Electrolysis is a hair removal process that works by inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle, (the skin depression from which the hair emerges), and disabling the hair root either by heat or chemical action and sometimes both at the same time. Each hair is treated individually. Electrolysis is most suitable for removing female facial hair, but it can be used on almost any part of the body. There are millions of people who have solved the embarrassing problem of excess hair with the help of the hair removal method of electrolysis. Electrolysis hair removal was developed around 1869 by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, Charles Michel, who sought a way to safely and effectively remove ingrown eyelashes which frequently caused blindness. Electrolysis hair removal was adopted by the medical community and then adapted as a treatment for excess hair removal on other parts of the body. The same basic technique, improved and modernized, has been used since those times. Hundreds of scientific articles published in medical literature state that hair removal by electrolysis is permanent. But - There's also scientific evidence that regrowth can occur when a new root cell is formed in the same area. Hair removal by electrolysis should be performed at a reputable clinic by a trained and state licensed electrologist. Compared to other hair removal methods, electrolysis is time consuming. Depending on how fast your hair grows, it usually takes regular weekly or monthly visits for up to a year to complete the process. Hair removal by electrolysis is painful, even with a topical anesthetic. Some describe it as a slight heat, tingling or stinging sensation. Don't hesitate to let your electrologist know if what you're experiencing is uncomfortable. They're trained to work within your comfort level. There are machine settings or the type of treatment that can be adjusted. There usually is some redness or swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing and even scarring following electrolysis hair removal. Ask your electrologist what you can do to help the healing process. And hair removal by electrolysis is expensive. Usually there's a rate of $25 to $100 per hour. And if the procedure takes longer, a lower hourly rate doesn't always mean a lower cost. If you'd rather not endure the pain, time, cost, and possible scarring of electrolysis, do some research to learn about alternative hair removal methods.