Is it possible to do electrolysis with ankylosing spondylitis. Electrolysis: current is the king in hair removal

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method known today; it has been tested over time and is 100% safe.

This method was first tested by American ophthalmologist Charles E. Michael in 1875 to remove ingrown eyelashes. In subsequent decades, electrolysis was introduced into practice as a cosmetic rather than a medical procedure. And only 100 years later, an electric hair removal device was released, which had an electronic display and many different operating modes.

Number of procedures and duration of sessions

Electric hair removal is a procedure that should be performed by a cosmetologist. Its essence is to direct small current discharges to the area of the hair follicle, where, due to high temperature, the hair root is destroyed and subsequent growth stops. But only those hairs that are in the anagen phase, that is, in the stage of active growth, can be destroyed in this way. Old (catagen phase) and dormant (telogen phase) hairs are not removed forever the first time, this happens only after new young hairs appear in their place.

Thus, 100% hair removal cannot be achieved in one go. It is necessary to complete a course of 4 to 8 full procedures. Each next one is shorter than the previous one, since the amount of hair will constantly decrease. Visits to the beauty salon occur at intervals of 4-6 weeks. After completing the course, the “addition” procedures begin, that is, the removal of the single remaining hairs.

How long each visit will take depends on how large the area of unwanted hair is and how thick it is growing. Only during an in-person consultation will you be advised on the duration, but keep in mind that even by looking at your hairline, the cosmetologist will not be able to accurately determine the number of dormant hairs. In addition, the dynamics of the procedures are also influenced by what hair removal methods were used previously. The best option is shaving. But after laser and photoepilation, a large amount of hair is often in a dormant state; their awakening can occur only after the 3-4th procedure. Vellus hair can also degenerate, but in any case, the number of hair follicles in our body is strictly determined at birth; new ones will not appear during life, which means that hairs that have already been removed will never bother you again.

Types and methods of electrical hair removal

There are the following types of electrolysis:

Tweezers. Each individual hair is grabbed with special tweezers, through which an electric current is transmitted. Relatively painless, but very time consuming, so not used on areas where hair grows thickly.
Needle-shaped. The most common type of electrolysis today is when a very thin needle-electrode is inserted under the skin into the sprouting part of the hair, with the help of which the hair follicle is destroyed. Needles are made from a medical alloy of nickel and chromium, as well as Teflon and gold coated for patients with a low pain threshold and allergic reactions.

Electrolysis is performed using various methods:

Thermolysis occurs through the use of high frequency alternating current. This procedure is often painful, so local anesthesia must be used. In addition, it requires precise targeting of the lower hair segment, which is quite difficult to achieve when working with curved follicles. Yet the efficiency and ability to treat large areas at high speed make this method of electrolysis so popular.
The flash method is called advanced thermolysis. The difference lies in the use of very high frequency current. This is done in order to reduce the trauma of the procedure and reduce the pain from it.
Electrolysis uses direct (galvanic) current. Under its influence, an alkali is formed in the bulbs, which destroys the hair follicle. It can easily penetrate the lower segment of even a curved canal. The method itself does not cause severe pain, but has a very low processing speed for each individual hair and, accordingly, the area as a whole.
The most advanced method to date is the blend method. It incorporates the advantages of the two above. The thermolysis method heats the hair follicle, and the electrolysis method destroys it. The procedure is less painful and relatively quick, and the effectiveness is very high.
Sequential blend is a type of blend in which the use of a reduced current amplitude pulse makes the procedure more comfortable for the client.

Contraindications to electrolysis

Hair removal using electric hair removal is possible not only in the bikini area and on the legs - electrolysis of the abdomen, armpits, chest, back, arms and even the face is also possible. In fact, the entire skin can be treated; using electric hair removal it is impossible to remove only hair in the nose and ears due to the presence of a large number of nerve endings in these areas. Unlike laser and photo hair removal, it doesn’t matter what color your hair and skin are, which is a huge plus for fair-haired or dark-skinned girls and women. However, recently electrolysis has been in great demand among men.

