Many women — and some men — strive at some point in their lives to constantly remove unwanted hair. Whether you are a woman with gorgeous sideburns and / or a mustache or a man who has extra hair back in combination with a particularly fluffy ass, there comes a time when plucking and / or wax endlessly lose their appeal.
There are many hair removal systems, but all have their pros and cons. For some people who want to get rid of hair in places where it should not be, or for those who suffer from coarse, stubborn hairs that will not leave, no matter how many times they are removed, electrolysis may be the answer.
What is electrolysis?
One of the oldest methods of hair removal was reportedly discovered in 1875, when a certain Dr. Charles Michel used it to remove ingrown eyelashes. His discovery, by today's standards, was fairly simple, but nonetheless was considered completely revolutionary: he found that the hairs in the follicles treated by electrolysis were destroyed — essentially for a long time.
Electrolysis works straight: a small amount of energy is passed through the needle into the follicle, producing heat that destroys the cells at the base, which are responsible for the production of hair. The result, however, is far from instantaneous: in most cases, in order for the procedure to work, the process must be repeated several times.
Currently, there are three types of electrolysis on the market today. They are:
Galvanic. This is an original method developed by Dr. Michel. The needle interacts with body salts and electrochemical current and alkali, which kills hair. Achievements of good results, but slow, however, say that they have the best track record in regards to hair growth.
Thermolysis. It produces faster heating using short-wave diathermy current, but with less results than galvanic electrolysis. In a nutshell, the needle passes an alternating current through the water, which causes the vibration that causes it to heat up, and there, before damaging the follicle. Isn't science great?
Mix it up. As the name implies, this type of electrolysis is one that swings in both directions, passing both alternating current and direct current through the needle.
Keep in mind that no matter what type of electrolysis you choose, often the result will depend on the skill of the practitioner, preferably a cosmetic dermatologist. You will need to find a person with proven experience who has successfully completed electrolysis countless times to achieve the best results. If possible, ask to speak with previous clients to find out how they rate their experience. Also, keep in mind that follicles that are curved due to previous tweezers or waxing may also not be charged.
Electrolysis advantages
* Lasts much longer than waxing, plucking or shaving.
* May even (ever) lead to permanent epilation in some cases and in some areas.
* Suitable for all hair and skin types, as it is not aimed at the pigment in the hair, unlike lasers.
* Better in most cases than laser hair removal, since the latter is almost always accompanied by hair restoration (but electrolysis is much slower and more painful).
Cons of electrolysis
* Can be painful. Some people find it mildly annoying and uncomfortable, others find it hurts excessively. It depends on your own threshold of pain, but remember, no pain, no gain.
* It can be expensive. Ask to find a reasonable price, which will also depend on the size of the area you want to process, you will need to have a lot of repeat sessions, etc.
* It can take a long time, it is difficult and even boring when a large amount of hair is involved, for example, when trying to tame a very hairy back.
* When done incorrectly, can lead to overgrowth, skin damage and infection. Minimize the risks by making sure the technician is qualified (see above) and puts on surgical gloves and uses disposable needles. Redness, swelling and even scabs can also be expected, so do not worry about some (temporary) unpleasant side effects.
* Some people spend money because they discover that they do not respond to treatment at all.
* Some believe that there are many hair extensions. It is common in the pubic area and under the arm; returning once or twice a year to get settled, you need to do the trick.
* Not recommended for specific potentially hirsute body parts, such as the nostrils or inside the ear. Also not for hairy moles.
What to do with electrolysis?
Not recommended. While many people tend to buy a DIY kit, because they are cheaper and you can do electrolysis in the privacy of your home, there are many shortcomings. This process takes a lot of time and without proper training you can do serious skin damage.
In fact, the American Medical Association's Committee on Skin Health and Cosmetics recommends only home kits when you are involved in areas such as the lower legs that are easily accessible. Hard and fast rule: if you need to strain to see this area, do not treat it yourself.
Other considerations concern spending, saying that home sets are a false economy. They last for so long, and if you have a lot of hair to remove, you can burn it before you finish, you will have to purchase more sets. Ultimately, a visit to a salon or spa can be cheaper - unless, of course, you buy a set for self-preparation to pick up homeless hair that a trained professional missed.
Make your own mind
The discussion about electrolysis versus lasers for permanent hair removal is constant, and you will need to see what is best for you. Obviously, this will depend on many factors, such as your own hair and skin type, the space of the area you want to treat, your personal pain threshold and the condition of your wallet. In some cases, it may make more sense — and cents — just to continue waxing and pull out those unwanted hair.
If you decide that visiting the spa is the best option for you, make sure you choose a trained practitioner with a lot of experience. First, make a small area, then check the results for several months. time to see how you respond to treatment is also a good idea. Again, these hairy armpits in the style of Julia Roberts may soon be back in fashion ...
The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the medical expertise and recommendations of your health care provider. We recommend that you discuss any treatment or care decisions with an appropriate medical professional.
