If you are a very sensitive person, you will probably be given a local anesthetic. This is usually done with sprays or creams. But this liquid, which will penetrate the skin, may cause the technique to not work properly. This anesthesia may not be enough to completely relieve pain.

Many people are concerned about the question of what can become infected when the skin is calcined with a needle. In fact, infection with a virus or other infection is possible only with absolute non-compliance with hygiene rules. This could be an undisinfected needle and device, or lack of gloves. This is unacceptable in good salons.

At the moment, electrolysis is recognized as the only safe method of permanent hair removal. (Two other known methods: light hair removal is recognized as a method of reducing hair growth, but is prohibited).

The first successful electrolysis session was performed by Dr. Charles Michel for the treatment of trichiasis (inward growth of eyelashes). Even then, humanity knew that hair grows from a “pulp”, the destruction of which leads to the cessation of hair growth. For these purposes, they tried to inject corbolic acid subcutaneously, hot or jagged needles - anything to scar the area of ​​the hair papilla, but they also scarred the surface of the skin. Michel used the method of electrolysis or electrocoagulation, already known at that time, to remove eyelashes, and published his successful experience in 1875. Soon, electrolysis, or the galvanic method, began to remove hair everywhere, in hairdressing and beauty salons. In 1924, the French doctor Henri Bordiere proposed thermolysis, another method that was much less painful and slow. In 1945, engineer Arthur Hinkel and electrologist Henry St. Pierre, after almost 10 years of trial and error, invented the blend method, combining the efficiency of electrolysis and the speed of thermolysis.

Hair removal during electrolysis is performed sequentially: a thin sterile disposable needle (or a personal use needle) is inserted along each hair into the hair pore to destroy the follicle's ability to divide cells. All hair can be removed - of any color and in any area, except for hair inside the nose and in the inner ear. There are no people who are insensitive to the method, but the effectiveness of the method almost entirely depends on the skill of the electrologist.

Before hair removal, December 2012

She in February 2010, 12 years after the hair removal cycle.

Most common areas of removal:

• Women: , , on the head, .
• Men: forearms, upper back and torso, cheeks outside the beard, as part of the treatment of ingrown hairs.
• Transgender: at least a beard, chest hair, (as part of gender reassignment surgery).

The average speed of work is 5-15 hairs per minute, depending on the experience of the master and the method used. The fee is charged per minute. (You can estimate how long it will take to treat your skin.) The number of treatments depends on the following parameters:

1. The area of ​​treatment and the individual characteristics of the person determine how much hair is in the anagenesis/telogenesis stage and the duration of these stages. Only hair in the anagenesis (active growth) stage can be removed, however, this statement does not apply. Depending on the duration of the stages, procedures should be carried out every 2, 6 or 12 weeks.
2. Electrologist experience. The specialist’s task is to select the electrolysis method, current parameters, thickness and direction of needle insertion so as to get into the hair follicle and produce sufficient impact to remove it. The electrologist may miss the hair papilla and niche, may overdo it with current (causing slow healing and even scarring of the skin), may ignore the structure of the hair and use an inappropriate method. The most dangerous thing is untrained electrologists who are careless when it comes to setting up the device.

With proper procedure and subsequent skin care, there are virtually no risks to the skin. As a rule, the next day the redness subsides and the fact that you underwent the procedure the day before will not be noticeable to others. Very sensitive skin or excessive current parameters lead to slowly healing red crusts, scars and depigmentation. In some areas, it is impossible to avoid red crusts.

Electrolysis methods

There are three main methods of electrolysis, which differ little in the procedure, but are completely different in the physics of the processes:

• Electrolysis, or galvanic method - hair removal due to a chemical reaction that occurs when direct current passes from the active electrode (needle) to the passive one (in the hand). The product of this reaction is sodium hydroxide, a strong alkali that destroys hair. One pulse lasts from 10 seconds.
• Thermolysis- hair removal due to coagulation of blood vessels that feed the hair. Heat occurs at the tip of the needle as a result of the passage of alternating current. The method has several variations: flash, microflash, picoflash, multiplex. One pulse lasts a fraction of a second.
• Blend- hair removal due to a chemical reaction during the passage of direct current, accelerated by the thermal effect of alternating current at the end of the needle. One pulse lasts 4-8 seconds.

