. Thermolysis (localized heat)
  3. Blend (both)

Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent? (& FAQs) - Ulike (1)The electrologist inserts a thin wire under your skin, into your hair follicles. When the electrolysis process is done, it generates electrical currents to pulverize follicles to yield permanent results. However, you cannot expect results in a single session because your hair grows in different stages and they need to be targeted in each of them. Therefore, you require more than one session to see results that last forever.

Prerequisites and After Care of Electrolysis Hair Removal

You must do proper skin and body care at every stage. Moisture barrier plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your skin and it is disrupted as soon the electrolysis starts. To avoid any side effects and prevent your skin from looking dull, you need to protect your moisture barrier. So, we have devised some steps for you to do so and divided these into three parts: Prerequisites or prepping your skin, between care, and aftercare.

Prerequisites:

Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent? (& FAQs) - Ulike (2)The prerequisites for electrolysis hair removal are pretty simple. You can maintain the safety, glow, and radiance of your skin even after electrolysis by following these:

  • Keep the area clean
  • Don’t consume sugary foods, chocolates, or alcohol at least 24 hours before the procedure
  • Drink a lot of water for internal hydration
  • Shave or trim the hair if the length is long
  • Daily moisturization for external hydration
  • Exfoliate some days before electrolysis

Care Between Electrolysis Treatment Sessions

  • Do not wax or tweeze hairs in the area. However, you can shave
  • as much as you can
  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water and fresh juices

Aftercare

  • Don’t expose your skin to direct sunlight or any heat activities
  • If you have done the procedure on the face, avoid makeup, exfoliation, or any other harsh chemical for at least three days
  • Some people face swelling or itching, so cool your skin
  • Use heavy lotions and soothing creams

Why You Should Go for the Electrolysis Hair Removal Method?

It would be best to use the electrolysis hair removal method instead of others for several reasons, like waxing and hair removal creams for several reasons. Let’s see what those reasons can be.

Permanent Results

Electrolysis yields permanent results because it doesn’t remove hair from only the upper layer of skin but the current goes deep into your hair follicles to eradicate the root cause of continuously growing hair follicles. The duration for permanent results is based on the hair growth and before and after hair care.

Approved By FDA

Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent? (& FAQs) - Ulike (3)The Food and Drug Administration approves electrolysis hair removal because it eradicates hair from the roots without causing any hazardous side effects to your skin. However, everyone has different skin and some temporary side effects can occur. These side effects can vary from person to person.

Good For All Skin Types

The procedure is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The current has nothing to do with your dermis or epidermis so you do not need to worry about your skin getting burnt. We recommend following dermatologists’ recommendations and avoiding harmful chemicals to make this procedure safer.

No Ingrown Hair

When you wax or use hair removal creams, they remove hair from the upper layer. Sometimes the hair breaks while waxing or it becomes difficult for shaved hair to come out of your skin. They curl back and become ingrown hair. Electrolysis prevents ingrown hair and keeps the skin smooth.

More Product Penetration

The electrolysis hair removal procedure clears the skin and dissolves dead skin cells. As the dead layer is gone, it makes the absorption of products better and heals breakouts fast.

After Effects of Electrolysis Hair Removal

Irritated Skin

Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent? (& FAQs) - Ulike (4)

Sensitive skin is prone to irritation and burning. So, if you have sensitive skin, you can expect itching on your skin after electrolysis. To soothe this burning sensation, you can apply some soothing lotions, moisturizers, ice packs, and natural products like aloe vera on the skin.

Pigmentation after process

Without the proper Aftercare and overtreatment, this hair removal process can cause pigmentation instead of burning your hair follicles. To prevent this, keep skin cool and don’t go in direct sunlight or heat.

Pain and Swelling

You’ll not feel any pain during the electrolysis process, instead, you can feel a tingling sensation in the area being treated. However, it can cause slight pain and swelling for a short period after the treatment. You can cure it with ice or any cooling lotion.

Comparison of Electrolysis Hair Removal with Other Methods

Electrolysis is better than other hair-removing techniques like waxing, tweezing, and hair-removing cream. However, compared to IPL, it is a better option than electrolysis. IPL covers a larger skin area, while electrolysis removes a small part of hair follicles. Similarly, you need to get more treatment sessions in electrolysis, whereas fewer sessions in IPL. Another advantage of IPL is using the IPL Hair Removal Handset to remove hair yourself.

Final Words

You can achieve permanent hairless skin with the Electrolysis Hair removal method. This method takes some time to give you these results, depending on your hair growth. You cannot estimate the treatment sessions in the beginning. Nevertheless, your dermatologist or electrologist can tell you better about it and make a treatment plan.

