Electrolysis is the practice of removing hair through the use of electricity. It can render the follicle permanently incapable of growing hair when properly performed. Electrolysis is normally done by a professional, but it may also be done at home with varying degrees of success.
Procedure
The most commonly used electrolysis device in the home is known as a galvanic epilator. The operator inserts a metal probe about the thickness of a hair into the follicle. The operator touches the follicle with the tip of the probe, which completes an electrical circuit. The operator then holds the probe tip in place for about 20 seconds before removing the hair with a pair of tweezers. The probe delivers an electrical current of up to 3 milliamperes during this time, which generates sodium hydroxide (lye) at the tip of the probe. The sodium hydroxide kills the hair matrix cells in the follicle so that the follicle can no longer produce hair.
Effectiveness
Home electrolysis is less effective than professional electrolysis. In addtion, hair that is treated with a home unit is much more likely to grow back. This is primarily because home electrolysis units carry a weaker electrical current than professional units, due to safety considerations. Electrolysis also requires considerable skill because the probe must be fully inserted into the follicle in order to be effective.
Time
Home electrolysis requires a great deal of time because each hair must be treated individually. A single square inch of dense growth may require up to an hour to treat, and each hair may need four separate treatments. Home electrolysis is therefore best suited for removing a few individual hairs.
Advantages
The primary benefits of home electrolysis are convenience, cost savings and privacy. It allows users to perform electrolysis at their convenience instead of scheduling an appointment. Home users frequently use electrolysis to remove pubic hair, which can be embarrassing for someone else to remove.
Risks
Each treated follicle will typically develop a red bump that resembles an insect bite. The most common side effect of home electrolysis is minor pain that goes away within 48 hours. The most significant risk is the appearance of a tiny scar where the hair was removed. Some people with light skin may also develop small freckles. The probe is mounted on a platform with load springs to prevent it from going into the skin too deeply, but it can still produce scarring if you miss the hair follicle.
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