ELECTROLYSIS —the permanent removal of unwanted hair—is a beauty treatment that can greatly improve appearance and boost self-confidence. Men who struggle with uncomfortable ingrown hairs may also find relief with electrolysis.

Dr Charles E Michel first described electrolysis in October 1875 and has grown in popularity since. The procedure involves guiding a very fine filament (probe) along the hair follicle to the papilla—the hair’s growth source—and applying a brief electrical impulse to destroy it. During treatment, a mild tingling sensation is common. Typical after-effects include slight redness and swelling, which usually subside within minutes. Tiny pinpoint scabs can occur and generally resolve within a week.

Aftercare is important: avoid applying creams or cosmetics to the treated area for 24 hours, and use an antiseptic product on the area two to three times daily for three to five days, as advised by your provider. Most body areas can be effectively treated with electrolysis, with the exception of eyelashes and hairs inside the nostrils.

Excessive hair growth is commonly described in two ways. Hirsutism refers to excessive growth of coarse (terminal) hair in androgen‑dependent areas in women (such as the face, chest, and back). Hypertrichosis refers to excessive hair growth beyond what is typical for age, sex, and ethnicity and can occur anywhere on the body. Both terms describe patterns of abnormal hairiness and may warrant medical evaluation.

The main contributors to superfluous hair growth include hereditary factors, glandular or hormonal disturbances, and certain medications. Heredity likely accounts for many cases; the tendency may originate with grandparents or even earlier generations. Hormonal disturbances, particularly involving the adrenal glands and the ovaries, can also stimulate excess hair growth. Some medications can have similar effects; it’s wise to review potential side effects for any drug you take and consult your healthcare provider with concerns.

Beyond its permanence, electrolysis offers advantages over temporary hair‑removal methods. Unlike shaving or abrasive techniques, it does not dry or irritate the skin’s surface. Waxing, shaving, tweezing, and depilatories remove not only conspicuous hairs but also fine vellus hairs that ideally should not be disturbed; with repeated removal, these fine hairs can sometimes return, appearing coarser, worsening the perceived problem. Electrolysis, by contrast, selectively removes conspicuous hairs and leaves the area looking naturally hair‑free.

Electrolysis has demonstrated safety and effectiveness for well over a century and is widely recommended by physicians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons.

Notes on edits and improvements

• Consistency and capitalisation: Standardised “electrolysis” in lowercase except when starting a sentence; fixed “self-confidence” to “self-confidence.”
• Clarity and accuracy: Clarified the mechanism (fine probe, papilla) and typical sensations/after-effects; noted that eyelashes and nostril hairs are not treated in routine cosmetic practice.
• Aftercare: Corrected “teated” to “treated,” refined instructions, and framed antiseptic use as per provider guidance.
• Medical terms: Updated definitions—hirsutism (androgen‑dependent areas in women) and hypertrichosis (generalised or localised excess); replaced “lanugo” with “vellus” to reflect adult hair terminology.
• Endocrine terms: Corrected “the adrenals and the ovarian” to “the adrenal glands and the ovaries.”
• Style and flow: Combined short sentences, removed redundancy, and improved transitions for smoother reading.
• Plurals: Corrected “dermatologist” to “dermatologists.”

 

As a skilled Esthetician and Wellness Coach, Naema Khan specialises in providing personalised care through Electrolysis, facials and various therapeutic massages such as Swedish, Thai, Indian head massage and therapeutic foot massages. She also offers consultations on natural health and wellness. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of AZP News. Khan can be contacted at (868) 330-9448