I have a separate article about each of these methods, answering the questions: how does it work? what are the problems? why and when is a method good or bad? It is best to read them sequentially: → → . In addition, there are several charlatan methods that mimic electrolysis - and.

The choice of method is critical because it determines the area of ​​influence (see figure below). Thus, with curved follicles, thermolysis and flash may not be effective.

Electrolysis tools

Featured models of devices for electrolysis In terms of hair removal efficiency, they do not differ from devices of 20-30 years ago or cheap electric epilators in Russia. The difference is that modern devices have more standard hair removal programs depending on the type of hair and the depth of its bulb. Such programs create less unpleasant sensations by reducing the exposure time and replacing one long impulse with a series of short ones. Most expensive devices have built-in final skin care programs that help relieve swelling, constrict blood vessels, restore skin pH (anaphoresis, iontophoresis); these programs are sometimes implemented using a separate device. Some devices have a voltage sensor (by which you can indirectly judge whether the needle has entered the follicle: there is a lot of fluid around the anagen follicle, which is a better conductor than the dermis) or allow you to independently adjust the time and current strength - flexible settings in skillful hands can have advantages, but also the cost of mistakes is higher.

Below are photographs of devices from different years and countries of manufacture:

Electric epilator Chemi-Therm. There are thermolysis and electrolysis modes, but there is no blend yet.

Russian EHVCh-20-01-MTUSI. Thermolysis mode.

The Fischer SE5 electroepilator looks like a HF generator :) Thermolysis, electrolysis and blend modes.

Modern and sophisticated APILUS XCELL PRO. Modes of electrolysis, blend and several types of thermolysis.

Problems and disadvantages of electrolysis

Normally, electrolysis is terribly effective (the lowest percentage of hair regrowth after completing a cycle of procedures), relatively tolerable and associated with minor temporary complications (often: redness, red crusts). Moreover, it has been around long enough to be considered safe. However, the method is not without its drawbacks, the main ones being:

• For a long time. In the absence of hormonal diseases and a high level of electrolysis specialist, hair is removed on average in 5-10 procedures. Unfortunately, it can take up to 20 hours to clean one area. The fastest method of electrolysis is picoflash: it will take about 3 minutes to remove hair from an area the size of a five-kopeck coin (on the fingers, for example). The same treatment area for laser hair removal will take 10 seconds.
• Hurt. I won’t sugarcoat it: compared to other hair removal methods, it’s very painful. Especially above the lip near the nose and in some areas between the legs. The shorter the impact pulse, the less pain, however, such methods can not remove any hair, but only straight-growing ones. This deficiency can be compensated for (but if there is an allergy, it can lead to death).
• Complications in and orange peel due to improper performance of the procedure, poor care after the procedure or overly sensitive skin.
• Risk of infection. Electrolysis, in contrast, is an invasive procedure. This means that if you do so, there is a risk of contracting diseases, including HIV.
• Catastrophic dependence of the result on the experience of the specialist. In light hair removal methods, for example, much more depends on the laser itself, but here the effectiveness of hair removal depends on the dexterity of the master’s hands and his understanding of what he is doing. He must be able to accurately insert the needle, choose the correct current strength and exposure time, choose the method and type of needles depending on the structure of the hair and the sensitivity of the skin. Read more about choosing an electrolysis specialist.

In addition to the skill of the specialist, the result of electrolysis is influenced by your health condition and history of hair loss. For example, plucking distorts the follicles, which makes them inaccessible to thermolysis and requires the use of a blend. or, provoking iatrogenic hirsutism or hypertrichosis, competes with electrolysis, turning an increasing number of vellus hairs into terminal hairs until the supply of follicles is completely exhausted.

