what is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal. In fact, it is the only FDA approved hair removal method for unwanted hair. It is a form of electrical epilation where a single-use, disposable probe (needle) is inserted into the hair follicle (a natural opening in the skin). Once the probe is inserted into the follicle a small amount of electrical current is delivered to the root and length of the follicle destroying the hair growth properties.
how does electrolysis work?
There are various modalities or methods used in Electrology. Depending on the technique used, the electrical current destroys the follicle by either chemical action or heat, and in some instances both simultaneously. Galvanic is the original method of electrolysis and is very effective. D.C. (direct current) produces a chemical reaction in the follicle when the DC mixes with the salt water in your skin, creating lye. The lye is what destroys the follicle’s blood supply, dermal papilla, matrix, and hair germ cells, all of which cause hair to grow and regenerate.
Thermolysis uses short wave radio-frequency or AC (alternating current) to destroy the follicle. AC causes the water molecules to vibrate rapidly therefore creating heat. Once enough heat is produced it will damage the follicle.
Blend is a combination of both galvanic and thermolysis. It combines the two modalities into one process. The Blend method uses the heat from thermolysis to speed up the action of the chemical lye created by the galvanic. Incorporating the most effective aspects of galvanic and thermolysis, the blend is is ideal for the any and all unwanted hair.
Thermolysis uses short wave radio-frequency or AC (alternating current) to destroy the follicle. AC causes the water molecules to vibrate rapidly therefore creating heat. Once enough heat is produced it will damage the follicle.
Blend is a combination of both galvanic and thermolysis. It combines the two modalities into one process. The Blend method uses the heat from thermolysis to speed up the action of the chemical lye created by the galvanic. Incorporating the most effective aspects of galvanic and thermolysis, the blend is is ideal for the any and all unwanted hair.
what causes excessive hair growth?
Electrolysis does not treat the cause of unwanted hair, instead it eliminates the effects of the various causes. The two most common causes are hereditary and the aging process. However, glandular disturbances, pregnancy, stress, and certain drugs can also contribute to unwanted hair growth. By the time someone decides to contact an electrologist they are noticing that they are pulling hairs out more and more frequently. Sometimes up to twice a day! A common misconception is that when you pull out a hair, its the same one (or same few) every time. Given that each square inch of skin contains hundreds of follicles and the hair growth cycle is generally between 8-16 weeks, the idea that you are pulling out the same hairs daily is inaccurate. If you let your hair go untouched for 3 months you might be shocked to discover just how much unwanted hair you actually have.
why are multiple appointments necessary?
Electrolysis is a “breaking down” process. With electrolysis we are diminishing your hair with each appointment, it will not miraculously disappear after the first treatment. “Permanent” should not be confused with “immediate”. The complex nature of hair growth cycles, combined with your current method of removing the unwanted hair will determine the number of sessions it will take to reach your personal preference of hair removal. Hairs generally grows in a 8-16 week growth cycle. During the first 16 week period we will initially clear the area. This clearing process will consist of treatments ranging from 15 minutes to one hour depending on the amount of unwanted hair making an appearance. During the second 16 week period we will treat the regrowth of previously treated hairs as well as any hair that was in an unobservable stage of growth. These hairs tend to be much finer and and fewer in numbers then the hairs originally removed during the first period. Therefore appointments will be shorter and farther apart. The third 16 week period is a maintenance program designed to to eliminate the hair problem successfully! Please keep in mind that the electrologist is aiming for a target (bottom of the follicle) that they can not see. Therefore not all insertions will be effective in permanently destroying the follicles regrowth properties. This fact combined with the hair that is not visible due to it’s stage of growth, hopefully helps explain why multiple treatments are necessary even though theoretically one correct insertion with enough current should terminate the follicle’s regeneration capabilities.
is electrolysis painful?
Electrolysis can be uncomfortable, however it should not be so painful that the client can not tolerate the scheduled appointment time. The level of discomfort is entirely unique to the client. Different elements can contribute to the sensation the client feels durning an appointment; their level of tolerance, the machine setting, the modality used, as well as other factors. The client should feel some awareness of the current or heat during the treatment. The feeling has been described as a “slight heat” or “tingling”, to a “stinging” sensation. The electrologist is trained to to work within the clients comfort zone. Settings can be adjusted accordingly, so please do not hesitate to communicate with your technician what you are feeling.
before treatment:
- Avoid exposure to the sun, if possible, in the areas you want treated. If sun exposure is unavoidable then generously apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Refrain from bleaching, plucking, threading, sugaring, or waxing hairs in the desired treatment area for six weeks. Shaving or trimming is ok.
- If you have chronic history of cold sores, you may need an antiviral medication. The medication should be started one day before treatment and continued for one week after treatment.
- Electrolysis can have a negative effect of botox and fillers, therefore an electrolysis treatment should be avoided in the area for 6-8 weeks after receiving either botox or fillers.
- The treatment area needs to have the hair showing to a short stubble or longer.
- Arrive with clean skin. Avoid, lotions, oils, and make-up. Clean skin helps reduce irritation.
- Avoid rushing and caffeine on the day of your appointment.
after treatment:
- Depending on the client skin type, there may be redness and swelling following the treatment. Please do NOT be alarmed. It is temporary and will abate after 30 -60 minutes.
- Do not touch, pinch, rub, scratch, or squeeze the treated area.
- You may apply an ice pack to help the affected area.
- Keep the area clean and free of make-up, oils, or lotions. You may resume your normal skin care and make-up routine after 24-48 hours.
- You can and should use light antiseptics such as Sea Breeze, Cool Breeze, Bactine, or Witch Hazel to cleanse the area 3-4 times a day for up to 3 days. You can also use Aloe Vera and Aquaphor Healing ointment to help sooth and heal the skin.
- Avoid the sun for 24 hours and use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater once sun exposure resumes.
- If any small scabs should appear do not scrub or remove them. They must heal throughly with out disruption.
- If pustules appear, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide skin antiseptic to the affected area 3x during the first 24 hours. If folliculitis occurs, use a warm water and epsom salt compress to help relieve discomfort and extract inflammation.
- Avoid working out for 24 hours
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and swimming pools for 2-4 days following treatment.