FAQs: A Guide to Electrolysis, Permanent Hair Removal

Q: What is ELECTROLYSIS?

A: Electrolysis is the only medically-accepted permanent method of removing hair from the face and body. First developed in 1875 by Charles Michael, M.D. The effectiveness of electrolysis has been tested and verified by over 130 years of study, practice, and results.

Electrolysis is a broad term which describes one or more types of electrical currents used to destroy unwanted hair. These include:

Thermolysis (high-frequency current), which dehydrates and destroys the hair root by applying heat to the follicle.
Galvanic current (direct current), which creates a chemical reaction with the salt and water naturally present in the skin, to produce Lye to decompose and destroy the hair; and
Blend, which is the simultaneous use of both thermolysis and galvanic currents and also works by Chemical decomposition like Galvanic but quicker action due to the heat produce by thermolysis currents.

Q: How does ELECTROLYSIS remove hair?

A: The electrologist places a fine wire called a probe about the size of the hair, into the follicle. Then, a very small amount of electrical current is applied. The probe conducts current into the follicle and down to the papilla. The hair is destroyed, and then can be easily removed.
Q: Is ELECTROLYSIS really permanent?
A: Yes! When administered by a skilled electrologist, it is extremely effective and permanent. Once the hair papilla and follicle has been properly treated, regrowth cannot occur.
Q: What causes the growth of excessive hair?
A: Superfluous hair usually, can be traced to either heredity or to some type of glandular/endocrine hormone imbalance.
Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause create hormone changes which may cause hairs to become noticeably thicker, coarser, and darker. Illness, stress, certain medications, and hormones also can trigger dramatic hair growth changes.
In addition, tweezing, waxing or just irritation is known to stimulate even fine hairs to become more vigorous and visible
Q: Which areas can be treated?

A: Assuming that the skin is normal healthy skin, every part of the face and body (except for the internal parts of the nose and ears) can be treated. Also some doctors request toe hairs not to be removed as they use these hairs to check health of Diabetics.
Q: How many treatments will it take? Can all hairs be removed at once?

A: Treatment schedules are tailored to meet each client’s needs. Hairs are removed one hair at a time. These include:
The number and coarseness of the hairs
Whether or not the hairs have been previously tweezed or waxed
The sensitivity and general condition of the skin.
Your electrologist can usually recommend a series of treatments.

Q: How does ELECTROLYSIS compare with other methods of hair removal?

A: Electrolysis has the advantage of being the only permanent method of Hair Removal. Electrolysis is know to work on all hair types and all skin types. Even laser treatments are not effective on all hairs. Although lasers may reduce the number of hairs, the hairs are not always completely destroyed even after several treatments.
Waxing and tweezing tend to strengthen the hair root, resulting in darker, thicker regrowth, which may often become ingrown. Also waxing and tweezing tends to distort hair shapes making it difficult to get the probe to be papilla of the hair.
Shaving, depilatories, waxing, and tweezing (including various types of electric tweezers) are only temporary, and require an on-going routine of maintenance in order to perpetually remove each new cycle of regrowth.
These methods are both time-consuming and expensive.
Q: Is ELECTROLYSIS uncomfortable?
A: Some clients find the process so comfortable that they actually doze off during treatment! Others experience varying degrees of sensation. The probe slides easily into the hair follicle and causes little discomfort. The tiny electrical current may produce a slight “stinging”, depending on the client’s own personal tolerance level and the amount of moisture on the skin.
Your electrologist can employ various options to reduce to a minimum any possible pain or discomfort. State-of-the-art equipment provides the most gentle, effective currents for both thermolysis and the “Blend” modalities of treatment. This advanced technology has been widely acknowledged for its effectiveness and enhancement of client comfort.
In addition, use of specially insulated probes and topical anesthetics have helped to reduce sensation on the skin. Proper after-care following treatment will further comfort and soothe the skin.
Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and alcohol before treatment is also known to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.

Q: Is ELECTROLYSIS expensive?
A: The cost as compared with other beauty and health-care services is actually very moderate. When you calculate the expense and inconvenience of life-long use of razors, depilatories, wax, and other temporary methods of hair removal, you will realize that the costs – both in time and in money – are considerable. Electrolysis is an investment in yourself that will continue to yield life-long benefits and satisfaction.
Q: Are there other benefits from ELECTROLYSIS?
A: Yes! You many notice that your skin will gradually become more refined. Pore size is often diminished. Dark patches and shadows on the face and lip where hair was present become lighter and clearer. Excessive oil production may be normalized. Many clients who were plagued for years by various skin eruptions and ingrown hairs, often report a disappearance of these conditions.
Problem perspiration and underarm odor are frequently reduced following treatment of this area.
After you have experienced for yourself the many benefits of electrolysis, you will wonder why you ever allowed unwanted hair to detract from your appearance and self-confidence.
Q: Are there any health risks associated with ELECTROLYSIS?
A: Prevention and control of communicable diseases has become a major concern for us all.
First priority to your health and well-being before, during, and after treatment is given. Electrologists are professionals who are thoroughly trained in effective sterilization and sanitation procedures required by law.

Vigilant use of dry heat sterilizers, and disinfectant solutions combat infectious agents on all instruments.

Pre-sterilized, disposable probes are used to ensure the highest level of protection.

Q: How will the skin look after treatment?
A: Electrolysis generally produces no adverse side effects. It is normal for a slight and temporary redness or swelling of the skin to occur in the area of treatment. This usually disappears completely within an hour. Occasionally, honey-colored scabs, which are a normal part of the healing process, may appear on treated areas of the body within two to four days after treatment.
Q: How should I care for my skin between treatments?
A: Your electrologist will administer appropriate after-treatment care to ensure the optimum comfort and well-being of your skin. Thereafter:
Avoid unnecessary touching of the area.
Cleanse very gently with a mild, uncontaminated cleanser.
Do not scrub or remove any small scabs which may appear. They must be allowed to heal thoroughly without being disturbed.
Hydrogen Peroxide, applied with sterile cotton, is especially recommended for combating bacteria.
Aloe Vera gel, antiseptics, antibiotics, and other topical preparations, applied with clean applicators, may be soothing and promote the health of your skin.
It is best to use only uncontaminated, medicated makeup for several days after treatment.
Pat gently with an ice cube to reduce any temporary swelling.
Stay out of the sun for several days in order to avoid any possible pigment changes.
Ideally, wait three to five days before using hot tubs, saunas, or pools, which may overheat or contaminate your skin.
Do not shave treated areas until totally healed.
Do not wear tight-fitting clothing or panty-hose immediately after treatment on legs or bikini line.