Advantages of electrolysis

The advantages of electrolysis compared to other hair removal methods are as follows:

• The only method that the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved as a permanent hair removal method.
• Works on any hair of any color in almost any area. Previously, it was forbidden to remove hair from the nose, but if the skin reacts well, they do it.
• Effective even against hormone-dependent hair. Hormones worsen the results, triggering the transformation of more and more new vellus hairs into terminal ones, but electrolysis allows you to exhaust their number.
• Can be performed on areas where thick and vellus hair grow mixed. The risk of triggering the transformation of a vellus hair into a terminal one, as with photoepilation methods, is minimal and depends on how well the skin heals (I mentioned that even physiotherapy on skin with vellus hair can contribute to the development of hypertrichosis).
• It is acceptable to use on moles. Typically, the electrologist asks for the go-ahead from the oncologist to be sure that the mole is benign.

Preparing for the first procedure

So, you have chosen a salon or electrolysis specialist, and you are getting ready to go to him. Before your first visit, make sure that:

• are not relevant for you.
• The hair has grown enough. It’s good if you haven’t plucked them for a long time - in this case, the specialist will be able to process the maximum number of hair follicles. One way or another, to carry out the procedure, the hairs need to grow at least 2-4 mm. The longer the hair, the easier it is to determine the direction of hair growth.
• You took a photo of the treatment area before the procedure and entered it.

Wash before the procedure - then you won’t be able to get your skin wet for a day, and you will need to refrain from taking a hot shower or taking a hot bath for another week if red crusts appear.

At a preliminary consultation, the master usually tells everything that you are reading now on the website: about and why, how electrolysis works and what method the master plans to use. You will be asked about your health status to identify any contraindications and features that may affect the effectiveness of the procedure. They will examine the surface of the skin and record its defects, if any, on the card. They'll take a photo.

Then you will be placed on a couch, your skin will be treated with an antiseptic and the procedure will begin - a needle will be inserted into each follicle and a current will be applied. Painful sensations occur only (!) at the moment the current is applied. A good technician will vary the current and duration so that they are as low as possible for good hair extraction (or, equivalently, the current is as high as possible without causing side effects on the skin).

After treating all follicles, the skin is moisturized (milk, gel, oils with the effect of inhibiting hair growth). In case of severe inflammation, a procedure is carried out (application of pure collagen followed by treatment with small currents; reduces redness and swelling due to vasoconstriction, closes pores) and a cream is applied that accelerates healing (Panthenol, Rescuer).

How to prepare for electrolysis?
Wash the day before, because then the area cannot be wet for some time. Do not shave or cut your hair; the longer it is, the better. If you have a high pain threshold, then apply a cream (for example, Emla) 1.5 hours before the procedure or spray the area with lidocaine and wrap it with cling film.

Is it possible to do electrolysis during menstruation?
No, it will hurt you a lot. Choose any day 3 days after the end of bleeding and up to 3 days before the start of menstruation.

My technician refuses to use insulating needles. Why?
The main problem with insulating needles is that the source of heat occurs only at the end of the needle, as a result, the area of ​​influence is reduced. It is necessary to hit the hair papilla more accurately and, probably, use a technique of variable needle insertion depth, which reduces the speed of treatment. Read more about electrolysis techniques.

Electrolysis is

Hair removal, which occurs by applying a weak current to the hair follicle. Thanks to the manipulations, the hair follicle is thermally treated, the capillaries die, which gives a 100% result of irreversible hair removal. The protein in the hair follicle dies, making it impossible for new hair to grow.

The process of getting rid of unwanted hair is as follows. A sterile needle is inserted to a depth of 5 millimeters, through which current flows. The holding time of the needle depends on the type of procedure, the characteristics of the skin and the structure of the hair. Today, the medical community recognizes only this method, which removes hair permanently. All other hair removal methods provide only temporary results.

Removing unwanted hair has always been important. Before the invention of electrolysis, people subjected their bodies to amazing and sometimes dangerous manipulations in the fight against unwanted hair. Various poisons, hot needles were injected under the skin, and injections were made using various herbs. Such experiments sometimes led to tragic consequences. Therefore, hair removal was done only for medical reasons.

Ophthalmologists have made a big breakthrough in hair removal. They were the first to come to the conclusion that hair grows from a bulb, which, if damaged, can get rid of excess hair. In 1875, using electrolysis, American ophthalmologists began performing procedures to remove ingrown eyelashes. A metal plate with a positive charge was placed on the patient's face, and a needle with a negative charge was inserted into the eyelash follicle. The unwanted hair was removed due to a chemical reaction and did not grow back.

