Gone are the days when only celebrities and people in showbiz could access hair removal options. Now, everyone can get satiny, hairless skin! Among the various options, electrolysis is extremely popular. But how much does electrolysis cost?
Electrolysis is a hair removal process that uses electric currents to remove unwanted hair. The cost of getting electrolysis from a US professional can start at $25 and go as high as $10,000. There are also home electrolysis machines costing $50-$2,000.
Does the price range seem shockingly wide? That’s because several factors come into play to influence the treatment cost. Today, we will tell you about this treatment and its various options.
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Table Of Contents
- 1 Electrolysis Cost – Detailed Analysis
- 2 Electrolysis Hair Removal Charges – For Different Body Parts
- 3 A Little About Electrolysis: Frequently Asked Questions
- 3.1 What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?
- 3.2 Can electrolysis remove hair permanently?
- 3.3 How many sessions are needed for electrolysis?
- 3.4 Does health insurance cover electrolysis?
- 3.5 Is there any cost for post-electrolysis care involved?
- 3.6 Which is cheaper: electrolysis or laser?
- 3.7 Is electrolysis hair removal painful?
- 3.8 Is it essential to choose a good dermatologist for electrolysis?
- 4 Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Worth the Price?
- 5 Final Words
Electrolysis Cost – Detailed Analysis
Electrolysis is a specialized treatment that needs expertise. We always recommend going to a dermatologist for it. That brings us to the question: how much should you expect to pay for it? Electrolysis hair removal can cost between $25 and $10,000.
Don’t feel shocked! The cost depends on the area and location of the hair removal site – and the hair quality. It also depends on the treatment provider’s fees based on skill, experience, certification, place in the country, and cost of anesthesia.
Each electrolysis treatment session can last for any duration, between 15 minutes and 2 hours. Each session can cost between $25 and $200 for every hour. The amount varies from one treatment provider to another, based on the above factors.
A dermatologist may charge $20-$50+ on average for consultancy, though some dermatology centers provide one free consultancy session. But they may also charge a security deposit. In addition, the use of numbing agents like lidocaine can be $200-$500.
The cost of electrolysis is different for various parts of the body. And only multiple sessions ensure effective and permanent results. On average, Americans pay $450-$800 for electrolysis. The total costs of all sessions for different body parts are as below.
Electrolysis Hair Removal Charges – For Different Body Parts
Body Part | Cost |
Eyebrows | $100-$175 |
Upper Lip | $150-$600 |
Chin | $150-$500 |
Underarm | $500-$4000 |
Chest | $2500-$9000 |
Abdomen | $2500-$9000 |
Back | $2500-$10000 |
Bikini | $500-$2000 |
Leg | $2000-$10000 |
Cost Reference
1. AEDIT
2. How Much Is It
3. Multiple Plastic Surgery Centers Offering Electrolysis
Cost of Using Electrolysis Machines to Remove Hair at Home
While many licensed dermatology centers across the country provide electrolysis, there’s another way to go about this. We are talking about electrolysis machines for home use. There are different types of these machines available.
You’ll find low-cost devices that cost $50-$100. And, when there are discount offers, they go below $50. However, you may have to spend a fortune on more specialized kits and impressive results. Professional Electrolysis machines cost between $900 and $2,000 or more.
While the smaller ones are pocket-friendly, the higher-end products are cost-effective in the long run. Plus, you’ll be in control of when you want to remove your hair. You can use it as often as possible without additional costs for extra sessions.
However, removing hair from large areas will be difficult, especially the tiny pens. Plus, you need to be careful during usage as you’re not an expert at this procedure. Otherwise, you may end up hurting yourself and have sores on the skin.
Galvanic machines implement direct current to the follicles and the cells around them. On the other hand, thermolysis machines use radio frequencies to vibrate, heat, and damage hairs. The “blend” machines combine both these technologies.
These are the three most popular categories of electrolysis machines that you can buy and use at home. But what are the best electrolysis machines you can buy and use at home? Find out more about these devices – and our top choices here.
A Little About Electrolysis: Frequently Asked Questions
Before we learn about the cost of electrolysis hair removal, you may have a few other questions about the process. So, we are going to answer as many of them as possible. Take a look:
What is Electrolysis Hair Removal?
Electrolysis is a minimally-invasive treatment to remove unwanted hair using electricity. With the help of fine wires or needles, currents are applied to hair roots under the skin to heat and damage existing hair strands at the follicular level. It also prevents new hair growth.
This cutting-edge process is performed by a dermatologist or electrologist who uses a small probe to implement electricity into the pore. Doing so damages the hair – and the dead strand is pulled out with tweezers. Each session is quick, but you’ll need multiple sessions.
