Electrolysis of bikini, face and legs is a popular modern cosmetic procedure. Despite the rapid development of hardware cosmetology, this method of hair removal is considered the most reliable and effective. Electrolysis of the face, legs and bikini area is very popular in our salon in Moscow. Complete hair removal can be achieved after several sessions.
The procedure is carried out by inserting a special disposable needle, which acts as an electrode, into the hair follicle. An electric current is supplied through it, which has a destructive effect on the root and the rest of the hair. The first stage of treatment of hair growth zones leads to the fact that hair grows only from neighboring (“spare”) follicles, with each session the amount of hair is reduced. If we take into account that hair follicles are not formed during life, but only those that were formed at the stage of intrauterine development wake up, then regular electrolysis will help to radically get rid of unnecessary hair.
Electrolysis of the face, legs and bikini area is best entrusted to the professionals of our salon located in the center of Moscow, who will carry out the procedure quickly and efficiently at prices that are optimal for the client!
A little history
Electric hair removal in cosmetology is rightly considered the oldest method of getting rid of hair. It was discovered in 1875 by American ophthalmologist Charles Michel (1833-1913) and was used to remove ingrown eyelashes. But after 5 years, this method began to be used for cosmetic purposes. In the middle of the last century, the first device for electrolysis was patented. And soon the procedure became very popular in America and England, and in the 70s they began to study it as a subject in medical institutions.
What is electrolysis
Electric hair removal is a method of hair removal by destroying its follicle with a weak electric current. For this purpose, a special device for electrolysis (electric epilator) is used, which has several operating modes and is capable of delivering current discharges of different frequencies, depending on the requirements and method of hair removal. The current is passed through a needle-electrode to the root, and under its influence it dies. This method can remove hairs of any thickness and color. But since the manipulation is carried out with each individual hair, electrolysis takes a lot of time. In 1 hour of work, a skilled cosmetologist can clean an area of skin measuring only 10 by 10 cm.
Electrolysis technique
For complete cleansing, several sessions are required, approximately one month apart. This happens because about 50% of hair on our skin is in the active growth phase. After the destruction of the follicles during the procedure, new hairs begin to grow from nearby inactive bulbs after 2-3 weeks. On average, electrolysis requires about 4 sessions to remove all hair. However, depending on the area, thickness and color of the hair, as well as some individual characteristics, their number may be different:
Number of sessions during electrolysis depending on the zone
In the video you can see the result of the procedure in different areas and with different numbers of sessions:
The essence of the method
To get rid of a hair forever, it is necessary to destroy the follicle - the place where the hair begins its life. In the electrolysis procedure, this destruction is achieved using electric current.
The operation itself is carried out by inserting a very thin needle into the follicle. A small discharge is passed through the needle, resulting in a spark.
It heats the end of the follicle to a relatively high temperature, which destroys it.
Learn more about the principle of electrolysis - how it works and how long the effect lasts. Did you know? Only 80% of hair is in active growth, with the remaining 20% remaining as reserve. Therefore, the procedure for destroying the follicle must be carried out in several stages, in the intervals between which the spare hairs will activate their growth.
Types of electrolysis
There are two types of electrolysis depending on the type of electrodes used: • Tweezers The hair is grabbed with an electrode in the form of tweezers and a high-frequency discharge of electric current is passed, which passes to the follicle and destroys it. The advantages of this type of electrolysis are its painlessness and the absence of side effects (pustules and inflammation), as well as the ability to use it on sensitive areas of the skin. But cosmetologists rarely use this method because it takes a lot of time (it takes about 2 minutes to remove one hair). • Needle. The most common type. An electrode in the form of a very thin needle is inserted into the follicle and an electric discharge is turned on. It creates heat at the hair root, which ultimately provokes its destruction. The needles used during electrolysis are divided into 3 types: medical alloy for sensitive skin, gold needles for allergy sufferers, and Teflon-insulated needles. These needles are disposable and can only be reused on the same person.