Before the procedure, it is important to familiarize yourself with a number of contraindications, which include the following diseases:

oncological;
cardiovascular (coronary heart disease, previous heart attacks, hypertension);
viral;
infectious;
skin (acute and chronic);
mental disorders and epilepsy;
hepatitis;
diabetes;
blood diseases.

It is not allowed to carry out procedures during pregnancy and lactation, when using an electrical pacemaker and if there is a tendency to form keloid and hyperplastic scars. The intrauterine device excludes the procedure in the bikini area, and varicose veins - in places where it spreads. In extremely rare cases, there is an individual intolerance to electric current and allergic reactions to the metal alloys from which the electrode needles are made.

Preparation for the procedure

Preparation for the procedure is quite simple. The length of the hair should be at least 3-4 mm so that the cosmetologist can easily remove those that are already detached. It is better to do peeling or scrubbing on the epilated area 1-2 days beforehand; this is especially recommended for those with dry skin with flaking.

Before the procedure, it is undesirable to drink caffeine-containing drinks and especially alcohol; preference should be given to herbal teas, juices, and water. Choose the most comfortable days depending on the menstrual cycle: usually, immediately after menstruation, hair removal occurs with less pain than before or immediately during menstruation, but keep in mind that the exact opposite happens.

During the procedure, it is advisable to be relaxed, try to breathe evenly and calmly as much as your pain allows. The more procedures you do, the easier it will be to tolerate them. There is not only an addiction effect, but also a reduction in hair growth, the distance between individual follicles increases, the process, accordingly, becomes more comfortable, and healing accelerates. The maximum visit time for 1 visit is usually 4 hours with short breaks; longer than this period, electrolysis is difficult both physically and psychologically, especially if it is painful.

Anesthesia

In some cases, medications such as Ibuprofen or Tempalgin help reduce pain. They should be taken 30-60 minutes before the start of the procedure. There are situations in which the use of painkillers is inevitable. First of all, it depends on the level of sensitivity to electric current, and secondly, on the area being epilated. Most often, injections are given in the armpits and bikini area; legs and arms are always given without injections, because these areas are very large and the amount of anesthesia would exceed all permissible standards. In such cases, special ointments and creams are used, but they are more than enough if the pain threshold is very high.

The most famous are Emla, Light Dep creams and the well-proven Hungarian-made Lidocaine spray. All these products are applied generously to the skin 60 minutes before electrolysis under
occlusive dressing, which is most often used as ordinary cling film. It should be well fixed; for this you can use patches or tight underwear to tightly fit the film in the bikini area. The use of the cream is acceptable before injections when they are unbearably painful.

Skin care after electrolysis procedure

Immediately after the procedure, almost everyone experiences irritation, redness and swelling, which decreases during the first 24 hours. Skin care after electrolysis is an important element in hair removal procedures and the key to rapid healing of the skin after the stress it has suffered. The speed of skin restoration depends on how you take care of yourself during this period.

At the end of the procedure, the epilated area is treated with chlorhexidine. Usually this is done by the cosmetologist himself, in addition, a product with panthenol can be applied in the form of a light cream or foam. In order to treat your skin at home, you should purchase an alcohol solution of calendula. It must be used at least 2 times a day - morning and evening. Over time, crusts will begin to appear at the site of the wounds. Under no circumstances should they be scratched or picked; they should fall off on their own within the first week after hair removal. If necessary, use panthenol or other wound-healing ointments.

On the first day, avoid getting water on the treated area. For 2 weeks you cannot visit the sauna, bathhouse, swimming pool and solarium. The skin is susceptible to pigmentation, so when going out in the sun, it is better to apply a cream with a high SPF factor even after this period has expired. It is precisely because of the unpredictable reaction to bright sun rays that it is better to start a course of electrolysis on visible parts of the body in the cold season - autumn or winter, in order to minimize the risk by summer. If the skin over time
darkened or spots have appeared, whitening cosmetics, chemical acid peeling or special creams with bodyaga will help you.

