Electrolysis has been around for over 100 years, making it the most established permanent hair removal method available. Numerous clinical studies have shown that electrolysis is highly effective and has minimal side effects. In fact, it is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal available. Permanent electrolysis hair removal works by inserting a small, sterile metal rod into each and every hair. Once the wand has been placed, an electrical pulse is sent through the hair shaft which damages the hair follicle.

Pulse only damages hair at a certain stage of the growth cycle, and since hair can be at different stages when it receives a treatment, only a certain proportion of hair will be damaged in any given cycle. This means that a successful electrolysis treatment will involve multiple sessions over a period of time. Depending on the density of the hair follicles in the area to be treated, between 15-30 sessions may be required. The denser an area, the more treatments will be necessary. Most electrologists recommend having each session spaced a week or two apart to allow the hair to transition from treatment to treatment. Since each hair follicle is treated individually, the time of each session varies according to the density of the area and the size of the area to be covered. Most individual sessions need between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

Permanent electrolysis hair removal can be used on virtually any area of ​​the body, except inside the ear and nose and on top of a mole. That said, larger areas can take quite a bit of time, so this method is ideal for a smaller area like bikini area, face areas, and underarm area. This technique is also great for any skin color and any hair color. Some of the other permanent hair removal techniques (eg, lasers) don’t work well on darker skin or lighter hair, so electrolysis is a great option for people with either.

One of the keys to successful electrolysis treatment is having a good electrologist. The better the electrologist, the better the results and the lower the risk of side effects. There are undoubtedly many electrologists in a given area, so it may take a bit of research to find the right one. The best strategy is to ask around. Do your friends or colleagues have any recommendations? A second option is to search for reviews online. Chances are any salon you’re looking for has at least one online review.

Once you find a potential electrologist, it’s a good idea to check to see if that person is licensed by your state. This only applies if your state regulates electrology and some do not (see below for a list of states with licensing regulations). One last thing I would recommend when choosing the electrologist is to pay attention to the actual room when you arrive for your appointment. If it seems unhygienic, you may want to reconsider your decision. Finally, there are electrolysis machines available for personal use, but improper use can be dangerous, so do some research on proper use before using one at home.

States regulating electrolysis

Alabama, Arkansas

California, Connecticut

Delaware, Florida

Hawaii, Idaho

Indiana, Iowa

Kansas, Louisiana

Maine, MD

Massachusetts, Michigan

montana nebraska

Nevada, New Hampshire

New Jersey, New Mexico

North Carolina, North Dakota

ohio oklahoma

Oregon, Rhode Island

Tennessee, Utah

Wisconsin