Electrolysis FAQs

You do not feel the insertion of the probe. The sensation of the current is a slight heat or feels like a little pinch. Every person has a different sensation for the treatment. Certain areas of the body are more sensitive to the treatment than others. Most of our clients experience minimal discomfort. If a client is treated near or during their period they may experience more sensitivity. A form of topical anesthetic can be used to minimize the discomfort. It is applied 30 minutes before the procedure and may be purchased in our office.

All hair bearing areas of the face and body, except inside the ears and nostrils. Popular treatment areas include hairline, eyebrows, upper lip, cheeks, chin, neck, back, underarms, chest, breasts, arms, abdomen, bikini, thighs, legs, feet, and toes.

Electrolysis requires a series of treatments. To see the improvement you must commit yourself to regular visits for a period of about six months up to two years, or even more, depending on the following factors:

•  Hair
  • - The amount of hair to be treated
  • - The quality of the hair
  • - The depth of the hair
  • - The hair cycle
•  Skin
  • - Moisture and texture
  • - Reaction to the treatments
• Tolerance
• Frequency of treatment

The length of each appointment depends on the amount of hair you want to remove and whether you have had previous electrolysis treatments. Usually, treatments start off minimally with 15 minutes, but, depending on previous hair removal methods and the desired treatment area, may last up to one hour or more. Initially, the Electrologist will schedule a consultation where a thorough health history assessment will be conducted to fully understand any issues that may or may not exist. Then, after fully explaining Electrolysis, and tailoring a treatment plan according to your previous hair removal methods and the goals you have set for yourself, a treatment may actually take place at that point.
 

It must be stressed that commitment and consistency are key elements to the success of the recommended treatment plan and is the utmost requirement in my practice. If a client continually pushes back appointments, it would only be a waste of time to continue potentially ineffective treatments.
 

The word “permanent” should not be confused with “immediate”. For permanent removal of active hair follicles, a series of treatments is required over a period of time. It is important that the treatments are done on a regular basis so that the cells never have the chance to regain their strength. Weekly or bi-weekly sessions are the most effective, determined by area size and the number of hairs. For the most effective treatment, you should adhere to your recommended schedule. Clients will notice their hairs becoming finer, lighter in color, and taking longer to re-grow – visits becoming shorter in duration and spaced further apart.

Most of the time, the biggest expense for electrolysis is in the first 2-3 months. The cost of each session is based on 15-minute increments. When considering the cost, take into consideration the cost in dollars and the time you spend on temporary methods, which will continue forever. The cost of razors, waxes, and creams can add up over a lifetime. Much of your time is also spent tediously tending to the problem of removing unwanted hair. Electrolysis is by far the most cost-effective solution that will pay off in the long run by saving money and time. Electrolysis is an investment in yourself, that will continue to yield life-long benefits and satisfaction. Make a commitment to yourself for yourself!

There are no permanent side effects related to electrolysis treatments. Depending on skin type sensitivity, some clients may experience some redness, slight swelling, and mild tenderness immediately following treatment which typically resolves itself within an hour or two of treatment. Antibiotic creams, calamine lotion, Vitamin E, and aloe help heal the skin quicker. Staying out of the sun and using sunblock is recommended for a few days. Keeping the skin clean and hands-off is helpful as are avoiding moisturizers and any exfoliating creams. Post-treatment care will be discussed with you by your Electrologist during the consultation. We are also available for questions post-treatment, just give us a call or send us an email.

Electrolysis is safe and the only permanent hair removal process that can be applied to anyone, regardless of age, skin type, or hair type (unlike Laser)! It works on blond, red, gray, or light-colored, or light-textured hair. Dark Skin – Electrolysis works on all skin types, including people with dark skin.

Mature Skin – Unwanted hair on the body or face does not necessarily indicate a hormonal imbalance. Prevalent in a large number of perfectly normal women, especially as they get older, excessive facial or body hair is frequently an inherited characteristic common to either specific families or races. Most can trace the beginnings to the onset of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

Teens – Teens are particularly prone to develop hair where it’s unwanted during the glandular changes connected with the onset of puberty. If you are developing superfluous hair or are a concerned parent, contact us today! If under 18, need parental approval to receive treatment.

