If you love your body hair—great! If you want to remove it, with a hair removal method such as an IPL device, epilator, hair removal cream, wax kit, or something more permanent—that’s great too. Personally, I chose to get professional laser hair removal after years of teenage trauma, but was disappointed to find out the results weren’t permanent. Experts say the effectiveness of laser hair removal may vary depending on your hair and skin colour, as well as hormonal fluctuations.
There is a more intense solution. Currently, electrolysis hair removal is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Read on for the expert verdict on everything you need to know, from how it works, the cost, to the level of discomfort you can expect.
What is electrolysis hair removal?
“Electrolysis is a procedure for permanent hair removal whereby an extremely fine needle or wire is inserted into the hair follicle without puncturing the skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Michele Green. “An electric current travels down the probe to the follicle’s base, destroying it permanently and removing any existing hair.” The procedure can be done to any part of the body where unwanted hair is present, such as the face, legs, underarms, and bikini line.
How electrolysis works
When that electric current travels down to the hair follicle, it zaps it dead, preventing a hair from ever growing there again. Laser hair removal, by contrast, “can only target hair follicles in the growth phase, and dormant hair follicles will not be affected, which is why multiple sessions are needed to achieve the best results,” says Green. The procedure is typically done by a licensed and trained electrologist.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Electrolysis can cause some discomfort as the needle used during the treatment can sometimes produce a small pricking or pinching sensation. The level of discomfort varies greatly—it totally depends on your pain tolerance. Think of it this way: if you think waxing hurts like hell and laser hair removal is unbearable, electrolysis might not be for you. “It is advised to use a topical lidocaine cream before the appointment to numb the treatment area and minimise discomfort associated with the procedure,” says Dr Green.
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How long does electrolysis take?
The duration of the treatment varies depending on the size of the area being treated and the amount of hair present. A significant drawback when it comes to electrolysis is that each session can be quite time-consuming. A small area, such as the upper lip, may take only 15-to-30 minutes per session, whereas a larger area, like the legs or abdomen, may take several hours to complete, explains physician assistant, certified (PA-C) and cosmetic injection expert Sadyk Fayz.
It is difficult to predict the exact number of sessions of electrolysis needed, as it varies from person-to-person. A trained and experienced electrologist will determine how many electrolysis sessions you will need for permanent hair removal in a given area. “On average, between 10 and 14 treatments are needed for extensive electrolysis in a particular area,” says Dr Green. Each electrolysis session is typically done every four-to-six weeks. Therefore, the completion of electrolysis treatments can take a minimum of one year.
How much does electrolysis cost?
The cost of electrolysis hair removal can vary depending on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions needed. A one-hour session can range anywhere from £50 to £250, depending on the area being treated. Electrolysis hair removal is often more expensive compared to other methods, but it is more effective in the long run as the results are permanent.
What to know before getting electrolysis
Before booking an electrolysis appointment, make sure to find a certified and reputable electrologist and schedule a consultation. It’s also important to inform your electrologist of any medical conditions or medications that you're taking.
The treatment works best when the skin is well hydrated, Dr Green says, and “you shouldn’t shave for at least a week and you should remove all make-up prior to your appointment,” adds Fayz. “Patients should avoid sun exposure and any retinoids for a week before their appointment. It is advised to use a topical lidocaine cream before the appointment to numb the treatment area and minimise discomfort associated with the procedure,” Dr Green continues says.
How to care for skin after electrolysis
According to our experts, it’s important to regularly apply sunscreen after the treatment and avoid direct sun exposure (which you should be doing anyway!). Doing so will help lower the chance of developing hyperpigmentation on the treated area. The area may be sore and swollen immediately after the treatment. Using a cool, damp compress can alleviate discomfort and decrease inflammation.
It is crucial to keep the treated area clean and hydrated. Do not touch, scratch, or rub the area during the healing process. You may also “be given an antibiotic ointment as your skin follicles will be open and the skin will be sensitive with the potential for bacteria to enter following your treatment,” says Fayz. “Do not apply any products such as lotions, deodorants, powders, body sprays, etc to the treated area for 24 hours as these will likely cause irritation.”
Dr Green stresses consistency is key when it comes to electrolysis. “It’s important to keep a regular schedule for electrolysis appointments to get the best results,” she adds.
Want an alternative? Try these IPL devices for at-home hair removal:
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5
Now 43% Off
£350 at Amazon
This small, ergonomic IPL device has long been considered one of the best in class. The specs are impressive in every way: expect up to 125 flashes per minute, meaning you can treat both legs in under five minutes, and a total of 40,000 flashes – enough to treat your legs for 27 years.
The device comes with skin-sensor technology that scans your hair and skin tone, automatically switching onto the most appropriate setting. There's also a precision head for treating smaller areas, such as the upper lip and bikini line.
£369 at foreo.com
Clearly the best looking IPL device, but also one of the best: Foreo's Peach delivers decent results. The larger-than-average window and high-speed flash mean it'll treat your legs rapidly but you can also access hard-to-get-to areas with its bendable head. It claims twice as much power than other IPL devices, while the vibrational massage and in-built cooling system tempers any sting. It comes with five intensities as well as a precision setting for your face.
Braun Skin i·Expert IPL
Now 33% Off
£600 at Amazon
The newest Braun IPL device is also the brand's fastest – poised to treat the full body in less than 15 minutes (thanks to the flashes up to every 0.5 seconds).
With two intensity modes and four attachment caps for face and body, it links to a mobile app allowing users to track their progress.It's received rave reviews since launch, with people reporting visible hair reduction in a little as three weeks – and this week, it's reduced by 50 per cent.
Smoothskin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Device
Now 25% Off
£149 at CurrentBody
The smallest device we've tried, the SmoothSkin Bare+ is certainly a practical option (although it isn't cordless). With 100 flashes per minute, it'll treat both legs in around nine minutes, and slows hair regrowth in four weeks. The brand promises 97 per cent less hair with 12 weeks of regular use.
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
Now 22% Off
£379 at Amazon
Philips' IPL offering is a bulkier device than many, but the Lumea also offers a wide array of advanced benefits. The machine comes with four different attachments, allowing you to treat every area of your body, from your legs to your face. The in-built skin sensor ensures peace of mind, while the power is ample to last you for 20 years.
The latest version, the 9000, claims to deliver hair-free skin for up to a year after completing a course of 12 treatments – in fact, just three sessions could reduce your hair by 92 per cent. Unlike previous releases, this one can be used cordless, and you only need to sit down with it twice a month.
Silk'n Infinity Fast IPL Hair Removal Device
£310 at Amazon
Positioned as suitable for all skin tones, including the darkest complexion, Silk'n's Infinity Fast promises up to 92 per cent hair reduction following a treatment course. Powered by eHPL, a combination of galvanic energy and optical energy, it works by widening your pores to let the light reach hair follicles, without any pain, irritation or damage.
From: Harper's BAZAAR US
