Frequently Asked Questions
What is Electrolysis and how Does It Work?
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal procedure developed in 1875 by American ophthalmologist Dr. Charles E. Michel. To this day, it is still the only medically proven and FDA approved permanent method of hair removal. Trained professional Electrologists permanently eliminate the growth cells of unwanted hair by inserting a very fine disposable filament or needle into the natural opening of the hair follicle, and apply a slight amount of electric current to destroy the hair root. Repeated Electrolysis sessions will end any further hair growth in that follicle.
What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?
Unwanted facial and body hair can appear for different reasons. Often, it is due to hereditary reasons. Other times, it is due to glandular changes, menopause and hormonal changes, medications, pregnancy, puberty or normal ageing. Excessive waxing, tweezing, depilatory creams and other temporary methods of hair removal can also change light vellus (fine) hair into dark terminal stage hair.
What Does a Treatment Feel Like? Is it painful?
Electrolysis may feel uncomfortable, but this depends on each person’s sensitivity. Also, some skin areas are more sensitive than others. As with any hair removal method, this discomfort is normal, and will reduce with time and after-treatment skin care.
What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated?
Common areas are the upper and lower lip, eyebrows, side of face, chin, jawline, hairline, neck, nose and ears, bikini line, legs and other areas. Your particular concerns can be discussed with your professional electrologist during your consultation.
Is Electrolysis Safe?
Yes! When performed by a trained and certified professional, electrolysis is completely safe. In fact, it is even a solution recommended by medical professionals, so electrologists often receive referrals from doctors. Proper sterilization procedures of equipment and one-use, pre-sterilized needles are essential and should be highlighted prior to treatment during your personal consultation.
Are There Any Side Effects After Treatment?
Very few side effects will occur from electrolysis. A slight swelling or redness in the treatment area is normal and should clear within a few minutes to a few hours. Occasionally, a slight scabbing may appear two to four days after treatment but it will disappear upon healing.
Applying antibacterial cream to the treated area will help the healing process.
What Is the Cost?
The cost will vary depending on the amount of hair being removed. However, the total cost may be less than the continuing cost of temporary methods.
How many treatments and how long does it take?
The number of treatments depends on several factors. The type of hair, amount of hair, and the reasons why it is growing to name a few. The more hair you have the longer and more frequent the treatments are. For electrolysis to be effective, it is important that multiple consistent treatments take place, regardless of the amount of hair. Desired clearing of an area can take on the average 2– 3 years or less or longer. Keep in mind hair grows in cycles and everyone is different. An assessment is needed to personalize your treatment plan based on your specific hair concerns.
Does it remove ingrown hairs?
Yes! Electrolysis does have the advantage of treating and eliminating ingrown hairs, allowing the skin to return to a healthier condition as it is freed from the irritation caused by ingrown hair. It is effective against ingrown hairs for everyone, regardless of skin and hair types and colours.
How long should the hair be for electrolysis?
If the hair is shaved close to the skin or not visible, it cannot be treated. Allow hair to grow for approximately 2-3 days leading up to your scheduled electrolysis treatment or assessment. It’s ok to shave in between electrolysis sessions, but you must stop tweezing completely!
Does it hurt?
The client should not be able to feel the hair being removed after it’s been treated. A properly treated hair will slide out from the follicle with ease and minimum sensation. However, everyone is different, some people report they feel a temporary heat sensation, others feel a prickling sensation. The level of discomfort is dependent upon the area being treated and how a person may feel physically and mentally on treatment day.
How much does it cost?
The cost will vary depending on the amount of hair you have. The total cost may be less than the continuing cost of temporary methods. Again, this will depend on the type of hair, the amount of hair you wish to have removed.