Electrolysis Hair Removal

Electrolysis and lasers are popular hair removal methods that can remove hair on most areas of the body. Though they have some similarities, these two methods come with different requirements, different results -- and different price tags.

During electrolysis, a tiny needle is inserted into the skin. The needle is placed deep into an individual hair follicle that holds one hair. Then, a low-level electrical energy pulse is sent into the follicle to destroy it. The existing hair falls out, and the process is repeated hair by hair [source: American Electrology Association]. Those who opt for electrolysis may need to return for treatment between 10 and 25 times to destroy all the unwanted hair. The method can cost up to $90 per treatment [source: Bouchez].

Unlike electrolysis, which uses electric energy to destroy follicles, laser hair removal employs pulsating light beams. The light is aimed at the hair follicle where it heats the melanin in the hair. When melanin is heated, it tends to burn; this causes the hair follicle to temporarily stop producing hair. However, laser hair removal doesn't work for lighter hair colors. If your hair is a good candidate for the procedure, be aware that you may need five to eight treatments, and you'll have to wait six to eight weeks between treatments [source: Mayo Clinic]. What's more, the procedure can cost up to $500 per treatment [source: Bouchez].

With either method, you risk inflammation, scarring and changes in pigmentation, so it's important to see a licensed or certified technician who is trained to perform these procedures and can ensure your safety [source: Mayo Clinic]. If you think electrolysis is the right choice for you, keep reading to find out what types of electrolysis are available.

If you choose electrolysis, you may find technicians who offer two or three different types of electrolysis. The methods differ depending on the types of conductors (the materials used to transfer heat energy) they employ.

Galvanic electrolysis uses chemicals as conductors. In this method, the needle transmits a direct electrical current which acts upon the natural saline in your hair follicle and reacts to produce sodium hydroxide (lye). When sodium hydroxide heats up, it destroys the hair follicle.

Thermolysis uses water as a conductor. Here, the needle transmits an alternating current to vibrate the hair follicle. The vibration shakes the water molecules surrounding the follicle, which then heats up and destroys the follicle itself.

Some technicians may offer a "blend method" that combines the two procedures [source: Barba]. It's more likely, however, that you'll need to choose a method based on the availability of a technician who offers it.

A final type of electrolysis is available as an at-home kit that you can use on yourself. At-home electrolysis usually comes in the form of the electric tweezer. This method is widely considered unsafe, and only some states will authorize producers to call their product a form of permanent hair removal [source: WebMD]. The problem is that the electric tweezer vibrates the hair, not the hair follicle. Hair can't destroy hair follicles, so the tweezer won't do the trick [source: Barba]. If you're looking for something safe, see a trained technician. Electrolysis performed by a professional provides other benefits besides safety.

Find out why this may be the best method for hair removal -- and why you may not want to rip your hair out by the roots -- on the next page.

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal system available; this is what sets it apart from all other procedures. A number of other benefits may also make electrolysis the ideal choice for you.

First, electrolysis is a fairly natural procedure. While other methods like creams may use chemicals, electrolysis works with the natural saline and water deep in the skin to destroy the hair follicle. In addition, laser hair removal can burn the skin, causing irritation, scarring and pain. There's no risk of burning with electrolysis, as light isn't used in the process [source: Bouchez].

Finally, if you're of African descent, your hair shafts are likely curved, which can make it tough to shave, wax or pluck. Removal of hair of this type often leads to ingrown hairs and further problems. With electrolysis, both the hair and the hair follicle are permanently destroyed. You don't have to worry about the directional growth of your hair -- electrolysis will destroy its root regardless of the direction of the hair growth [source: WebMD].

There are some risks and problems associated with electrolysis, but a majority of these are temporary. If you're interested in electrolysis, you should weigh the benefits and risks to determine whether electrolysis works for you or if it's just not worth it. On the next page, find out what problems could occur during and after your electrolysis treatment.

Electrolysis comes with a number of risks and potential problems. On the practical side, electrolysis is time-consuming; it requires a technician to destroy hairs one at a time. Though treatment sessions are typically short, your first treatment may only destroy 15 to 50 percent of your unwanted hair [source: Leortec]. It could take a year of treatments to eliminate all your unwanted hair, which may take a hefty chunk out of your pocketbook [source: Bouchez].

Though electrolysis doesn't involve outside chemicals or burning lights, it's associated with a number of other negative side effects. In some cases, you could feel pain during treatment. Your technician might apply a numbing cream to the skin an hour before treatment to help reduce that pain. Scarring and temporary inflammation can also occur, though it's unlikely [source: Bouchez].

You should not choose electrolysis if you have a pacemaker, as a direct current could heat up the pacemaker's metal plates [source: Barba]. Electrolysis is also not recommended for people with rosacea, since the skin is so easily irritated.

Finally, though electrolysis is good at eliminating the curved hairs of people of African descent, the method has the potential to change their skin color. Areas of the skin treated by electrolysis may become lighter or darker than other parts of the skin. This change is most noticeable in darker-skinned people [source: Bouchez].

If you're interested in electrolysis, the next step is to find a licensed technician in your state. Use the links on the next page for more information.