Electrolysis

[ResponsiblePopcorn]

I just wanted to start a thread about my progress with electrolysis in case there is someone else out there that may be wondering what it's like/whether its successful etc.

I'm 46 and have PCOS. I'm also in the throes of peri so my goatee and moustache really started to reach another level. I had a mixture of really dark and silver hairs that would come through like needles. I'd have to spend time each morning plucking or using one of those microblading razors and by the afternoon I'd have more to deal with.

It was just relentless and following the end of my relationship and the exponential increase in number is finally bit the bullet last November.

I started weekly with a 50 minute session where my lovely beauty therapist just about managed to get the ones that were noticeable. I'm now going tomorrow, after not being for 2 weeks and really have only about 10 hairs that you can see.

They have either become finer or disappeared. There are a few odd stubborn ones and I'm aware that this is a process that will continue to take some time, but I just wanted to share my experience with anyone that is struggling with this.

I've been thinking about this.

Interesting, I'm considering this.

I've been having a combination of laser and electrolysis. I can honestly say it's changed my life.

@Foughtiesand@MrsCarmelaSopranoIt hasn't been an easy journey. A couple of days in the lead up to my appointments, where you have you grow the hair really haven't been enjoyable. I have cancelled the odd coffee with friends etc due to being so self conscious. Now, as time is going on the reduction is quite dramatic and I'm feeling more confident. I also strategically book my appointments, so if I gave something planned on a weekend I'll have my treatment on a Thursday or friday morning.

@AngelasweetcheeksSo glad its working for you too. And it is life changing. Having to cope with the hair secretly and privately is such a hard thing to do.

Is it working on the silver hairs? Or just the darker ones?

How many weeks have you been doing it?

I started having electrolysis about 12 years ago. There's no way I could have managed 50 minute sessions! I had 10 minutes weekly, after about 8 weeks that dropped to fortnightly, then to monthly. It took about 18 months in total but then I didn't have any issues until recently.

I'm now experiencing some regrowth. I went back for a couple of sessions last year and that seems to work for about 3 months each time. I really need to book another appointment as they are coming through again and plucking isn't keeping them at bay.

How long does your hair have to be to get treatment? Also how do you find a good reputable provider? I’m desperate to do this for same reasons as OP but scared of damage/scarring from incompetent providers. Hardly any in my quite busy locality and is there a professional body? Any advice gratefully appreciated. I got waxed recently which seemed to last longer than creams shaving etc but skin damaged as it’s quite dry possibly as a result of age, retinol use and mounjara.

How much does it cost? Thank you for posting this OP.

I have laser for the dark ones and the electrolysis for the silver ones. I started in January with just electrolysis as I wanted a permanent solution but the practitioner said it would take a long time due to the volume of hair (I think I could have grown a decent beard)

My chin is smooth now when I wake up in the morning. I do still get a few white hairs pop through but I think I've finished my course for now.

I have been going every two weeks and alternating each treatment.

I’ve had electrolysis on and off for 25 years - I don’t have PCOS, just inclined to be hairy. It works well, but in hormonal areas like the chin it is a bit whack-a-mole, as in you get rid of some, then new ones spring up a couple of years later. I really dislike leaving them to grow so they are long enough to remove - they have to be ‘pluckable’ length, otherwise I’d go more often and get the current batch removed. It is quick, cheap, and pretty painless (apart from just under nose). I do have a few pinpoint scars and pigmentation, which is my fault for not keeping the area clean enough afterwards, and going in sun while any inflamed bits were healing.

@1035tgI'm just electrolysis only and its working really well on my silver hairs. They are the ones that are particularly strong.

@filofaxdoubleI work very irregular hours so it has mostly been weekly, sometimes 10/14 days but certainly no longer than that.

@AnnaQuayRulesI'm glad its working for you. I'm thinking that I'll be very much like you and this is going to need upkeep forever as my hormones don't seem to be going anywhere!

@BeAmberZebraIt needs to be able to pluck so for me if I had an appointment on Friday I would use my little shaving tool to just do that one hair on the Wednesday morning and then leave it until Friday. I hate doing it and can feel it growing but its the only way thay works for me. I have noticed that the ones that are growing back are getting weaker and softer.

As for scaring, I can't say I notice any, although my constant picking and spots that were happening in that area were getting a problem.

@PhilandbillI've booked a block which works out at £50 for 50 mins.

@history505Yes, those ones under the nose are something else aren't they?! I think my eyeballs roll to the back of my head and my toes claw 😂

It depends a lot on the practitioner and the machine as well as their skill level. Some are useless, others very effective.