Electrolysis treats one hair at a time, approximately 200-800 hairs per hour. Laser can treat hundreds in minutes. Because electrolysis is less costly per hour than laser, the rule is, if you have only a few hairs to treat (e.g. less than 100), it would make more sense to go with electrolysis.
A good operator will do ~300 hairs an hour, and in my experience they take about 4+ sessions to finally die off, but it varies a bit.
How Much Hair Can Be Removed in One Session? Electrolysis damages roughly 35% of hair per session — the amount may be lower or higher depending on your hair type. An electrologist may be able to eliminate soft hair quicker than coarse hair since the former is easier to destroy.
Under and near the nose is the single most sensitive area for electrolysis on the face. I also had electrolysis on my genitals prior to SRS and every zap in that area hurt much more than the any facial electrolysis. It hurts to be beautiful.
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.
Treatments should be repeated every two to four weeks for maximum effectiveness. Electrolysis works best when the hairs are in the active growing phase. For the maximum result we recommend not waiting more than two to three weeks once you have seen the new hair growth appear.
Avoid plucking or waxing for 2-3 weeks before, and avoid shaving for 3-5 days before your electrolysis appointment. In order for the needle to follow the hair follicle and more easily remove the hair, there needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch of hair above the surface of the skin.
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.
The electrolysis hair removal treatment time varies depending on the area being treated and the number of treatments required. For example, electrolysis for chin hair may take 15 minutes per session, while electrolysis for upper lip hair may take 30 minutes per session.
MtF genital electrolysis is a pubic hair removal process and is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal.
The client also has a role to play in ensuring that the electrolysis treatment is successful. Keeping regular appointments is crucial if you want to achieve a successful outcome as quickly as possible. If you catch the new hairs surfacing every few weeks then you will never see the thick, coarse dark ones again.
Your electrologist's skill and your commitment are decisive factors to reach your goal of permanency in the shortest amount of time. Once you start Electrolysis refrain from plucking, waxing or threading. Any method that requires to pull the hair from the root will slow down your progress.
A small area, such as the upper lip, may take only 15-30 minutes per session, whereas a larger area, like the legs or abdomen, may take several hours to complete, explains PA-C and cosmetic injection expert Sadyk Fayz.
Electrolysis, in which an electrical current is used to destroy hair follicles, “is the one true permanent way to remove hair,” Davis says. Like lasers, it requires several treatments; unlike lasers, it requires no maintenance visits and works on light hair, according to the dermatology academy.
How long does my hair need to be to have treatment? Your hair should be at least 2mm long when you arrive for your electrolysis session. For most women, this is about 3 – 5 days of not shaving the hair. For men, this can be as little as 1 – 2 days growth.
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.
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.
Electrolysis Cost
For a full body treatment, you're looking at roughly $35 to $100 per hour. Because each hair is treated one at a time, it takes many sessions. You might spend 15 to 30 hours in total. This means the full cost could be anywhere from $525 to $3,000.
A common reason people don't prefer electrolysis is that the process takes a lot more time. Compared to laser therapy, which targets a large area at once, electrolysis involves eliminating one hair follicle at a time. Because of this, it can be challenging to book long appointments.
The increased melanin causes the affected areas to appear darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation can appear as small, dark spots that are usually temporary and fade over time. In some cases, it may take several months for the pigmentation to fade completely.
It's good for sensitive areas of the body, like the face or bikini line. The main disadvantage to electrolysis is the length of time needed to achieve permanent hair removal.
Cutting the hair with scissors is the best method. Bleaching will work, but it may make it difficult for your electrologist to see the hair. Shaving works too, but try to shave within 24 to 48 hours before an appointment, so that your electrologist will have a hair shaft long enough to grasp.
Do I tip my electrologist? It's the thought that counts! Although your electrologist would be flattered you feel gracious enough to tip them for their service, we do not accept tips.
However, since electrolysis is permanent, once the growth cycle of all hairs is complete and all hairs addressed, your treatment sessions for that area are done forever; no maintenance treatments will be required for previously existing hairs and electrolysis will never make new hairs grow dark or coarse.