Electrolysis of the bikini area: features, capabilities and cost of the procedure

Cosmetologists have many ways to rid a woman of unwanted hair on her skin. Particularly popular among these various methods is electric hair removal, which has been in demand in the cosmetic services market for more than 70 years. When planning a vacation by the sea, a woman expects to sunbathe in an open swimsuit. Therefore, before going on vacation, she tries to get rid of hair in the bikini area. Reviews from visitors to beauty salons about bikini electrolysis are often contradictory. Much depends both on the hormonal balance of the body and on the qualifications of the master.

Electrolysis of the intimate area: features and capabilities

The technique of exposing hair to targeted electric current discharges has a long history and has been used in medical practice for more than 100 years. In cosmetology, the procedure has been widely used since the 40s of the 20th century and is called electrolysis. The destruction of the bulbous hair follicle and growth point occurs through the targeted action of an electric discharge, as a result of which the follicle is destroyed irreversibly.

Destruction of the follicle becomes a consequence of thermal or chemical burning. The structural elements of the hair follicle and the vessels that carry nutrition to the hair become necrotic, and denaturation of protein structures occurs. The hair dies and falls out, and the follicle loses its functions. The likelihood of its recovery after electrical destruction is negligible.

According to the US government medical control agency, only electrolysis is positioned as a method of permanently removing unwanted hair, while laser hair removal is recognized only as a method of reducing the number of hairs.

An electrical impulse is supplied to the hair follicle in two ways:

• using a very thin needle, which is inserted into the opening of the hair canal to the depth of the follicle (up to 0.5 cm);
• using tweezers-electrode, which grasps the hair shaft and passes current through it.

The so-called tweezers method is significantly inferior in action to a needle, and is not widely used in cosmetology. Targeted delivery of a discharge into the mouth through a thin needle remains a priority and widely used method of combating vegetation, including in situations due to the presence of medical indications for the use of exposure.

Types of electrolysis

There are several methods for removing hair with electric current, based on physical, chemical principles of action or a combination of both.

The following main types of electrolysis of the bikini area are distinguished:

1. Electrolysis. The method is based on the principles of galvanics. The electrode in the form of a needle carries a negative charge, and the metal object that is given to the client is positively charged. The destruction of the hair follicle occurs under the influence of direct current. As a result of the galvanic process, alkali is formed, which causes burns and destruction of the follicle. The reaction can take up to several minutes, so multi-needle systems are more often used, acting simultaneously on several hairs (up to 15 in one approach).
2. Thermolysis. Hair destruction occurs by applying an alternating electric current through a needle to the base of the follicle until the final coagulation of its structural elements. The process takes place in 1 – 2 seconds, but requires technical execution and skill from the master. Sloppy work can result in burns. This method is widely used in beauty salons.
3. Blend. The technique combined electrolysis and thermolysis. Thermal exposure accelerates the formation of caustic alkali, which reduces the time of physical and chemical exposure to 10 seconds. The combined method is highly effective. The main advantage of the technology is the ability to use it to remove previously ingrown, deep-lying and crooked hairs.

There are also subtypes of thermolysis called flash and Hi. Such devices deliver more powerful electrical discharges. The pulse exposure time is shortened to milliseconds, although the risk of skin injury equally increases. Methods are used to destroy large bulbs.

Modern devices used for electrolysis of the bikini area are equipped with a function for regulating the power of current supply, which allows you to set the settings individually, focusing on the physiological characteristics of the client. For fine hairs, use low power; for coarse hairs, increase the force.

Bikini design options

Epilation of the intimate area can be done in various formats. The following types of bikini designs are distinguished:

• classic;
• average;
• total (deep).

With the classic version, hair is destroyed along the line of underwear, with the average one, it goes deeper, removing hair from most of the pubic area. Deep bikini electrolysis involves removing hair from the pubic area, labia, legs, groin area and between the buttocks. There is also a Brazilian bikini, in which a thin strip of hair is left on the pubic area.

Electrolysis result

The primary result can be assessed immediately after the treatment, but it is not final. Using an electrode, hair that is in the active growth phase is removed. The share of growing hair is only 15% of the total number of hair follicles.

To get a lasting result, it is necessary to carry out the procedure on the same area of ​​the intimate area at least three times. In most cases, 5 procedures or more are required. Sometimes the number of sessions reaches 10 or more.

The exact number of visits to the electrolysis office depends on the individual characteristics of the client’s body and the nature of the hairline. Men's hair removal requires more sessions due to physiological characteristics and the highly rigid structure of the hair. You will have to visit the salon every 1.5 - 2 months until you get a lasting effect, but the impeccable smoothness of the skin is worth it.

