Guys: read this before zapping those hairs with electrolysis

11/07/2018 / Don't try this at home

You’ve worked pretty hard on perfecting your designer stubble / well-groomed beard, but nostril and ear hair? Not so much. Thankfully there are ways to tackle those niggly little hairs that are too sparse or awkward to wax, and electrolysis is one of them.

It takes commitment

Electrolysis is the only hair removal method that's stamped 'permanent', but even this magical treatment doesn't work overnight. Your technician can't zap it all at once, because hair all grows at different times. Your hair's growth cycle has three phases – growing, transitioning and shedding. Electrolysis only works on hairs during their growth phase.

You may have to steer clear of wax for a bit

As in, body waxing sessions. During electrolysis, your therapist will push a super-fine device into each follicle. This sends a small amount of electricity through the hair to destroy any chance of it growing back. (If you're still stuck on the 'super-fine device', don't worry, it doesn't break the skin.)

For the electricity to work, the tip of the strand needs to be showing. This means no waxing or plucking before, or between, your appointments. If you want, you can give it a trim with nail scissors or shave it. This still leaves enough of the hair for the needle to zap.

It works anywhere you have hair

Ears, fingers, underarms – there's no patch of unwanted hair that electrolysis can't handle. And unlike laser hair removal, this treatment can be used on all skin and hair types – ginger hair, blonde, brunette, pale skin – you can all rejoice.

With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.

Image credits: Shutterstock, @barewolf_clinic, In-Derm Skin Clinic (Treatwell venue)