Electrolysis – Permanent Hair Removal
Electrolysis is arguably the only real solution to permanently remove hair and reveal a glowing, confident you. So if it’s a permanent solution, why are some people still using other temporary methods of hair removal in Harare? The answer to this question is simple in my opinion; limited knowledge on electrolysis. Not much local content has been published around the topic of electrolysis therefore most people stick to the traditional methods of hair removal like waxing and laser hair removal.
I am going to try and demystify this hair removal treatment (electrolysis) that believe it or not is available in Harare for a fraction of what you might think. The trick is to find a knowledgeable professional to attend to you – don’t compromise your skin by going to someone that is not a professional.
What is Electrolysis?
As I have already indicated, Electrolysis is the practice of permanent hair removal employing the use of a very fine probe that sends a minute amount of treatment energy to the follicle rendering it unable to produce another hair.
The patient does not feel the probe enter the hair follicle and you should not feel the hair being removed either. The electrologist uses just enough current to disengage the hair for it to be removed without any resistance. Once the hair is removed, it will take approximately 3-4 weeks for the hair to re-grow from the same hair follicle. When the hair grows back, the process is repeated. The treated hair becomes finer and finer, eventually not able to grow back because the follicle no longer produces any hair. This process of elimination is how electrolysis becomes permanent.
How Long Does Each Treatment Take?
The length of each appointment depends on the amount of hair you want to remove and whether you’ve had previous treatments. Often treatments start off minimally lasting about 15 minutes but sometimes may last up to one hour or more depending on the treatment area or previous hair removal methods.
Initially, the Electrologist will schedule a consultation where a health history assessment will be conducted to fully understand any issues that may exist. After fully explaining Electrolysis, and tailoring a treatment plan according to your previous hair removal methods and the goals you have set for yourself, a demonstration session may be conducted. Finally, electrolysis is done. Commitment and consistency are key elements to the success of the recommended treatment plan and is the utmost requirement in my practice.
Is Electrolysis Paintful?
This is the biggest misconception. There is a sensation associated with the electrolysis procedure, which one might interpret as a slight warming effect. The client comfort is most important.
Is Electrolysis Safe?
The quick answer is YES! Unlike other temporary methods of hair removal, Electrolysis is safe for all areas of the body with the exception of hairs inside the nasal cavity or inside the ears. Electrolysis does not discriminate against skin or hair types, and is equally effective on light or dark skin, light or dark hairs.
Can Women Begin or Continue Electrolysis During Pregnancy?
Although Electrolysis has never been proven to be harmful to pregnant women, it is encouraged that you seek the advice of your physician before you continue or begin electrolysis treatment.
Does Electrolysis Have Side Effects?
Depending on the skin sensitivity, some clients may experience some redness and slight swelling immediately following electrolysis treatment which typically resolves itself within an hour or two of treatment. Post-treatment care will be discussed with you by your Electrologist during the consultation. A good Electrologist will always make him/herself available for questions. Electrolysis is very safe and, unlike depilatories or bleaches, no harsh chemicals are used.
How is Electrolysis Different From Laser Hair Removal?
Laser removes hair by absorbing the dark pigment producing cells at the bottom of the hair follicle and then converts the light to heat. The heat damages the follicle and destroys the cells so the hair cannot re-grow. Laser is a great option for the large areas of the body that have dark, dense hair. It reduces the hair significantly after four to six treatments, but the area needs to be followed up with electrolysis to remove the remaining hairs and achieve permanency.
Will Electrolysis Be Successful For You?
The success of the treatment of electrolysis as I mentioned earlier in the articles, depends upon the reason the hair is present, continued temporary hair removal methods used, current medication, how well the client follows the treatment plan, and how the body responds to the current.
Compare electrolysis to orthodontics: one patient keeps all of her appointments, wears her rubber bands, brushes her teeth, etc. The second patient doesn’t keep her appointments, has broken wires often, and does not care for her teeth. Both were projected to have a two year projected treatment time, but the outcome is not the same! The same can be said for electrolysis treatments.
Electrolysis is permanent hair removal. Regardless of the cause – heredity, metabolic, or hormonal conditions – electrolysis will permanently remove unwanted hair to reveal a glowing, confident you.