By Mariela
Updated: August 8, 2024
6 minutes
If you have decided to finally end the growth of those spiky hair strands on your face, bikini lines, or other body parts, electrolysis is perhaps the hair removal technique on your mind. I say this because no other method, apart from electrolysis, is cleared by the FDA and American Medical Association for long-lasting hair removal.
If you’ve tried epilation, waxing, shaving, tweezing , or even lasers, you would have noticed that none offer a lasting solution as this method. The best any of them can offer is to delay the time you would go for another treatment. Waxing and lasers delay the next treatment longer than others, but they also come with prices to pay. Hence, a long-lasting hair-removal method like electrolysis becomes expedient.
What is Hair Removal by Electrolysis?
As a high school student, I first encountered this word in my chemistry class. There, the teacher mentioned things like anode, cathode, electrons, etc. Not until recently it never occurred to me that the same principle I learned years back could apply to solving a significant problem.
From the word itself, you can guess that electrolysis would require electricity to lyse or break down something; that’s precisely what this process entails, although there is more to it.
Hair removal through electrolysis involves focussing on individual strands at a time. You or the professional in charge thrust a tiny needle connected to the electrical setup into the hair follicle to lyse or break it down long-lastingly.
Achieving long-lasting hairlessness through this method requires several sessions, which may be up to ten, depending on the thickness of the hair you’re trying to remove. Electrologists are the professionals who carry out electrolysis on people.
Should You Do Electrolysis by Yourself?
Let me use barbing your hair to drive home this point. You will agree that letting a professional do your haircut is still the best. He or she can see every angle clearer than a mirror would reveal. Also, they have mastery of the tools required for the job and will hardly make a mistake that can lead to injuries.
All these do not mean you cannot barb your hair by yourself. Some do, and it turns out as perfect as if a professional did it for them. But for many people, the result is usually less than desired. Hence, the need for a professional touch.
You are better off with an electrologist, especially if the hair you want to remove Is on your face. However, with the right skills and machines, you can do it yourself with a high accuracy rate.
Having an expert do your electrolysis can be costly , as many charge between $50 and $100 per hour. If treating a large surface, you can expect an extended time, say 2-3 hours. Multiply that time by about ten sessions required for a complete treatment, and you can understand why electrolysis can be pocket-demanding.
But with an excellent home electrolysis machine and technical know-how, you can save some bucks and the time you would have spent in the clinic.
You must have seen different options for home electrolysis machines online if you’ve been searching. But, as with many advertisements, the more you look, the less you see. Many do not live up to expectations, and without proper guidance, such as the one his article offers, you might be making a wrong investment.
Best Home Electrolysis Hair Removal Machines to Buy
1. LED Home Electrolysis Kit
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Includes two rollerball tips(small and large) to work for all body areas
● It is lightweight, portable, and cordless |
● The roller tips can easily break so you have to be careful while changing them |
The LED Home Electrolysis Kit works on two operating modes that adjust the galvanic current according to the area it is used on. Since the device is small in size, it is easy to maneuver on all curves and the contours of the body. For the safety of the user, there is also an automatic shutoff system integrated into the device.
- Price: $111.99 (with a $28 discount)
- Principle: Electrolysis
- Rating: 4/5
Review “I finally found something that works. Chin hairs. Going, going and I know will eventually be Gone. I am so thankful for this product. Have tried everything and finally something that actually does what it says! Very easy to use. I am so happy. This product is Life changing.”
2. Inverness One Touch Deluxe Home Electrolysis Hair Removal System
| Pros | Cons |
| ● It is pocket-friendly
● Effective against most body parts after just one treatment |
● It is time-consuming to remove hair on larger areas |
The Inverness One Touch Deluxe electrolysis hair removal device is approved by dermatologists and doctors which delivers the current without piercing the body. It automatically locates the hair roots thus making the treatment easier for the user. Additionally, it has a control dial to adjust intensity according to user comfort.
- Price: $27.99
- Principle: Electrolysis
- Rating: 4.6/5
Review “ I use to have this same exact one. Until late I lent it to my best friend and never could get it bk. But I haven’t had to tweeze most all my eyebrows in the last 30 years.”
3. mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Machine
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Has FDA-cleared Elos technology which makes it safe for users
● Easy to set up and use |
● Warms up on higher settings |
The ME Smooth electrolysis hair removal machine is safe to use for all skin and hair colors even the darkest brown skin tone. It has three different intensity levels that can be adjusted according to your comfort. Moreover, unlike the traditional electrolysis treatment, most users found it painless to use the machine.
- Price: $239.99
- Principle: Electrolysis
- Rating: 3.4/5
Review “I wished I had known about this product years ago! It works so well for me, when other things have not! In just 3 uses, I’ve seen a major reduction in hair growth & it has not damaged my skin. It saved me tons of money from those pesky contracts at the laser hair salons. Thank you Elos!”
4. V2R Electrolysis System for Permanent Hair Removal
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Comes with reusable handsfree anodes to make the self-treatment more convenient
● Adjustable rheostat gives you complete control over the device |
● Very expensive
● Difficult to use it alone for the first time |
The V2R electrolysis system can be used both at the salon and at home without worrying about skin damage. It has 22,000kµV of output intensity which makes it more powerful and effective than other permanent hair removal devices. The package includes a probe stylus, conductivity gel, anodes, disposable probes, and even a 1-year coverage warranty.
- Price: $849.95
- Principle: Electrolysis
- Rating: 4.5/5
Review “It works, arrived on time, and the seller is reliable”
5. Verseo ePen Permanent Hair Removal Needle-Free Electrolysis Pen System
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Works well even for sensitive areas like bikini, upper lip, or armpits
● Can be used by both men and women |
● Takes time to show significant results |
Lastly, you can also try the Verseo ePen which offers needle-free permanent hair removal at home. It uses small pulses of electrical energy to destroy the hair follicles present in the skin’s depth and prevent future regrowth. Its nano galvanic technology works effectively for both thin upper lip hair to coarse beard hair. Therefore, it can be used by both men and women.
- Price: $58.99
- Principle: Electrolysis
- Rating: 3.1/5
Review “I find it works perfectly as described if you follow the directions. You have to remember as you age, the problems with facial hair increase, so I still use it from time to time.”
Home Electrolysis Machine: Buying Guide
Electrolysis machines are generally categorized into three: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. Some of the machines on this list combine two types and are, therefore, more expensive than others. However, when deciding on which to purchase, the following considerations are important:
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Which part of your body contains unwanted hair? This understanding will guide the type of device to purchase. While some are multipurpose, some electrolysis devices are best for certain body parts.
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What’s your level of expertise? Different home electrolytic machines come with varying levels of complexity. If you are new to this process, it’s best to start with simple, easy-to-use ones.
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Your budget is also important. Electrolytic devices range from $$$ to $$$$, and your budget plays a significant role in your choice.
Conclusion
It takes patience and the right knowledge to conduct an electrolytic hair removal on oneself. Also, the procedure takes time to give the desired result. As such, you must factor in these things to effectively manage your expectations.
Laser devices like the Ulike Air 10 IPL device are also effective, but they don’t give long-lasting results like well-done electrolysis either at home or by a professional.
You should not experience scarring or prolonged skin redness when long-lastingly removing hair at home using these devices. However, if you experience persistent discomfort , you should consult your physician before things escalate.
