+ What is Electrolysis?

How it works can be achieved in three ways. Each method begins with the insertion of a small metal probe into the hair follicle which measures about the same diameter as the hair itself. When the probe reaches the dermal papilla of the hair, the electrologist will then apply an electrical current to destroy that dermal papilla (root). The oldest and most time consuming method is galvanic. Galvanic uses a direct current (DC) which causes your body’s salt and water to convert into sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, which in turn destroys the root of the hair. This method is very effective but not commonly used due to the treatment time of about 30 seconds per hair. Next is thermolysis. It uses a high frequency current or radio frequency (RF) to bring heat to the dermal papilla. This intense heat only lasts a second or less. Thermolysis is best used on virgin and vellus hair. Last is the blend method which is a combination of galvanic and thermolysis. When using this method, the thermolysis will enhance the galvanic which will shorten the treatment time to approximately 6-10 seconds depending on the hair. For hair that has been tweezed or waxed or for curly hair and distorted follicles, the blend method is most effective and time efficient.

+ What causes unwanted hair to grow?

Some of us are just born with it. Heredity definitely plays a role, especially if your ancestors come from Mediterranean decent. If your mother has facial hair, chances are that you will too. Hormonal changes are also a cause for excess hair growth. Women who experience unwanted hair will usually see growth during natural body changes such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. There are also some diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s disease or several thyroid conditions that can stimulate hair growth. Certain medications that contain hormones, such as birth control or steroid drugs like cortisone can be a cause as well. Increased blood supply caused by skin irritation can also nourish the hair and cause accelerated growth.

+ How many treatments will you need?

This is a hard question to answer considering everyone’s treatment will be specific to them. Depending on what area is being treated, how big the area is, what means of hair removal has been used prior, treatments could be anywhere from 6 months to 3 years for 15 minutes up to multiple hours once a week, maybe twice, possibly every other week. Upon your first visit, your electrologist will set a specific plan for your individual treatment.

+ Is electrolysis painful?

Everybody’s tolerance to pain is different. The sensations that you feel is most easily described as a sting and or heat in the follicle depending which modality is being used. Your electrologist has the capability to lower or raise the settings to find the best working point for each individual. The higher the intensity you can handle, usually the faster the treatments can be completed. Some areas, such as the upper lip and eyebrows will be more sensitive than the chin. If the treatment is too uncomfortable, even on a low setting, you’ll want to speak to your doctor about having an EMLA ( numbing cream ) prescribed for you.

+ Are there side effects?

As with most minor medical procedures, there will be a short healing phase. Redness and swelling can occur and lasts anywhere from an hour to a few days, ice can help with this. With some skin types, pinpoint scabs or small pustules may occur. As long as you let them heal on their own, there should be not scarring. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation may take place but also, the small area in which this may occur should return to normal.

+ How much will treatments cost to complete the process?

As stated prior about how many treatments will be needed, a lot of factors are present including how much hair is to be removed, the size of the treatment area and prior removal techniques. For the most efficient and quickest results, follow the electrologist’s recommendations in appointment scheduling and stick to them. Electrolysis cost compares favorably to other methods such as laser. All other methods of temporary hair removal will continue to cost over time whereas electrolysis is forever once treatment are complete.

+ How often should electrolysis appointments be scheduled?

Electrolysis clients may schedule 15 minutes for just a couple of hairs on their chin or they might schedule an hour or longer to treat larger areas like heavy facial growth, legs, underarms, backs, etc. The frequency and length of your appointments depends on the size of the area being cleared and the progress of your treatment. In general, treatments on a particular area are longest and most frequent at the beginning of the process. Treatment length and frequency get less over time as well as the amount of hair that will return. For best results, follow the electrologist's recommendations in scheduling appointments.

+ How does the hair growth cycle affect my electrolysis treatments?

Hair grows and rests in cycles. What this means is that all the hair you see on your body right now is not the only hair you have. If your hair has been untouched or only shaved for at least 8 months, you are showing roughly 80% of your hair while the other 20% is not visible. Once a hair has finished its growth cycle, the follicle releases the hair and enters catagen, the shedding phase, into telogen, the resting phase, for 6 to 8 weeks on average. During its rest, the follicle will rejuvenate while other hairs are in their growing cycle, anagen. Treatments should only be done when the hair is in the anagen phase. When a hair follicle is in its early stages of growth, it is at its weakest and is easiest to destroy. This is why you’ll want to stay on top of your electrolysis treatments so that they are the most effective. You will likely need to do one session per week until the majority of your hair is gone.

+ Can hair be removed from anywhere on the body?

Electrolysis works on all hair color and types as well as all skin types and colors. The only places on the body that electrolysis cannot work on are the inside of your nostrils and the inside of the ear canal. Anywhere else on the body is reachable and treatable.

+ What are the most common treatment areas?

For women, the unwanted hair growth on the chin, upper lip, jaw, and throat areas are usually caused by hormones. Genetics and medications can also cause excess hair on the face and on body areas such as the chest, breasts and abdomen. The most commonly treated areas for women are: Chin, Jawline, Upper lip, Throat, Sides of face, Eyebrows, Chest, Abdomen, Breasts, Bikini lines, Underarms, Hairline, Fingers and toes.

For men who feel they have too much hair, even without an excess amount of hair, electrolysis is frequently used. The most commonly treated areas for men are: Back (including shoulders and torso), Ears, Brows, Cheeks (to clean up beard line), Neckline, Nape, Groin and Hands.

+ Can hairs be removed from moles?

Electrolysis can be performed in most moles where licensing regulations allow it. Most electrologists will require written note from your physician.

+ Can pregnant women have electrolysis treatments?

Unwanted hair can be caused by hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy. Even though electrolysis can be performed during pregnancy, your electrologist may suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment and only use the thermolysis method.

+ Why should I choose electrolysis over other temporary methods of hair removal?

Unlike other hair removal options, electrolysis eliminates unwanted hair permanently, with unsurpassed results. Waxing, threading and tweezing are all alike and may cause ingrown hairs and discoloration as a result from them as well as cause an increase in hair growth activity. Depilatories and shaving can cause an irritation to the skin while the hair regrows quickly but will not distort the follicle like the other temporary methods. All of these methods can require a lifetime of maintenance. Many can appear inexpensive but cost more due to long term use and are found to be inconvenient. Electrolysis works. No other solution can successfully remove your unwanted hair forever.

+ Do electrologists follow appropriate infection prevention procedures?

The American Electrology Association has written Standards for Infection Control following the most recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).