Permanent Hair Removal

Great. So now you know that electrolysis hair removal treatments is the only permanent hair removal solution around. What’s next? Should you opt for electrolysis over others? Or should you go for other newer technologies such as laser treatments and flash lamp options like IPL?

Before you take out your credit card, let’s explore more about electrolysis hair removal treatments shall we?

How Electrolysis Hair Removal Treatments Works

Electrolysis was first used in 1857 by Dr Charles E Michel (1833 – 1913), a St Louis, Missouri ophthalmologist for the removal of ingrown eyelashes. By the year 1916, it has developed into a common hair removal procedure amongst various methods of enhancing beauty.

During the procedure, a small needle will be inserted into the hair follicle and run through with some form of electric current. What it does is to completely destroy the unwanted hair roots and keep it from growing back within a prolonged period of time. That period tend to differs for different individuals but it’s averaging anywhere from 3 months to a year.

There are basically 3 most common types of electrolysis permanent hair removal. They are the Galvanic, Thermolysis, and blend methods. While the procedure is largely the same across all 3 types (i.e. a small needle will be inserted into the hair follicle), the type of electric current that is passed through the needle differs. Here’s a detailed explanation of each electrolysis type :

1. Galvanic Electrolysis. This process sends DC electric current through the inserted needle to the affected hair’s follicle. As it travels, a chemical reaction generate sodium hydroxie which killds the hair follicle directly. This is one of the most original methods of electrolysis and is generally applied for coarser hair strands.
2. Thermolysis Electrolysis. In this case, the electric current delivered is an higher frequency current (called AC) with thermolysis. The resulting vibration while the AC current is passing through heats up the water molecules around the hair follicles. That heat impairs the hair follicle. Although this method can be faster than the Galvanic method, it is however not as reliable.
3. Blend Electrolysis. This is a hybrid of both the Galvanic and Thermoloysis methods. Both types of AC & DC currents are run through the needle simultaneously. As a result, it’s relatively faster and clearly more effective, making it a popular choice when it comes to removing facial hair.

The Pros & Cons of Electrolysis

Even though the time taken for successful electrolysis differs for individuals, generally, the larger are of hair growth you’re looking at, the longer and costlier the electrolysis treatments will be. Why? Because each hair follicle has to be treated separately! Here are some of its other pros and cons :

Pros :

• Is probably the only option that can really claim to remove hair permanently
• Possess the longest track record for effectiveness and reliability
• Excellent for small hair growth areas such as the underarms, upper lip, chin, stomach, bikini line etc
• Not just limited to lighter skin tones or hair types

Cons :

• Need a licensed and skilled practitioner.
• Time consuming. Especially if you’re treating a large patch of hair growth area. An estimated 15 – 30 sessions is required for each course.
• Improper administration could result in scarring, hair regrowth, infection due to an unsterilized need.
• Bent follicles makes whole process much more difficult. In case you’re wondering, previous tweezing or waxing is the cause of bent follicles.
• Improper administration could result in scarring, hair regrowth, infection due to an unsterilized need.
• Relatively more expensive. Treatment costs varies but an average 30-minute session can cost about $60 and covers only a small area.
• Can be rather painful. Some people described electrolysis to be a pricking and stinging sensation. The bad part? Every follicle has to go through it.

So, Should You Go For Electrolysis Hair Removal Treatments?

Frankly, it all depends. With the introduction of other permanent hair reduction technologies such as laser and IPL, consumers like you have a lot more choices. You can opt for electrolysis, which is the probably the only method that can claim to be a permanent solution. Or chose to go for other options which although aren’t really permanent methods per say, can also help to reduce your hair growth in an acceptable long duration.

At the end of the day, your choice is largely dependent on your budget versus the effect you desire to achieve.

Laser (which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiance) first became popular in the 1990s. Up until then, the highly regarded permanent hair removal solutions such as electrolysis were time consuming and expensive. Laser became an alternative. And if you’re wondering how does laser hair removal work or under what circumstances does laser hair removal work effectively, read on.

