Several different techniques are used in electrolysis. With a needle epilator , a direct electric current travels down a very fine wire into the hair follicle. The hair root dies from a chemical reaction to the current in the skin. Another method , called thermolysis, heats the needle point with alternating electric current for a fraction of a second, burning the hair root, the follicle, and the surrounding area. This sounds good, but the process can be expensive - and painful.
Some people say it feels like a pinch, others say it hurts a lot more.
Certain spots, like the upper lip, are more sensitive than others. A local anesthetic called EMLA is available by prescription. It can reduce the pain, but watch out for any allergic reactions or darkening of the skin. It takes more than just one round to get rid of hair. A good electrologist will remove the thicker hairs first to get the best visual effect.