When it comes to getting rid of unwanted body hair, the world is your hair removal oyster. There are the classic ways, which typically involve shaving, tweezing, threading, or waxing, and then there are also newer techniques like sugaring and in-office or at-home laser hair removal. But those aren't the only treatments that fully stop growth: Electrolysis hair removal is another popular way of permanently removing body hair and is an FDA-approved method that's been around for approximately 150 years.
Here, we tapped electrologists Alana Dzurek of Beverly Hills Hair Free and Emily Limoges of Limoges Beauty in NYC, as well as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman to break down everything you need to know about electrolysis—from how it works to the side effects to the cost.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal. How it works: "A very fine probe is inserted into the natural opening in the skin (hair follicle) without piercing the skin," says Limoges. "Once the probe is inserted, sodium hydroxide or electricity is delivered to the hair papilla in order to cut off the blood supply to the hair follicle and permanently stop hair growth."
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What is the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal?
Electrolysis requires each individual hair to be treated multiple times, whereas laser hair removal treats hundreds of hairs simultaneously by targeting the melanin pigment in the follicle with a wavelength of intense energy light. Consistent laser hair removal aims to delay additional growth or destroy it to a certain degree, while consistent electrolysis prevents hair from growing back altogether. So in other words: laser hair removal is a semi-permanent method, while electrolysis is a permanent method.
Dzurek also points out that laser hair removal is "not recommended on dark skin or light/gray hair because it cannot detect the pigment," while Limoges notes that "hair must meet all three criteria of being thick, dark, and dense" in order for it to work. Dzurek adds that laser hair removal "lacks precision and cannot remove just a single hair, or shape eyebrows or hairline."
Who can benefit from electrolysis?
Good news: Anyone can benefit from electrolysis, no matter the hair color or texture. "It is the best option for people suffering from unwanted facial hair, as laser removal can often stimulate hair to grow on the face," says Limoges, noting that it is also an "excellent option for people who suffer from painful ingrown hairs and other medical conditions caused by troublesome face or body hair."
Dr. Engelman agrees and specifically likes to "recommend it to people with blonde or white hair because it is the only effective hair removal solution for these hair types," she explains. But as with most treatments, she advises consulting your dermatologist before making an appointment.
Which parts of the body can be treated with electrolysis?
Dzurek, Limoges, and Dr. Engelman all say that electrolysis can be used to treat most areas of the face and body. The most popular treated parts of the body include but are not limited to the upper lip, chin, neck, eyebrows, underarms, and bikini. Dzurek notes that electrolysis is also a great option for "treating cancer reconstruction patients who receive donor skin on the nose, cheeks, and even inside the mouth."
Does electrolysis hurt?
Dr. Engelman says "you might feel heat or a subtle sting" during the electrolysis process, while Dzurek warns that you can experience some discomfort in more sensitive areas. But depending on the intensity of the treatment, Limoges says her patients usually report electrolysis as being "tolerable." She adds: "Different parts of the body have different amounts of nerve endings. Some areas might be a bit more sensitive than others."
How long does it take to see results from electrolysis?
In order to see results from electrolysis, it all depends on the area you treat and how consistent you are with appointments. Limoges says most electrolysis treatments are performed in increments of 15 minutes, with sessions going on for 2 hours, and can take an average of 18 months to complete. "The length of each session is determined by multiple factors, including the amount of hair in the area being treated, the tolerance of the person, and the financial budget," she says.
In some cases, electrolysis can even take up to 6 hours, says Dzurek. "It all depends on the area and how much hair needs to be removed," she explains. "A dense area like a full beard, back, or full Brazilian takes approximately 18 to 24 months to complete, and that’s roughly 60 to 90 sessions."
How should one prepare before and after treatment?
Prior to treatment, it's important to avoid waxing three weeks before and shaving five days before the appointment, says Dr. Engelman. Dzurek says that by the time you come to the appointment, your hair should be short and stubble-like, which is approximately at least 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long.
"If someone is worried about sensation, over-the-counter numbing cream or doctor-prescribed numbing cream can be applied a minimum of 30 minutes before the treatment," adds Limoges. "Also, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken an hour before treatment—but it is important to remember these are optional."
After an electrolysis treatment, "the pores in the area treated will be open and more susceptible to bacteria," says Limoges, so she recommends keeping out of the sun for 24 hours, keeping the area clean and dry, and using sunscreen. Dr. Engelman also advises avoiding tanning or sweating, and keeping the treated area as hydrated as possible. When washing your face, Limoges suggests using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser on the area treated and pat drying it, then applying a thin layer of hydrocortisone, Neosporin, or aloe. "Ice can also be used after the treatment to calm the skin," she adds.
How much does electrolysis cost?
Electrolysis treatments
Is electrolysis hair removal worth it?
"Electrolysis is a significant time and financial commitment," says Limoges. "Consistency and patience are vital for the process to work. The best way to achieve permanent hair removal is by frequently coming for electrolysis treatments."
She continues: "For successful people who complete their treatment plan comes increased self-confidence, time is given back by not having to deal with their unwanted hair for a lifetime, and other benefits."
Meet the experts
- Alana Dzurek is the founder and CEO of Beverly Hills Hair Free and a licensed electrologist with nearly 30 years of experience.
- Emily Limoges is the founder of Limoges Beauty in NYC and a certified electrologist.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC.
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