We suggest you start prepping your skin from the start for fewer sessions. The most crucial thing in this process is care, either before or after. Hydration is the most essential part of care. So, get some goodies before going for treatment to care as soon as you return.

FAQs

What is the success rate of electrolysis hair removal?

The success rate of electrolysis hair removal highly depends on your hair growth. According to the electrologist, it kills 60-70% of hair. You’ll feel regrowth after some time; therefore, there are multiple sessions for maximum success.

For how long do the results of electrolysis hair removal last?

The electrolysis results are permanent as it removes hair follicles, so there is no chance of regrowth. You can feel some hair growth due to internal hair, which will also be removed after some sessions.

What should you do to control the discomfort after electrolysis hair removal?

To minimize any harmful aftereffects of electrolysis, the best thing is to follow proper aftercare. However, if you still feel pain or notice inflammation, apply soothing lotions, cool packs, or other soothing agents on the skin. You can also use some over-the-counter topical products.

Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Permanent? (& FAQs) - Ulike (2024)

FAQs

Does electrolysis really remove hair permanently? ›

Yes. Unlike other hair removal methods that offer a temporary solution, Electrolysis is permanent and is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.

Is electrolysis 100% permanent? ›

Yes! Electrolysis safely and permanently removes all types of hair from all skin tones. No other hair-removal solution can claim the universal acceptability and success offered by electrolysis treatments.

Is electrolysis completely permanent? ›

Yes, electrolysis safely and permanently removes hair from all skin tones.

What is a downside to electrolysis? ›

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.

Why is electrolysis not popular? ›

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, explains that electrolysis has become less popular with the introduction of laser hair removal because it is much more time-consuming (hairs are zapped individually) and requires weekly appointments for a year or more.

What happens if you stop electrolysis? ›

We cannot know how many hairs will eventually grow or when your body will stimulate new growth. It is therefore very important that electrolysis is performed upon the detection of re-growth. Left untreated, hair will reconstitute itself to its original diameter and depth.

How many years does electrolysis last? ›

However, it's important to remember – the results last forever. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) consider electrolysis the only permanent hair removal method.

Why electrolysis didn t work? ›

Hormones and medicines can cause unwanted hair growth, and can continue to do so even after electrolysis sessions. In some cases, hair removal history and failure to follow your treatment plan can lead to unsuccessful electrolysis as well.

What is the regrowth rate of electrolysis hair? ›

Electrolysis can be expected to kill 50 to 60 percent of hair follicles during any one session. Therefore, you can reasonably expect a 40 to 50 percent regrowth of hair in the following weeks or months (assuming all growing hairs are successfully killed). That's true of every session.

Why does my hair keep growing back after electrolysis? ›

Hormonal changes can affect hair regrowth after electrolysis hair removal. Hormones can stimulate hair growth, even in areas that have been treated with electrolysis. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can result in hair regrowth after electrolysis.

Can electrolysis go wrong? ›

Electrolysis of the hairs if done correctly does not lead to any serious complications, but some problems do occur due to faulty technique, different skin conditions, person's systemic disorders or diseases, problem with the machines etc.

What are the permanent side effects of electrolysis? ›

Skin damage

Going to an inexperienced electrolysis technician can cause permanent skin damage. Because electrolysis involves permanently damaging the hair follicle, it can damage other parts of the skin if the probe is placed incorrectly. Sadly, it's one of the most common side effects of electrolysis.

Who should avoid electrolysis? ›

Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.

What is the main disadvantage of electrolysis? ›

Some disadvantages of using electrolysis in metal extraction include the high cost of equipment and energy, the need for a constant supply of electric current, and the generation of waste products that must be disposed of safely.

Why is plucking bad for electrolysis? ›

Temporary hair removal methods that require pulling hair from the follicle, like tweezing, waxing and threading can haste the rate of re growth, make the hair stronger, thicker and darker, increase the possibility of irritations and scarring and create distorted follicles with the additional possibility of ingrown hair ...

How long does electrolysis hair removal last? ›

Expect to go through around eight to twelve sessions for a permanent result. That may seem like a lot. However, it's important to remember – the results last forever. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) consider electrolysis the only permanent hair removal method.

How many electrolysis sessions to permanently remove hair? ›

Generally speaking, you are likely to require between 8 and 12 treatments. The average time from start to finish is about 12 months. It can take anything from 8 months up to 2 years in some cases. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person.

Does hair grow back slower after electrolysis? ›

Some hairs will grow back after electrolysis. However, as you undergo more and more sessions, the number of hairs that grow back each time decreases. If the hair doesn't regrow after more than three months, it will never come back again.

What is the success rate of electrolysis hair removal? ›

Of course, as with all procedures involving human beings, there will always be instances where 100% permanency is not achieved, but the permanency rate is approximately 93% of all people treated worldwide.

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