How Electrolysis Works
Electrology is the only method of permanent hair removal
Electrology is the only scientifically proven method of permanent hair removal. Electrology is the specialty of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid needle-type devices. Electrolysis has been permanent for over a century of use. Its permanency has been well recognized by knowledgeable physicians and is testified to by hundreds of scientific articles published in the medical literature. Temporary methods such as shaving, tweezing, depilatories, waxing and stringing/threading require frequent, time consuming maintenance. Besides, skin irritation, ingrown hairs, discoloration, and scarring may result. some of these methods also contribute to an increase in hair growth activity.
How does Electrolysis work?
A trained electrologist inserts a small metal probe into the hair follicle alongside the hair. A small amount of electrical current is then delivered to the probe by a sensitive electronic device called an epilator. Depending on the technique used, the electric current destroys the hair root either by heat or chemical action or, in some methods, both simultaneously.
There are three recognized modalities/methods of Electrolysis:
•Galvanic - the hair root is destroyed by chemical action using direct current
•Thermolysis - the hair root is destroyed by heat production using high frequency
• Blend Electrolysis - the hair root is destroyed by both heat and chemical action at the same time
All three modalities are safe and effective. Your electrologist will choose the modality that is best for you.
Are there other methods of hair removal as effective as Electrolysis?
No. There is absolutely no reputable scientific evidence that any other hair removal method is as safe, effective, and permanent as electrolysis.
Why should I choose Electrolysis to solve my unwanted hair problem?
Time is one factor in choosing electrolysis in today's fast-paced world. Dealing with unwanted hair temporarily is tedious, costly and never-ending. Permanent hair removal frees you from this daily routine. Electrolysis also improves your physical appearance and self-image, lessens anxiety caused by unwanted hair and helps you feel more attractive and socially acceptable. It's a choice that will enhance your natural beauty and self-confidence. Lastly, electrolysis has been proven safe and effective over many years of use and is recognized by the FDA, physicians and the American Medical Association. You can be confident that permanent hair removal will positively change your life.
Is Electrolysis Safe?
Yes. Electrolysis has a 125-year history of safety and effectiveness. There has never been a reported case of disease transmission from electrolysis. We use only sterile disposable needles and a new needle is provided for each treatment. In addition, the tweezers are sterilized before each treatment.
Are there any situations when Electrolysis should not be performed?
Yes. Your electrologist should do a consultation with you and ask the relevant medical questions to determine if you are a suitable candidate. A few situations require a doctor's note of permission before commencing your treatment. For example, a physician may treat hairy moles with written consent.
At what age can Electrolysis be started?
Electrolysis can be performed at any age, but parental or guardian consent must be obtained for anyone under 18. Most individuals cannot or are unwilling to tolerate the treatment before puberty.
Is Electrolysis Uncomfortable?
A client's discomfort during treatments can be due to a patient's tolerance, epilator settings, the modality used, and other factors. During most treatments, a definite sensation is noticed. It has been described as a "slight heat," "tingling," or "stinging" sensation. There is no such thing as painless electrolysis. It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because its network of nerve endings surrounds each hair follicle. The sensation, which may be felt, is an assurance that destructive activity occurs. Even though some body parts are more sensitive, adjustments can be made, which may help make the treatment more comfortable.
What areas of the body can be treated?
Hair can be removed from almost any part of the body. Some common areas for women include the hairline, eyebrows, top of the nose, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breast, abdomen, arms, underarms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes, and fingers. Men often have hair removed from the hairline, beard line, shoulders, back, neck, chest, ears, and nose. In addition, electrolysis helps treat ingrown hairs, which frequently irritate the beard area.
Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment, or is regrowth expected?
Deep, coarse hairs cannot permanently be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells may require additional treatments. In addition, during the treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs and hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also be treated and may be visible at the same time as finer regrowth hairs.
What is the normal growth cycle of hair?
All hairs have different growth cycles and are not visible on the skin's surface at the same time. Hair typically grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last indefinitely; however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.
Does Electrolysis cause any side effects?
Electrolysis has been performed for over 120 years and has proven to be an extremely safe procedure. Like many minor medical procedures, Electrolysis has a short healing time. Electrolysis destroys the dermal papilla (root); it's normal to see redness, welting, and mild swelling associated with the treatment. This will disappear in half an hour to several hours in most individuals. Electrolysis causes tiny scabs to form over the treated follicle in some circumstances. These dots are perfectly normal parts of the healing process and will not leave any permanent damage, providing you do not pick at them, scratch them, or otherwise cause them to be infected. An occasional bruise, localized swelling, tenderness, and some hyperpigmentation (excess pigmentation) may occur in some darker-skinned individuals. Your electrologist will recommend the proper aftercare during the healing phase. Many clients report that their skin looks much improved after they've had electrolysis.
How much does it cost?
Electrolysis is billed by the hour, typically broken down into 1 hour, 45 min., 30 min., and 15 min. sessions.
How long does it take to clear an area permanently?
The total treatment can vary significantly from one individual to another.
It is dependent on several factors that include:
the size of the area to be treated
previous use of temporary hair removal methods
hair growth cycles
the density of the hair
the texture of the hair
the existence of curved or distorted hair follicles
heredity
normal physiologic changes
hormone function certain medications
medical history
the client's age
the client's tolerance
stress influences the treatment program for each individual
Some improvement should be observed within the first few treatments, provided the client adheres to the recommended schedule. However, it is important to realize that time, commitment, and patience are needed to overcome a problem that did not develop overnight.
Application - HOW IT WORKS
A sterile probe is gently inserted into the follicle alongside the hair.
A measured amount of energy is then released via the probe into the follicle to destroy the source of growth.
Because the follicle is a natural opening of the skin, the insertion of the probe into the follicle is not felt by the client. What the client feels is the application of the current.