Are you struggling with excessive body hair? A lot of women are constantly insecure about their bodies and body hair, which is why they tend to turn to different kinds of hair removal methods. Some opt for shaving, others choose waxing, and some women tend to go for laser hair removal or electrolysis.
Do you want to find the best option for yourself? Or maybe you wish to figure out all the pros and cons of electrolysis hair removal? If so, this article is for you! Is electrolysis hair removal painful, and who can give it a go? Are you a good candidate for it? Keep on reading and you’ll have your answers in no time!
Table of Contents:- Part 1: What is electrolysis hair removal?
- Part 2: How painful is electrolysis hair removal + what to expect?
- Part 3: Does electrolysis work?
- Part 4: Which is more painful: electrolysis or laser hair removal?
- Part 5: How to get rid of pain on electrolysis hair removal?
- Part 6: IPL hair removal: a pain-free alternative
1. What is electrolysis hair removal?
How much do you know about electrolysis? This is a hair removal process that uses a specific type of electric current to target individual hair follicles and works in such a way that it diminishes hair growth.
The treatment itself is often described as uncomfortable, but it is not a painful procedure. It is done in such a way that the electric current reaches the hair follicle and zaps it. In the long run, this ensures that your hair doesn't grow back in that area. A skilled esthetician will do the procedure on top of your preferred area in the shortest time possible. Heads up as your results will vary, and every person will experience different kinds and thresholds of pain. If this is your first time trying out something similar, it may take you some time to get used to the process.
PS: Not too sure if you should book it? Well, check the ultimate guide about Electrolysis Hair Removal in the UK.
2. How painful is electrolysis hair removal + what to expect?
Can’t stand the pain? Don’t worry, that makes you the perfect candidate for this treatment! Electrolysis typically induces minimal discomfort for most women, no matter their age group or skin type. The results will vary, and some ladies might experience swelling or scarring, but all of this will go away within hours after the treatment! Luckily, electrolysis is a lot more mild and easy to do when compared to waxing or tweezing!
Just make sure you arrive at your appointment on time with freshly showered, clean, and product-free skin. Your session will begin with a consultation where you will talk with your beauty tech and discuss your skin condition, previous medical history, allergies, etc. Don’t forget to be vocal about some concerns or questions you may have since this way, you will get the best long-lasting results. With regular treatments, you will experience flawless skin and sparse hair, while most of your visitations can last anywhere from 15-50 minutes.
3. Does electrolysis work?
Believe it or not, electrolysis has been around for nearly a century! Right now this is an FDA-Clear treatment, meaning you can feel safe while doing it and just know you’re in safe hands. Your dermatologist or your skincare technician will select the right approach for your skin and hair type. Here are the top three electrolysis techniques:
- Short-wave diathermy - it is quite fast and doesn't cause discomfort.
- Galvanic electrolysis - works with a combination of heat and chemicals and its purpose is to eliminate hair follicles.
- A combo of both - this is often done on women who have thick, coarse, or curly hair.
You can use these techniques on top of your fingers and toes, back, bikini line, legs, abdomen, lip, chin, and eyebrow area.
4. Which is more painful: electrolysis or laser hair removal?
No one wants to experience pain or discomfort. However, comparing the pain levels between electrolysis and laser hair removal comes down to individual preference. Electrolysis is done by a skilled tech who inserts a fine probe into individual hair follicles and administer an electric current.
On the other hand, laser hair removal uses beams of light to target hair follicles. Both sensations can be uncomfortable, warm, or 'pinch-like, and you will feel a burst of heat on top of your skin.
Just remember that pain perception varies greatly from person to person, many individuals consider laser hair removal to be less painful overall compared to electrolysis, and vice versa. You should always discuss your options with your skincare expert or your dermatologist to make the best-informed decision about which hair removal method may suit you best.
5. How to get rid of pain on electrolysis hair removal?
If you are a first-timer you might not like the sensation. However, you can better your experience and your journey by trying out several different techniques, remedies, and solutions. If you want to enjoy your experience try to:
A) Get yourself a numbing solution - most beauty salons and skincare experts will use a numbing cream before they begin the treatment. They are often filled with lidocaine or benzocaine, which are the ingredients that can diminish the sensation and reduce the discomfort. These can also be used on your own and at home.
B) Topical anesthetics - these are over-the-counter anesthetics or prescriptions that you can combine with some bandages or plastic wraps to aid absorption. Some salons also have their own personalized creams that patients can use after every treatment.
C) Ice packs - some hair removal devices come with their very own little ice packs and ice bags that you can use to calm down the pain. If your purchased product doesn't contain an ice pack you can also try out ice cubes and calm the skin the irritation on your own.
Also, a pro tip: if you're dealing with razor burns, here's an article on how to approach this concern.
6. IPL hair removal: a pain-free alternative
If you want to try out a different yet effective solution, check out IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Most ladies love it since it is a non-invasive and effective solution for hair removal for most hair type, age group, or skin type.
Most dermatologists and skincare experts recommend Ulike, more specifically the Ulike Air 3. The whole point of Ulike Air 3 is for it to cool down the skin during the treatment, as well as right after thanks to its light pulse. The benefit of this is that it is not as painful as electrolysis or laser hair removal, and this is all due to its unique Sapphire ice-cooling technology.
Ulike Air 3 has a 90% hair reduction within 4 weeks, and even men can give it a go. There are different colours for you to purchase, along with the 2-year warranty. Some other IPL hair removal devices options that you will want to consider are listed right here!
Conclusion
After reading the article through, do you feel safe and comfortable saying 'I do' to the electrolysis hair removal process? Just remember that individual experiences will vary and that they will dictate the outcome of your hair-free journey. Don't forget to talk to a qualified practitioner to discuss expectations and address any concerns prior to your treatment. In less than a couple of weeks, you'll see, feel and love your results!