It is not recommended to apply decorative cosmetics after epilation on the face and use antiperspirant deodorants in the armpit area when removing hair in this area. It is better to replace aggressive sweat protection products with talc; by the way, it can be used to treat all areas to be epilated. To avoid excessive sweating, it is advisable to wait a while for intense exercise in the gym. Taking air baths promotes the speedy healing of wounds and the formation of crusts. This is especially true in the bikini area. Instead of tight underwear, it is better to wear a loose skirt at home, allowing air to circulate freely. It is preferable to use cotton underwear rather than synthetic underwear.

The appearance of burns and scars after the procedure, if this is not an individual characteristic of the body, indicates that your cosmetologist uses too much current or violates the technology. This should never be allowed, so you must be confident in the cosmetologist’s competence and professionalism.

Getting rid of unwanted hair is a dream that can become your reality. The process of electrolysis is slow and has many nuances, which is why it is so important to approach the choice of a cosmetology office for this procedure as consciously and preparedly as possible. The sooner you start, the sooner you will forget about unwanted body hair forever.

Today, cosmetologists have many ways to remove excess hair on the body. Despite the abundance of techniques, electrolysis continues to be one of the most popular and widespread procedures. This technique has been used for more than 100 years, but is still actively used by many women.

The essence of the procedure

In normal condition, all hair has a so-called growth zone, which is responsible for controlling length, volume and thickness. To destroy the follicle, some traumatic effect must be exerted on it.

To completely deal with the hair follicle, electrolysis is actively used. This term refers to a method of combating hairs through light electrical discharges that are sent directly to the follicle area. Due to the weak influence of current, an increased temperature is formed, which provokes the melting of this structure.

During electrolysis, hair of any shade and thickness is destroyed. Using this technique you can get rid of gray, light and fairly coarse hairs. However, it will not be possible to deal with all the hair in one procedure. This is due to the fact that not all hair is at the active stage of growth, but only 80%. To get the perfect result, you will have to perform several procedures, which are performed as the hair appears.

This procedure involves inserting a very thin needle into the follicle, through which a weak electrical discharge is passed. This effect can be performed on any part of the body, as well as on the face. The only exception is the armpits, because there are quite a lot of lymph nodes in this place.

To achieve good results, the hair length should be 4-6 mm. Before doing this, it is important to make sure that they have all sprouted. Very much so that there are no ingrown hairs.

What types of electrolysis are there?

To perform electrolysis, different electrodes are used. Depending on this, there are several types of procedures:

Tweezers - in this situation, each hair is grabbed by an electrode made in the form of tweezers, after which a current is transmitted through it. This method does not cause pain and can be used in sensitive areas. However, there are certain disadvantages - it takes about 2 minutes to remove each hair, and therefore it cannot be used in areas with dense vegetation.
Needle - in this case, special electrodes in the form of needles are used to combat hair, and their thickness is only 0.1 mm. These instruments are made from different materials - nickel-chrome or gold. In addition, they can have different shapes and thicknesses.

Needles have certain features and advantages:

medical alloy devices can be used for healthy skin and patients who tolerate electrolysis normally;
Teflon-coated needles are suitable for people with a low sensitivity threshold;
gold-plated needles are suitable for patients prone to allergies.

Electrolysis, which is performed using needles, also has several types:

Thermolysis - involves removal using heat. Elevated temperatures are created by high-frequency alternating current. This technique requires a small amount of time, but causes pain.
Electrolysis involves the use of very thin needles. In this case, direct current is used, which is supplied to each bulb. This technique requires patience as the session lasts quite a long time. However, the procedure does not cause discomfort.
Blend - involves exposure to direct and alternating current. It can be used on any area of the skin and is quick and painless.
Flash - involves the use of high frequency currents. This technique is also characterized by speed and painlessness, and also allows you to cover large areas.

Contraindications to the procedure

This technique has a number of contraindications. The most common of them include the following:

disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
oncological diseases;
diabetes;
built-in pacemaker;
the presence of an intrauterine device – when treating the bikini area;
viral pathologies;
progressive inflammation;
the tendency of the skin to develop scars even with minor damage;
allergic reactions to current or substances present in instruments;
pregnancy;
lactation.

Visiting a sauna or swimming pool can lead to unwanted side effects after the procedure.

