Unwanted hair can be more than just an inconvenience. The time and money spent on hair removal techniques and products can really start to add up. If you’ve tried all of the at-home, over-the-counter remedies to remove excess hair and are considering a more permanent option like electrolysis, there are a few things you need to know before making an appointment.

While having body hair is a completely normal part of life, it can be made worse by a medical condition or it could just be something you’d prefer not to be bothered by. There are so many options to choose from when it comes to hair removal. Shaving, plucking, waxing, and using depilatory creams are some of the most common ways that people remove unwanted body hair (via WebMD). But there are a few permanent options that can help get rid of excess hair. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are two popular options for zapping away hair for good (via Byrdie).

Watch out for these side effects

Electrolysis is a treatment where a small needle is inserted into each individual hair follicle, or the sac from which the hair grows (via Mayo Clinic). An electrical current runs through the needle and destroys the base of the follicle so that no hair can grow from it anymore. The process takes a long time and multiple treatments are usually needed since each follicle must be killed in order for it to be effective.

The process of getting electrolysis can be painful, since you have a weak electric current touching your skin (via University of Michigan). It can cause redness and swelling at the site where the follicles were damaged. Your skin may be tender for a while after treatment, but these side effects should all be temporary. Unfortunately, some people may have more serious problems like skin darkening or scarring at the treatment site. Keloid scars, which are caused by an overproduction of collagen, can also be a lasting side effect of electrolysis. They tend to be hard, tender, and can range in color from pink to dark brown. So if you’re considering electrolysis, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of treatment with a professional before making your decision.

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