There are two exceptions, however, where electrolysis cannot be performed:

• Those who wear pacemakers
• Contagious skin conditions

Electrolysis can be performed during pregnancy, but we suggest that you seek the advice of your physician during the last 3 months.

State licensing laws and/or some general liability insurance policies may prohibit the removal of hair from moles. In cases where neither of the above restrictions exists, your electrologist may require written approval from your physician.

Although there are many reasons to choose electrolysis over other temporary methods such as tweezing, shaving, or waxing, there is one reason which stands above all the others, it is permanence.

Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal, per the FDA. Temporary methods such as waxing, tweezing, threading, etc. will create ingrown hairs and hair will grow back heavier, coarser and the initial area will expand as the hair is being pulled from the hair follicle.

The germinating cells creating each hair are located at the base of the follicle. Those temporary methods pull the hair out but do not harm or kill the cells creating the hair. In fact, usually, the hair follicle will start to twist the bottom of the root so as to anchor the hair from being pulled out. This creates a “distorted” hair follicle and instead of the hair going into the skin straight, it becomes curved like a “J” or “S.” It will also go down deeper into the skin and become tougher. This is evident by ingrown hairs or bumps as the hair under the skin tries to get out. Electrolysis can eliminate these hairs and, most times, the skin returns to a healthier look without all the irritation from the temporary methods. Other temporary methods such as depilatories and bleaching creams often irritate the skin from their chemical compounds as does shaving.

Temporary methods also require frequent, time-consuming maintenance. Skin irritations, ingrown hairs, discoloration, and scarring may result. These methods may contribute to an increase in hair growth activity. By using the electrolysis method, you will see that unwanted hair will be removed safely, and permanently. If you feel that unwanted hair is in any way a nuisance or an embarrassment, then electrolysis is definitely for you!

Do not pluck, shave, or wax! These methods can irritate the skin and may cause ingrown hairs, which can be painful and as unsightly as the hair itself. You will still be left with the hairs that you want to be rid of. Temporary methods can oftentimes exacerbate the problem, and compound the hair growth.

After initial treatment, there may be some hair remaining that was not removed, either due to the time constraints or because some hairs were not out at that time. Just trim the hair with a pair of small scissors, making sure to allow enough time for the hair to grow a bit prior to your next appointment. What is not seen, cannot be treated. Bleaching is fine as long as you bleach the hair a week before the appointment.

After wondering how electrolysis works, most people want to know the causes. There are various causes for each individual and they include: heredity, glandular or hormonal imbalances which include pregnancy, medication reaction, certain medical conditions, stress and emotional state, high or low weight and then the temporary method being used will create more hair and also make the area expand from the hair problem you first started with. It is important to note that once a light, fine hair changes to a dark, terminal hair, the color and texture will remain in that condition even after the cause has been diagnosed and corrected. Only Electrolysis can kill that unwanted hair.

Some people also desire electrolysis for purely cosmetic reasons, such as changing their hairline or shaping the eyebrows, being rid of underarm hair, or leg hair.

We have licensed electrologists who specialize in successfully treating clients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and endocrine disorders that cause unwanted hair problems. We want all women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other endocrine disorders to be aware that their unwanted hair problems are easily treatable and not hopeless. We work closely with local physicians to help you attain complete permanent hair removal, emotional well-being, and self-esteem. Many PCOS clients through doctor’s referrals have attained tremendous results and personal satisfaction.

It is a genetic hormonal disorder. PCOS symptoms occur because of the body’s inability to process insulin correctly, creating an excess of insulin and glucose in the body. This results in an imbalance with other hormones so the body produces more male hormones, preventing ovulation. The most common symptom of PCOS is excess facial and/or body hair growth.

PCOS has four main features:

• Skin and hair changes related to testosterone ( oily skin, acne, loss of scalp hair )
• Irregular periods, and sometimes, difficulty becoming pregnant
• Problems with weight
• Metabolic abnormalities, principally high insulin levels

PCOS affects each woman differently, so someone with PCOS may or may not have all of the symptoms listed. One of the useful resources is the website www.pcosupport.org where you can get more information or take a quiz to determine if you have PCOS.