Benefits and harms of electrolysis

Before deciding to undergo electrolysis to combat unwanted hair on the body, you need to analyze in detail all the pros and cons of the procedure.

The main advantages of this technique include the following:

Properly performed electrolysis will help to permanently deal with unwanted hairs;
it is much cheaper when compared with photoepilation;
can be used for all skin and hair types;
after the procedure there is no risk of ingrown hairs;
this method is considered quite hygienic and is not associated with the threat of infection;
using this technique, you can completely cope with hair, even if its growth was provoked by hormonal disorders;
electrolysis can be carried out even if photoepilation is contraindicated, for example, the hair is lighter than the skin or the woman has high photosensitivity;
hairs can be removed from any part of the body, with the exception of the neck and armpits.

The disadvantages of this method include the following:

The procedure requires quite a long time, since each hair needs to be processed separately - the total duration is affected by the type of hair;
some types of electrolysis provoke serious pain;
in most cases, more than 1 procedure is required;
after the session there is a need for post-epilation treatment of the skin;
there is a risk of side effects in the form of atrophic scars, burns, swelling and irritation.

Will swelling, spots and burns appear on the skin?

If the procedure is carried out by an experienced specialist, there will be no changes. However, sometimes the consequences of electrolysis still occur. These include:

Small red spots on the skin - such rashes usually disappear on their own after 1-2 weeks.
Scars - such marks appear if the specialist incorrectly calculated the current strength. They can also be caused by improper care after the session.
Severe itching is considered completely normal. At the same time, you should absolutely not scratch the itchy area, otherwise there is a possibility of damaging the skin, which will lead to the formation of scars.
Skin infection - this problem can occur if hygiene standards are violated during electrolysis.

To prevent negative health consequences, immediately after the procedure you should adhere to the following recommendations:

lubricate the skin with alcohol, you can also use a chlorhexidine solution;
during the day you will have to give up bathing and washing;
It is not recommended to use creams, deodorants and other cosmetics for two days;
During the week you should refuse to visit the bathhouse, swimming pool, or gym;
For two weeks, you are prohibited from using self-tanning products, visiting a solarium, or exposing your skin to sunlight.

Photos of the consequences on the skin after electrolysis

Numerous photographs of the skin after the procedure confirm the fact that it leads to the appearance of reddish rashes, pimples and other unpleasant consequences. However, cosmetologists say that this only occurs with improper skin care. If you follow all the instructions, there should be no serious consequences.

Hello, dear readers! Today we will look at the topic of electrolysis: contraindications and consequences. This topic will be of interest not only to the female half of the population, but also to the male half. Well, although, who am I kidding, women, of course, will be more interested, because they believe that the less hair they have on their body, not counting their head of course, the more beautiful they are .

The essence and methodology of performing the procedure

Electrolysis is one of the oldest methods of removing unwanted hair on the body, but even today, with a bunch of competitors, it does not lose its popularity.

All hair has a so-called follicle, and to deal with it and remove hair, electrolysis is used. Using small electrical discharges that are directed directly to the follicle area. Due to the influence of current, the temperature rises right in the area where the hair is located, its structure and follicle are disrupted, and the hair is destroyed.

Although this type of hair removal allows you to deal with absolutely any hair, of any hardness and shade, one session is not enough.

Since on the skin of the area where electrolysis was performed, all hairs cannot be at one 100% growth stage, some have not yet matured. It is advisable to remove them when they are approximately 4-6 mm.

Electrolysis can be done on any part of the body, except the armpits, since there are quite a lot of lymph nodes there.

Many women use this method to combat unwanted facial hair. I also advise you to read the articles “” and “”.

Types of electrolysis

The types of this technique differ in the types of electrodes that are used during the procedure.

Needle. When removing hair, special electrode needles are used. Their thickness should be no more than 0.1 mm. These needles are made from a variety of materials and come in different lengths and shapes.
Tweezers. The main thing in this method is that each hair is captured by an electrode, which is similar to tweezers, and current is transmitted through it. The advantage of this method is that there is almost no pain, but you will have to tinker with each hair longer. Therefore, this type is usually used only in areas with minimal vegetation.

