I'm not sure if Electrolysis is right for me

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Please help! I’m 17 years old, and I have on my upper lip what I would describe as noticeable facial hair. I am of eastern european descent. In some lighting it is invisible, but other times it’s quite obvious… I think. I drive myself crazy wondering if it’s actually visible, if I should wax it, or get it permanently removed or whatever. I shaved my lip for a time until I realised I was doing a terrible job at it and it was leaving a faint stubble (ew.)

I’m going on vacation in 2 weeks, and this has prompted me to get rid of this hair in the least damaging way possible. By all counts, the best choice seems to be electrolysis.

I’m concerned that it will leave with me permanent marks, or dried skin. Is discolouration common, especially in young women? Is a week or so before experience a lot of sun a bad time to do my first treatment? Should my skin be clear of other marks before getting it done?

I also have hairs between my eyebrows that are becoming a problem with repeated plucking (this isn’t due to my natural genetics, it’s from pulling out my hairs while dealing with OCD a few years back. It left me with hair growing darker around my eyebrows where it would have normally been very fine.) The skin here is damaged and lightly scarred. Would it be more favourable to remove the hairs via electrolysis and then attempt to heal the skin, or heal the skin and then get electrolysis?

Thanks… I’m so anxious about this.

#2

Dear glitterpop

Don’t despair, this is a good place to start dealing with your unwanted hair with permanent results. You are correct, electrolysis is the most suitable treatment for facial hair, be patient, this will take some time.

I suggests you research the electrologists in your area and book some consultations so you can assess their ability.

Electrolysis can be done as long as there are no open sores on the area. After treatments it is advisable to refrain from sun exposure for a minimum of two days, and protect the area by wearing a hat and sunscreen between treatments.

Good luck!

#3

Thank you m’am :slight_smile:

I am fully prepared to go to multiple treatments over the course of my life, if I have to. Based off of what I’ve read, I don’t expect results to be slow coming in my case. The hairs are very fine, just darker than I would like.

I found a reputable electrolysis business literally right down the road from where I live. I’m very hopeful that they can offer me what I’m looking for! So excited :slight_smile: though, still nervous.

Thanks for the info!

#4

The combination of flawless young skin and tiny hairs, indicates the need for a highly skilled and experienced practitioner. I suggest giving your location here, so other members may have referrals for you.

#5

I just had it done not 15 mins ago and I’m extremely concerned. The burning feeling is persisting. It hurts quite a bit (upper lip). It was purplish red and now it’s a dark red…!!! Is this at all normal?

#6

How long was the treatment and how spread out was it?

It is normal for the area to feel hot for some time. Get some ice, wrapped in a dishcloth and hold it on your upper lip to relieve.

Also, where do you live and how much research did you do into the salon/clinic before proceeding?

#7

it was less than 15 mins, and the hairs seemed to be relatively close together. I had some ice on it and I just put on polysporin.

I live in Ottawa and I did quite a bit of research. There was not much on the actual business, but there was a reccomendation on here for the practice.

I’m about to cry… but that won’t be helpful to anything.

I feel like I have chemical burns.

#8

I don’t think there is anything to worry about.

Just keep the icing it.

Was there any use of numbing cream prior to the treatment and do you know modality was used? Did you feel the insertions of the needle? How painful was it when the current was applied? Did the hairs seem to slide out when the electrologist removed them with tweezers after the follicle was treated?

Electrolysis will have some kind of temporary reaction. It is not a case of going in with hair and coming out with less hair. Some electrologists describe it as ‘micro surgery’ and I like this description.

Have a read of HCD’s diary to see one example of post treatment:
http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/104131/HCD.html#Post104131

#9

I may or may not be a giant baby :slight_smile:

The redness has gone down, and the area it covers has gotten smaller.

Naturally, I’m still terrified that the marks (from existing spots) will turn into giant patches of hyper-pigmentation, but we’ll see.

#10

Pigmentation always fades, so at worst,this would be temporary.

#11

I think I would leave the upper lip hair alone unless you had one like a man. I’ve had one since I was 12. Never thought much about it until I started growing hair all over my face. My advice would be to leave it alone until your a bit older. That way if it gets damaged you would be older and it wouldn’t matter as much.