Electrolysis

Basic Information

Electrolysis is a technique that allows for the permanent removal of body hair. Although this hair-removal technique can be performed at home, most health practitioners recommend that electrolysis is done by a trained professional. Electrolysis involves applying an electrical charge directly to the hair follicle, which in most cases permanently damages the body's ability to grow hair.

There are three major types of electrolysis. The first type is called "flash thermolysis". During this technique, an incredibly thin metal probe is inserted into a hair follicle. When insertion of the probe is done properly, the skin is not punctured. Once the probe is slid into the follicle, a powerful electric current is sent through the probe and the hair follicle gets burned beyond repair. Flash thermolysis is the quickest and cheapest of all of the forms of electrolysis. However, a person who opts for this type of electrolysis runs the risk of not only incapacitating hair growth, but of burning skin tissue as well.

The second type of electrolysis is called "galvanic electrolysis". This type also involves inserting a thin metal probe into the hair follicle. However, unlike flash thermolysis, the current that is sent into the probe is weak. As a result of the application of the weak current, the body's oils produce hydrogen peroxide at the base of the follicles. Eventually, the hydrogen peroxide permanently damages the hair root and sterilizes the pore. While this technique takes more time than flash thermolysis, it is much safer.

The third type of electrolysis is called "blend electrolysis". This procedure involves both flash thermolysis and galvanic electrolysis. While it is quicker than galvanic electrolysis, it is not as safe.

The following is the advantage of electrolysis compared to other permanent hair removal techniques:

• It has been proven over the last 125 years to be safe and effective

The following are the disadvantages of electrolysis:

• It can be costly
• It can be painful. Electrolysis disturbs the hormones on the surface of the skin, which can cause the skin to be very sensitive. This can make this procedure very painful. The pain that is involved is largely dependent on the skill of the electrologist.
• It can be tedious and time-consuming
• It may not always work the first time
• It is difficult to remove large amounts of hair
• If done improperly, it can lead to skin damage or infection
• some people do not respond to treatment

Laser Treatment

At the same time, a relatively new procedure for body hair removal involves using a laser. At this time, the use of lasers to remove body hair is controversial. Not only can laser treatment permanently scar the body, but also laser operators in many clinics are not actually trained doctors. If a person decides that they want to use this method, they should make sure that the procedure is performed by a qualified physician.

Home Electrolysis

In recent years, due to the high cost of electrolysis, there has been increased interest in home electrolysis kits. The American Medical Association and most health practitioners do not recommend the use of home electrolysis. There are several reasons for this. One, the home technique is not always effective, and it can take a long amount of time. Second, some kits are dangerous. It is very possible to permanently scar or disfigure the body. Third, in most cases, the claims of effectiveness that most home kits have on their boxes have no valid basis. Many kits do not work. For instance, there are several types of home electrolysis kits that claim that it is possible to remove hair without placing a probe into the hair follicle.

These kits are basically shams. In fact, all electrolysis experts will tell you that in order for the kit to permanently remove hair, it must require the insertion of a probe into the follicle. The following is a description of a home kit that actually works: a functional home kit has a small device that has an extension on it that is similar in appearance to a mechanical pencil. On one end of the device is a retractable probe, and on the other is cord that connects to nine-volt battery. During the home procedure, the person can hold the extension just like a pencil. Once the tip of the pencil is inserted into the hair root, a five-second tone is sounded. After the tone goes out, the tip should be kept in place for another fifteen seconds. During this time the galvanic current surges into hair follicle, damaging its ability to regenerate hair. The hair can then be removed with tweezers.

The advantages of home treatment include:

• You can do it at home in privacy
• You can save money
• You can treat yourself at your own convenience
• It's an option for people who cannot find a competent electrologist

The disadvantages of home treatment include:

• Many home kits are ineffective
• Home electrolysis requires a long time commitment
• Most home practitioners have no training and do not know what they're doing
• It can cause permanent skin damage
• It can be considerably more painful
• Adverse reactions (swelling, redness, irritability) to electrolysis may be worse than if the procedure was performed by a trained professional
• it may take longer (especially when working on the face)
• some areas on your body are difficult to reach
• The American Medical Association does not recommend home electrolysis treatment

In light of the disadvantages of home treatment kits, some professionals recommend that people who really want to do the electrolysis themselves invest in professional equipment. Although it is much more expensive than a simple kit, the savings in terms of pain, time and effectiveness will be great.

Conclusion

Although many forms of electrolysis are effective, it is important to look out for shams if you become interested in this treatment. The following shams are the most common:

• "painless": Although some patients are able to bear the pain of electrolysis, and although some technicians are fairly competent in reducing pain, it is an overstatement to say that any form of electrolysis is painless.
• "100 percent effective":Although most people are satisfied with the results of electrolysis, approximately 8 percent of all people who undergo this treatment experience continued hair growth.
• "easy-to-use" personal units:In any situation, the performance of electrolysis on yourself is difficult.