Last Updated: December 10, 2023
Electrolysis hair removal is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. Many factors influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person.
Most patients start to have noticeable results after several treatments, however, it can take on average 8-18 months for full results. This variance is due to many factors and every patient is unique.
Although we understand that the timeframe may seem broad, it is simply not feasible to provide a more precise estimate due to a big variation in response to treatment.
The number of treatments needed is influenced by the following factors:
- Your skin – Skin type and sensitivity of the treatment area.
- Skin hydration – Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can dehydrate your skin, making it more sensitive and more prone to irritation. It can also cause sweating, which will make the procedure more difficult and can make you feel more uncomfortable. It’s important to follow your electrologist’s pre-treatment care instructions.
- Hair thickness – The thicker the hair the longer it takes to remove it.
- Quantity of hair – Hairs in close proximity to each other take more time than hairs that are spaced further apart.
- Pain tolerance – Electrolysis can be a quite painful procedure. Everyone has their own tolerance for pain. The higher your pain tolerance, the longer we can continue the treatment. At B-smart Electrolysis we offer numbing medication.
- Your electrologist – Look for signs that the electrologist takes their work seriously. The more experienced the electrologist, the more hair will be removed in one treatment.
- Your cooperation.
How long does each electrolysis hair removal treatment take?
The electrolysis hair removal treatment time varies depending on the area being treated and the number of treatments required. For example, electrolysis for chin hair may take 15 minutes per session, while electrolysis for upper lip hair may take 30 minutes per session. The electrologist will inform you of how long each treatment is expected to last before starting.