Contraindications for use

This method of removing vegetation, despite the fact that it is quite popular, has a bunch of contraindications:

oncological diseases;
pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
diabetes mellitus of any type;
pregnancy or lactation period;
viral diseases;
too sensitive skin;
allergy to current or substances contained in the instrument;
various inflammations;
if electrolysis is planned in the bikini area, then the intrauterine device will also be a contraindication to its implementation;
built-in pacemaker

Pros and cons of this method

Any procedure has its advantages and disadvantages, and before deciding on it, you need to carefully weigh everything.

The advantages include:

the cost of such a procedure is much lower than that of other methods in a similar direction;
Ingrown hairs are completely eliminated after;
if you take the right course of electrolysis from a good specialist, you can get rid of hair in a certain area forever;
this method is suitable even for those whose unwanted hair was associated with hormonal imbalances;
there is no risk of various infections, the procedure is quite hygienic;
suitable for all hair and skin types;
the procedure can take place on any of the desired areas on the human body, except the armpits and neck.

Disadvantages of the procedure:

Typically, it will take more than one session to get rid of all the hair;
If electrolysis is performed with a needle, it becomes a rather painful procedure;
Sometimes electrolysis takes a lot of time, since each hair is processed separately;
If you get to a bad master, there is a risk of scarring;

As you can see, there are slightly more pros than cons, and that’s already saying something!

Side effects

Of course, if the procedure is carried out by an experienced and qualified technician, there should usually be no side effects. But still, everyone’s skin and its sensitivity are completely different, and how it will behave after the procedure is always a big question.

Possible side effects:

Red spots on the area of the skin where the current was applied. This is most likely not even a side effect, but a normal skin reaction. They last for about one or two weeks.
Scarring. This is a more serious side effect of this procedure; it can appear if the current strength to influence the follicle was incorrectly calculated. Or if after the session you did not care for your skin correctly.
Itching. This side effect, like red spots, is also considered quite natural after the procedure. But I do not advise you to react to the itching; you should not touch or scratch it, this can also lead to scarring.

After the procedure you must:

lubricate the area where the current was exposed with alcohol;
do not take a bath for a day;
do not use self-tanning, creams, etc. for two weeks;
do not visit the pool or sauna, as well as the gym for a week;
do not go out into the scorching sun without covering the affected areas.

So we discussed the topic with you - electrolysis: contraindications and consequences. Moreover, we touched on its essence, pros and cons, side effects. And to do it or not, everyone decides for themselves.

Before carrying out the procedure, it is advisable to consult a doctor!

I hope the article was useful to you, subscribe to site updates and share the link with your friends on social networks. And also leave your comments, because we are interested in your opinion. See you!

Smooth skin has long been a symbol of female beauty. Not everyone wants to spend a lot of time on daily shaving, so some girls decide to undergo electrolysis.

What is it, what are its contraindications and possible consequences? You can read further on how to decide whether this procedure is advisable.

The essence of the method

The hair consists of a body and a bulb, which is hidden in a cavity called a follicle. New hairs constantly grow from these holes, which during shaving are removed exactly to the surface of the skin.

Since the follicle remains intact, overgrowth occurs in the shortest possible time. To prevent this process, an electrolysis technique has been created.

It is a discharge of electric current that destroys the bulb and follicles, causing hair to stop growing.

For visible results, it is necessary to carry out several sessions, since it is impossible to remove all hair at once.

The procedure is suitable for any hair color and type, which makes it irreplaceable and also distinguishes it from photoepilation or destruction of hair follicles using a laser.

Types of procedure

Electrolysis is divided depending on the chosen frequency and strength of the current waves. Each option solves specific problems for the client and has its own level of pain and consequences.

Types of electrolysis:

Thermolysis. The current for this hair removal option is high frequency, low voltage.
Galvanic electrolysis. Follicles are destroyed using direct (galvanic) current.
Blend method. It is a mixture of the two above techniques.
Sequential blend. A variation of the blend method, however, in this embodiment, current in lower pulses is used.
Flash method. One of the thermolysis options, only improved.
Sequential flush. The fastest type of thermolysis, it can have a destructive effect on any type of hair.

