In this busy life where you barely find enough time to eat and rest well, grooming your unwanted body hair every week or two has become a hassle. However, it is also necessary to appear in your best shape.
Therefore, women are looking for hair removal methods that remove their unwanted hair from the roots in a way that significantly delays or even completely stops its regrowth, especially on the face.
The most popular choices for long-lasting facial hair removal include IPL hair removal, laser hair removal, and electrolysis. The results of IPL and laser hair removal are semi-permanent while electrolysis has the potential to be permanent.
Electrolysis is unique because it targets individual hair follicles, making it a method that many seek for lasting results.
So, let us talk about facial electrolysis hair removal, its pros and cons, cost, and after-effects to help you understand if it is worth a try.
Understanding the pros and cons of facial electrolysis can help you make an informed decision about whether this method aligns with your grooming needs.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: Does Electrolysis Work on Facial Hair?
- Part 2: Facial Electrolysis Cost
- Part 3: Laser Vs. Electrolysis for Facial Hair
- Part 4: How Long Does Facial Electrolysis Take?
- Part 5: How Many Electrolysis Sessions Are Needed to Remove Facial Hair?
- Part 6: What Will My Face Look Like After Electrolysis
- Part 7: How Painful is Electrolysis on the Face?
- Part 8: What are the Downsides to Facial Electrolysis?
- Part 9: Why is My Hair Growing Back After Facial Electrolysis?
Understanding the duration of the treatment is crucial, as it can vary depending on individual needs and the area being treated.
It's important to note that the number of sessions required can vary greatly based on factors like hair thickness and growth cycles.
Post-treatment appearances can differ; some individuals may experience temporary redness or swelling.
The level of discomfort experienced can vary from person to person, influenced by pain tolerance and the treatment area.
While effective, electrolysis does have potential downsides, including skin irritation and possible scarring.
Hair regrowth can occur due to various factors, such as hormonal changes or incomplete hair follicle treatment.
Part 1: Does Electrolysis Work on Facial Hair?
In electrolysis, a skillful technician carefully passes a hair-like thin wire into the hair follicle through the skin. Once it reaches the end of the hair strand at the level of the roots, external energy through microcurrent is applied. This energy can be in the form of,
- Heat energy
- Chemical energy
- Galvanic energy
- Mixture of all forms of energy
Heat energy is a key component in the electrolysis process, as it helps to effectively target and destroy hair follicles.
Chemical energy refers to the use of chemical reactions in electrolysis, which can be effective in targeting specific hair types.
Galvanic energy involves the use of electric current to facilitate hair removal, often providing a thorough treatment option.
Mixture of all forms of energy combines techniques for potentially enhanced effectiveness in treating various hair types.
This energy destroys the hair follicles and roots, and hair strands fall out.
This energy is crucial for the electrolysis process and ultimately leads to long-lasting hair removal results.
The thicker the hair, the more energy it requires to kill the follicle. This makes electrolysis more effortless on the thin hair. Electrolysis works effectively on facial hair, which is often thin. The success rate of electrolysis for unwanted facial hair is around 80%.
However, note there are also more chances of regrowth of the facial hair after electrolysis because the facial hair follicles are strong and deeply rooted. In conclusion, electrolysis works well for facial hair but there are chances of hair strands regrowing after the completion of the treatment sessions.
Part 2: Facial Electrolysis Cost
The cost of electrolysis hair removal is determined by the time duration of a single hair removal session. In general, per per-hour cost of electrolysis is $80-$300 in different states of the USA. For example, it is $140 in Los Angeles, $90 in New York, and $70 in Chicago.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Electrolysis on the Face
In addition to the geographical location, the average cost of electrolysis is affected by the following factors,
Geographical location plays a significant role in determining the local market rates and availability of electrolysis services.
- Surface Area: The greater the surface area of the treatment, the more the cost. For example, electrolysis on sideburns and chin cost more than that of upper lips.
- The density of the Hair: Thicker hair requires more sessions and hence, a greater cost.
- Duration of Session: As the cost of electrolysis is $/hour, the duration of the session can increase the price.
- Type of Treatment: The price of electrolysis for thermal, galvanic, and hybrid treatment differs.
Understanding the cost of electrolysis treatment is essential, as the choice between thermal, galvanic, or hybrid methods can significantly impact your expenses.
Part 3: Laser Vs. Electrolysis for Facial Hair
Here are the major differences between electrolysis and laser for facial hair.
When comparing electrolysis and laser hair removal, it's important to consider factors like effectiveness, treatment duration, and skin sensitivity.
