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What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal. An electrologist will insert a thin probe into a pore and deliver a small amount of electricity in order to kill the hair follicle and prevent future hair growth. Electrolysis has been safely used for over 150 years and is the ONLY permanent method of hair removal approved by the FDA; laser hair removal will only reduce the number of hairs, it cannot permanently remove everything. Electrolysis can be used on ANY area of the body and type of hair or skin.
What causes unwanted hair growth?
Many factors contribute to unwanted hair growth and in combination can pose a problem. Contributing factors are heredity, hormonal imbalance, stress, normal life changes (i.e. puberty, pregnancy, menopause), other temporary methods of hair removal (ie. tweezing, waxing), underlying medical conditions and some medications, including birth control pills.
How many treatments are necessary?
An electrolysis treatment program must be tailored to meet individual's needs. Most clients find weekly sessions in the beginning most effective. Each session treats the visible hairs, as new hairs emerge from below the skin's surface with each week. The life of the hair follicle from germinative cell to mature follicle is months long. This cycling continues throughout the year, with varying spurts. The closer a client gets to completion, the shorter the appointments and the further apart they are spaced. It is impossible to give an exact time schedule, because rate and texture of hair growth, habits of previous temporary hair removal (ie. waxing, tweezing), hormones, stress and medications vary from person to person. The success of treatment is a matter of your personal commitment and health.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Whether electrolysis hurts or not will depend on your unique level of pain tolerance and the area of the body being treated. Some people find electrolysis painless while others feel it is a somewhat uncomfortable procedure. If you find electrolysis uncomfortable, you can choose to have your skin numbed with a topical analgesic cream.
Is electrolysis safe?
Electrolysis is a very safe procedure. Universal precautions are strictly followed. This includes hand washing, the use of gloves, pre-sterilized disposable probes, germicidal disinfectants, and dry heat sterilization for instruments. Prior to treatment the skin is cleansed with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Electrolysis has been safe and effective for 150 years. Alternatively, the long term safety of laser hair removal has not been established as it is relatively new.
Is electrolysis permanent?
According to the FDA and AMA electrolysis is the ONLY method of permanent hair removal and has been effectively used for 150 years.
What areas of my body can I do electrolysis on?
You can do electrolysis on any area of the body that has unwanted hair. The most popular areas for women include the chin, jawline, upper lip, throat, sides of face, eyebrows, chest, abdomen, breasts, bikini line, underarms, hairline, fingers, toes, legs and arms. The most popular areas for men include the back, shoulders, ears, brows, neckline, beard, cheeks and hands.
Does my electrologist need to be licensed?
Yes! States vary in the number of hours required for licensure. For example, in the state of Massachusetts, electrologists need a minimum of 1100 hours of training. A badly trained electrologist can scar or damage your skin, so be cautious when choosing your Electrologist.
What about laser hair removal?
Laser is a method of hair removal that uses a beam of light to damage the hair follicle and reduce hair growth. The laser is able to zone in on the unwanted hair by targeting melanin (the pigment that gives our skin and hair color) in the hair. The laser then causes localized damage to the follicle by selectively heating the targeted area. Lasers have a hard time targeting hair that has less melanin in it (such as white or blonde hair) and distinguishing hair from skin if the skin has extra melanin in it (for example, African American skin), and thus, laser will not work on all hair or skin types. Also, laser hair removal is considered permanent hair REDUCTION by the FDA. Laser just reduces the number of hairs; only electrolysis can guarantee permanent hair REMOVAL.