Today, there are 4 methods of needle electrolysis : 1. Thermolysis - a method of influencing the hair root with high-frequency alternating current. An electric current moves the molecules of the follicle, it heats up and is destroyed under the influence of high temperature. This is one of the fastest methods of electrolysis (takes 2 seconds), but also the most painful. Also, if there is an error or lack of qualifications of the specialist performing the procedure, there is a risk of burns. 2. Electrolysis. Using direct current and two electrodes (one is the needle itself, the second is an iron object that is given to a person’s hand), sodium ions appear around the needle. As a result of a further chemical reaction, they turn into alkali, which destroys the follicle. Hydrogen bubbles on the skin indicate the completion of the chemical reaction. Compared to thermolysis, the electrolysis procedure is longer, but does not cause severe pain. 3. Blend. It is a combination of the two methods described above. First, thermolysis is turned on, and then electrolysis. In general, the procedure is not very painful. It takes about 10 seconds to remove hair. 4. Flash is an advanced thermolysis that uses high frequency direct current. To reduce pain, the electric discharge passes only the end of the needle. The effectiveness of the flash method, as in thermolysis, depends on the qualifications of the specialist. Therefore, it is not recommended to do it on the face and bikini area.
The table shows the comparative characteristics of these methods of electrical hair removal:
Comparative table of characteristics of various electrolysis methods
To get a complete picture of how electrolysis is performed, watch the video:
Painfulness of the procedure
Electrolysis or laser hair removal, which is better and less painful? There is no clear answer. The first session is considered painful. If a laser is used, a tingling sensation is felt. The use of a thin needle is felt more strongly. In addition, the second method is the most labor-intensive, and therefore causes discomfort more often. Today, special gels with anesthesia are applied to the skin, so the client feels much more comfortable. The second and subsequent sessions will cause less discomfort. Also, the pain depends on the cosmetologist, on his technique and experience.
Where you can and cannot do electrolysis
Most often, women choose this procedure to remove facial hair: above the upper lip, as well as to correct the shape of the eyebrows.
It can also be easily applied to the chin, legs and arms. Men mainly remove hair on the back, shoulders and chest, as well as cheekbones and neck. We also recommend reading: “Methods of facial depilation”
You should be very careful when doing electrolysis for the bikini area and armpits, since lymph nodes are located there close to the surface. And in the areas of the nose and ears it is strictly prohibited. In the photo before and after electrolysis you can see the result of the procedure for different areas:
Armpits before and after electrolysis Legs before and after electrolysis Bikini area before and after electrolysis
Advantages and disadvantages of electrolysis
In order to decide whether to use this hair removal method, you need, as they say, to weigh the pros and cons. The undoubted advantages of electrolysis are: • Hair removal once and for all. But for this you need to be patient and go through all the hair removal sessions. • The method affects hairs regardless of their color and structure. • Suitable for all skin types.
Of course, electrolysis also has its disadvantages: • Dependence of the quality of work on the qualifications of the specialist. The electrolysis procedure is quite complex and requires precision and high professionalism from the one who performs it. Therefore, you need to carefully choose a specialist who will do it for you. • Soreness. Although it is possible to choose to use a local anesthetic, many clients choose to “stick it out.” At this point, electrolysis loses to other methods of hair removal. • Take a lot of time. • Risk of complications. If you neglect the recommendations for taking care of your skin after depilation, complications such as pustules, scars and inflammation on the skin are possible. • High cost compared to other types of hair removal. Please note that the cost of the procedure includes the price of the work itself plus the price of a needle and painkiller. On average, an hour of session costs about $50-70.
Safety of the procedure
When developing the devices, the structure of the hair, which cannot be called simple, was taken into account. To compare laser and electrolysis, you need to consider the safety of their use. For electrolysis:
- The skill of the cosmetologist is important, the needle is applied to each bulb pointwise, this requires skill to avoid scars;
- the session takes longer, ensuring accuracy;
- electric current affects only the hair, other tissues are not damaged;
- After treatment, ingrown hairs do not appear.
