Permanent hair removal is something that many people seek. There are a number of treatments available that claim to be able to produce long-lasting results, but only a few of them are truly effective at reducing hair growth permanently.
Electrolysis is one of the most popular methods of permanent hair removal, and it is generally very successful. The procedure works by using chemical or heat energy to destroy the hair’s growth center. A very fine probe is placed into the hair follicle, and the hair is extracted using tweezers. However, some people still wonder if hair can grow back after electrolysis. To help you understand it and know if it is a myth or a fact, we are here. The aim of this write-up is to reveal if electrolysis works or if the hair grows back after the treatment. Let’s find out!
The Science of Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a tried-and-true method of hair removal that has been around for centuries. The first recorded use of electrolysis was in 1875 when Dr. Charles Michel used it to remove ingrown eyelashes. Since then, scientists have refined the process with computer technology. Regardless, the best results are still achieved with a manual instrument in the hands of a skilled electrologist.
The success of laser hair removal speaks for itself. Thousands of women have benefited from this treatment, which offers a permanent solution to unwanted facial or body hair. This is a much better alternative to temporary solutions like cream, shaving, powder depilatories, tweezing, or waxing, which can be painful and last for some weeks. There’s a lot of confusion about electrolysis for hair removal. Let’s clear things up to help you make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth it to get rid of unwanted hair for good.
How is the follicle destroyed by electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a unique method of permanent hair removal that targets the hair follicle itself instead of just reducing hair growth or appearance. The process involves cauterizing or burning the hair follicle using a probe, which permanently prevents the follicle from producing new hair.
Electrolysis doesn’t affect all hair follicles at once, which is why multiple sessions are usually necessary. Generally, people undergoing electrolysis will need eight to twelve sessions to see a lasting and significant difference.
Does electrolysis permanently remove hair?
Electrolysis is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) as the only permanent form of hair removal. However, this doesn’t mean that regrowth will never occur.
In fact, some hairs may grow back after electrolysis, but repeated sessions will result in decreased regrowth. After three months without regrowth, it is safe to say the hair will never come back.
Why do some hairs regrow?
To comprehend why some hair grows back, a brief review of biology is required.
Hair follicles go through two distinct phases in their lifecycle: the growth (or anagen) phase and the resting (or telogen) phase. These phases are vital to hair growth and follicle health. At any given time, 40% of hairs are in the resting phase. If a follicle is dormant or even transitioning between phases, the electrical current won’t stop it from growing again. Yet, permanent damage will be done to the hairs in the growth phase.
If you’re looking to get rid of unwanted hair, you’ll need to consult with an electrologist. They use a special process to target and remove visible hairs. If there are hairs that seem to be growing back after treatment, this is called false regrowth. True regrowth occurs when a hair wasn’t properly killed during the treatment process and continues to grow. Either way, an electrologist can help you figure out the best plan for hair removal.
What should you expect from hair regrowth?
During the electrolysis session, it’s expected that 50 to 60 percent of hair follicles will be destroyed. As a result, regrowth of 40 to 50 percent of follicles can be reasonably expected in the weeks or months following the procedure. That applies to every session.
Although some regrowth may occur after subsequent sessions, it is usually temporary, as not all resting hairs will have begun growing by the time of the next session. After eight to twelve sessions, however, very few hair follicles are still alive, so the results tend to last longer.
It’s normal to see some regrowth after the first few sessions. This is because not all of the hairs are in the growth phase at the same time. However, by the eighth to twelfth session, you’ll see more permanent results, as very few active hair follicles remain. The hair will begin to fall out within the first week after the treatment. The last remaining hair will appear within six weeks, this is the maximum resting period for hair.
Is electrolysis effective on all hair follicles?
Yes! Electrolysis is an effective method for hair removal on any part of the body, as it involves nearby or direct contact with the hair follicle. The biology of all hair follicles is similar, so electrolysis works in the same way regardless of where the follicles are located. While electrolysis is generally safe, there are some risks to consider. Because it uses an electric current, it’s not recommended for areas like the inside of your ears or nose. These areas contain a lot of nerves and blood vessels, so introducing a current could be dangerous.
Concluding Remarks
Even when performed by a professional electrologist, there will always be some level of regrowth after initial electrolysis treatments. The percentage of hairs that need to be permanently removed for a treatment to be considered effective varies, but most experienced electrologists agree that it should be at least 40-50%. The average removal rate is 50-60%, but the highest level possible is 60-75%. Because there are so many variables that can affect outcomes, professionals cannot give a definitive figure. However, the percentage of permanency for each individual treatment is determined by the electrologist’s skill in working with these variables. If you’re discouraged, just keep attending your appointments regularly. This will help you get the best results possible.
