As a licensed esthetician and wax specialist who is constantly talking to people about hair removal; I noticed most people aren’t familiar with electrolysis hair removal. 

Electrolysis originated in the 19th century and is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal option. 

Over the years laser hair removal has grown more popular. 

Therefore, so many people are still unaware of what electrolysis hair removal is, how it works, and if it’s safe. 

What Is Electrolysis Hair Removal

Electrolysis hair removal is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal. 

Electrolysis hair removal is also the only form of hair removal effective for all skin types, hair colors. 

Electrolysis hair removal is also the only FDA approved hair removal approved to be done over tattoos. 

Electrolysis removes unwanted hair by destroying the growth cell in the hair follicle. 

During electrolysis hair removal a thin needle is inserted into each hair follicle, and then an electric current or heat is sent through the needle. 

This current destroys the follicle’s ability to produce hair and prevents future hair growth.

Types Of Electrolysis Hair Removal

There are three different types of electrolysis hair removal machines. 

Galvanic Electrolysis: uses an electric current caused by a chemical reaction to destroy the follicle.  

Galvanic Electrolysis is a great option for people with coarse or thick hair. Getting results can appear a lot slower, because it only treats one hair follicle at a time. 

Thermolysis Electrolysis: uses heat from high-frequency radio waves to damage the follicle. 

Thermolysis high frequency is great for treating larger areas but sometimes isn’t as effective as a galvanic machine with treating deep rooted course hair. 

Blend Electrolysis is a combination of thermolysis electrolysis and galvanic electrolysis. 

Blend electrolysis hair removal offers the speed of thermolysis and the effectiveness of galvanic. It is often the most effective option for a wide range of hair types.

Benefits Of Electrolysis Hair Removal

Here are some of the electrolysis hair removal benefits: 

Permanent Solution

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal is often marketed as a permanent hair removal solution, but in some cases, hair treated with laser can remain dormant or not grow for months and or years and then grow again. That isn’t true with electrolysis. Once the hair is gone it will remain gone forever. 

Precision

Since electrolysis targets the hair follicles rather than the hair itself, it provides precise hair removal. This makes it an ideal option for men seeking to remove isolated facial hair.

All Skin and Hair Types

Unlike laser hair removal, which targets the color of the hair, electrolysis targets the follicle. Therefore electrolysis hair removal works on all hair colors, textures, and skin types.

This means grey and blond hair can be removed with electrolysis hair removal which isn’t true for laser. 

Long-term Cost-Effectiveness

Since electrolysis works on one hair follicle at a time it generally takes more sessions to see results. 

Laser is known to target larger areas. In most cases, with electrolysis it might take more sessions to see results than it does with laser. 

Although, the upfront cost and results may take longer with electrolysis you get the certainty of knowing that the hair removal is permanent. 

Works On Tattooed Skin

Since electrolysis works on eliminating the growth cells in the hair follicle it’s safe to use on tattooed skin. Laser targets the pigment of the hair. It’s difficult for laser to differentiate between the pigment of the hair the pigment of the tattoo. So, it’s risky to perform laser hair removal over tattooed skin. 

Skin Damage 

Laser hair removal targets the color of the hair strand. 

For people with darker skin tones laser machines could mistakenly target the melanin in the skin instead of the hair. 

This could cause burns, hyperpigmentation and or permanent scaring. Electrolysis is less likely to cause skin damage to darker skin because it doesn’t target melanin. 

When you arrive for your electrolysis consultation be sure to keep an open mind and remember there is no one size fits all treatment for permanent hair removal. 

Hair doesn’t grow overnight, and you definitely can’t get rid of it permanently instantly.

Every person’s electrolysis hair removal treatment plan is different. 

Even different parts of your body will have different experiences with the electrolysis treatment. 

The amount of treatment needed will vary depending on the thicknesses of your hair, hormones, health conditions and your prior method of hair removal.

Before your electrolysis session be sure to take note of any questions or concerns you may have. 

Remember, both laser and electrolysis hair removal are not entirely pain-free procedures. Be sure to discuss with your technician about ways to manage discomfort during your treatment.

Sessions generally last between 15 to 60 minutes. The length depends on the area being treated and the amount of hair.

Speak to your technician when he or she advises you to resume with things such as makeup, exfoliation, lotions, and body oils. 

Body Part	Estimated Sessions	Frequency	Notes
Upper Lip	15-30 sessions	Weekly or biweekly	Small area, but hair grows in cycles.
Chin	20-40 sessions	Weekly or biweekly	Often requires more sessions due to hormonal influence.
Eyebrows	10-20 sessions	Every 2-3 weeks	Precision work; depends on desired shaping.
Underarms	15-25 sessions	Weekly to every 2 weeks	Moderate area; varies with hair density.
Bikini Line	20-35 sessions	Weekly to every 2 weeks	Hormone-sensitive area, may need more sessions.
Legs (Lower)	30-50 sessions	Every 2-3 weeks	Larger area, may take longer to complete.
Legs (Upper)	30-50 sessions	Every 2-3 weeks	Similar to lower legs, larger coverage needed.
Arms	25-40 sessions	Every 2-3 weeks	Depends on individual hair density.
Back	40-60 sessions	Every 2-3 weeks	Large area; sessions depend on hair density.
Chest	40-60 sessions	Every 2-3 weeks	Hormonal influence may affect treatment time.
Abdomen	25-40 sessions	Weekly to biweekly	Varies based on hair thickness and density.

The number of sessions required for permanent results with electrolysis hair removal varies from person to person. Factors influencing this include hair type, hair growth cycle, and treatment area. Sessions are usually spaced about 1 to 2 weeks apart. This frequency allows the treatment to target hairs in the appropriate growth phase. 

The cost of electrolysis hair removal can vary significantly based on several factors.

Factors affecting the cost include:

• Location: Urban areas tend to have higher prices than rural locations.
• Experience of the Practitioner: Highly trained professionals may charge more.
• Treatment Area: Larger areas like the legs can cost more than smaller areas like the upper lip.

Most clinics charge by the minute or session. For instance, I often see rates like:

Many practitioners recommend multiple sessions for effective treatment, as electrolysis is a gradual process.

Some clinics may offer packages that reduce costs. 

I suggest asking for payment plans or discounts for pre-paid sessions, which can make the treatment more affordable.

Insurance typically does not cover electrolysis, as it is often considered a cosmetic procedure.

Selecting an experienced and licensed professional to perform your electrolysis hair removal treatment is the key to having great results. Here are a few things you should consider. 

• Credentials: Make sure you view and or so about your practitioner’s credentials. Do a google search of the requirements within your state and make sure your technician’s credentials align.
• Experience: Look for someone who has several years of experience and has done laser on a variety of skin types. 
• Facility: Visit the clinic. Make sure your services will be done in a clean and professional environment.
• Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation. This meeting allows you to ask questions and assess their approach to treatment.
• Technology Used: Inquire about the equipment they use. Modern, FDA-approved tools can enhance the effectiveness and safety of treatment.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Research client feedback. Positive reviews can indicate a practitioner’s reliability and expertise.
• Comfort Level: Trust your instincts. It’s important to feel comfortable and at ease with your practitioner during treatments.