For laser hair removal:
- the laser beam does not affect internal organs;
- the quality of the procedure depends on the content of melanin pigment, the highest amount in representatives of dark hair;
- certain requirements for tanning are established, if not met, dark spots appear on the skin;
- During the session, the skin does not heat up and is not damaged;
- The method does not cause cancer.
Contraindications and consequences of electrolysis
Contraindications to the procedure include: • Various skin diseases. • Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. • Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2. • All types of tumors. • Infectious diseases. • Mental disorders. • Individual intolerance to metals and alloys contained in needles. • Intrauterine device. • Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What could be the consequences?
After the procedure, red spots appear at the site of the removed hair, and after a few days crusts form in these places. You don't have to do anything with them. If you follow the rules of hygiene and doctor's recommendations, they will disappear on their own.
If there is swelling and itching in the treated area of skin, do not worry. After a few days, these symptoms will go away. But if they last more than 3 days, you need to consult a doctor.
Burns can occur as a result of unskilled manipulations by a doctor. They need to be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as bepanthen and panthenol - they will reduce the likelihood of scarring. If hygiene rules are not followed, inflammation of the skin and pustules may occur.
Consequences after electrolysis
Preparation for electrolysis
The procedure itself does not require any special preparation. It is enough just for the skin to be clean. Therefore, take a bath if possible. Hair should not be too short and not too long. Their minimum length should be 3 mm to make it easier for the doctor to get into the follicle. However, you shouldn’t get too overgrown. The most acceptable hair length for electrical hair removal is 4 – 6 mm. If you have a high pain threshold, then you should ask the specialist to numb the skin before electrolysis. To do this, apply a special anesthetic cream or lidocoin spray. Injections of ultracaine or lidocoine can also be used.
How to care for your skin after electrolysis?
Skin restoration after all manipulations takes about a week. Of course, I would like to immediately have smooth skin, like after sugaring. In the case of electrolysis, you need to be patient and follow all the doctor’s recommendations in order to enjoy clear skin without unwanted hair after a while.
Following these simple rules will help you quickly recover after electrolysis: • The treated area of skin should not come into contact with water for the first 24 hours. • For the first three days, refrain from taking a hot bath, as well as from using any creams and perfumes (if hair removal was done on the face, then refrain from using decorative cosmetics). • For 4-5 days, you should regularly treat the skin with an antiseptic prescribed by your doctor to avoid infection. • It is forbidden to sunbathe in the first week to prevent age spots from appearing. • Refrain from physical activity. Excessive sweating will cause you to take longer to recover. • Do not under any circumstances peel off the crusts that have appeared after removal. Otherwise, scars may appear in their place. • Do not touch the skin with dirty hands to avoid infection in the wounds. • Do not use the swimming pool or sauna. • Make sure that clothing and underwear do not rub the treated parts of the body. Wear loose-fitting clothes. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should definitely follow these recommendations for the first week after the procedure. If you are thinking about whether to decide to remove hair in this way or not, then read reviews about the effectiveness of electrolysis:
We recommend:
“How to effectively remove hair? 6 best ways to depilate at home”
“Preparation for leg depilation and care after the procedure”
“Which method of hand depilation should I choose?”
“How to properly shave your legs and care for them after shaving”
Can it be done by pregnant women?
At this time , the release of hormones increases, and hair growth also accelerates .
The painful effect that electrolysis produces each time an individual hair is removed causes the release of stress hormones. And this is contraindicated for pregnant women, because they are responsible not only for their health, but also for their baby.
Stress, as we know, does not lead to anything good. In addition, the smallest electronic sparks can negatively affect the development of the fetus.
Therefore, it is better not to take risks in such cases, but to give preference to mechanical removal with minimal pain.
