Electrolysis involves introducing a fine needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical current to the follicle root. This process essentially burns the hair root theoretically preventing it from producing more hair. Each hair follicle must be treated separately and may take several treatments to wipe out the follicle. Electrolysis is a permanent form of hair removal but it has several disadvantages. First, there are no identical licensing guidelines for electrolysis so ruling an experienced, effective technician is hard requiring talking to clients who have experienced permanent outcome. Second, this method requires frequent treatments for up to 12 to 18 months. Hair follicles that are in the telogen phase are more not easy to destroy than hair follicles in the anagen phase. Shaving around 3 days before an electrolysis treatment ensures that the hairs that are noticeable are in the anagen phase. Lastly, side effects can include pain, infection, keloid formation (for people who are susceptible), hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation.