Is Electrolysis right for me?
A *brief* guide for beginning -or continuing- transition-related hair removal.

 

Electrolysis is the only form of hair removal certified permanent by the FDA. It is one of two primary forms of hair removal that trans people seek out. The other is Laser. There’s lots of info online comparing the two. Here is a brief side-by-side look

 

Laser

-Quick

-Can lead to regrowth

-Hair needs to be darker than skin tone

Electrolysis

-Permanent

-Time consuming

-Safe and effective for all hair and skin types

 

If you are seeking hair removal on part of the body that is and will continue to be *external*, and the hair is darker than the skin tone, it is most efficient to begin with Laser. This includes facial hair as well as body hair that is not a part of surgical-preparation.

If you are seeking hair removal on part of the body that will, after surgery, become *internal*, it is advised to undergo Electrolysis from the beginning. This includes the genitals in preparation for vaginoplasty, or the skin graft side (usually forearm or leg) in preparation for phalloplasty.

If your hair is the same tone as your skin, or lighter than your skin, a Laser will be unable to identify where the hair follicle is located and thus ineffective in treating your hair. In this case, electrolysis will be the best way to reach your hair removal goals.