The Pros and Cons of Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a method by which body hair is removed. It
can be performed on any part of the body except the ears and the
inside of the nose. Women often have electrolysis done on
their bikini area, underarms, tummy, breasts, chin, brows, and
upper lip, although hair can also be removed on the toes, arms,
forehead, buttocks and legs. Many men also use
electrolysis to remove unwanted hair on their eyebrows,
cheekbones, neck, but especially their shoulders and
backs. Electrolysis can be arduous in that each individual
hair must receive treatment. The treatment consists of a
trained practitioner inserting a needle under the skin. An
electric current passes through the hair follicle, damaging
it.
It is believed that experiments involving electronial epilation
(the removal of hair) were taking place as long ago as the Civil
War era. Dr. Charles E. Michel (himself an
ophthalmologist) reported in the St. Louis Clinical Record in
1875 of the first successful permanent hair epilation by
electrolysis. Since then, electrolysis has become
quite popular.
Is electrolysis for you?
You should compare the pros
and cons of receiving electrolysis before you make that
decision. What are some of the advantages of using
electrolysis for permanent hair removal? Perhaps the
strongest case for using electrolysis for hair removal is that
is has the best record of accomplishment for results. For
over one hundred and twenty five years, practitioners have been
removing hair safely and effectively. In fact,
electrolysis is the only method approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) as a way to remove hair
permanently. While some hair may grow back and
require additional treatments, that hair is often thinner and
lighter. Studies have shown that more than 90% of clients
are happy with their electrolysis results.
While the advantages to having electrolysis are huge, a couple
of smaller disadvantages may prevent some people off from trying
it. One disadvantage is the cost involved.
Electrolysis can be very expensive. The average cost of a
one-hour electrolysis session is generally between $50 and
$60. Remember, however, that during this one-hour session,
each hair follicle has to be individually treated.
Electrolysis sessions are often broken down into fifteen,
thirty, and forty-five minute sessions as well, making them a
bit more affordable. You may also get a discount by
purchasing a package of two or more hours. Because it is
not possible to remove the hair permanently in one treatment,
you will need to have additional treatments. How many
treatments you need is determined by many things including hair
growth cycles, heredity, hormone function, and stress. The
average cost of a complete treatment of your legs ranges between
$1000 and $3000.
Another disadvantage of electrolysis is that it can be painful
and there is a risk of scarring. The sensation of pain
depends on each person's pain threshold, but there is a feeling
of a pinprick and of course, some areas of the body are more
sensitive than other areas. Some people compare the pain
of electrolysis to that of plucking a hair with a pair of
tweezers. While scarring is not common, there is always a
risk. Pitted scarring often occurs when flash thermolysis
electrolysis is used on thick, deeply rooted hair as opposed to
shallow, thin hair. Finding a qualified practitioner with
years of experience should reduce the risk of scarring.
When considering electrolysis, there are several things you
should ask the practitioner. Ask if they use needle
electrolysis. This has a much higher success rate than
those that use the electric tweezers or photoepilators.
Ask how many clients they have treated and how long they have
been in business. Finally, ask their qualifications and
training for being a practitioner. One third of the states
in the U.S. do not require a certification for
electrologists. However, you can research the Internet to
find whether your state is one that requires
certification. If it is, the practitioner should have the
certificate prominently displayed.
Some people are not good candidates for electrolysis.
People with a pacemaker cannot receive electrolysis. Those
with diabetes or other serious health problems should always
contact their physician before seeking electrolysis treatments
to make sure it is safe. Electrolysis is safe for women
who are pregnant as long as the thermolysis mode is used.
The
decision to have electrolysis is a personal one. While it
may require money and time, many people feel that the removal of
hair boosts their self-esteem such, that it is well worth
it.Megan Halloway is a cosmetologist specializing in hair removal.
Read her most recent report "The Basics of Hair Removal: A Guide to Which Method is Right
For You".