In general, when deciding on a radical hair removal method, you should understand that the hair will be gone forever and new hairs will never grow where the device worked. But it cannot be ruled out that individual follicles can retain their functions and gradually recover. In this case, it will be enough to conduct a short correction session, which goes quickly, because the hairs appear single and weak.

Bikini line

A classic is considered to be hair removal along the panty line (bikini line) - on the inside of the thighs near the perineum and in front along the edges of the pubic area from the border of the inguinal fold. In this case, only those hairs that stick out from under the underwear are removed, the hair under the panties remains untouched. This is the most common option, which even supporters of naturalness like.

Advantages and disadvantages of electrolysis

The high efficiency of electrolysis explains its long-term popularity. Using electric current, you can get rid of hair of all shades, including gray hair, without restrictions on the light type of the skin, which is the main advantage of the technique. It is this aspect that often turns out to be a decisive limitation in photoepilation, the effect of which is better the darker the hair. Electrical procedure is the only adequate solution to the problem of hirsutism.

Among the undeniable advantages of the procedure are:

1. Efficiency. Under the influence of the electrode, any vegetation disappears. The skin becomes perfectly smooth, without ingrown or remaining hairs. The result of the electromethod cannot be compared with the usual waxing and popular sugaring.
2. Versatility. The technique is approved for use on various parts of the body, including the bikini area and face.
3. Safety. In the complete absence of contraindications to manipulation, the procedure proceeds without harming the client’s health.

Pain is the main disadvantage of this procedure, according to patient reviews, which is significant during electrolysis of the intimate area. The skin in the bikini area is riddled with many nerve endings and is highly sensitive, so it hurts. To reduce sensitivity, local anesthetics or injections are used.

The disadvantages of the technique also include the price of the service. The procedure is lengthy, you will have to go through it in a course, so in the end, hair removal costs a considerable amount.

Like any of the alternative types of hair removal, the method has limitations. In order to avoid complications later, it is necessary to know in advance the answers to all questions of interest, and it is extremely important to exclude the presence of contraindications to the procedure.

Contraindications

Before starting work, the cosmetologist conducts a consultation with the client, during which he carefully examines the skin, studies the nature and characteristics of hair growth, discusses the stages of treatment, and eliminates any restrictions on the use of the technique. At the time of the initial examination, an experienced specialist who knows his business well will be able to tell you approximately how many sessions will be required.

Electrical procedure is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• acute infectious diseases;
• dermatological diseases in the acute stage;
• damage to the skin (burns, wounds, abrasions);
• oncopathology;
• diabetes;
• neurological diseases;
• heart and vascular diseases;
• bleeding tendency, blood clotting disorder.

The procedure is not performed on women during pregnancy and lactation. It is also necessary to exclude the presence of allergic reactions to the material of the conduction needle of the device.

With a competent approach and timely identification of contraindications, a method such as electrolysis is safe, as confirmed by reviews from specialists and patients. In most cases, the effect of electric current on the skin is manifested simply by a local reaction, which subsides within the first three days after treatment.

Possible adverse reactions

Significant adverse effects following the procedure are rarely reported. The cause of complications is a biased assessment of the presence of contraindications, unprofessionalism or inexperience of the specialist. More often, patients note pinpoint, superficial skin reactions at the electrode insertion sites, which are temporary.

Common adverse reactions that occur include:

• soreness and swelling of the skin in the treatment area;
• redness of the skin;
• pinpoint bruising at the sites where the needle was inserted;
• itching, which often accompanies skin regeneration processes.

If sanitary conditions are not observed during the procedure or subsequent care is inadequate, an inflammatory reaction may develop and pustules may appear, which signals an infection. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

For electrolysis of the bikini area to be successful, you need to find a good specialist, correctly assess the possible risks, and also properly prepare for the procedure and follow further care recommendations.

How to properly prepare for electric hair removal

Proper preparation largely ensures the success of the procedure. Both physical readiness and psychological attitude matter. Epilation takes a long time and causes discomfort. The constraint factor that occurs when treating the bikini area also plays a role. Having confirmed your decision to get rid of unwanted hair, you need to tune in to a long but effective procedure.

The preparatory stage requires compliance with the following rules:

• exclude alternative types of hair removal at least 2 months before electrolysis (use of a razor is allowed);
• do not visit the solarium 5–7 days before the procedure;
• stop taking hormonal medications and anticoagulants a week before hair removal (after consultation with your doctor).

Hair in the intimate area is shaved with a regular razor no later than 2 to 3 days before the session. The optimal hair length for electrolysis is from 5 mm, the minimum acceptable length is up to 3 mm.

The day before the procedure, you can treat your skin with a soft scrub. The surface of the skin should be clean and dry.

Total bikini

Epilation (depilation) “total bikini” is the complete removal of growth in the intimate area. The lower abdomen, pubis, labia, perineum become completely smooth, without a single hair.

