Basic facts
- Permanent hair removal for most consumers if performed correctly (which requires considerable training and skill).
Description
- A hair-thin metal probe is slid into a hair follicle.
- Proper insertion does not puncture the skin.
- Electricity is delivered to the follicle through the probe, which causes localized damage to the areas that generate hairs.
Advantages
- By far the best and longest track record of results.
- Over 125 years of clinically proven safety and effectiveness. [1]
Disadvantages
- Can be expensive.
- Can be painful.
- Can be tedious.
- Can be difficult for large amounts of hair.
- If done improperly, it can result in partial to full regrowth, lasting skin damage, and/or spread of infection.
- Regulation varies by state, so inadequate controls exist to ensure competent practitioners.
- Regrowth rates have not been accurately established and cannot be predicted due to numerous variables.
- Some consumers do not respond to treatment.
Quack claims
“Painless” or “virtually painless”
- While many clients tolerate electrolysis without requiring pain relief, it’s overpromise to state that treatment will be painless for all consumers.
“100% permanent”
- The vast majority of patients experience permanent removal of treated hair over the course of treatment, but published studies have observed that between 7% and 10% of consumers did not have satisfactory results.
“Guaranteed 0% regrowth”
- There is no published clinical data to substantiate this sort of overpromise.
“Easy to use” personal units
- Small battery-powered probe units like the One Touch may claim to be easy to use, but performing electrolysis on yourself is very difficult and not recommended. [2, 3]
Items in this section:
References
- Please see my selected list of published electrolysis medical literature.
- Caldwell IW. The electronic pencil. British Medical Journal, 1972, 03 Jun(813):591-592.
- Please this discussion of home-use personal electrolysis units: cons and pros.