How Long Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Last?

When it comes to hair removal, one thing is clear: people want long-lasting, effective methods for removing unwanted facial and body hair. Electrolysis is one of the few long-term options available, and when compared to other forms of hair removal, it offers the most convenience and the least hassle. Here’s what you need to know about electrolysis and how long it will last.

How Long Does It Truly Last?

When it comes to permanent hair removal, electrolysis is the only method approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. That’s because it truly is the only real permanent solution to hair growth, and not even laser hair removal is as effective or long-lasting. In fact, the FDA says that while laser hair removal can assist in permanent hair reduction, it cannot provide permanent hair removal. That means if you want hair to disappear forever, electrolysis is truly the only option.

Why Is Electrolysis Permanent?

Electrolysis differs from all other forms of hair removal because its primary goal involves killing off and then removing the hair follicle itself. The technician will insert a small needle into the follicle, send electric current through it, then remove the hair and the follicle with tweezers. Without hair follicles, hair can no longer grow. With laser hair removal, the follicle itself is not removed from the skin, which means it is not a permanent solution.

Why Electrolysis Requires Multiple Sessions

Many people want to know why they must continue to get numerous electrolysis sessions if the procedure is supposed to provide permanent results. This occurs because each hair follicle has three growth phases – the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transitional) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. Electrolysis is only effective when performed during the hair’s growth phase, but because individual follicles follow their own schedule, it is impossible for the technician to know what phase each follicle is in at the time of your visit. You will need to keep returning until each follicle has been treated during its anagen phase.

Factors that Might Influence the Permanence of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is certainly permanent, but it’s important to consider the factors that might influence your results. Aside from the growth phase, other things that might impact your results include:

• The technician’s skill.While there is little the technician can do to determine which growth phase each follicle is in, his or her ability to insert the needle to the proper depth and adequately remove the follicle will have a huge impact on your results.
• The area being treated.Some areas of the body, such as the face, are more difficult to treat with electrolysis than others. Remember that electrolysis does work for all hair types, but it is most effective for people who have lighter, finer hair.
• Hormone levels.Many patients find that when they have high levels of estrogen and low levels of testosterone, electrolysis is much more effective.

Electrolysis is the only means of hair removal that is truly permanent, and those who have completed their treatments can attest to the freedom of never having to shave, wax, or use creams for hair removal again. It provides an incredibly smooth and feminine result that cannot be duplicated with any other form of hair removal.

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