By Mariela
October 28, 2023
8 minutes
If you are fed up with frequent hair removal sessions and want a permanent solution, maybe you are looking for electrolysis. This is an awesome innovation, which is effective enough to give you permanent loss of hair on your upper lip. The secret behind this magical technique is the use of very little electric current, which destroys hair follicles. And when the hair follicles are no longer in a state to grow back hair, your hair will start shedding soon.
We have designed this article to give you complete information on electrolysis or laser for the upper lip, electrolysis upper lip side effects, prep for upper lip electrolysis, and a lot more.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What Is Electrolysis?
- Part 2: Why Should I Get Electrolysis for Upper Lip Hair Removal?
- Part 3: What Is the Cost of Getting Upper Lip Electrolysis?
- Part 4: How Do I Prepare for Upper Lip Electrolysis?
- Part 5: What’s the Process of Electrolysis?
- Part 6: Before and After Results of Electrolysis
- Part 7: Should I Get Electrolysis or Laser Treatment for My Upper Lip?
- Part 8: FAQs
Part 1: What Is Electrolysis?
In the process of electrolysis, your esthetician will use a very fine probe and insert it into your hair follicle. Then a very small amount of electric shock will be given so that the hair follicle will get damaged. The level of damage is so high, that the entire follicle becomes incapable of regrowing hair any further.
This awesome technique works on each hair individually. This means that for every hair on your upper lip, that tiny probe will be reinserted. Because of that, the entire process becomes very lengthy, even if the treatment area is very small, but all the wait and pain is totally worth it.
Different Types of Electrolysis Techniques
1. Galvanic
This is a very effective technique for coarse hair and has a very high level of precision. In this method, a direct current will be given to your hair follicle. This electric current will turn your body’s salt and moisture into sodium hydroxide in the follicle. Once that happens, the follicle will get damaged and you will notice no further hair growth there. If you have stubborn hair, then this is the best treatment for them.
2. Thermolysis
This is a high-frequency electrolysis, in which they use alternating current. When they apply alternating current, it will generate a lot of heat in your hair follicle, and that will destroy it completely. As a result, your hair growth in that region will be treated.
3. Blend
The blend is like a hybrid or a combination of galvanic and thermolysis techniques, in which you will be given AC and DC simultaneously. When that happens, some chemical reactions will go on in your hair follicle and a lot of heat will be generated. So, the effectiveness will increase as you will get the power of two techniques at once for your upper lip hair removal.
Part 2: Why Should I Get Electrolysis for Upper Lip Hair Removal?
You’ll Get Permanent Results
Even IPL hair removal techniques won’t give you permanent results. But if long-lasting results don’t appeal to you, then electrolysis is one best solution to get rid of upper lip hair forever.
It has High Precision
For each hair, a tiny probe will be inserted. This makes the entire technique so highly precise. If it were to be compared with laser hair removal, you would get rashes and redness in the area surrounding the treatment area. But that won’t happen in electrolysis, as it will work only on the treatment area, leaving surrounding regions unaffected.
It works On So Many Hair & Skin Types
Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis doesn’t make melanin absorb any light beams. That’s why, this method becomes effective against all types of hair colors and skin tones.
Part 3: Electrolysis Upper Lip Cost
Let’s focus on electrolysis upper lip cost.
Geographic Location
- Large Cities (e.g., New York City, Los Angeles): $80 – $150+ per hour.
- Medium-sized cities (e.g., Atlanta, Denver): $60 – $100 per hour.
- Small Towns and Rural Areas: $50 – $80 per hour.
Size of the Area Being Treated
- Small Areas (e.g., upper lip, chin): $30 – $70 per session.
- Medium Areas (e.g., underarms, bikini line): $50 – $100 per session.
- Large Areas (e.g., full legs, back): $100 – $200+ per session.
Type of Electrolysis Method
- Galvanic Electrolysis: Prices are generally similar across methods.
- Thermolysis Electrolysis: Prices are generally similar across methods.
- Blend Electrolysis: Prices are generally similar across methods.
Expertise of the Electrologist
Experienced and highly skilled electrologists may charge higher rates, typically around 10-20% more than average.
Session Duration
- 15-Minute Session: $20 – $50
- 30-Minute Session: $40 – $80
- 60-Minute Session: $70 – $150
Package Deals
Many electrologists offer discounted rates for purchasing multiple sessions in advance. These can vary widely, but a common range might be:
- 3-session package: $150 – $300
- 6-session package: $300 – $600
- 12-session package: $600 – $1,200
Prepaid Plans (for larger areas or extended treatments)
Some people go for prepaid plans for permanent hair removal for larger areas or longer-term treatments.
- Full beard package (multiple sessions): $1,000 – $2,500
- Full leg package (multiple sessions): $1,500 – $3,500
- Yearly maintenance plan: $800 – $2,000
Part 4: How to Prepare for Upper Lip Electrolysis?
Consultation
A consultation would be a really nice opportunity for you to come clean to your doctor and have a proper conversation with them so you can get the best out of your upper lip treatment.
If you’re planning on an electrolysis treatment for your upper lip, we highly recommend that you schedule an appointment with your trustworthy doctor. Talk to them about your requirements, so that she can tell you exactly how to proceed with the treatment.
