Things to know before you commit to Electrolysis

Hair removal can be quite the tricky business for a woman and you can explore several methods of it, with varied amounts of success. Shaving can cause razor burns at the very least, folliculitis or ingrown hair in the worst cases. Waxing is painful and can’t be something you resort to in a hurry. Chemical epilation isn’t for everyone and can cause lasting skin damage. The only ‘permanent’ FDA approved treatment for permanent (or semi-permanent) hair removal therefore is electrolysis, or laser hair removal. While this may seem like a good bet, there are a few things you need to know about electrolysis, before committing to it. So without further ado, here are the things you need to know.

1. How does electrolysis work?

Electrolysis as a process works by inserting a tiny needle into the root of the hair follicle and using a mild current to kill it. This ensures that the root itself dies and cannot regenerate. The hair on the surface then is removed by the aesthetician with a pair of tweezers.

1. Does it hurt?

While electrolysis is often advertised as a pain free alternative to waxing, in reality, the fact of the matter is that it does hurt, not AS much as waxing, but you do feel a slight twinge of pain. People have described it as the sensation of a rubber band being dragged over the skin.

1. What does it cost?

Electrolysis isn’t a one time procedure and therefore it is a more expensive proposition, especially because of the time it takes and the service provider's cost. An average electrolysis treatment costs anywhere between several hundred to a thousand dollars. It is an investment in both time and money, as the treatments can run to anywhere between a few month to a year or so.

1. What to look for in an electrologist?

Electrolysis is a medical procedure and a regulating body,  the ‘American Electrology Association’ is considered to be the authority on the subject. Like with any medical practitioner, it is best to cross reference your electrologist accreditation with the AEA before committing to a procedure. Years of experience and recommendations from friends and family are also welcome ways of finding out more about the person in question.

1. How should you prepare for an appointment?

In order to prepare you for the procedure, the electrologist will give you a few basic do’s and don’ts in addition to which the following things will need to be kept in mind before an appointment.

• Applying  Tend Skin before electrolysis will help protect the skin during the procedure.
• No sun exposure for at least 24 hours
• No caffeine or alcohol on the day of the appointment
• No using any moisturiser or product on your skin before the procedure
• It is best to consume a painkiller like Ibuprofen an hour before the procedure

1. What do you need to do after a procedure?

In general after the procedure your skin will feel tender to the touch and as such it is best to give it the time it needs to recuperate. So these tips on aftercare will definitely come in handy.

•  Apply Tend Skin after electrolysis to calm the skin and reduce the redness within minutes.
• A medicated cream or moisturiser may be prescribed
• No sun exposure for 2-3 days
• Avoid using perfumes for a couple of days
• Stay away from makeup for a few days

So now that you know all that is there to know about electrolysis, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the procedure is for you.