Getting rid of unwanted hair on my face has been such a challenge for many years, and while I had attempted most forms of hair removal it’s only this year that I really started considering electrolysis. I did my research about what it involves, the duration of the treatment and how much is it going to burn my pocket. I must have watched numerous YouTube videos on the topic, read many articles and called all of the places here in Dubai offering this treatment to learn more about it. I wanted to be fully prepared with the right knowledge since the treatment of electrolysis is a long term commitment and weigh it against laser hair removal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most asked questions about electrolysis and my opinions about it. I hope it is useful if it is something you are considering it.
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs from face and body. An electrologist inserts a fine probe into the skin and using localised heat destroys the hair follicle. The dead hair is then gently pulled out using a tweezer. Since the procedure damages the hair follicle and the root of the hair, a new hair should not grow in its place, therefore yielding a permanent result.
Due to the nature of the hair growth cycle, electrolysis works effectively when the hair is in its active growth phase. Since all hair strands are not growing at the same time, and in the same phase, the desired result of being completely hair free will take time.
Why did I choose to do electrolysis, and not laser hair removal?
I am someone with PCOS, so the hair growth on my chin area is due to hormonal reasons. And it only got worse after my second pregnancy. What started as a single random dark, coarse hair strand quickly turned into a bunch of dark hairs. The more hair strands I tweezed out, the more adjacent hair strands grew and the more dark, coarse and stubborn they were to pull out. It felt like a new hair was popping up every other day, and I couldn’t even go without using the tweezer for two days. This resulted in broken hair strands with the risk of ingrown hairs and hyper pigmentation of the skin around different chin areas. My skin was turning sensitive and it started to affect my self confidence.
I had considered laser hair removal previously, however I am glad I didn’t go for it. For PCOS patients, sometimes the laser can stimulate the vellus hairs (fine and short hair, also known as ‘peach fuzz’) on the face and turn them darker. In turn, making the process of electrolysis longer and more expensive.
Is it painful?
I have had 3 one hour long sessions done so far, and yes, it gets easier with time. The first time however, was painful. Ofcourse, everyone’s pain threshold is different and I would say mine is high (Hello, two labours with just gas-and-air!). It isn’t the insertion of the probe that feels painful since the needle is so fine, but when the heat is applied, it can feel uncomfortable. Like a tiny shock. Before my first session, I had read reviews from electrologist that recommended taking pain killers or applying topical numbing creams. I didn’t do any of it since my electrologist didn’t advice it. At my first session the electrologist did make sure I was okay and offered ice to apply on the treated area that appeared red. However, by the third session, I was getting much better at bearing the heat, the electrologist was able to work at a faster pace and I didn’t experience any much redness. Also, some areas on the face are more painful than others, for example the upper lip is a killer !
Pre and post care for electrolysis
To make sure the hair can be pulled out easily, allow the hair to grow untrimmed for at least two weeks. You’ll need the hair to be at least a quarter-inch long so it can be pulled out. Drink lots of water, since hydrated hair follicles will slide out better after the heat is applied.
After treatment, apply ice to the area to relieve at discomfort and redness. Avoid makeup or products with alcohol, and try to keep the area clean. Small scabs may appear however, try not to itch the area. Keep drinking lots of water. I had slight scabbing after my first session, but not at the following sessions. Do not tweeze, or wax after sessions, since it can disrupt the hair growth cycle. If you do need to get rid of the hair, use a grooming scissor to trim.
How quickly can you see the results?
Electrolysis is a long term commitment where each session can be 15 to 30 minutes long. Since hair-growth cycle includes three phases (a growing phase, a resting phase, and a falling-out phase), and you need to treat each hair when it’s in its growing phase, electrolysis takes time. I have read that to completely and permanently clear an area, it can take unto 18 months with 2 sessions per month, however that depends on factors. Factors such as how many hair follicles are there, whether you shaved or tweezed the area before, whether you did laser hair removal before and also how experienced the electrologist is. However, with every session, you will notice fewer hair growth meaning treatment time will reduce. To get a better idea for your treatment area, it is best to speak to your electrologist.
Watch this video here to learn about the hair growth cycle
Since my first session, I have not touched the tweezer to tweeze out any chin hairs, however tempting it has been. I felt I had more hair growth at my second session which grew in very quickly, but since my third session I have dark hairs growing in.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering electrolysis, make sure you do your research when finding a electrologist. Be prepared with the questions you want to ask, such as about pain and after treatment care. And even if you’re worried about how intense it sounds, just remember that there’s a reason electrolysis has been around forever, and it’s because it works!
Disclaimer: All photos and opinions are of my own. This is not a sponsored post.
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