Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method that is FDA approved. Many women with PCOS and also transgender individuals, however, who sometimes remove hair to affirm their identities, are unaware it exists due to less popularity in the beauty industry.
Courtesy of n.tati.m at Adobe Stock
Women experience unwanted hair growth, but for women with PCOS and transgender individuals, hair growth in male-pattern distribution can lead to frustration and distress. As a result, the demand for permanent hair removal solutions grows. Electrolysis has emerged as a preferred method due to its effectiveness on all skin tones and hair types—and notably, it remains the only permanent hair removal technique approved by the TGA and FDA, unlike laser treatments, which are not permanent or suitable for all skin.
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Women experience unwanted hair growth, but for women with PCOS and transgender individuals, hair growth in male-pattern distribution can lead to frustration and distress. As a result, the demand for permanent hair removal solutions grows. Electrolysis has emerged as a preferred method due to its effectiveness on all skin tones and hair types—and notably, it remains the only permanent hair removal technique approved by the TGA and FDA, unlike laser treatments, which are not permanent or suitable for all skin.
Industry trends indicate that laser hair removal is more commonly offered by aesthetic practices due to its efficiency in treating larger areas, popularity in beauty and its shorter session duration. However, electrolysis–tiny electric currents–destroy the follicle entirely, preventing future hair growth altogether as a long-term solution that will later lead to zero upkeep in the future. Many women with PCOS and transgender individuals, however, who sometimes remove hair to affirm their identities and reclaim confidence, are unaware it exists.
For Marta Ivaskevych, founder of IMS Electrolysis, electrolysis treatments helped her gain back her confidence after she was diagnosed with PCOS at 18 years old. Being diagnosed with PCOS caused her self-esteem to plummet, and she avoided social interactions, even mirrors, until she discovered electrolysis treatment. Her results inspired her to become a certified electrologist and help others who feel lost and defeated by hormonal hair growth.
"As the treatments progressed, I began to feel a sense of control I hadn’t had in years," Ivaskevych describes. "Electrolysis didn’t just help me with the hair—it helped me reclaim my confidence and my life; slowly, I felt like myself again, and that transformation inspired me to become a certified electrologist."
The Key Differences Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal for Hormonal Hair Growth
Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is not limited by skin tone or hair color, which is particularly important for those with PCOS, as facial hair may range in color and thicknessCourtesy of kittyfly at Adobe StockThe way electrolysis and laser hair removal target hair follicles is where the main difference lies, says Alexandra Bowles, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist. Electrolysis uses a needle that delivers an electric current directly to the hair follicle, while laser hair removal uses light to target the pigment in the hair follicle, so it typically only works best on dark hair and lighter skin, where there is a contrast between hair and skin color.
“Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is not limited by skin tone or hair color, which is particularly important for those with PCOS, as facial hair may range in color and thickness,” says Ivaskevych.
There are three electrolysis methods: Galvanic, thermolysis or blend. Galvanic causes a chemical reaction that neutralizes the hair follicle's ability to grow hair, while thermolysis generates heat that destroys the follicle and surrounding tissue. Blend is a combination of both methods, destroying the hair follicle with a powerful dual approach.
The type of method is based on factors like the client's hair type, skin sensitivity, treatment area and how the hair responds to previous sessions. The procedure can be performed on all parts of the body, including the eyebrows, but typically targets the legs, underarms and face.
The precision of electrolysis is unmatched, Ivaskevych adds, making it ideal for delicate facial areas like the upper lip, chin and jawline, where unwanted PCOS-related hair is often most prominent.
Electrolysis Offers More Lasting Results for Hormonal Hair Growth, Despite a Longer Initial Treatment Plan
Aesthetic practitioners typically include laser hair removal in their offerings because it targets large areas with shorter sessions, but maintenance is where the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal can be more noticeable for people with PCOS, or male-pattern hair growth due to hormones, Bowles says.
Since electrolysis treats each follicle individually, Bowles has found that it tends to offer longer-lasting results with fewer maintenance sessions, even as hormones fluctuate. Laser hair removal, while effective, may require more frequent touch-ups as hormones can cause hair to regrow.
Complete and permanent hair removal with electrolysis takes several sessions, typically between 10 to 12 treatments, especially if the hair has been growing for an extended period due to PCOS, Ivaskevych says. This is because hair grows in different stages–growth, rest and shedding phases, and electrolysis can only treat hair in the growth phase, or anagen phase.
“Since not all hairs are in the same phase at the same time, multiple sessions are needed to catch hairs in the optimal growth stage,” she explains.