Working Principle
In electrolysis, microcurrent induced into the hair follicles through a thin wire kills the hair follicles. However, a probe is used to radiate a high-energy beam of focused light that targets the pigment of the hair strands to destroy the hair follicles in laser hair removal.
Skin Tone and Hair Color Compatibility
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis work for thick to thin hair. However, the effectiveness is variable. Going into the details, electrolysis works better for thin hair as less energy is required to destroy the hair follicle while laser hair removal is more effective for thick hair as it has more pigment.
Additionally, laser hair removal is a better option for people with dark hair and light skin tone and electrolysis works for all hair colors and skin tones.
Choosing the right method for hair removal depends on individual hair and skin characteristics, influencing which treatment may be most effective.
Safety Considerations
Electrolysis is relatively more painful as compared to laser hair removal and there are chances of skin scarring and infections. In laser hair removal, a person should be concerned about a pricking sensation during the treatment and the risk of burns afterward.
Also, note that electrolysis is a time-consuming treatment as it treats only one hair follicle at a time. Thus, it is more suitable for small areas in contrast to laser hair removal which kills multiple follicles at one time and works well for large areas.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of both hair removal treatments are provided in the table below.
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
| Electrolysis |
|
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| Laser Hair Removal |
|
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Alternative to Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis
Both electrolysis and laser hair removal have their pros and cons. But do you know what is the biggest turn-off about these hair removal methods? They are expensive and offer painful or uncomfortable treatment experiences.
While both methods can be effective, their high cost and discomfort may lead individuals to seek alternative hair removal solutions.
Part 4: How Long Does Facial Electrolysis Take?
Each session of electrolysis on the face takes 15 to 60 minutes depending upon the facial area under treatment. It means that for a single area of the face like eyebrows or upper lips, the treatment is completed within 15 minutes. However, it might take up to an hour to treat the unwanted hair on the full face, including sideburns, chin, upper lips, eyebrows, and forehead.
Part 5: How Many Electrolysis Sessions Are Needed to Remove Facial Hair?
The number of electrolysis sessions needed to remove the undesired facial hair is variable. In general, anywhere between 8 to 14 sessions are required for the completion of the treatment and it depends upon the following factors,
Factors such as hair density and growth cycles can affect the total number of sessions required for optimal results in electrolysis.
- Treatment area and effect of hormones on the treatment area
- The pain threshold of the client as clients with more threshold can take longer sessions
- The phase of the hair growth cycle at which electrolysis is performed
- Hair growth, number, and density
Hormones can significantly influence how effective electrolysis is, as they may affect hair growth patterns in the treated area.
Individual pain tolerance varies greatly, which can affect the length of each session; those with higher thresholds may endure longer treatments.
Electrolysis is most effective during specific phases of the hair growth cycle, particularly when hairs are in the anagen (growth) phase.
The extent of hair growth—including factors like density and total number of hairs—can influence the overall treatment duration needed.
Each session of electrolysis is spaced at an interval of 3 to 6 weeks. Thus, it takes a year or 2 to complete the treatment.
Regular intervals between sessions are crucial for achieving optimal results, as they allow hair to enter the correct growth phase for effective treatment.
Part 6: What Will My Face Look Like After Electrolysis?
To address your expectations with facial electrolysis, let us discuss how your skin appears after the treatment.
Immediate Post-Electrolysis Hair Removal Session Appearance
Immediately after your electrolysis hair removal session, you will experience mild pain or discomfort in the treated area. In addition, the skin appears,
Common immediate reactions include mild pain or discomfort, which is expected after treatment and usually subsides quickly.
- Red
- Irritated
- Inflamed with small bumps
- Have little scabs
It is normal for the skin to appear red immediately after electrolysis, as this is a common response to the treatment process.
Irritated skin is a common reaction after electrolysis, but it usually subsides within a short period.
Inflamed skin with small bumps can occur, indicating an immune response to the treatment, but this is generally temporary.
Little scabs may form as the skin heals, which is a normal part of the recovery process.
Your skin will start to become normal within 12 to 48 hours after your hair removal session. Also, some people develop folliculitis or acne breakouts and require up to 1 week until their skin starts to appear normal.
Long-Term Appearance of the Skin
In between the electrolysis sessions, you will notice that the hair from the treated area is shedding and fine hair is regrowing back. Once the treatment is complete, your skin will be almost free of all unwanted hair.
Thus, skin appears smooth, glowing, and radiant in the long run after electrolysis.
As a result, your skin's appearance improves, becoming smooth and radiant over time.