Every year, doctors sought to improve and modernize hair removal technology. Gradually, the technology went beyond medicine and penetrated into cosmetics and hairdressing studios. In pursuit of profit, masters who do not have sufficient knowledge often harm their clients. So in 1970, the electrolysis method began to be taught at medical universities around the world. Since 2000, devices have appeared for each type of procedure.

Electrolysis has strong competition in the cosmetic industry. But the main distinguishing feature of this procedure is permanent hair removal, which laser or photoepilation cannot boast of.

Types of electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal using direct current. This method of hair removal is also called the galvanic method. To achieve the result, it is necessary to create a galvanic reaction using several electrodes. A metal plate soaked in a special solution is placed in the patient’s hand to improve the passage of the positive charge. A negative charge passes through the needle. In the ongoing galvanic process, an alkali is formed, due to which hair removal occurs.

This method uses multiple needles during the hair removal process. The formation of an alkali can take up to several minutes, and each follicle should be processed several times. This method is best suited for those with fair hair and sensitive skin.

This method has a number of disadvantages. For example, you can get severe skin burns. During the hair removal process, a needle penetrates the skin under the influence of high temperatures. The pain of the procedure will depend on the individual characteristics of the body. Electrolysis performed by an inexperienced technician can lead to a sad outcome. Improper use of the device may result in a short circuit.

The essence of electrolysis is to insert a needle under the skin, due to which infections can enter the body. It could be a dirty needle, or a needle made of poor quality material. Infections may also appear after the procedure. Depending on the individual characteristics of the body, the skin healing process can be lengthy. Since micro-holes remain after the procedure, there is a high risk of infection.

An illiterate master can leave scars and scars at the site of the procedure. Scars are formed if the needle does not enter the follicle, but the surrounding tissue. After the procedure, pigmentation may appear. During the procedure, various chemical reactions occur. The appearance of pigmentation most often occurs in those with dark skin.

Thermolysis is a method of thermal treatment of the hair follicle. During the removal process, there is a sharp increase in alternating current, due to which the tissues heat up faster, and the procedure time is significantly reduced. This method is the most popular. The processing time for one hair follicle is only 2 seconds. Due to thermolysis, the maximum effect is achieved. This procedure is suitable for all skin types and any hair type. The disadvantages include a high risk of skin burns. The procedure is extremely painful.

Flash thermolysis is a new type of classical thermolysis. The procedure is similar to thermolysis, but the time of exposure to the hair follicle is reduced. This procedure uses high current frequencies, due to which the processing time of one bulb is reduced to 1 second. The needle is completely isolated, making the procedure as painless as possible. This hair removal method is used for the face and bikini area. Anesthesia with injections is not used in this procedure.

Blend is a method that includes the work of thermolysis and electrolysis. The hair follicle is affected by chemical reaction and coagulation. The thermal effect increases the formation of alkali, resulting in reduced exposure time on the hair follicle. This method is suitable for removing thick and ingrown hair.

The bikini electrolysis procedure is very popular. This is the only way to remove unwanted hair permanently. Before starting the procedure, the specialist must conduct a test on a small area of ​​skin. This is necessary to adjust the device to the characteristics of the body. The procedure takes up to 40 minutes. It will take several sessions to get rid of hair forever. Since electrolysis is a targeted effect on the hair follicle, it is not possible to remove all hair in one session.

The procedure for removing unwanted hair should be carried out by a certified specialist with medical education. Before starting the procedure, you should make sure that the equipment is sterile. Since the procedure is carried out with penetration into the deep layers of the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Hair removal will depend on the characteristics of the body. From 5 to 15 procedures may be required. Efficiency will depend on hormonal levels, hair thickness, and skin type.

Contraindications!

The procedure has a number of contraindications. It should be avoided in cases of skin diseases in the acute or chronic period. People with diabetes should refuse. The procedure cannot be performed in cases of varicose veins at the site of the procedure. People with heart problems are strictly prohibited from attending the procedure. It is worth abstaining in case of acute infectious diseases. The procedure cannot be performed during pregnancy and lactation.