Can electrolysis remove hair permanently?
Electrolysis is the only process that has earned the FDA’s approval as a permanent body hair removal treatment. This is a century-old procedure that works at a deep level. It effectively uses electricity to kill the cell in the follicle – as well as the root of the hair.
Electrolysis removes unwanted hair from all body parts – face, chest, arms, legs, or bikini region. What’s more, it works perfectly for all types and colors of skin and hair. It also works for hair overgrowth induced by heredity, hormones, or metabolic issues.
How many sessions are needed for electrolysis?
For satisfactory and permanent results, you’ll need multiple electrolysis sessions at an interval of 1-4 weeks for up to 1.5 years. Some people see permanent results after only 3-8 sessions, while others need as many as 30 sessions. The average, however, is 18 sessions.
Don’t forget that the process destroys only 35% of follicles in a single session. Larger areas and coarser hair require more sessions. After that, you must follow up every 4-6 weeks. And once the hair growth stops, you’ll need maintenance sessions 1-2 times a year.
Does health insurance cover electrolysis?
The medical insurance programs in the US do not cover hair removal procedures. That means your insurance company won’t pay for electrolysis. They only cover procedures that can be categorized as “medically necessary,” and electrolysis doesn’t belong to this category.
Americans spend millions of dollars on cosmetic procedures like electrolysis, including hair removal procedures. Unfortunately, by definition, invasive, non-invasive, or minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are performed for your self-esteem and appearance only.
Is there any cost for post-electrolysis care involved?
After your electrolysis session, you will need to take some elementary care of your skin. You need to apply sunscreen lotions or creams. Their average cost is around $9. You may also be prescribed a topical antibiotic costing about $20.
Typically, electrolysis is a procedure that doesn’t demand a lot of post-treatment care. It also has almost no downtime. Your treatment provider will give you pre-procedure guidance to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort, side effects, and downtime.
Which is cheaper: electrolysis or laser?
Each laser hair removal treatment session costs $200-$400. In comparison, each electrolysis session is just $25-$200. So, electrolysis costs less. Plus, its results are permanent, and no expensive chemicals are needed, though you will need more sessions.
People choose laser hair removal to provide precise results in small areas. The treatment sessions also cause less discomfort compared to electrolysis sessions. But electrolysis is versatile and doesn’t use harsh chemicals in laser treatments.
Is electrolysis hair removal painful?
Unless you have ingrown hairs or bent follicles, electrolysis won’t cause excruciating pain. You’ll experience some discomfort or tingling during the procedure. But using a numbing agent can prevent it. Plus, a high pain tolerance level can reduce your discomfort.
You will experience some heat and stinging sensations when electric currents are applied. They can feel sharp if you can’t tolerate pain. But once the hair is removed, you won’t feel any discomfort, especially when the treatment provider is experienced.
Is it essential to choose a good dermatologist for electrolysis?
It’s crucial to find an expert licensed to provide electrolysis. While dermatologists are equipped with knowledge about your skin and hair, not all of them are certified, electrologists. If you want to do it at home, start with small areas after thorough research.
At the time of looking for an expert to provide electrolysis, make sure that they are not only certified but also experienced at providing this specialized treatment. Check the reviews from other patients before you finalize the doctor or cosmetic care center for electrolysis.
Is Electrolysis Hair Removal Worth the Price?
Individual sessions of electrolysis may not seem too costly. But the overall amount you have to pay for permanent results can be substantial – considering various factors. However, you must remember that it is a highly effective and permanent procedure.
You may suffer from conditions like hormonal imbalance, tumors, or cysts, leading to hair overgrowth. You may also have to take medicines that lead to unwanted hair. In all these cases, electrolysis hair removal can be an excellent choice to go hair-free forever.
There are many other hair removal options – laser treatments, epilating, threading, tweezing, and more. But while some of these are long-lasting, none of them can stop the body hair from returning. This is especially true if health conditions induce your hair growth.
Even if you have average hair growth, you may not want it on your body simply to live up to your beauty standards. Either way, electrolysis can help you get rid of it forever. Electrolysis results make this treatment well worth the time and money.
Electrolysis – Pros
- Permanent hair removal
- Highly effective in all body parts
- Quick sessions and no downtime
- Minimal pain or discomfort
- Works for all hair/skin types and tones
Electrolysis – Cons
- Multiple sessions required
- Might be costly
Final Words
Electrolysis is one of the best ways to remove hair, though the cost and time may be its downsides. However, electrolysis can be a permanent and robust solution if your facial or body hair makes you uncomfortable. After all, it’s a hair removal process that has been around for a long time.