The Necessary Aftercare Steps
To avoid side effects and get the best of electrolysis, below are some aftercare steps.
- Do not remove the hair with wax, tweezers, or razors, and let it shed on its own
- Apply the prescription creams advised by your electrolysis expert
- Do not use any active ingredient for 1 to 2 days
- Apply cool compresses to deal with the immediate after-effects of electrolysis
- Moisturize the skin adequately and drink more water to hydrate it from the inside.
Following this advice helps ensure a smoother recovery and enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Following your expert's advice is crucial for optimal healing and results.
Active ingredients, such as acids or retinoids, can irritate the skin after electrolysis, so it’s best to avoid them temporarily.
Cool compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort after the procedure.
Hydration is key; moisturizing and drinking water can aid in the skin's recovery process.
Part 7: How Painful is Electrolysis on the Face?
The pain of electrolysis on the face mainly depends upon,
- Your pain threshold
- Thickness and density of the hair
- Time taken during the treatment session
Your individual pain tolerance can significantly influence your experience during the procedure.
The hair's thickness and density can also affect how much discomfort you may feel during electrolysis.
Although the sensation resembles poking of the skin by a thin needle or rubber band snapping against the skin, the continuous snapping makes it feel painful.
To reduce the pain, you can apply a topical anesthetic cream with lidocaine, take oral painkillers, or ask your electrolysis expert for a prescription cream.
Topical anesthetics can help alleviate discomfort during electrolysis, making the process more tolerable.
Part 8: What are the Downsides to Facial Electrolysis?
Here are the side effects and risks of electrolysis that make the reason why you might want to avoid facial electrolysis.
The side effects of electrolysis can vary, and understanding them is crucial for making an informed decision about treatment.
Pain, Redness, and Irritation
During the treatment, you feel a snapping or poking sensation on the skin making your experience painful. After the treatment, the skin becomes red and irritated.
It's common to experience temporary redness and irritation, which usually subsides within a few hours post-treatment.
Inflammation, Folliculitis, and Infection
The minor electric current from electrolysis irritates the skin. At, times, this skin irritation develops into skin inflammation of the treated area. Furthermore, the probe can introduce microbes into the hair follicles leading to folliculitis and skin infections.
This appears in the form of small fluid-filled bumps.
Skin Discoloration and Scarring
Skin responds to the trauma by an increase in the production of melanin. Electrolysis needle also puts a little trauma on the skin and can lead to hyperpigmentation.
In combination with some hypopigmented spots, electrolysis causes skin discoloration. Moreover, scars and scabs can also form at the places where the needle is exerted into the skin.
Time-Consuming
In electrolysis, individual hair follicles are treated. The process of inserting the wire into the hair follicle and then applying the current takes a few seconds. Imagine doing it for uncountable hair on your face. It will take some time, right?
Thus, electrolysis on facial hair can take almost an hour, if not longer.
Expensive
1 hour of electrolysis costs around $100 on average and you might require around 10 sessions for the completion of the treatment on the face.
The overall price of facial electrolysis accumulates to be around $10,000 minus the consultation fee, commute expenses, and post-care ointments.
Part 9: Why is My Hair Growing Back After Facial Electrolysis?
Although electrolysis is an FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal, some people have reported hair regrowth after the completion of the treatment. The reasons for this include,
The Effect of Hair Growth Cycle on Regrowth of the Hair
Electrolysis is most effective when hair is attached to the follicle in the active phase of the hair growth cycle. There are chances that the hair follicle in which the needle was inserted did not have actively growing hair. Rather, the hair was in a latent or shedding phase.
In these cases, some hair follicles remain untreated and regrowth occurs in some spots.
The Effect of Hormones
Fluctuation in the levels of hormones can result in the development of new hair follicles. As these hair follicles are not already treated with electrolysis, hair regrows from them normally. The conditions in which hormonal levels keep changing include,
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- PCOS
- Hirsutism
Incomplete Electrolysis Hair Removal Sessions
Each session of electrolysis weakens the hair follicles and multiple sessions are required to kill the follicle completely. If you did not go through the required number of sessions, it means that the treatment is incomplete and hair will grow back gradually to its usual density, thickness, and rate.
Conclusion
Facial electrolysis is an expensive and time-consuming treatment to get rid of unwanted hair on the face. While it requires effort, it can make your face hairless for good. Therefore, go for electrolysis at a well-known salon if you want permanent hair removal.
However, make sure that your hormonal level is stable, you get each follicle treated in its active phase, and you complete your treatment sessions to ensure permanent results.