The cost of the procedure is quite high. It includes the cost of the needle, anesthetic injection and the time of the procedure.

Electrolysis contraindications

The procedure should be taken as seriously as possible, because there is a risk of serious problems. The procedure is classified as physiotherapeutic and has a number of contraindications.

Asthma

This disease is not a reason to refuse the procedure. But people with asthma need to prepare for the procedure, as attacks may occur during the process. Before starting the procedure, you should describe as accurately as possible all symptoms and frequency of attacks. This will be required to make a decision in case of complications. At the beginning of the procedure, the current intensity is minimal, and the current intensity is increased only with the consent of the patient.

Pregnancy

During this period, it is recommended to avoid any cosmetic interventions. The first trimester is the most important in the process of forming the unborn child, so there is a complete abandonment of the electrolysis procedure. Further, the procedure can be completed after consultation with your doctor. The procedure is not performed in the chest and abdomen area. Painful sensations arising during the procedure can provoke muscle spasms, which can provoke a number of complications for the unborn child.

Heart

The procedure should be avoided if you have heart disease. In case of heart disease, the movement of blood flow is disrupted; additional intervention with electricity can provoke serious consequences.

Phlebeurysm

The procedure should be avoided if there is local varicose veins. Electrical impulses can complicate the course of the disease. But you should not completely abandon the procedure.

Infections

When infectious diseases occur, a person’s immunity weakens. There is a risk of serious consequences. The procedure can be carried out, but at the beginning there is a written agreement of both parties about the possible consequences.

Hemophilia

Hair removal occurs by penetrating the needle under the skin. An inaccurate hit may cause bleeding. Therefore, in cases of poor blood clotting, the procedure is contraindicated.

Arterial pressure

There are no contraindications for refusing the procedure. But before starting, you should warn a specialist, since pain can cause neurosis and increased pressure.

Diabetes

This disease is characterized by decreased immunity and the possibility of rapid regeneration. A very intense effect on the skin can cause burns. Violation of the technology of the procedure can cause a number of complications. Therefore, you should avoid electrolysis.

Pacemaker

The electrolysis device may interfere with the pulse frequency of pacemakers, so the procedure is prohibited.

Menstruation

During this period, the sensitivity of the body is at a high level, so it is better to refrain from the procedure, as the sensations can be very painful.

Metal implants

Metal is a conductor of electricity. If there are foreign metal bodies in the body, the procedure is contraindicated.

Nervous system diseases

In case of exacerbation of diseases associated with the central nervous system, you should refrain from the procedure. Pain during the procedure can disrupt the patient's psychological comfort and contribute to unequal distress.

Leather

There should be no warts, acne, herpes, fungal diseases, burns, open wounds, or scars at the site of the procedure.

Epilepsy

For this disease, the procedure should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician to eliminate possible occurrences of epileptic seizures.

Electrolysis procedure

Before starting the procedure, the area of ​​skin that will be manipulated must be disinfected. This is necessary to protect the skin from infection during the procedure. This is followed by local anesthesia. The most commonly used is lidocaine. This could be a drug injection or a spray. A cream is also used before the start of the procedure, but it should be applied an hour before the start of the session to achieve maximum effect.

A metal sheet is placed in the patient’s hands, which has a positive charge and creates a field for the electrode needle. Then the needle is inserted under the skin to the hair follicle. With the help of current and thermal burn, the bulb dies. The hair is removed using tweezers. After the procedure, the skin must be disinfected to prevent various infections from getting into open wounds.

Depending on the skin type, hair structure and personal characteristics of the body, the procedure time may vary. After the first procedure, hair growth is reduced by 20%. With an increase in the number of procedures, the result increases to 100%. With each procedure, the structure of the hair changes, it becomes thinner and lighter.

Electrolysis: pros and cons

Advantages of the procedure:

• Instant effect. Not all hair removal procedures can claim that hair will disappear immediately.
• Durability. This is the only medically recognized procedure for permanent hair removal.
• Electrolysis can remove any type of hair. Ingrown, thick, thin, light.
• The oldest type of hair removal procedure. This procedure has a history of over 100 years of ups and downs.
• Has an optimal price-quality ratio.

