How to Save Money when getting Professional Electrolysis

Electrolysis is definitely one of the best hair removal methods available today, and it's the only method that offers permanent results. If you're looking for ways to get rid of unsightly body hair, it's definitely worth considering electrolysis.

One of the downsides to this hair removal method is the number of treatments you'll need to undergo in order to get rid of all your body hair. The treatment time makes electrolysis an expensive hair removal option relative to treatment size - costlier than even laser hair removal.

How to Save on Professional Electrolysis

Laser hair removal may be a bit cheaper than electrolysis, but the results don't last as long. Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method, so it's worth paying a bit more for the results.

You'll spend an average of $50 to $80 per hour of electrolysis treatment, but it takes a long time to completely eliminate thick body hair. You may spend tens of hours on your body if the hair is thick and coarse, meaning you could end up spending in the thousands of dollars for full treatment.

However, We've got good news for you: it is possible to save money on your professional electrolysis. Here are a few ways:

1. Start with Laser Hair Removal

For people who are ideal candidates for laser hair removal (those with dark, coarse hair and light coloured skin) it's often recommended to have a series of laser hair removal treatments before starting with electrolysis.  Often the laser can reduce the density of the hair over large areas in a much more efficient way than electrolysis.

Once the hair density has been reduced and it appears that you've got the most out of laser hair removal as possible, you can then progress with the slower-paced but permanent follow up with electrolysis. 

Laser hair removal followed by electrolysis is a more efficient and thus cheaper option for many people who want longer term hair removal results.

Estimated Cost Saving:- Anywhere from $100 - $2000

2. Buy in "Bulk"

As with ​most industries, if you make a decent sized commitment for electrolysis hair removal sessions then you can expect to receive a discount on the standard per session rate.  

Buying electrolysis treatments in advance is great for the provider in terms of cashflow and transparency and in return they would usually offer you a 10% discount or more in return.

​The obvious caveat of this is that you have to be careful with your money and save in advance so that you can afford to make the lump payments when they're due.

3. Be Reliable and Show up on Time!

If you don't show up on time for your electrolysis treatment appointment, your doctor will either cancel it or charge you a late fee. In most cases, you'll still end up paying for the session even if it's cancelled and the money will be wasted.

It's essential that you are on time for your session, so make it a point to arrive at least 10 minutes early. You can use your smartphone or Google Calendar to remind you of your appointment, and leave your home with plenty of time to spare for traffic or delays.

Bonus: If you're early, you may even get a few extra minutes treatment time for free. It's not common, but it does happen.

Estimated Cost Saving: Could add up to 5 - 10% total cost

4. Shave between Treatments

Electrolysis and laser treatments only affect the hairs that are not in their "resting phase", which means about 30% of the hair on your body. Your dermatologist may recommend that you shave between each treatment, as that will help your hair to enter the growth phase once more.

Always talk to your dermatologist before shaving, as your hair will need to be long enough for the forceps to grasp during the treatment. Laser and electrolysis treatments have different requirements, so make sure to check with your practitioner to ensure you're getting it right.

5. Focus on Thicker Hairs

While it can be tempting to instruct the electrologist to nuke all hairs, following the Pareto principle, you may be able to get 80% of your results from just 20% of the hair removal.​  By instructing the electrologist to focus on the thicker, darker and more visible hairs, you get most of the results for a fraction of the cost.

The body parts with finer or lighter hairs can be maintained with a razor or wax, or you can undergo laser hair removal to reduce those hairs so that they are barely noticeable. Given that electrolysis works by treating each hair individually, you can really reduce costs simply by limiting the number of hairs that are treated.

Estimated Cost Saving: up to 50% of full treatment cost

6. Attend a Training School

This is something you want to consider carefully...

Electrolysis and laser hair removal schools are always in need of subjects for the students to practice on, and the cost of hair removal at these schools is much lower than at professional salons/clinics.

However, keep in mind that students will be doing your hair removal, and the risk of something going wrong is higher. It's a good way to cut your expenses, but it's important you count the cost of undergoing treatment at the hands of apprentices.​

8. Consider Home Laser Hair Removal

There are a number of hair removal machines on the market with clinical data to suggest that they are effective.  It's worth mentioning in order for the manufacturers to get FDA approval they have to user a laser that's substantially less powerful than those that are used in professional clinics.

​The most popular and successful devices are the Tria 4X, Silk'n SensEpil, Philips Lumea, and the Remington i-LIGHT Pro.