Electrolysis vs Other Methods of Hair Removal
There are several techniques available for the removal of excess body and facial hair.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis offers a permanent solution for the removal of excess body hair. This process involves the insertion of a probe along the hair shaft, followed by the application of an electric pulse to the root (papilla), which destroys the germinative cells. Consequently, the hair is released from the follicle and subsequently removed. First employed in 1875, electrolysis remains the only medically proven method of permanent hair removal and is classified by the FDA as “permanent hair removal.”
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is effective in reducing excess hair. The method targets hair by employing mild radiation attracted to dark-colored hair (melanin) via high-heat lasers. Consequently, this technique necessitates light skin and dark hair for optimal effectiveness. Laser treatment can eliminate existing visible hair but only permanently destroys approximately one in six hairs per session. This limited efficacy is due to the relative transparency of the bulge and its stem cells, rendering them resistant to laser heating. Laser hair removal interacts with pigments (melanin), which can cause burns in individuals with dark skin. Additionally, it is ineffective on white, grey, red, or blonde hair and does not provide a permanent solution. Therefore, the FDA, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) permit laser hair removal to be described only as “permanent hair reduction.”
Moreover, up to 10% of laser hair removal clients may experience a paradoxical stimulation of hair growth, a condition known as paradoxical hypertrichosis.
Other Methods
Plucking, Tweezing, and Threading
Plucking, tweezing, and threading are temporary methods for concealing hair during its early stages. While these methods provide an easy fix, plucking from the follicle can distort the follicle, potentially causing hair to thicken and darken. Additionally, these methods frequently result in ingrown hairs, as hairs sometimes break off just below the skin surface. They do not provide a permanent solution.
Shaving
Shaving offers a quick and easy solution. However, daily shaving can lead to issues such as razor burns, irritation, redness, ingrown hairs, and a five o’clock shadow (grey patches on shaved areas). The necessity for daily repetition makes it a significant time investment in a busy schedule. Shaving does not provide a permanent solution.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams remove excess hair by utilizing chemicals that dissolve the hair. These creams consist of a lengthy list of chemicals, which are not environmentally friendly and may be harmful to the user. Depilatory creams do not offer a permanent solution.
Waxing
Waxing is another effective method for hair removal. This technique involves spreading warm wax over the affected areas, allowing it to cool slightly, and then pulling it off while holding the skin taut. Waxing often results in ingrown hairs, as hairs can break off just below the skin surface during the process. It is not a permanent solution.
Sugaring
Sugaring, similar to waxing, is also effective for hair removal. This method involves spreading a sugaring mixture over the affected areas, placing a strip of cloth over the area, and then pulling it off while holding the skin tight. Like waxing, sugaring frequently causes ingrown hairs due to hairs breaking off just below the skin surface. Sugaring does not provide a permanent solution.
Electrolysis is the best solution to permanently get rid of excess hair! Start now!
There are 3 methods of electrolysis treatments:
- Thermolysis: This method uses a high-frequency alternating current that is passed down through the needle to the hair follicle. The high frequency causes a vibration in the cells of the hair follicle, producing enough heat to cauterize the hair bulb.
- Galvanic: This method uses direct-current electrolysis, which means that a direct electric current is passed down through the needle into the hair follicle, where it creates a chemical reaction. This reaction converts tissue saline into sodium hydroxide, a caustic agent that then destroys the hair bulb.
- Blend: This method combines both the galvanic and thermolysis methods. These sessions usually take a little longer to complete.
Regardless of the cause—heredity, metabolic, or hormonal conditions—electrolysis will permanently remove unwanted hair.
Electrolysis is the ONLY method that:
- is medically proven permanent hair removal,
- is classified as permanent hair removal by the FDA
- works on all skin tones (including dark skin and tattooed skin) and
- works on all hair colours (yes! even white, grey, blonde & red)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency, for diagnosis, or for the substituting of any treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions, and for all prescriptions.