The laser hair removal technology makes uses of an invisible light beam and the constant heat generated to penetrate the skin and removes the hair follicle from its root without harming the skin surface. The laser beam first sources for the hair follicle by detecting its melanin. Melanin is the dark pigmentation in the hair. Then it directs the laser beam at its root to destroy it.

Although the laser process is swift and precise, there are chances that it can be irritating to the skin. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for practitioners to apply the affected skin with a cooling gel, spray throughout the process. These substances further prevent the laser beam from causing distress on the skin.

4 Different Methods Used In Laser Hair Removal

There are currently four types of FDA approved lasers used for permanent hair reduction (instead of the commonly confused as a permanent hair removal solution):

1. Ruby Lasers such as those used in the the EpiTouch or Epilaser laser hair removal system uses infrared, a shorter wavelength form of light ray and hence uses more energy in its process. It’s the oldest technology, can’t be used on darker and tanned skins and functions best for light and fine hair. With the advent of newer laser technologies that can handle darker skin tones with a much larger coverage, Ruby lasers have gradually lost its popularity in the market.
2. Alexandrite. The laser hair removal system, Candela GentleLase Plus uses this. Fastest of all laser methods, Alexandrite uses a slightly longer wavelength as compared to the Ruby. Because of that, it’s able to touch on a larger body area. People with light to olive complexions has reported favourable results with it, although it’s still restricted to treating light skin tones with dark hair. This is one of the most widely deployed laser method for hair removal.
3. Diode (used in the Coherent Light Sheer system). Because its wavelength is much longer than both Alexandrite and Ruby lasers, Diode are able to penetrate much deeper and is great for darker skin tones but still less effective when it comes to finer, lighter hair. It can treat large areas at fast repetition speed.
4. ND and LP ND Yag such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide. It can be used safely in different skin types, even dark and tanned people. It’s also used for pigmented lesion treatment and tattoo removal. Large areas can be covered at fast repetition speed. However, it’s not as good when it comes to treating lighter, finer hair as compared to other lasers. More discomfort during the process are also experienced by patients who’ve used this laser.

So, Does Laser Hair Removal Work? What’s It’s Effectiveness?

Since melanin is also found in the skin, people with darker or tanned skins tend to be less suitable for laser hair removal. Blond or red haired people also have less favourable results since the laser is only attracted to the hair’s dark pigmentation. However, newer technologies such as the ND Yag lasers have more or less mitigated that. It’s also noticed that laser hair removal is most effective on hair follicles that are relatively active, a phase that experts call the anagen phase. During that phase. an estimated 85% of our hair are active at any point of time and are hence easier to destroy comparatively.

Things to Consider Before Opting for Laser Hair Removal

1. The Skill & Knowledge Of The Technician. Even though it’s the laser that actually destructs the hair follicle, the success of an good laser hair removal process is also dependent on the practitioner. The better skilled the technician is, the likelihood of good results is also much higher. Although there are laser hair removal clinics that charges lower rates, it’s also important for you to assess their expertise to ensure you’re getting true value for what you’re paying for!
2. The Colour Of Your Skin Tones & Nature Of Hair Texture. As reiterated earlier, the colour of your skin tone will determine the type of laser to go for as well as your expectation of the results. Frequency and energy levels of the laser can differ based on your skin type. Longer pulsed laser are hence safer since you allow more time between light pulses for both the follicle and skin to cool down. This also makes your experience much more manageable and pleasant.
3. The Size of Your Treatment Zone. Since this impacts the penetration and speed levels of the laser, the technician is able to work deeper into the follicle’s root easier with a larger treatment area. That may in turn give you higher satisfaction per session.
4. Your Budget. Like the electrolysis, laser hair removal is not a one-time procedure. You may require a few sessions which can cost you as much as $400 each. The perceived value then comes from the savings of time from waxing, shaving and the money that goes towards buying such related products. And not to forget the personal gratification that comes from a renewed interpretation of your self image. A tradeoff between such perceived value versus the actual cost is necessary before opting for the laser treatments or a different

An important consideration affecting one’s decision to opt for the laser route is its cost. So, how much does laser hair removal costs?