The optimal form of the procedure is selected together with the doctor who will perform it.

Prohibitions and restrictions

Since the procedure for hair removal by electric current is quite traumatic, there are certain contraindications that prohibit its implementation. . The consequences of such actions can be irreversible both for the skin and for health.

When electrolysis is prohibited:

Vulgar acne. Exposure to current in areas of skin damage is prohibited, as there is a risk of infection of the epidermis.
Herpes, fungus, eczema. The procedure is allowed only in the stage of complete remission.
Burns after sun exposure- until complete tissue regeneration.
Birthmarks, moles, warts. In this case, there is a possibility of growth of a malignant neoplasm.
Scars, cuts. All injuries must heal completely, and at least a year must pass from the moment the scar appears.
Presence of a pacemaker. Electrolysis current may interfere with the operation of the device.
Hepatitis, HIV. They are relative contraindications; the procedure is carried out after the patient’s consent.
Heart disease, especially heart disease, arrhythmia, ischemia and hypertension. Removing hair in this way is fraught with serious health problems.
Pregnancy, lactation period. Electrolysis is not permitted due to the inability to predict how the skin will behave. During pregnancy, exposure to current can cause uterine tone.
Asthma. It is a relative contraindication; before the procedure, it is necessary to obtain the approval of the attending physician (pulmonologist).
Phlebeurysm prohibits this method of hair removal in the place where there is a problem.
Hemophilia due to the likelihood of bleeding.
Diabetes. During illness, the sensitivity of the skin decreases, and its ability to quickly recover is also lost.
Presence of metal parts on the body, since current is conducted through this material.
Mental disorders. Painful sensations can cause undesirable consequences and psychological discomfort.
Malignant neoplasms in the body. Electrolysis can worsen the general condition of a patient with this diagnosis.
Epilepsy. The procedure provokes an exacerbation of the disease.

The patient should definitely tell the cosmetologist who will be involved in hair removal about all the pathological conditions of the body.

Sometimes it is necessary to sign a written consent to carry out manipulations.

Features of recovery and complications

In addition to the fact that hair removal using electric current has many contraindications, the final result depends not only on their absence.

Sometimes incorrect actions of a specialist or patient during the rehabilitation period can cause many complications, some of which will have to be corrected in the doctor’s office.

Severe itching

The fact that after the procedure the skin itches and swells slightly is a completely natural process. However, sometimes severe itching can be caused by applying inappropriate skincare products to an irritated area of the epidermis.

You should not scratch the skin, and it will recover after a couple of days. Red spots transform into white dots and disappear completely after 2-3 weeks.

Soreness

Pain accompanies the patient during and after the hair removal procedure. This is explained by the fact that the skin is highly irritated by the current pulses.

For pain relief, you can use suitable ointments, which will be recommended by a cosmetologist.

Petechial hemorrhage

A symptom such as hemorrhage or even a hematoma occurs when hair removal is performed incorrectly, that is, the technique is broken.

Similar complications develop if the needle goes beyond the follicle, damaging the adjacent blood vessel. Sometimes this is possible when the client has undetected blood diseases.

Change in pigmentation

The appearance of hyperpigmentation is observed if the patient does not properly care for damaged skin. Sometimes spots that appear can only be eliminated in a clinic.

Exposure to the sun after hair removal, tearing off healing crusts, and other cosmetic procedures can have a detrimental effect.

Redness and swelling

Mild redness and swelling are within acceptable limits. This consequence is predictable and goes away on its own if you follow the rules of the rehabilitation period.

Scarring

Micro scars or burns are the result of the work of an unscrupulous craftsman. Perhaps the manipulation technique was violated or there was a malfunction of the equipment used to remove hair.

Sometimes such complications are a consequence of the individual tendency of the patient’s skin to form scars.

Ingrown hairs

Any type of destruction of the hair follicle can cause ingrown hair. Initially, point irritation occurs, during which the hairs remaining under the skin “wake up” and tend to emerge.

The epidermis is severely inflamed, which is why the hair cannot break through the skin, curling under it. This condition is fraught with suppuration followed by the formation of a cyst or folliculitis.

