Electrolysis Hair Removal

Electrolysis Hair Removal by Richard Romando

Electrolysis hair removal is an effective technique to remove hair from the body. This procedure can be used to remove individual hair from almost all parts of the body including eyebrows, face, thighs, abdomen, breasts, and legs. Electrolysis hair removal was developed in 1869 by Charles Michel. Since then, many improvements have been made in this technique.

Electrolysis hair removal can provide long term or permanent hair removal. In fact, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Medical Association (AMA) have recognized electrolysis as the only permanent method of removing hair. Needle electrolysis is the most commonly practiced electrolysis hair removal procedure. Electronic tweezers and epilators are also used widely.

In needle electrolysis, a fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle and a gentle electric shock is produced. This electric shock disables the hair root by heat or chemical action or by both. Electrolytic epilators use short-wave radio frequency to destroy hair growth centers. For total and permanent hair removal from a particular area, multiple electrolysis hair removal treatments are required. The total number of sessions needed may vary from person to person. These multiple sessions are carried out on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis, depending upon the hair growth.

Electrolysis hair removal is painful, but many modern methods have considerably reduced this pain. The use of topical anesthetics can also reduce pain. Electrolysis hair removal procedures are carried out by trained professionals called "electrologists" in clinics. Many states provide licenses to qualified electrologists.

Electrolysis hair removal is usually a very safe procedure. Generally there are no permanent side effects. The most common side effect is the reddening of the skin during or immediately after treatment, which can last only for a short time. But if done improperly, this procedure can produce partial to full hair regrowth, causing skin damages and infections.

Electrolysis hair removal is a time consuming process and each treatment lasts between 15 minutes and two hour. This procedure is also expensive - the cost varies from $25 to $100 per hour. Because of its high cost and time consuming nature, electrolysis isn't recommended for larger areas like legs and chest.