Different variables influence how laser hair removal clinics set their prices. And that includes the type of laser you’re opting for, the size (or location) of the treatment zone, the number of sessions required, the location of the clinic or the mode of payment selected etc. For example, a customer making a lump sum payment in advance may be entitled to discounts that one on the monthly installment plan wouldn’t get to enjoy.

People are often attracted to the cheapest plan but the conventional wisdom “you get what you’re paying for” still holds. Make sure you research for the option that gives you the most value. Not just the lowest prices. Here are some steps to help you research on the best value packages :

(1) Understand the 3 Basic Pricing Structures

It’s important for you to first understand the different pricing structures so that you can have a baseline for comparison later. Even though laser hair removal pricing structures differ across the board, there are 3 common ways clinics use to ascertain the cost for the specific client :

1. Flat Fee. A flat fee may be charged either on a per treatment or a package of treatments basis. For example, removing unwanted facial hair can be $300 per treatment regardless of the amount of hair or only for particular type of hair growth patterns. Some clinics might also charge a series of treatments for a flat fee. And that may or may not be dependent on the customer’s hair growth patterns.
2. Time Required. Some laser clinics charge in every 15 minute blocks. Just like the electrolysis hair removal permanent treatments. If a clinic charge $125 for every 15 minutes spent and removing leg hair takes about half an hour, it would cost the customer about $250 for each treatment. How fast the technician (together the laser) can accomplish the task on the amount of hair to be removed, will in turn influence the price.
3. Charge For Every Pulse. This is a more complicated pricing method that’s based on the number of pulses required to completely treat the specific area of body hair. An activation of the laser is “a pulse.” Each pulse can take away about a hundred strands of hair and lasts about 1 second. The area of each pulse is dependent on the laser’s spot size. Assuming that a clinic charge $1.50 for each pulse with a minimum flat fee, removing armpit hair may cost up to $170 with a flat rate of $100 for the first 50 and $1.50 for each pulse after. You’ll realize that your cost for each progressive treatment will be gradually lower since the hair to be removed is lesser.

(2) Determine the Size of Your Preferred Treatment Zone

Once you’re clear about the possible pricing structures, determine the size and location of your preferred treatment zone. Many customers have vague ideas about this and are often easily cajoled by the consultant to go for a bigger treatment area which may add up to their cost estimates. Be firm about where you want the hair removal to be done, while taking note of the recommendations they provide in the quote later. More importantly, this information helps you estimate the number of treatments with the use of the average body hair chart. You can find this average body hair chart by googling on the internet. This in turn will help you calculate at the estimate baseline cost for each pricing

(3) Decide The Location of The Clinic

Do you prefer to have the treatment at a clinic near your office. Or somewhere available in your neighbourhood. Bear in mind that transportation costs can erode any savings you get from a cheaper clinic. Deciding on the location of the clinic can also help you narrow down the research into a manageable list of clinics later.

(4) Shortlist about 3 to 4 Clinics For the Comparison

Based on your preferred location and baseline cost, shortlist 3 – 4 laser hair removal clinics to do a more detailed comparison. You can google for a list of clinics in your area or ask your friends for any recommendations. Find out if there’s anything particularly good or bad about the clinics you’re considering. Either through online hair removal forums or from people who’ve tried their service. While you checking this out, see if the clinics are offering free trials so that you get experience the level of service before committing.

(5) Get Quotes

Once this list is finalized, you can either email, call or even pop by for a quotation. Since laser hair removal prices may differ accordingly to the person, some clinics may want to you pop by for a consultation before quoting. Make full use of this opportunity to assess the quality of the facilities and service. If there’s a free trial offered, just go for it. Remember, price isn’t the only consideration. Some people are willing to pay a premium for quality service and better technology. So, always assess your options before taking out your credit card.

Don’t forget to ask if there’s any discounts for different payment plans. Sometimes, the difference can be equivalent to the cost of an extra treatment!

(6) Make The Decision

After you’ve done the prior homework, compare your notes against your baseline. Ask yourself if you feel good about the facilities, service and if there’s a trial, the results after the first treatment. Choose the clinic that offers you the most comfort at the best value for money. They may not necessary be the cheapest. But definitely one that you’ve chosen after deep consideration and research on permanent hair removal.