Invasiveness

If the rules of asepsis are not observed during and after hair removal, there is a risk of infection in the affected areas of the skin. This can happen if the specialist has not treated the tools he uses to remove the bulbs.

Premature tearing off of crusts during the rehabilitation period, as well as failure to comply with hygiene rules, also causes invasiveness.

You can find out a specialist’s opinion about electrolysis from the video.

The first attempts to get rid of unwanted hair on the body were made in ancient times, back in Ancient Egypt. Even then, women began to notice that excess hair creates the impression of unkemptness and does not at all decorate the appearance. In our time, this is even more considered unacceptable. And despite the fact that recently social movements have emerged calling on women to remain natural, including refusing hair removal, most still do not like hair on their legs, arms and other places that would look much better without hair. Today there are enough methods for removing excess vegetation. Electrolysis is one of them. This is a hardware method based on the action of electric current. Women note that electrolysis is painful and, in addition, requires a significant amount of time. But at the same time, it is much more effective than other procedures.

What is electrolysis

Electrolysis is one of the types of hardware hair removal, the uniqueness of which lies in the fact that, unlike other methods, it really allows you to forget about unwanted hairs forever. Each individual hair follicle is destroyed by electric current.

Initially, this method of hair removal, which was created back in 1875, was used to treat ingrown eyelashes. But after that, it gradually began to turn into a popular cosmetic procedure. Devices that deliver an electrical impulse to the hair follicle have also improved. And now you can already see modern, convenient devices for electrolysis.

The electrolysis method is used on any part of the body and face.

Types of electrolysis

There are different types of electrolysis. It varies depending on the tools that the specialist uses to remove unwanted hairs:

Tweezers. As a rule, it is used only on small areas of the body because it is very time consuming. However, it has one undeniable advantage: it is the most painless of all types of electrolysis. For this purpose, special tweezers with an electrode are used. It grabs the hair to be removed and passes an electric current through it. The technology is very simple and convenient, but only for complete destruction of the hair follicle it is necessary that the exposure time of the electric charge be at least 1.5 minutes.
Needle-shaped. The most common type of electrolysis involves inserting a needle through which an electric current passes directly into the root of the hair. In this case, the skin is slightly injured. The method is carried out using needles of various configurations. Which ones should be used will be decided by the specialist who will carry out the procedure. Needles have different thicknesses and composition. For example, for skin prone to irritation and allergic reactions, gold needles are used, and if the skin tolerates any manipulation well, then you can use medical alloy needles. For particularly thin, sensitive skin, there are needles with Teflon insulation.
Electrolysis with tungsten thread. In principle, it is not much different from the needle one. The only difference is that instead of a needle, a specially cut and sharpened tungsten thread is used, which is inserted into the hair follicle in the same way.

During an electrolysis session, the needle is inserted directly into the hair follicle.

In addition to different types, there are several methods of electrolysis. They differ from each other in the parameters of the current entering the hair follicle:

Thermolysis. High frequency alternating current is used. This method appeared first and therefore, as you might guess, is the roughest in terms of the nature of its effect on the skin. Often provokes skin irritation.
Flash method. It is a type of thermolysis, with the difference that the current strength is higher, but the time of its exposure, on the contrary, is reduced. It can also be very traumatic for the skin.
Galvanic electrolysis. Direct current is used (called galvanic, hence the name of the method), which provokes the formation of alkali in the hair follicle. Under its influence, the hair is destroyed as a result. This method involves the use of two electrodes: active and neutral. The first is in a needle and inserted into the hair follicle, and the second is picked up by the client. Galvanic electrolysis is less dangerous for the skin than thermolysis.
Blend method. Today it is considered the optimal method of electrolysis. Combines the advantages of thermolysis and galvanic electrolysis. The term “blend” just means “mixed”.
Sequential blend. The same blend method, in which the current amplitude is reduced. This helps make the procedure less painful.

Features of hair removal in different areas

The electrolysis method is universal for any area of the body and face, but it must be taken into account that the skin will not look its best for some time after the procedure. Therefore, some areas require a particularly careful approach on the part of the master. The most favorable areas for electrolysis are the arms and legs. Their skin is less prone to irritation and is not very sensitive.