Flaws:

• For complete hair removal, a minimum of 5 procedures will be required.
• Procedure time. Depending on individual indicators, the procedure can last up to 3 hours.
• The procedure is painful. To perform the electrolysis procedure, it is necessary to treat the area with an anesthetic. But the pain does not go away completely; with the help of medication, it becomes more tolerable.
• Insufficient qualification of the master. The result of the procedure depends on the penetration of the needle under the skin. Incorrect insertion of the needle can not only fail to produce results, but also cause serious harm to the patient.
• Scarring. This procedure leaves noticeable scars. For a speedy recovery, the skin should be treated with special ointments for several weeks.

This procedure is suitable for any hair type. The result will be permanent hair removal. You should prepare before the procedure. The effective hair length should be approximately 15 millimeters. Germination time will also play a big role. It should be up to 3 months. The speed of the procedure is low, since each hair is processed individually.

The first procedure for removing hair above the lip should take no more than 10 minutes. Such temporary restrictions are caused by possible swelling and swelling of the tissues. During the first procedure, not all hair is removed. Security requires this. The skin above the lip is quite thin and delicate; dividing current can lead to irritability and severe pigmentation. Consequences of the procedure

Swelling and swelling of the skin is possible. Formation of small scars.

Can this procedure be used on any part of the body?

Yes, this procedure has no restrictions.

Laser or electrolysis?

Electrolysis is hair removal by applying electric current to the hair follicle. For this procedure, skin and hair color does not matter. In any case, the result will be good. The medical community recognizes the procedure as the only effective way to permanently remove hair. The procedure time is very high. One small area may take up to 2 hours. Scars after the procedure disappear completely after a few weeks, and red dots at the site of needle penetration disappear after 1 month.

Removes hair using targeted laser action on the hair follicle. The quality of the procedure depends on the amount of melanin. The more it is, the faster the hair will heat up and the bulb will collapse. Laser hair removal is suitable for dark hair and fair skin. For blond hair the level of effectiveness is very low. Has long-term results. It is recommended to repeat the procedure after completing the full course at least 2 times a year to maintain maximum results. The procedure takes up to 30 minutes. Irritation after the procedure completely disappears after 3 days.

Both procedures have much in common. For example, to achieve maximum results, you will need to complete a course of procedures, and this can take up to 2 years. The procedures cannot be carried out before a trip to the sea, and you should also avoid direct exposure to sunlight. When giving preference to any procedure, you need to make sure of the qualifications of the master and familiarize yourself with his diplomas. The quality and result of the procedure depend on the experience of the specialist.

What is better: photoepilation or electrolysis?

The essence of photoepilation is to treat hair with an intense beam of light. Just as in the case of laser hair removal, removal occurs due to heating of melanin in the hair structure. This method does not permanently remove hair, but it does noticeably reduce hair growth. This method is suitable for dark hair. In cases with blond hair, the results of the procedure will be poor.

Photoepilation has fewer contraindications. This method has fewer areas available for hair removal. For example, you will have to refrain from removing eyebrow hair. The nozzle of the device is very large and the light will enter the eyes, which is strictly prohibited during the procedure. After the procedure, slight swelling, redness and itching may appear. All symptoms disappear after about 5 days. To achieve maximum effect, up to 9 procedures will be required. The duration of the procedure depends on the area being treated. It will take up to 1 hour to remove leg hair.

The cost of the procedure depends on the number of outbreaks. Is it painful to carry out the procedure and what kind of pain relief is used? The electrolysis procedure is quite painful. During the hair removal process, a needle is inserted under the skin. To relieve pain, it is recommended to treat the skin area with lidocaine before the procedure. This can be an injection or a superficial spray treatment. An ointment for pain relief is also very popular. Its disadvantage is the application process. To achieve maximum effectiveness, the skin area should be treated with a thick layer of ointment and wrapped in cling film. It is recommended to perform the procedure an hour before electrolysis.