Answering Your Questions About Electrolysis Permanent Hair Removal
What is Electrolysis Hair Removal
People have been removing hair from their bodies for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. Records date back to ancient times, documenting people removing hair through various methods, including shaving and plucking for beauty and aesthetic purposes. Electrolysis or sometimes referred to as electro epilation was invented over 100 years ago. Today it is becoming trendy again for removing body hair permanently. The FDA recognizes electrolysis as the ONLY PERMANENT hair removal modality.
The Various Techniques Used for Hair Removal
People have been removing body hair through various techniques, including tweezing, plucking, shaving, waxing, sugaring, depilatory creams, lasers and IPL. The earlier methods provide temporary effects and need to be performed regularly to keep the area clear of hair. Modern techniques, including Lasers and IPL, provide good hair reduction results but must also be followed up regularly to treat hair regrowth. Electrolysis is the only way to remove hair permanently.
How Does Electrolysis Work
There are three methods of electrolysis:
Galvanic
Thermolysis
Blend method
Electrolysis is performed when a fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle, sliding in next to the hair. The needle is inserted into the opening of the hair follicle and does not pierce the skin. When the galvanic function is selected, a mild direct electrical current is applied. It creates a chemical reaction within the follicle, destroying the blood supply to the hair. Each follicle needs to be treated with the current for about 30 seconds. This method is very effective; however, it can be a lengthy process treating only a small section at a time.
Thermolysis involves the insertion of the fine needle into the hair follicle and applying a high-frequency current which creates heat, destroying the blood supply to the hair. This method is much faster and takes only 1- 2 seconds to treat each hair so larger areas can be treated at each sitting.
The blend method is a combination of electrolysis and thermolysis. It can be very effective with a shorter time than electrolysis on its own.
Everyone has different skin and hair. The Electrologist will assess the hair patterns, structure and growth and decide which treatments options are the best for the individual.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Electrolysis
Pretty much any part of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including hair on arms, legs, bikini area, underarms, face and back. It is most useful for facial areas that are difficult to treat with waxing, laser or IPL. People with dark skin, blonde hair, red hair, grey or white hair cannot be treated with laser or IPL, so electrolysis is an excellent alternative.
Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Hurt?
Like with most methods of hair removal, there is some discomfort. Depending on individual pain tolerance and areas treated, mild discomfort can feel a stronger sensation that feels like a pinch. Thermolysis is the fastest method of treating more hair at each sitting and helping to minimize the discomfort.
How Many Sessions and How Often Will You Need Electrolysis?
Depending on the method used, each hair follicle will need to be treated once, sometimes a second time. The technician can treat only follicles with actively growing hair. Hair goes through various growth cycles, which can last three months. The thickness of the hair, the location, the type of hair, the density of growth and other factors and variables will need to be considered for how many sessions an individual may need.
The frequency of sessions will also vary on individual requirements. The treatment frequency can be every week if we treat more extensive areas with many hairs in the active growth stage. Smaller sites with fewer hairs will require less frequent treatments.
People have been removing hair from their bodies for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. Records date back to ancient times, documenting people removing hair through various methods, including shaving and plucking for beauty and aesthetic purposes. Electrolysis or sometimes referred to as electro epilation was invented over 100 years ago. Today it is becoming trendy again for removing body hair permanently. The FDA recognizes electrolysis as the ONLY PERMANENT hair removal modality.
BEFORE TREATMENT
DO
Hydrate + Moisturize
Drink a lot of water during the entire course of your treatment sessions and keep the treatment area well moisturized for the best hair removal results.
Try avoiding chocolate, caffeine and alcohol 24-hrs before treatment to promote further hydration.
Be Honest
Always tell your electrologist the truth and disclose all health conditions when completing the forms provided.
DON’T
Use Serious Retinoids
Stop using retinoids at least 1-week before treatment.
Bleach Hair
Never bleach hair right before an appointment. If you bleach in between appointments, allow enough time for your hair to grow back in so your electrologist can see your roots {approx 1/16” to 1/8”}. The more complicated the hair is to see, the harder it is to remove.
Expose Yourself to Sun
Stay out of the sun for at least 48-hrs before electrolysis treatment to avoid dilation of the blood vessels.
Managing Pain & Discomfort
Apply a numbing cream as directed on the label before arriving at your appointment.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol & chocolate 24-hrs prior.
Avoid treatment during menstruation because some women find they are more sensitive during this time.
If you think electrolysis is for you and would like more information, please book a consultation with me. Please send me an email at lilisestheticstudio@gmail.com, call or text +1 613-331-4430.
AFTER TREATMENT
DO
Soothe + Sterilize - Use witch hazel, diluted tea tree oil, or aloe vera to soothe & sterilize the area. Apply a cold-water compress if necessary.
Reduce Inflammation - Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling.
Sun + Swim - Stay out of the sun for 72-hours to avoid pigment spots. If you are in the sun, be sure to apply Sunscreen with a minimum of 30-SPF.
DON’T
Increase Risk of Infection - Avoid rubbing, scratching, and over-touching the treated area within the first 24-hours post-treatment.
Alcohol-Based Products - Avoid greasy and perfumed or alcohol base products immediately following treatment. It can irritate the treated area because the pores are open.
Remove Scabs - It’s normal for scabs to form after electrolysis, so it’s essential never to pick them. Removing a scab prematurely can cause scars and increase the chances of infection.
Sweat Excessively - Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating. avoid sitting in a sauna, immediately after treatment can trigger a build-up of bacteria and cause infection.
If you think electrolysis is for you and would like more information, please book a consultation with me.
Please send me an email at lilisestheticstudio@gmail.com, call or text +1 613-331-4430.