Electrolysis FAQs

Here are some of your frequently asked questions that relate to electrolysis, a permanent hair remover process for both men and women:

Electrolysis involves inserting a metal probe (needle) into the hair follicle to the Dermal Papilla (the base of the follicle). An electrical current is then discharged to cauterise the follicle, hopefully preventing re-growth. Each hair is probed individually and then removed using tweezers.

The number of treatment sessions required varies with each patient. A treatment session can range from about 15 minutes to more than an hour depending on the area being treated. Many factors can influence the treatment schedule for each patient, for example, hair growth cycles, the amount and type of hair to be treated, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity factors, hormone imbalance, medication and stress levels. Those patients that adhere to the recommended treatment schedule will usually accomplish their goal in about one year. However, some improvement should be observed within several months after beginning treatment.

The majority of hairs treated will not re-grow. The hairs that do re-grow are likely to be the deep rooted course hairs. Due to the hair growth cycle, new hair as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also require additional treatments to achieve your desired results. Learn more about permanent hair removers.

Unwanted hair can be removed from nearly all areas of the body. The most common areas are the hairline, eyebrows, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, breasts, underarms, stomach, bikini line, feet and toes. It is recommended that the inside of the ears and nose should not be treated. Also, seek medical advice to determine whether hair in a mole can be treated safely.

Excessive hair growth can be caused by hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy. Therefore, medical advice should be sought from your doctor before beginning treatment.

You must discontinue any short-term hair removal method for about a week before treatment. This is so that hairs can begin to re-emerge and more hair will be permanently removed on first treatment. A skin test should be performed to ensure that the patient is not allergic to the metal used in the probe. If you are taking medication you must check with your doctor that this is not going to react to the treatment.

Most patients experience a sensation equivalent to hairs being plucked out. This is uncomfortable but most do not consider this to be unbearable. It is very difficult to minimise this sensation as each hair is surrounded in the follicle by nerve endings. Warming the skin helps as it opens the pores, allowing easier access to the follicle. Also it is worth noting that some areas are more painful than others to be treated.

Immediately after a treatment session, the patient will note a tiny red lesion at each treated follicle, much like an insect bite. This lesion will soon disappear and the area will return to normal. Occasionally, small whiteheads or tiny scabs may appear. These small scabs are a part of the normal healing process and will not cause any permanent damage if they are not picked off. If there is continued redness for several days or larger visible scabs, especially on the face, then let the practitioner know as soon as possible. This may be as a result of the patient being allergic to the metal used in the probe.

Electrolysis has been practiced since 1875 and is statistically a very safe procedure to permanently remove hair. The only known side effects are due to allergic reactions to the metal probe. However, the patient may notice some slight redness, swelling, or minor scabbing of the skin, which is only temporary.