Why doesn't electrolysis work on me?

Author: Aditya Harvey  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

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.

Can electrolysis be ineffective?

The presence of different hair thicknesses can lead to hairs that are actually thick not being treated. All treatment starters will have the possibility of having hairs at different stages of maturation. Electrolysis, like laser hair removal, will only be effective for hair in the active growth stage.

Why do I still have hair after electrolysis?

Incomplete Follicle Destruction: In some cases, the hair follicle might not be fully destroyed during treatment. This leads to true regrowth, where the follicle can still produce new hair. If this happens, the hair will need to be treated again.

How can I make electrolysis work better?

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The thermal part of electrolysis heats up the moisture at the root of the hair follicle. I'm you are dehydrated, there is less moisture to absorb the heat and it hits the nerves harder. More hydration also makes electrolysis more effective.

How do I get the best results from electrolysis?

Getting the Best Results from your Appointment
  1. HYDRATE! ...
  2. AVOID SHAVING, TRIMMING, AND DEPILATORIES AT LEAST 2-3 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. ...
  3. LIMIT CAFFEINE AND SUGAR THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION. ...
  4. STOP HARSH TOPICAL SKIN TREATMENTS AT LEAST 2-3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. ...
  5. AVOID SUN EXPOSURE.

Permanent Hair Removal: Electrolysis vs. Laser

What is better than electrolysis?

Speed and Efficiency: Laser hair removal covers larger areas more quickly than electrolysis. A laser session for legs or back, for instance, takes significantly less time than the same area treated with electrolysis, which targets one hair at a time.

What is the success rate of electrolysis?

About 93% of electrolysis procedures yield permanent success, an excellent number for hair removal procedures. Remember, electrolysis does not work for everyone, and the chance for regrowth is still there, though very slight. Fortunately, this myth is true!

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.

How do I know if electrolysis is working?

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.

Why would electrolysis not take place?

The electrolyte is a chemical substance which contains free ions and carries electric current (e.g. an ion-conducting polymer, solution, or a ionic liquid compound). If the ions are not mobile, as in most solid salts, then electrolysis cannot occur.

Does electrolysis work for everybody?

Does Electrolysis Work on Everyone? Generally speaking, yes. Electrolysis can be performed on persons of any skin color and hair color, unlike laser hair removal. From peach fuzz to thick, coarse hair, there are no disqualifying factors based on skin or hair.

What is the main disadvantage of electrolysis?

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.

How many times do you have to do electrolysis for it to work?

The exact number of sessions varies. However, it usually runs between 8 and 12 sessions. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that outcomes can differ among individuals, and certain individuals might necessitate a greater or lesser number of sessions.

Who Cannot get electrolysis?

Electrolysis should not be done in the following conditions: Blood disorders e.g. hepatitis, AIDS HIV. Hepatitis and HIV are both serious viruses transported by the blood. Due to the risks of cross infection the treatment is not permitted.

Should the hair be plucked during electrolysis?

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.

What is electrolysis weakness?

Weak electrolytes are electrolytes that do not fully dissociate into ions in solution and only partially ionize in solution (roughly 1-10%).

Can you get electrolysis on pubic hair?

MtF genital electrolysis is a pubic hair removal process and is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal.

Why don t more people do electrolysis?

Much Slower Than Laser Therapy

A common reason people don't prefer electrolysis is that the process takes a lot more time.

Why does my hair keep coming back after electrolysis?

If there are hairs that seem to be growing back after treatment, this is called false regrowth. True regrowth occurs when a hair wasn't properly killed during the treatment process and continues to grow. Either way, an electrologist can help you figure out the best plan for hair removal.

What age is best for electrolysis?

At What Age Can Teens Get Electrolysis? Many clients ask us what is the earliest age a teen can get electrolysis treatments. Girls and boys as young as 12 years old are acceptable candidates for electrolysis treatments. The most important factor is whether or not their body or facial hair is done growing in.

Where is the most painful area for electrolysis?

Does Electrolysis Hurt?
  • Upper Lip: This is a very sensitive area due to the number of nerve endings here. ...
  • Cheeks, Jaw and Chin: These areas are typically a mild to medium level of painful. ...
  • Neck: This area is sensitive for many clients because the skin is thin here and the throat is tender.

What is the cost of full body electrolysis?

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.

Why is electrolysis so difficult?

It's Complex

First, they don't understand what products will be formed and how the electrolyte will disintegrate. Moreover, when drawing the process diagram and writing chemical equations, they mix up the type of charge on the anode and cathode, and what type of redox reaction takes place at which end.

What is the best facial hair removal method?

  • Waxing facial hair. ...
  • Sugaring facial hair. ...
  • Tweezing facial hair. ...
  • Threading facial hair. ...
  • Epilating facial hair. ...
  • Depilatory creams for removing facial hair. ...
  • Laser hair removal for facial hair. ...
  • Electrolysis hair removal. If you're looking for a permanent facial-hair removal situation, the only option out there is electrolysis.

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