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Health Encyclopedia - Diseases and Conditions

Electrolysis and Hair Removal

Definition of Electrolysis and Hair Removal
Description of Electrolysis and Hair Removal
What Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Electrolysis and Hair Removal

Definition of Electrolysis and Hair Removal

Electrolysis is the removal of unwanted hair by means of short-wave electric current which destroys the hair's roots.

Description of Electrolysis and Hair Removal

Some people regard the presence of hair in certain locations of their body as undesirable. The amounts of normal facial and body hair vary greatly from one person to another. Many women develop considerable amounts of body and facial hair during puberty; in some cases, even faint mustaches appear. The normal secretion of androgen hormones produces many changes in a young girl's body, including hair growth in the pubic and armpit regions. In women, the amount of hair usually increases slowly with age, even past menopause. Men similarly may develop considerable body hair as they age.

The presence of too much hair is called hirsutism. How much is too much is largely a matter of personal perception. Some people are content that the amount they have is right for them. If there is a sudden increase in hair - over a period of a few months - one should consult a physician for evaluation.

Some drugs, such as Dilantin, may also cause growth of body hair. Certain vitamin preparations contain testosterone and cause increased growth of facial and body hair.

There are a variety of methods to get rid of the unsightly hair including electrolysis, plucking, shaving, waxing, hair removers and laser-assisted removal.

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