The first research using electrolysis for the permanent removal of hair began in 1869 in St. Louis, Missouri. It was conducted by an ophthamologist, Dr. Charles Michel, who wanted a safe, effective way to remove ingrown eyelashes which frequently lead to blindness. He published his first scientific paper in 1875. The method was soon accepted by the medical community and then adapted for treatment of excess hair on other parts of the body. From that day until the present, the same basic technique has been used, only greatly improved and modernized.

A trained electrologist inserts a small metal probe into the hair follicle alongside the hair. A small amount of electrical current is then delivered to the probe by a sensitive electronic device called an epilator. Depending on the technique used, the electric current destroys the hair root either by heat or chemical action and in some methods by both at the same time.

There are three recognized modalites (methods) of electrolysis:

Galvanic (direct current) electrolysis - the hair is destroyed by chemical action.

Thermolysis (high frequency) electrolysis- the hair root is destroyed by heat production.

Blend electrolysis- a combination of the above two modalities where the hair root is destroyed by both heat and chemical action at the same time.

All three modalities are safe and effective. Your electrologist will chose the modality which is best for you.

Electrolysis has been shown to be permanent in over a century of use. Its permanency has been well recognized by knowledgeable physicians and is also testified to by hundreds of scientific articles published in the medical literature. In addition to scientific recognition, there are over one million happy and satisfied persons who have solved a very personal and embarrassing problem with the help of electrolysis.

No. There is absolutely no reputable scientific evidence that shows any other method of hair removal being as safe, effective and permanent as electrolysis for all hair colors and skin types.

From time to time, methods of hair removal have been advertised where the hair is grasped by a tweezer connected to an electric current source. The electric current allegedly travels down the hair shaft to destroy the hair root without any probe or needles. I am not aware of any reputable scientific evidence published in peer-reviewed medical journals to support the effectiveness or electronic-tweezer/no-needle methods of hair removal. It is my impression that the no-needle and electronic tweezing methods are no more effective in permanent removal of hair than ordinary "tweezing."

Not very well. If the home method is one where the probe is inserted into the hair follicle, it has the potential for working. The problem with home methods is treating yourself which often requires mirrors or having an untrained friend help you. The technique of electrolysis requires significant training for proper hand-eye coordination and is usually performed using a special light and magnification. Without proper training, adequate lighting and magnification, I feel the home methods, in most cases, will not be worth the effort and expense.

Lasers have been used for hair removal since the mid 1990's. They are safe in the hands of trained technicians but several shortcomings:

1. Lasers work well only when a hair is in the anagen (growing) phase. On some parts of the body, less than 50% of the hairs are in the growing phase.

2. Lasers are not very effective on grey, blond or red hair.

3. Lasers are awkward and impractical to use when sculpting/shaping eyebrows and other critical areas.

4. Lasers are less effective on darker and tanned skin.

Electrolysis has over a 137 year history of safety and effectiveness. I am not aware of one case of significant disease being caused or transmitted because of electrolysis.

Modern well-trained electrologist utilize the most up-to-date, effective methods of sterilization, disinfection and antisepsis, and follow guidelines set up by a major electrolysis organization in conjunction with the CDC (Center of Disease Control). Don't hesitate to ask your electrologist about the scientific methods he/she uses to guarantee your safely.

Whether there is any discomfort during electrolysis is quite variable depending on a patient's tolerance, machine settings, modality used, as well as other factors. During most treatments a definite sensation should be noticed. It has been variously described as a "slight heat", "tingling" or "stinging" sensation. Your electrologist is trained to work within the comfort tolerance of his/her patients. Don't hesitate to let him/her know what you are feeling.

Considering the intense physical effort required of the electrologist, as well as the equipment, office space, insurance, etc., the fees charged by electrologists are thought, by most, to be reasonable. When compared to the prices of other health and beauty-care services and the cost of dealing with excessive hair using temporary means, electrolysis, in most cases, is very affordable. Remember, the problem is being dealt with permanently and not just on a short term basis.

Electrolysis has been performed for over 137 years and has proven to be an extremely safe procedure. Having read most of the medical literature on electrolysis, I am not aware of any serious complication or side effect.

Electrolysis, like many minor procedures in medicine, does have a short healing phase. During this time, there may be some transient redness or swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing. Your electrologist will advise you regarding what can be expected during the healing phase.

Hair can be removed from almost any part of the body. Some common areas for women include the hairline, eyebrows, top of the nose, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breasts, abdomen, arms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes and fingers. Hair on the eyelashes, inside the nose and inside the ear canal are only treated under the supervision of a physician. Hairy moles may be treated with written permission from a physician. It is perfectly safe to treat pregnant women, but the breasts and the abdomen are avoided after the sixth month of pregnancy.

Men often have hair removed from the hairline, beard line, shoulders, back, neck, chest, ears, and nose. Electrolysis is very helpful for treating ingrown hairs which frequently caused irritation in the beard area.

Electrolysis requires a series of treatments given over a period of time. The length of time varies from person to person and is dependent on many factors. The density and coarseness of the hair, as well as the total area to be treated, are very important. How well you tolerate treatments and the consistency of the treatments affect the overall success. The cause of the unwanted hair and the temporary methods of dealing with the hair in the past are also involved in the treatment time. Many hairs will be permanently removed after the first treatment while some will require additional treatments to achieve permanency. Treatments will be more frequent in the beginning and less frequent later on. The overall results, permanent, hair-free skin, are usually well worth the time spent.

There are many factors that might influence your choice of an electrologist. Many people ask their physician for a referral. Others rely on the recommendations of a friend. Many consult the telephone directory under "Electrolysis" or "Permanent Hair Removal" to find the electrologists in their area. To be assured of quality service, determine if your electrologist is licensed (where required by law), nationally certified, a member of state and/or national professional associations and a participant in continuing education. In the final analysis, decide if you feel comfortable and confident with the electrologist you have chosen since electrolysis requires a series of treatments over a period of time.

Time is one factor for choosing electrolysis in today's fast-paced world. Dealing with unwanted hair in a temporary way is tedious, costly and never-ending. Permanent hair removal frees you from this daily routine.

Electrolysis also improves your physical appearance and self-image, lessens anxiety cased by the unwanted hair and helps you feel more attractive and socially acceptable. It is a choice that will enhance your own natural beauty and self-confidence.

Lastly, electrolysis has been proven safe and effective over many years of use and is recognized by physicians and the American Medical Association. You can be confident that permanent hair removal will change your life in a positive and lasting way.

Information presented on this page is from "Questions & Answers: A Medical Perspective" by James E. Schuster, M.D.