After electrolysis, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the lymph nodes

It is not possible to remove all hair at once as it is in different stages of growth

When will the effect appear and how long will it last?

Today, electrolysis is the only method that allows you to achieve permanent hair removal. They really will never grow back, but this will require spending a lot of time and effort (and money, of course). It is necessary to carry out a whole series of procedures because the hairs are in different stages of growth. Even if it seems that all of them have been removed, after some time new ones still grow, which were previously in a “dormant” state.

To achieve a good result, on average, you need to do 10–12 procedures with an interval of 1–2 months. It is easy to calculate that the final effect can be observed in at least a year. However, the reduction in hair volume will most likely be noticeable after the first procedure.

Video: details about the experience of electrolysis

Possible consequences

Almost always, electrolysis is accompanied by unpleasant side effects that appear on the skin after each procedure. This is mainly responsible for such a long interval between sessions, because the skin must have time to heal. The following consequences are possible:

burns;
pigmentation;
redness;
edema;
crust formation;
ingrown hairs;
hematomas, etc.

For some time after electrolysis, the skin will not be in the best condition.

In addition, if there is the slightest damage to the skin, an infection can get there. As a result, ulcers, pimples and other inflammatory phenomena occur. In this case, they must be disinfected several times a day. Side effects normally last for several days and then disappear.

If the skin does not heal, then you need to use special products that accelerate regeneration and prevent tissue scarring. They can be advised by the specialist who performed the procedure or any other cosmetologist. These are not ordinary healing agents, which are standardly used after electrolysis, but enhanced-action medicinal preparations, for example, Contractubex.

You should be extremely careful about skin damage. Over time, they will, of course, heal, but the longer this process takes, the more likely it is that scars will remain on the skin.

How to care for your skin after the procedure

The rehabilitation period after electrolysis can range from 2–3 days to 2 weeks. At this time, special skin care is required:

You cannot sunbathe in the open sun or visit a solarium;
It is not recommended to expose the skin to water for a long time. This means you need to exclude baths, saunas, and swimming pools. You should also not swim in ponds or even lie in the bathtub. All of these factors not only slow down the skin healing process, but can also contribute to infection;
avoid sweating. For this reason, it is recommended to exclude active physical activity during the rehabilitation period;
Use disinfectants to treat skin lesions every morning and evening. These can be either special products or regular alcohol;
on the recommendation of a specialist, use healing creams. For example, Bepanten or Panthenol;
Do not comb the damage, subject it to rough mechanical stress, try to cover it with decorative cosmetics, tear off the crusts that form, etc.

Pros and cons of electrolysis

Like any procedure for removing unwanted hair, electrolysis has its pros and cons.

Its advantages include:

suitable for all hair types and all skin types;
greater effectiveness compared to other types of hair removal;
Suitable for any area.

Men often resort to electrolysis, but they require more treatments than women to achieve results.

The following disadvantages of the procedure can be noted:

long preparation - it is necessary to abandon the epilator, wax and other methods of hair removal that are convenient compared to a razor in advance in order to restore the hair follicles;
soreness;
traumatic - the procedure injures the skin and there is a danger that marks will remain on it;
high price;
duration - sessions last a very long time (up to 4 hours depending on the zone);
high cost - many sessions are required (as a rule, more than the master initially promises): for some, the effect occurs after 10 sessions, while others will need all 20.

Is electrolysis suitable for men?

The electrolysis method is equally suitable for both women and men. There are no restrictions for the latter. However, there are still pitfalls. Due to the peculiarities of male hormonal levels, it will be very difficult to completely get rid of unwanted hair. If in women after 10–12 sessions all unwanted hairs disappear (in most cases, but sometimes more are required), then in men a slightly different reaction to the procedure is possible. Hair may stop growing for some time, say, a couple of years, and then it will partially resume its growth. Or they may thin out significantly but not disappear completely. In any case, it is possible to get a 100% effect from electrolysis, but on average this will require 2 times more procedures than women require.