Introduction
When it comes to hair removal methods, there are many different treatment options on the market. Options start with simple cheap methods, such as shaving or waxing, but these do not provide long-term results. Other options, such as laser hair removal, provide more permanent options, but still (by FDA ruling) can only advertise as "permanent hair reduction" and not "permanent hair removal." When it comes to permanent hair removal, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method.
Equipment
Electrolysis works using a small probe-like needle called an epilator. The epilator is small enough to fit into the very small hole provided by the hair follicle. The epilator is attached to a unit that supplies small and safe pulses of electricity to the epilator once it has been inserted into the follicle.
Process
The process of electrolysis starts with placing the epilator into the follicle. Because of its needle-like qualities, the epilator can enter the follicle next to the hair without puncturing the skin. Once the epilator has been placed into the hair follicle, it delivers a short burst of energy that targets the base of the follicle. At the base of the follicle are cells that are responsible for dividing and creating the hair shaft. The short burst of energy is enough to cause localized damage to the hair follicle, disrupting the hair growth permanently.
Growth Cycles
Because your hair goes through three different hair-growth cycles, electrolysis can only target hair that is currently in its growth phase (anagen phase). Luckily, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair is only out of this growth phase for a few days to a few months, with the rest of your hair being in active growth for many years. What this means is that you may need multiple treatments to achieve full results, but you will not need to wait long between treatments before the next session can be completed.
Member Comments