In the beginning, electrolysis treatments are typically spaced every 1-2 weeks for the first few months, and as the hair density reduces, sessions can be spaced every 4-6 weeks. After 10-12 treatments, hair will stop growing in unwanted areas, whereas maintenance sessions for laser removal are often needed every 6-12 months, Ivaskevych says.
After the initial series of electrolysis treatments, some individuals may require occasional touch-ups in the future, Ivaskevych adds, especially if hormonal fluctuations from PCOS continue to affect new hair follicles or cause regrowth in areas that may have been missed during earlier sessions.
“If you have PCOS, both treatments will likely require some ongoing care, but electrolysis might be the better option for those who want a more permanent solution,” Bowles says.
Post-Treatment Care: What to Expect After Electrolysis or Laser Hair Removal
Fine blood scabs are a normal reaction to electrolysis treatment, especially in the initial stages, and may take between 7-21 days to heal, Ivaskevych says.
Witch hazel and aloe vera gel should be applied liberally post-treatment, using a clean, damp cotton wool immediately after to soothe, calm redness and prevent infection, she adds, and patients should continue applying aloe vera gel for the next 2-3 days.
To prevent irritation and the spread of infection, she advises not to pick at the small blood scabs that may appear a couple of days after treatment. She recommends using UV protection and avoiding direct sunlight exposure post-treatment to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Laser hair removal tends to be less uncomfortable than electrolysis, Bowles says, as laser treatments usually feel like a quick snap or sting, whereas electrolysis can feel more intense–involving a needle inserted into each hair follicle.
Laser therapy reactions, on the other hand, include redness, swelling or mild irritation as the tissue begins to heal and regenerate–another common reason many medspas offer laser removal.
“For those with PCOS, skin sensitivity can be a concern, so it’s good to be prepared for some redness or irritation after either treatment,” Bowles says. “Electrolysis might cause a bit more post-treatment irritation, especially if your skin is more reactive.”
Hair removal for women with PCOS and also transgender individuals isn’t always a beauty preference that can be managed with lasers or waxing, as male-pattern growth is more complex. Removal is a way to feel secure in their identities permanently.Courtesy of Volodymyr at Adobe StockExpanding Your Aesthetic Practice: What It Takes to Get Certified in Electrolysis
While the initial cost of electrolysis sessions might be higher compared to other hair removal methods, the long-term savings are substantial as it involves less repeated expenses and eventual permanence[1]. Hair growth affects clients in a multitude of ways–some interested in waxing, laser or a permanent solution like electrolysis. Depending on the investment a client wants to make, an array of hair removal options open doors for a more diverse clientele.
For electrolysis training to become an electrologist, you must be at least 16 years old, although many states only accept 17 and 18 year olds into licensing programs, and you’ll likely need a high school diploma or GED [2]. Electrology training programs can be completed within a year, varying on where you live. Each state sets its own licensing requirements, including a set number of training hours that must be completed before qualifying [2].
Licensure requirements vary widely from state to state. Michigan requires 400 hours of electrology training, while Indiana will require a completed 1,500-hour cosmetology course or a 700-hour esthetics course, plus an additional 300-hour electrology course [2].
Why Permanent Hair Removal Matters for PCOS and Gender-Affirming Care in Aesthetics
PCOS is often uncontrollable and life altering for many women, affecting their hormones, appearance and fertility. Hyperandrogenisma in women with PCOS shows a prevalence estimated at 65–75% [3], and while research is still developing on managing PCOS symptoms, permanent hair removal allows many women to feel more confident.
Hair removal for women with PCOS and also transgender individuals isn’t always a beauty preference that can be managed with lasers or waxing, as male-pattern growth is more complex. Removal is a way to feel secure in their identities permanently. Adding electrolysis to service offerings could allow practitioners and estheticians to cater to a broader clientele, as aesthetics is a space for everyone and all beauty goals.
Hyperandrogenisma: A medical condition characterized by excessive levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body, often leading to symptoms like acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and irregular menstrual cycles in females.
Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is not limited by skin tone or hair color, which is particularly important for those with PCOS, as facial hair may range in color and thicknessCourtesy of kittyfly at Adobe Stock
Hair removal for women with PCOS and also transgender individuals isn’t always a beauty preference that can be managed with lasers or waxing, as male-pattern growth is more complex. Removal is a way to feel secure in their identities permanently.Courtesy of Volodymyr at Adobe Stock
Hair removal for women with PCOS and also transgender individuals isn’t always a beauty preference that can be managed with lasers or waxing, as male-pattern growth is more complex. Removal is a way to feel secure in their identities permanently.Courtesy of Volodymyr at Adobe Stock
