Electrolysis is a type of hair removal that targets the hair follicles—the pores where hair grows—just under the skin’s surface. It uses a fine needle to deliver an electrical current to the root, or base, of the hair follicle. This disrupts the hair growth cycle and prevents new hair from growing.
Electrolysis involves several sessions over the course of 12-18 months and provides a long-term solution for hair removal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved electrolysis for hair removal. Possible risks include pain or discomfort during the treatment sessions and skin color changes.
Electrolysis damages the hair follicle and prevents it from growing new hair, providing long-term or permanent hair removal. A board-certified dermatologist, a provider specializing in treating conditions in hair, skin, and nails, or a board-certified electrologist, a beauty or medical technician specializing in permanent hair removal, can perform electrolysis.
During an electrolysis session, your healthcare provider will insert a fine needle into the hair follicles and send an electrical current into the follicle root. The treated hair should then slide out easily when removed.
Electrolysis often feels like a slow process because it takes several sessions to be effective. The healthcare provider must treat each hair follicle individually.
The different types of electrolysis include:
Galvanic electrolysis: This method uses a needle to pass an electrical current into the hair follicle and is the most effective option but often the most painful.
Short-wave diathermy (thermolysis): This method uses a needle to transfer a high level of heat into the hair follicle. It’s a more comfortable option than galvanic electrolysis but not as effective.
Blend method: This method combines galvanic electrolysis and thermolysis and is often the least painful option.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you are interested in trying electrolysis for long-term hair removal. There are several possible benefits, including:
Permanent hair removal: Unlike most other hair removal options, electrolysis destroys the hair follicle and prevents hair from growing back.
Convenience: Electrolysis takes a few sessions because hair grows in cycles. However, maintenance appointments aren’t required after those sessions.
Approved for all hair types: Electrolysis can be performed anywhere on the body. It’s FDA-approved for all hair types and works on light and dark hair.
Compared to other popular methods like laser hair removal or waxing, electrolysis is permanent and can be performed on all areas of the body, including all skin and hair types. People who have medical conditions like diabetes can also have electrolysis hair removal without issue.
There are several hair removal methods available, and they each have their own pros and cons:
Hair Removal Method
Treatment Process
Benefits
Risks
Electrolysis
An electrical current is sent through a hair follicle, damaging the follicle and preventing hair growth.
Permanent hair removal, works for all hair types, and no recovery time.
Scarring, burns, or infection (if using unsterile tools). Darker skin tones have a higher chance of keloids.
Shaving
A razor cuts the hair at the skin’s surface
Quick, simple, inexpensive, painless
Skin irritation, injury risk, short-term results
Waxing
Wax is applied to the skin then quickly removed to pull out the hairs
Results can last weeks, and this method can remove a large amount of hair quickly
Pain, skin irritation
Depilatories
Cream, lotion, or gel is applied to the skin and dissolves the hair
Results last longer than shaving, and you can easily try it at home
Skin irritation, some people cannot tolerate the odor
Threading
Two twisted, cotton threads roll over the hair to pull it out
Can remove several hairs at once, good for facial areas like the eyebrows or upper lip
Skin irritation, not effective for large areas of skin
Laser hair removal
A laser sends mild radiation to the hair follicles to slow hair growth
No recovery time, provides long-term hair removal
Several sessions are needed to achieve long-term hair removal; not effective on hair that is white, gray, blonde, or red
Electrolysis requires several appointments to provide permanent hair removal and typically takes place in a dermatologist’s office or medical spa. This treatment is not covered by insurance, and the cost depends on several factors, including the size of the treated area of skin and where you have the procedure performed.
Electrolysis can be used on the face, underarms, legs, arms, and pubic area. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will place a fine needle into the hair follicle. Once the follicle has been treated, the provider will remove the needle and use tweezers to slide the hair out.
Many people find electrolysis uncomfortable or painful. It is normal to feel a stinging sensation during the procedure. After your appointment, there is no downtime or special recovery instructions. You may experience mild redness or skin irritation after the appointment.
Electrolysis takes several appointments because treating each hair follicle is time-consuming. These appointments can range from a few minutes to up to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. Additionally, because hair grows in cycles, some hair can be less visible during each appointment. Most people require electrolysis appointments for 12-18 months to see permanent results.
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment approved by the FDA. While electrolysis provides effective, long-term results, there are potential downsides. Electrolysis risks may include:
Pain: Many people report pain, stinging, or discomfort during electrolysis treatments.
Irritation: After an electrolysis treatment, you may notice your skin appears red and feels irritated. This should resolve on its own.
Infection: There is a risk of infection if the healthcare provider uses unsterile needles for the procedure.
Scarring: Electrolysis may cause scars or burns if performed incorrectly. People with darker skin tones are at risk of raised scars called keloid scars from electrolysis.
Pigmentation changes: The skin may change color and look darker or lighter after electrolysis treatments.
Electrolysis comes with risks, and it is important to work with a qualified, experienced healthcare provider. Seek out a board-certified dermatologist or board-certified electrologist for electrolysis treatments.
Ask your current dermatologist or primary healthcare provider for a recommendation or referral. If you found a clinic or spa on your own, call before your appointment to verify that their providers are board-certified and experienced in electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a form of long-term hair removal that uses a needle with an electrical current. A board-certified dermatologist or board-certified electrologist inserts the needle into the hair follicle and sends an electrical current to damage the hair follicle and prevent hair growth.
Electrolysis is an effective hair removal process approved by the FDA. It requires several appointments over 12-18 months and can be time-consuming. Possible risks include pain, skin irritation, infection, scarring, and skin pigment changes. Ask your primary healthcare provider or dermatologist for provider recommendations if you are interested in trying electrolysis.
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