What Is Electrolysis?

By: Heather Mayer

What is electrolysis? If you're bothered by excess or an unsightly bikini line, electrolysis might seem like an attractive hair treatment option. Electrolysis is becoming more and more popular because it is a permanent hair removal procedure.

Electrolysis works by inserting a needle into each hair follicle, which is then burned out by an electric spark. Contrary to popular belief, the procedure is relatively painless; patients are often given a topical anesthetic.

Areas OK for Electrolysis
Electrolysis is considered safe for most areas of the body, including:

  • Eyebrows
  • Face
  • Thighs
  • Abdomen
  • Breasts
  • Legs
  • Bikini line

In some cases, there is a slight reddening where the hair has been removed, but this is temporary. 

Sessions
While hair removal by electrolysis is permanent, it takes several visits to remove all of the hair. The number of sessions varies for every person, depending on the amount of hair, thickness and other contributing factors. Generally, patients go once a week or once every other week until the hair is gone. Each session lasts about 15 minutes to an hour.

Cost
Electrolysis is not a cheap method of hair removal. Prices range from $45 to $100 per hour. Some areas may take as little as an hour to treat, such as the upper lip, while a man's back hair can take up to 150 hours. While the cost is high up front, it will save you the long-term costs of other hair removal methods, such as razors for shaving or monthly waxes.

Things to Consider
When it comes to hair styles, men and women can try out new looks, whether you are interested in a bob, Mohawk, layers or curls. As for electrolysis, there is no going back. While you may want thin eyebrows now, fashion trends could change in which bushy eyebrows are the way to go. In a case like this, dealing with the irritation and monotony of eyebrow plucking might save you heartache later. Another example of this could be the desire at a young age to remove all pubic hair. To some, that could be the sexy, hip thing to do. However, when you feel you're ready to embrace adulthood, and everything that comes with it, there's no way to regrow that hair.

Related Life123 Articles

Learn about the history of hair removal, along with the pros and cons of shaving, waxing and depilatory hair removal products.

If you have sensitive skin, shaving can be tricky, but you can avoid shaving bumps, redness, stinging and irritation and still get a smooth result.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ask.com
More Related Life123 Articles

Kiss razor burn, unwanted hair and cuts goodbye with the shaving tips for women that will help you get a smooth, close shave every time.

If you want to know how to prevent ingrown hairs, first take a look at how often you are shaving. Shaving too soon after the last time can result in the irritation that causes hairs to grow backward into the skin.

Learning how to prevent ingrown hairs can help you keep your skin comfortable and free of irritation.

Answers Partner Sites: Ask Answers  |  Kids Answers  |  Ask How-To  |  Reference Answers  |  Life123 Answers  |  GardenandHearth Answers
Partner Sites: Insider Pages  |  MerchantCircle  |  Urbanspoon  |  Ask Kids  |  Thesaurus
© 2012 Life123, Inc. All rights reserved. An IAC Company