Understanding Electrolysis

Understanding certain facts about electrolysis

 Removing unwanted hair from different parts of the body is a practice that has been in vogue since ages. There are different reasons due to which excess hair growth appears on certain body parts. The situation might arise as a result of genetic abnormalities or due to hormonal imbalance inside the body. In any case, presence of excess hair on the body can lead to situations that can be often insulting or can cause embarrassment in the society. As a result, people experiencing excess hair-related problems tend to look for hair removal options.

At present, there are different hair removal methods available in the market. All these methods can be broadly classified into 2 categories that include temporary and permanent hair removal methods. As the name suggests, temporary hair removal methods are those that provide hair removal options only for a temporary period of time that might be in the range of days or weeks. Some examples include shaving, waxing, tweezing and usage of depilatory creams. On the other hand, permanent hair removal options are those that arrest hair growth for a prolonged period of time that might go up to 2-3 years. Some examples under this category include electrolysis, laser hair removal method and flash lamp method.

Electrolysis is probably the oldest permanent hair removal method that was invented in the United States by Dr. Charles Michel in 1875. In this procedure, a hair-thin metal needle is inserted into the base of the hair follicle using state-of-the-art technology and a minute electric impulse is introduced through this needle. As a result of this electric impulse, active cells growing around the hair shaft gets destroyed, thereby eliminating the ability of the hair follicle to regenerate and eventually arrests hair growth for a prolonged duration of time. The destroyed hair is gradually lifted out from the hair pocket.

At present, there are three different types of electrolysis methods. These include galvanic, thermolysis and the blend method. Galvanic electrolysis involves a chemical process due to which hair cells get destroyed. This chemical process gets initiated as a result of the electric impulse. In this method, the salt and water balance around the hair shaft is altered using the electric impulse that causes production of very minute amounts of sodium hydroxide or lye, a strong alkaline agent that damages the cells. In case of thermolysis or short-wave electrolysis method, heat is generated around the hair shaft using electric impulse so as to destroy the cells. In case of blend method, an electro-chemical reaction is generated by combining galvanic and thermolysis methods.

As like any other medical procedure, electrolysis does have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Electrolysis provides probably the best and long lasting hair removal solutions. Moreover, this procedure is entirely safe and effective with more than 125 years of proven track record. However, the entire procedure is highly expensive and requires the individuals to go for multiple sessions so as to get the desired results. In general, electrologists charge between $45 and $125 per hour for treatment. Also, electrolysis is a bit painful and a very tedious procedure that must be performed only by an expert practitioner. Sometimes, it becomes extremely difficult to estimate the cost of the procedure due to the amount of time involved in removing hair from a particular area. For example, it takes approximately 150 hours or even more for removing hair on a man’s back. Hence, electrolysis is not an ideal option for those who want to remove excess hair from larger parts of the body.

Some side effects of this procedure include pain, redness, swelling and inflammation. All these conditions subside within few days. So as to reduce the pain, physicians tend to apply a topical anesthetic on the area such as EMLA or ElaMax. However, if the procedure is not performed accurately or properly, it can result in certain long lasting side effects that include permanent damage to the skin in the form of burns and scars, infection and hair regrowth well before the predicted time. It can also result in pigmentation in case of individuals with dark skin. Some people even experience formation of red spots around the treated areas that might either be permanent or temporary depending on the skin type.