Question 1

What is Electrolysis?

Accepted Answer

Since 1875, Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal that is both safe and effective. It was invented by Dr. Charles E. Michel, an Ophthalmologist who initially devised a method to treat ingrown eyelashes which then in turn resulted in the development of permanent hair removal.

Question 2

How Does Electrolysis Work?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis works by inserting a fine probe or filament into the natural opening of the hair follicle. A small amount of current is applied to create a chemical called Sodium Hydroxide/Lye or a heat energy reaction simultaneously or sequentially to destroy the dermal papilla, which is the blood supply and nourishment to the hair. The hair then releases without resistance and is removed with forceps/tweezers.

Question 3

Is Electrolysis Painful?

Accepted Answer

Everyones degree of discomfort really does vary, however most people find it relatively tolerable. The level of sensitivity also depends on the treatment area.

For individuals who may have a lower pain tolerance, a local anesthetic cream to numb the area can be applied prior to the treatment. This can help reduce any discomfort. Other steps taken to reduce discomfort prior to your treatment would be to avoid stimulants, such as caffeine.  Drinking water in advance of appointments will help keep follicles hydrated making it easier for epilation and less discomfort.

Question 4

Are There Side Effects After Treatment?

Accepted Answer

It is very common and normal to see some localized swelling to the treated follicles. They may appear as red insect bites, however the swelling, tenderness, or redness usually subsides within a few hours or overnight depending on the skin's sensitivity.

On the body you can expect some eschars or little pin point scabs when using the Thermolysis method. This is common, normal, and heals within 7-10 days when following good aftercare by using medicated ointments to heal the treated areas. They should not appear on the face, if they are on the face then the electrologist should adjust the settings accordingly and/or change to another method, such as the Blend in order to avoid this type of problem in the future.

Question 5

What Can I Do Between Treatments?

Accepted Answer

You can trim or shave the area between treatments! These methods will not effect the treated hairs. You will be instructed by the Electrologist  to stop shaving or cutting the hairs about 3-4 days prior to your appointment, as the hairs need to be long enough to epilate once treated with forceps/tweezers.

What not to do?

You must stop tweezing, waxing, and threading the hairs in between treatments. This can cause the hairs to become more dark and corse, as well as putting those hairs in their resting stage (Telogen Phase). Another hair will not emerge from that hair follicle for an average of 6 to 10 weeks. By doing this, it can result in the delay of permanent results, therefore increasing the number of treatments needed for permanent hair removal.

Question 6

How do I Prepare for an Electrolysis Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Arrive well hydrated and drink plenty of water prior to your appointment
Stop shaving or cutting your hair 3-4 days before treatment, so the hairs are long enough for the electrologist to epilate after treated
Avoid Retin-A or products with the use of retinoids

Question 7

How Long Till I See Permanent Results?

Accepted Answer

You will need to be put on a treatment plan, and come for regular scheduled treatments. Electrolysis is a process and requires patience along with commitment to achieve permanent results. There are many variables regarding how long it takes to complete treatments, and will vary for each individual.

The variables:

The size of the area being treated, the density of the hair, previous use of temporary methods, such as tweezing, waxing, and threading. These methods will all cause distortion of the follicles while also putting these hairs in a dormant/resting (Telogen) stage. When hairs are in the resting phase it can take weeks or even months till a new hair emerges from that hair follicle. If hairs are treated in their resting phase the hair will grow back, but finer. This is because the probe cannot reach its target which is the dermal papilla. Once a hair is treated in its growing (Anagen) phase then the dermal papilla can finally be destroyed, resulting in permanent hair removal!

Other variables can be the clients tolerance, the frequency of visits, hormonal imbalances (i.e., PCOS, Thyroid Condition, Menopause, etc.), certain medications, and stress are all factors why treatment program are different for everyone.

It is extremely important to follow the recommended treatment plans and instructions from your electrologist in order to achieve the best permanent results. On average you may need to treat for 10-18 months regularly till completely removing the hair permanently. You will also begin to see significant improvements after 2-4 months of treatment, resulting in finer and more sporadic hair growth.

Question 8

What is the Difference Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal?

Accepted Answer

Electrolysis:

Electrolysis is still the only medically approved method of permanent hair removal that has been used for over 100 years! Electrolysis can work on all skin tones and all hair colours from black, blonde, white, grey, and red. Electrolysis can also work on very fine to very coarse hairs.

Laser:

Laser hair removal is classified as "permanent reduction", not permanent hair removal. It can reduce and lessen the amount of hair you have, but it cannot guarantee permanent results. You may be free of hair for long periods, however, some hair regrowth will always occur and touch ups will always be needed. Laser hair removal only works best on coarse dark hair with light skin. Laser works by emitting a light that absorbs the melanin (pigment) in the hair. This light energy damages the hair follicle which inhibits or delays hair growth. Laser works by targeting melanin in the hair, therefore not everyone may be a good candidate. It does not work on white, grey, blonde, red, or light brown hairs.

Lastly, there are also risks for some individuals who may experience adverse effects to laser hair removal known as Paradoxical Hypertrichosis. This results in an increase in hair density, darkened hair colour, and coarseness at the site of the treated areas. Those with underlying hormonal conditions tend to be at higher risk.

Question 9

What Causes Excessive Unwanted Hair Growth?

Accepted Answer

There are many factors that can cause excessive hair growth. The most common causes would be Endocrine Disorders, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Diabetes, and Thyroid conditions. These can all cause an imbalance of hormones, resulting in some individuals having Hirsutism.

Hirsutism is a condition in which woman experience thick, coarse, dark hair mainly on the face, neck, chest, and breast that is stimulated by an excessive amount of male androgen hormones. This causes women to produce abnormal amounts of hair in the male pattern areas. Certain medications such as, testosterone, minoxidil, anabolic steroids can also cause Hirsutism.

Unwanted hair growth can be hereditary and individuals who begin to tamper with hair by temporary methods such as tweezing, waxing, and threading cause the hairs to become more coarse, black, and increase the density of hair in the area where hair was removed.

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