Electrolysis - How Does It Work?

Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal recognized as permanent by the FDA. It is considered as such because it destroys the hair follicle and works from the inside whereas all temporary methods of hair removal including laser work from the outside. Electrolysis is more versatile and typically causes fewer adverse reactions.   

Ethnicity, heredity, normal biological changes, endocrine dysfunctions (i.e. PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in women), medications, temporary methods of removal, stress, and excess weight.

The cause of hair growth has a direct effect on the results the individual can expect to achieve. 

Electrolysis is a commitment you make to yourself for yourself. It requires a series of appointments over a period of time. Multiple treatments are required as we have to work with your hair growth cycle periods and other factors. Most clients see a difference after a few treatments. The overall length of time depends on each individual according to frequency of treatments, tolerance of settings, genetic factors, length of time for each individual treatment, hormonal factors (pregnancy, menopause, PCOS, stress) and medications being taken.  

An example of how fast typically treated areas can achieve an initial clearing:

• Eyebrows: 2 to 5 hours
• Upper Lip: 1 to 3 hours
• Sideburns: 1 to 4 hours
• Chin: 1 to 5 hours
• Underarms: 6 to 10 hours
• Bikini Lines: 3 to 8 hours

Considerations in determining how many treatments are needed:

• Cause of hair growth
• Location, volume & texture of hair
• Age of client
• Temporary methods utilized
• Skin reaction

One of the most important elements in achieving successful destruction of the hair follicle is the continuity of treatments. Permanent results are achieved by faithful participation of each client in a planned program that has been tailored to their individual needs.

It is effective for all skin colors and all hair colors. Any texture of hair can be treated, including very fine hair and heavy, coarse hairs. Men, women, teens can all benefit from treatment.

Clients under the age of 18 require the consent of an adult.

Most areas of the body are treatable on both women and men. The most common areas for women tend to be, eyebrows, upper lip. chin, sideburns, neck, cheeks, chest, areolas, abdomen, bikini line, lower back, legs, toes, feet, hairline, hands, arms, and underarms. 

For men, the nape, hairline, areolas, chest, back, beard (low grade folliculitis), glabella (uni-brow), neck, ears, nose, shoulders, arms, hands. 

Tweezing, waxing/sugaring, mechanical plucking, bleaching, shaving, depilatories, electronic tweezers and laser can cause the following problems:

• frustration as they are never ending.
• can at times stimulate growth and aggravate the problem.
• can cause ingrown and infected hairs.
• can be irritating to the skin.

Because the upper 1/2 of the follicle is left untreated, the chance of scarring is eliminated. The bulk of the hair follicle destruction is accomplished in the lower 2/3rds of the follicle.

Utilizing an electrified wire to remove ingrown eyelashes in 1875, Dr. Charles E. Michel (an Opthalmologist) established the process of electrolysis for permanent hair removal.

Thermolysis - alternating (oscillating) current uses heat to treat the hair follicle.

Galvanic - direct current causes chemical treatment of follicle cells.

Blend - combination of heat and chemical treatment of hair.

• Fluid retention
• Sodium
• Premenstrual Syndrom
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Exposure to sun
• Stimulants (coffee, tea, cola, diet pills)
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Inability to relax