Introduction
When hair is growing in unwanted areas, many removal options are available. These methods range in effectiveness and price from basic shaving and waxing to laser hair removal. However, if you are looking for permanent hair removal, the only method that can guarantee permanent results is electrolysis, according to the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA.
Process
Hair on your body originates from your hair follicles located all over your skin. Electrolysis uses a sterile probe to enter these follicles, where the probe delivers just enough of an electric shock to the tissue inside the follicle to disrupt hair growth. When done correctly, this can permanently prevent the hair from regrowing. This process must be repeated on each and every hair follicle on the target area.
Growth Phase
The hair on your body is constantly moving between dormant and active phases. Electrolysis is only able to work on your hair when it is in an active growth phase. Because of this, multiple treatment sessions may be needed until all hair follicles have been treated. You can tell hairs that are in active growth phase because they will be visible on the skin.
Success Rate Comparison
Electrolysis is often compared to laser hair removal procedures; However, the two are quite different. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal only removes 40 to 80 percent of the hair, and according to the FDA is not allowed to be advertised as a "permanent" solution to hair growth. Electrolysis is able to treat 100 percent of hair growth and is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Both procedures can be painful, but the pain level depends on your personal pain tolerance and whether a numbing cream is used before the procedure.
Member Comments