Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
Electrolysis is currently the only type of permanent hair removal that is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US. E$lectrolysis currently has three variations. There are Thermolysis, galvanic, and a combination of the first two. In comparison to laser hair removal or even IPL, electrolysis is used to destroy the hair follicle completely and permanently.
When it comes to the differences between them, thermolysis will allow heat to damage the hair follicle in an irrevocable way. This method should be used on coarse, thick, dark hair, and is rather slow. It is less effective but considerably faster than galvanic.
Galvanic hair removal destroys the hair follicles with the help of chemical reactions that are electrically created. For the fastest hair removal and the most efficient solution, most experts use a combination of these two techniques. Regardless of the method you’re going for, expect the process to be lengthy, lasting weeks or even months, and requiring a lot of sessions before it is effective.
How Much Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Cost?
The average cost of electrolysis is about $550, although depending on your specific case, you will spend anywhere between just $30 and more than $11,000. The final bill will be influenced by factors such as the type of treatment, whether or not you need anesthesia, the provider you’re working with, and the treatment area, among others.
- Price Range for Electrolysis: $30 – $11,000
- Average Cost of Electrolysis: $550
If you’re considering electrolysis treatment, you should try to familiarize yourself with the factors that would affect the cost of this hair removal system, to make sure you know what you’re paying for.
Factors affecting the cost of electrolysis
So what would affect the cost of the electrolysis approach and how would each factor affect your wallet? We’ve laid things in bullet points to make them clearer and help you figure out what to ask your health provider or research when looking into electrolysis treatment. All of these are variable, which is why you should get a consultation with a professional for an accurate cost:
- Number of Sessions: You will probably need multiple sessions of electrolysis, with varying lengths, before you can notice the results of the procedure. Sessions are usually booked a few times per week and can last anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour. This is one of the most important factors when trying to determine the financial investment that electrolysis hair removal represents.
- Location: As stated above, the US coats have seen more people getting cosmetic procedures in general, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This means that you’ll also notice higher costs along the costs for the procedure, due to the higher number of customers.
- Provider: Boart-certified cosmetic providers who have the needed experience or dermatologists who are specialized in a certain procedure will usually command higher fees for their expertise.
- Treatment Area: Areas with darker hair, coarser or thicker hair, and larger areas in general, will need more sessions that last longer, which means that the costs will also be higher.
So how exactly does the body area affect the price of electrolysis hair removal? The table below should shed light on how estimates differ based on the body area being treated. Keep in mind that there is still a significant price variation between candidates treating the same area due to differences in hair thickness.
Average Total Cost of Electrolysis by Treatment Area
| Area | Cost (15% Increase) |
|---|---|
| Back | $5,175.00 to $11,500.00 |
| Chest or Abdomen | $2,875.00 to $10,350.00 |
| Upper lip or chin | $172.50 to $345.00 |
| Bikini | $1,035.00 to $2,300.00 |
| Underarms | $575.00 to $4,600.00 |
| Leg | $5,175.00 to $11,500.00 |
What fees and costs does the cost of electrolysis include?
As mentioned, each of the variables listed in the table above will come with its individual fees and costs. The Electrolysis procedure itself will be coupled with fees for the time of the electrologist, supplies used by the facility, the procedure room, and potential recovery supplies.
You might also like our articles on the cost of laser hair removal, LaserAway, or eyebrow threading.
How much does electrolysis cost in total?
Electrolysis requires a certain number of sessions to get to the final looks, depending on the characteristics of your hair and the body area you need to work on. So larger areas that need to be treated, like your back or your legs, will need more machine sessions than smaller areas, which means they will also cost more.
How much does this hair removal method cost in the United States?
When it comes to medical procedures and especially beauty interventions, location is everything. Some reports, like the ASPS Report, not that most cosmetic procedures happen around the coasts, a fact true about electrolysis as well.
The table below will give you a breakdown of the costs of a single session of anywhere between 15 and 60 minutes in different cities in the U.S.
Average Electrolysis Single Session Cost by City and State
| City | State | Electrolysis Sessions Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | New York | $50 to $130 |
| Los Angeles | California | $45 to $105 |
| Chicago | Illinois | $40 to $125 |
| Houston | Texas | $30 to $100 |
| Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | $35 to $105 |
| Miami | Florida | $50 to $130 |
Different electrolysis costs around the world
If you’re considering going abroad to pursue electrolysis, then you can use the table below to compare the average prices you will find in some popular countries.
These prices don’t include travel expenses. Furthermore, you should also research the reputation of the facility and procedure provider so that you know you’re not only getting a good deal but also a professionally done job.
Another important thing is that electrolysis takes months to years to reach its full results. So be sure you’re a travel enthusiast before just choosing a different country in which to get the procedure.
Average Electrolysis Cost by Country in USD
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Canada | $57.50 to $172.50 |
| United Arab Emirates | $57.50 to $115.00 |
| Japan | $46.00 to $172.50 |
| Colombia | $23.00 to $57.50 |
| Mexico | $23.00 to $69.00 |
| United Kingdom | $57.50 to $172.50 |
| Australia | $34.50 to $132.25 |
Does insurance cover the cost of electrolysis?
When it comes to electrolysis, whether or not insurance will cover the procedure is up for discussion. There are two definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA), that you should know about:
- Reconstructive Surgery: Alteration to body structures that are abnormal, caused by disease, tumors, trauma, developmental abnormalities, or congenital defects.
- Cosmetic Surgery: A reshaping of the structures of the body as a way of improving appearance and boosting self-esteem.
Simply put, cosmetic surgeries are never covered by insurance, while reconstructive surgeries are, for the most part. Although electrolysis is not a surgery in the correct sense, the idea behind the definitions still holds true. Most often, electrolysis is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is why it isn’t covered by most insurance policies.
It can be argued as a medical indication for people who pursue electrolysis for hirsutism, but it takes a hell lot of documentation from the provider of the patient before it can be covered.
Final words
Electrolysis completely destroys the possibility of unwanted hair growth, which is why it is considered a permanent hair-removing solution. It can be used on most skin types and is safe for all body areas, including facial hair. In the end, although the price per session for electrolysis isn’t considerably high, this is a process that takes a lot of sessions, so the financial investment won’t be negligible.
