Electrolysis
How does Electrolysis work?
Electrolysis is the only medically recognized way of permanently removing unsightly hair from your body. Treated areas are:
- The face
- Bikini line
- Arms & underarms
- Legs
- Back & shoulders
- Fingers & toes.
With electrolysis, each hair is individually treated and destroyed. This is done using a very fine pre-sterilized, probe. (Each probe is disposable (filament)and is only used once per visit ensuring complete safety).
The probe is gently inserted into the hair follicle which is actually a natural opening on the skin. A small amount of electrical current is then applied which heats and destroys the dermal papilla. This is what controls the development and growth of the hair.
There is a slight tingling and warm sensation and then the hair is gently removed using tweezers. Because the hair is destroyed it gently comes away from the skin without any pulling so no damage to the skin occurs.
Electrolysis vs Laser?
When it comes to hair removal there are two main treatments to choose from – Electrolysis and Laser. Electrolysis has been available for 125 years, laser treatment for 25 years.
Application and results
The main difference is in how the treatment is applied, Lasers use a mild form of radiation which damages the hair follicles. Although it can slow down hair growth it does not permanently stop it and after a period of time the hair will grow back and more treatment will be needed.
With electrolysis, a very fine disposable sterile probe is inserted directly into the hair follicle. The hair is removed and the hair follicles’ ability to reproduce is permanently destroyed ending its cycle of hair growth.
Book An Appointment –Electrolysis for permanent hair removal in Portsmouth
Treatment
Laser treatment targets the melanin (pigment colour) in the hair follicle and is mainly suited for people with light skin and dark hair. It is also not very effective in treating blond and grey hairs or hairs that are dark and thin.
Because electrolysis directly attacks the hair follicle it can be used to treat any hair type regardless of skin color.
Side-Effects & Risks
With Laser treatment, there is a risk of widespread areas getting burned resulting in permanent scarring. It also involves the use of a local anesthetic which can result in unforeseen side effects especially if you are allergic, pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.
Electrolysis does not involve the use of any drugs or any harsh treatment to the skin. Although there may be some mild symptoms for a short period afterward such as redness, dry skin or slight swelling.
Cost & Effectiveness
Because Laser treatments cover a wider area fewer sessions are needed. However, 6-8 sessions spread out over 6 weeks will still take nearly a year to complete. The success of the treatment also entirely depends on how suitable you are for treatment. If you are the ideal candidate with light skin and dark hair you can expect a 70% – 90% reduction in hair growth. However, if your not the ideal candidate and fall into the gray area you could spend many months getting treated and only see a 40% reduction. Whatever your suitability you will only see a reduction in hair growth, not permanent hair removal and in order to maintain this reduction, further treatments will have to be continued with 1 to 2 sessions every year.
Electrolysis does take longer because every follicle has to be individually treated. Every session takes between 15 mins to 1 hour. However, you are able to determine the areas you want to be treated and the cost of doing smaller areas such as the face is almost always cheaper. The best part is that once treatment has been completed that’s it, no more hair. Remember, electrolysis is the only medically-proven and legally accepted form of permanent hair removal.
Hair Today, Gone Forever.
Electrolysis is the only medically-proven form of permanent hair removal. This means that your hair will eventually grow back with every other form of hair removal after:
1/ Lasering (varies)
2/ Epilating (1-3 weeks)
3/ Waxing (2-3 weeks)
4/ Tweezing (2-3 weeks)
5/ Threading (1-3 weeks)
6/ Shaving (1-3 days)
7/ Sugaring (2-3 weeks)
8/ Depilatory Cream (1-3 days)