Question
I'm in the market for some electrolysis work on my shoulders and back. I had some laser hair removal done a while ago but didn't stick with the treatments for numerous reasons (couldn't afford it at the time mainly).
Now I'm looking to get rid of hair on my back, shoulders and neck. I have heard that electrolysis is a better solution than laser as it's more effective. I have some basic questions though
1. I know most cases require multiple treatments. Assuming I'm a good candidate for hair removal what should I expect? Does each hair have to be treated repeatly? What percentage of hair loss should I expect with an ideal treatment? Will 50% grow back? 20%? 10%?
2. I know it's too general to ask but what should I expect to pay? I have hairy shoulder and a neck. The shoulder has thick hair, the back has two patches of hair on the right and left side around my mid back and then I have a patch of hair in the small of my back which I'm not really concerned with.
3. What should I look for when finding someone to perform electrolysis on me? Are there any review boards I can investigate these doctors with? What should I look for? How do I know the doctor is giving me good advice?
I know these are probably frequently asked questions. I'm just hoping to get good work done.

Answer
I'm in the market for some electrolysis work on my shoulders and back. I had some laser hair removal done a while ago but didn't stick with the treatments for numerous reasons (couldn't afford it at the time mainly).
Now I'm looking to get rid of hair on my back, shoulders and neck. I have heard that electrolysis is a better solution than laser as it's more effective. I have some basic questions though
1. I know most cases require multiple treatments. Assuming I'm a good candidate for hair removal what should I expect? Does each hair have to be treated repeatly? What percentage of hair loss should I expect with an ideal treatment? Will 50% grow back? 20%? 10%?
2. I know it's too general to ask but what should I expect to pay? I have hairy shoulder and a neck. The shoulder has thick hair, the back has two patches of hair on the right and left side around my mid back and then I have a patch of hair in the small of my back which I'm not really concerned with.
3. What should I look for when finding someone to perform electrolysis on me? Are there any review boards I can investigate these doctors with? What should I look for? How do I know the doctor is giving me good advice?
I know these are probably frequently asked questions. I'm just hoping to get good work done.

Answer
For what you describe electrolysis will be expensive, too and you will need more sessions. A good technician using a ND:YaG laser,spacing treatments out over a years time could have got you going to get a decent reduction of hair. You then would have had less hair to treat after the laser series was finished and completed things with electrolysis.
Any candidate is a good candidate for electrolysis. If the hair is in a the growing phase and the electrologist uses the proper balance of intensity and timing, the hair should slides out without you feeling it and will be a goner. If the hair is in the resting or shedding phase, then it will need to be re-treated when it's in the growing stage. As long as you are consistent with your appointments and put more time in up front to get first clearance and then maintain that, you will see results within 18-24 months for this area.
Find a person who uses microflash thermolysis and who can work with deadly speed as you sound like you have a lot of hair. If you are younger than 40, you may have to expect that more hair and new hair will start to grow in addition to the hair you have right now.
An electrologist is not a doctor. He/she has special training in how to remove hair permanently. Some states are licensed and some are not. I don't know where you live, but you might want to check out licensing requirements in your locale if you are in licensed area. Better yet, do a google search and read for yourself what to look for in an electrologist. Or go to There is a lot of information out there. Sit quietly and read all you can so you get the best for your money.
Ther is no easy way down for permanent hair removal in 2005,but electrolysis has and always will be permanent if you are willing to be faithful to getting your treatments over a period of time and you find a speedy practitioner who knows how to deliver results.