How does hair removal work?

After a preliminary consultation, the client is assigned a date and time for the session. The procedure takes place in the following order:

1. The specialist re-converses with the patient and examines the treatment area.
2. Disinfects the skin with an antiseptic solution.
3. Anesthetizes the treatment area. To reduce pain, use a local anesthetic in the form of an aerosol, gel or cream. If the pain threshold is low, it is recommended to take an analgesic before the procedure, and the area to be epilated is anesthetized using injections with local anesthetics, having first made sure that there are no contraindications to the use of the drug.
4. Start epilation. A needle-electrode is inserted into the hair canal to the follicular sac. The damaged hair is immediately removed with tweezers, which no longer causes pain.
5. Wipe the skin with an antiseptic.

After completing the work, the master gives recommendations for further care of the intimate area, which must be strictly followed, and preliminarily sets a date for the next session.

How long does the procedure take?

The painstaking work of a master takes time. Hairs are removed one at a time, less often several at a time. Also, the duration of the session depends on the nature of the vegetation: the thicker and coarser the hair, the longer the treatment takes.

To perform epilation of the intimate area completely in the total bikini format, a total session will require up to 10 hours. In such cases, electrolysis is done in stages, which is confirmed by customer reviews. First, the pubis is epilated, which takes an average of 4 to 5 hours. During the second session, the labia are treated, which takes another 4 hours. Then the intergluteal area is treated. Subsequent procedures usually take less time and are less painful.

Carrying out the procedure

The electrolysis procedure itself is divided into several stages:

• The area of ​​the selected area is treated with an antiseptic.
• If necessary, local anesthesia is performed.
• An ultra-thin sterile needle is inserted into the hair follicle, which applies an electric current to it.
• The damaged hair is removed using tweezers.
• Another stage of treating the skin with an antiseptic is carried out to eliminate the risk of infection.
• A special soothing cream is applied to relieve redness and possible swelling.

Important!
Soon after the procedure, redness almost always appears on the skin; after a couple of days, everything becomes covered with a crust, which absolutely cannot be combed. There is no need to worry about this; in a maximum of a week, the unpleasant phenomena will disappear and the skin will return to normal.

Skin care for intimate areas after electrolysis

Following the recommendations for skin care after the procedure will avoid most unwanted reactions. In the first 3 to 5 days, the area to be epilated must be treated with an antiseptic solution twice a day. For 5 - 7 days, it is forbidden to visit the sauna, bathhouse, swimming pool, and intense physical activity should also be avoided. It is recommended to wear loose cotton underwear.

In most cases, the process of healing and restoration of the skin proceeds quickly. If you properly care for the area being epilated, then after a few days there will be no traces left from the impact of the electrode.

How much does electrolysis of the intimate area cost?

The cost of the procedure includes the work of the master, a fee for a disposable needle and anesthesia. The price of pain relief depends on the method chosen. Local anesthesia with cream will cost an average of 400 rubles. In the case of injection anesthesia, you will need to pay the cost of each ampoule, which is 120 - 150 rubles.

Needles for electrolysis are produced with copper or gold plating. The latter option is often used to treat the face and particularly sensitive areas, which include the bikini area. The price for a copper needle is about 120 rubles, with gilding - about 150 rubles.

The price for the hair removal process itself includes a per-minute charge. The cost of one minute ranges from 30 to 40 rubles. One hour of work will cost 1800 – 2400 rubles. This way you can roughly calculate how much the first session will cost. Simply put, judging by the stated characteristics of the technique and customer reviews, primary electrolysis of the total treatment format takes a total of 10 hours, its cost will be on average 20 thousand rubles.

The amount is truly impressive. But subsequent treatments will cost less. The last session will have a minimum price.

Electrolysis of a deep bikini allows you to forget about unwanted hair forever and remains the most effective method of hair removal. The full course requires time and investment, but the results will not be long in coming. The procedure provides the skin with perfect smoothness and solves the problem, regardless of the degree of complexity.

Is it possible to get rid of unwanted hair forever?

According to research by the American corporation FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA), electrolysis of the deep bikini area is the only guaranteed method of getting rid of unwanted hair forever.

It is worth noting here that the effectiveness of the technique depends on the competence of the cosmetologist performing the procedure. If the parameters of the current strength and exposure time are incorrectly selected, or the technique of inserting the needle into the follicular sac is violated, the effect of the procedure will be much lower. Therefore, when choosing a clinic for electrolysis of the deep bikini area, it is important to read reviews from other clients about the work of the clinic and specialist. It is worth checking the availability of documentation and certificates confirming the qualifications of the employees and the clinic itself. Only a highly qualified specialist can guarantee a radical solution to the problem of removing unwanted hair.