The Pros and Cons of Electrolysis Hair Removal Compared to Other Methods

Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that has been with us since the 19th century. Many people are aligned towards undergoing electrolysis for its effective and long-term results. Did you also hear people around you saying how good this technique is but you still cannot decide whether it is good for you or not?

Many of us want to stick with old hair removal methods while others love trying new methods. If you are someone who is sticking with the old methods just from the fear of damaging your skin by trying methods like electrolysis, don’t worry. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the benefits of electrolysis and its disadvantages as compared to other hair removal methods. So, let’s initiate the discussion.

Table of Contents:

What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that includes the use of probes and tweezers to get rid of all unwanted hair and stop its growth completely. During the process, the electrologist places a thin probe into your hair follicles, and as it goes deeper, the current flows and damages the roots of the hair. Then, the hair is pulled out using a pair of tweezers.

This is done in several sessions so that the roots are destroyed completely and your hair does not grow back anymore. The success rate for electrolysis is 93% so the results can vary from person to person.

The process is a bit painful so you can ask the practitioner to use an anesthetic for you. Moreover, it does not apply to skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.

To know about the cost of electrolysis, click How Much Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Cost?

What are the Pros of Electrolysis Hair Removal Compared to Other Methods

Permanent

The most eye-catching benefit of electrolysis is that it is permanent. This means that when you are done with all your electrolysis sessions, your hair will be completely gone and there are no chances of them coming back.

The current from the probe targets the growth cells of your hair follicles. As the growth cells are gone, there will be no formation of hairs and you can enjoy hair-free skin forever.

Cost Effective

If you look at the cost of electrolysis, it can go up to 10,000 dollars including all the sessions and this is way too expensive, right? What about waxing, shaving, or laser hair removal? They might cost less but if we include all the money you are going to spend in your lifetime, it will exceed $10,000 and even $20,000.

So, you can consider that electrolysis is a cost-effective option for hair removal. You just need to pay once and then you are free from all the worries, monthly treatments, and side effects caused by other hair removal techniques.

Available for All

Those with sensitive skin can only use specific waxes, shaving can only be done safely if you are a professional, and laser and IPL work better for lighter skin. Unlike these hair removal techniques, electrolysis can work effectively and show similar results for all skin types, and skin colors.

Even if you have dark or light hair, you can still get electrolysis done. The procedure uses current and does not need melanin to destroy the hair follicles.

Precise and Effective

Another benefit of electrolysis is that it is very precise and effective for all skin types. As the practitioner removes hair by inserting the probe one by one in each hair follicle, so all the areas can be precisely removed.

Waxing, shaving, and sugaring can be difficult for small areas like the face but electrolysis works very well for eyebrows, chin, upper lip, and cheek hairs.

Safe

Electrolysis has some side effects but those are temporary and most of them occur due to malpractice. It is an FDA-approved procedure which means the FDA has reviewed all the necessary proofs and clinical trials before approving this procedure.

FDA gives its approval only when it thinks that the device’s benefits outweigh its side effects. So, electrolysis got approval from the FDA and is safe to use.

No Razor Burns and Bumps Anymore

Most men love shaving their hair and some women also find shaving the quickest and easiest hair removal method. But it can cause Ingrown hairs, razor burns, and bumps. These conditions can be painful, irritating, and discomforting.

You can save yourself from bearing the unwanted pain from cuts and irritation from bumps or burns by replacing shaving with electrolysis.

A Solution to Ingrown Hairs

Did you know that when electrolysis started, it was not for your normal hair removal but for getting rid of an eyelash Ingrown hair? Quite interesting, right? It was first done by Dr. Charles E. Michel and after that various alterations were made.

Now, different devices are available for performing electrolysis for the treatment of ingrown hair and other unwanted hair on the body.

Effective Against Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis is a condition in which hair grows excessively on all your body parts. Using epilators can be quite slow. As for waxing, it can be more painful to remove more hair and it will create a lot of mess. You will also need frequent sessions.

So, what can be the solution to this? Try electrolysis as it can provide satisfactory results to those who are suffering from this condition.

What are the Cons of Electrolysis Hair Removal Compared to Other Methods

Time-consuming

When we compare electrolysis hair removal with other methods, we notice that it is more time-consuming. While most other methods take a few minutes, electrolysis hair removal can take 15 minutes to even an hour for larger areas.

Moreover, a one-hour session will not be enough for you. It needs about 12 sessions which means it can take up to a year to complete the treatment. This is quite a long time.

Painful

As electrolysis requires the insertion of a thin probe into your skin, and then the burning of hair follicles, it will be painful for you. It hurts the most for sensitive areas like your upper lip, cheeks, neck, and jaws.

The short-lived pain caused by electrolysis is intense for some people while others can bear it to an extent.

Cause Skin Discoloration

Have you ever heard someone say that they waxed or shaved and noticed skin discoloration after? Well, it rarely happens.

On the other hand, people having sensitive skin are highly prone to hyperpigmentation after electrolysis. This is called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and occurs after your skin gets irritated as the probe is inserted into your hair follicles. However, the hyperpigmentation eventually fades with increasing time.

Risk of Infection

You can wax, shave, or even use an IPL device at home. When you are performing your treatment by yourself z you will be more careful about doing it in a clean place under sanitary conditions.

However, you cannot do the electrolysis hair removal treatment at home. So, when you go to a clinic for treatment, they might use unsanitized needles or use unsterilized instruments. This increases the risk of infections in your body and on the skin.

Redness, Irritation, and Scarring

As a thin probe is used to damage your hair follicles, it might cause irritation and itching in your skin. Other than this, you might also notice your skin getting red. It is because your blood vessels expand to improve blood flow in the treated area and facilitate skin healing. However, it can stay for a few days.

Additionally, wrong practices can also lead to skin lesions and scarring.

Uncomfortable

Not all of us are comfortable with others touching them, especially the intimate areas. This feeling of discomfort stops most people from getting the treatment done. Those who prepare themselves for the treatment might limit the hair removal to areas like arms, legs, and face only.

Conclusion

Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method that is approved by the FDA. It is economical in the long run, safe, useful for all skin types, precise, and an effective hair removal option for ingrown hair and hypertrichosis. It needs a few sessions and can be painful.

Moreover, if you are not going to a good clinic, malpractice and the use of unsanitized equipment can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring on your skin. It can also cause temporary hyperpigmentation. Additionally, as it is an in-office treatment everyone might not be comfortable with the procedure.

Undergoing the procedure or not depends upon you and if you are hesitant about it, you can try at-home IPL treatment with the Ulike Sapphire Air3 handset. It is a nearly painless, FDA-cleared, and quick hair removal method.

Want to know about IPL hair removal with Ulike? Click, Ulike IPL Hair Removal.