You can talk about your skin sensitivity, your need for the treatment, what are your allergies, and what custom precautions you can take during your treatment.
Avoid Any Other Hair Removal Methods During The Course
In case if you also do some hair removal by yourself at home like shaving or plucking, please stop doing that. Remember that when you get an electrolysis, treat that region with other hair removal methods like plucking, waxing, threading, or depilatory creams, etc. That’s because the electrolysis method will kill the hair follicle and using these treatments can make it difficult for your electrolysis to work properly.
Part 5: What’s the Process of Electrolysis?
1. Cleaning Up The Area
Just like in every hair removal technique, first, you need to clean up your treatment area. You can wash your face with soap and water right at the salon.
Wipe your face with a towel, and we suggest using a terry towel because it has excellent water-absorbing capacity.
2. Inserting The Fine Probe
Now it’s time to insert a very thin probe, that’s designed only for electrolysis. Your electrologist will target each hair separately and insert the probe for each hair. They usually target the hair follicle.
Many people are worried about the pain or discomfort since a very fine probe will be inserted, but you should be just fine.
3. Applying Electric Current
The electrologist will make sure that the penetration is correct and has reached the hair follicle. After that, she will apply a very tiny amount of electric current, just enough to damage the hair follicle completely.
Once done, there will be some chemical reactions going on in the follicle. Again, you will feel sensations in your upper lip area but try to stay calm.
4. Removing The Hair
With the follicle being destroyed, it will lose its strength, and this will be the right moment to remove your hair. The roots will become so weak, that your electrologist can gently wipe off the hair from your upper lip.
To remove the hair, she will use a tweezer most probably, because that’s the most suitable way.
Part 6: Before and After Results of Electrolysis
Girls don’t really have much hair on their upper lip, but they’re still noticeable. Once you get electrolysis treatment, your visible hair should be gone right away, as shown in the electrolysis before and after the upper lip picture above.
Part 7: Should I Get Electrolysis or Laser Treatment for My Upper Lip?
Whether to get a laser or electrolysis treatment for your upper lip depends on what exactly you want.
When To Choose Electrolysis?
1. When You Want Permanent Hair Removal
Since electrolysis completely damages hair follicles, there’s no way you can regrow hair on your upper lip after the treatment. If that’s what you want, then go for an electrolysis treatment because it’s going to give you permanent results.
2. When You Have Light and fine Hair
Please remember that electrolysis works really great with fine and light hair as opposed to the laser technique that may eventually fail on such hair. What’s best about electrolysis is that no matter what’s your hair color, you can still get the best results.
3. If You Have Enough Time
Electrolysis takes the most time to treat even a small region because your electrologist will have to target each hair individually. And if your hair density on your upper lip is high, then it will be an even more lengthy process. So, if you have time, only then go for this treatment.
4. If You Can’t Tolerate Much Pain
Even though there’s a fine probe inserted, it’s still designed in such a way that you don’t really feel much pain. That’s why, electrolysis becomes one of the least painful hair removal techniques, which becomes best for those who cannot tolerate much pain.
When To Choose Laser Hair Removal?
1. When You’re In A Hurry
If you cannot invest much time and want a quick treatment with a long-lasting result, then laser hair removal is way better than electrolysis for you.
2. If You Have Dark Hair & Light Skin
In laser hair removal, the hair melanin absorbs all the laser light. But if your skin color is dark, then it will be difficult for laser lights to reach your hair melanin. Instead, it will go to your skin cells, which will fail the overall purpose of the treatment. That’s why, if you have dark hair as compared to your skin tone, only then the laser hair removal is designed for you.
3. When You Wish for Long-lasting Results
Even though electrolysis offers permanent results, if that’s not your priority, and just want a long-term result, then the laser hair removal technique is best for you.
Part 8: FAQS
How Many Electrolysis Sessions for Upper Lip?
There are literally so many factors that decide how many sessions you will need for your upper lip treatment using electrolysis. Ideally, you can still expect to go for 10 to 25 sessions. Some major factors are your hair type, your hair density, how your hormones are behaving, and how your body responds to the process.
How Long Does Electrolysis on Upper Lip Take?
Usually, it should take anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes for each electrolysis session. But remember that the exact time depends on how much pain you can tolerate and which electrolysis method you have signed up for.
How Often Is Electrolysis for Upper Lipids?
How often electrolysis for the upper lip depends on how well your body is reacting to the treatment. But still, you should find yourself attending a session every week or a fortnight. Sometimes, this duration can go up to 3 weeks or even a month. Only your electrologist can tell you exactly when you should book your next session, and even for that, they might need to inspect your progress first.
Are There Any Side Effects of Electrolysis Upper Lip?
Yes, since electrolysis is a cosmetic process, you may experience some redness, a little bit of discomfort, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hair, etc. Sometimes, some people also face rare allergic reactions, which is why, a professional consultation becomes very important.
Conclusion
By the end of this article, we have explained to you the entire process of electrolysis, when you should be getting the treatment, what are the ups and downs of it, and a lot more. It’s very common for people to get confused whether they should get a laser treatment or an electrolysis, which is why, we have listed when you should get each treatment.
Remember that no matter what others say, it’s your choice at the end of the day. Once you have decided to get an electrolysis, it’s good if you consult your doctor first.
