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Electrolysis involves the application of an electrical current to each hair follicle to remove unwanted hair. It differs from laser hair removal in that it is more permanent, it targets each hair individually instead of targeting a group of hairs at once, and it works equally well on all colors of hair, while laser removal works better on dark hair.
Typical costs: |
- Electrolysis typically costs $30-$100 or more per session, depending on the length of the session. For example, Esther's Skin Care and Electrolysis[1] in Chicago charges $30 for a 15-minute session, $48 for a half hour and $88 for an hour. NIOS Permanent Hair Removal Center[2] in New York City charges $45 for a 15-minute session, $72 for half an hour and $110 for an hour.
- The length of time required for each session depends on the individual, the size of the area being treated and the number of unwanted hairs in the area; during an initial consultation, an electrologist typically can provide an estimate on the time required for each session and the number of treatments needed. At RealSelf.com, the average total price patients reported paying for electrolysis was $1,189.
- Electrolysis is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it typically is not covered by health insurance.
Related articles: Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Botox Treatments
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What should be included: |
- During the treatment, the electrologist typically will first apply a local anesthetic. Then, using a handheld device connected to an electrolysis machine, the electrologist will insert a fine needle into the hair follicle and apply a current that permanently destroys the cells that cause hair growth. The patient might experience mild redness at the site, but can resume normal activity right away.
- The patient typically will return weekly for two weeks for additional treatments until the process is complete. After that, the treated hairs never grow back.
- MedicineNet.com[3] provides an overview of electrolysis.
- Electrolysis can be used on almost any area on the body. Areas often treated with electrolysis include eyebrows, cheeks, upper lip, chin, arms, chest, back and legs.
Additional costs: |
- Patients typically must wear sunscreen after treatment. Sunscreen typically costs $7 to $40 per bottle or tube at Drugstore.com[4] .
- A topical antibiotic[5] typically costs about $17.
Discounts: |
- Many providers offer a per-session discount with the purchase of a package of sessions. For example, NIOS Permanent Hair Removal Center[6] offers a 10% discount with the purchase of 10 or more electrolysis sessions.
Shopping for electrolysis: |
- Regulation of electrolysis varies by state, so it is important for consumers to check the rules of their state and verify that any electrologist they are considering meets any state licensing or certification requirements. Also, it is crucial to make sure the electrologist has completed training at an accredited electrology school, according to MedicineNet.com[7] and to ask how long he or she has been practicing. It is also a good idea to ask to see before-and-after photos of previous clients. It also is important to make sure the practitioner performs needle electrolysis and not another technique, such as using electric tweezers, which are sometimes incorrectly lumped in with electrolysis but are not a proven method of permanent hair removal.
- The American Electrology Association[8] offers an electrologist finder by state.
- According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration[9] risks of electrolysis include infection and scarring.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: |
- www.estherskincare.com/5.html
- www.niosspa.com/index.php?main_page=rates
- www.medicinenet.com/electrolysis/article.htm
- www.drugstore.com:80/search/search_results.asp?N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=...
- www.healthwarehouse.com/mupirocin-2-ointment-22gm-generic-bactroban.html
- www.niosspa.com/index.php?main_page=rates
- www.medicinenet.com/electrolysis/page2.htm
- www.electrology.com/find.html
- www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048995.htm
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