What is Electrolysis?

Interested in electrolysis but still want to learn more? Read below where I go into more detail on what makes electrolysis different from other hair removal methods, what treatment will look like, what we will cover in your first consultation, how to prep for your sessions and what aftercare will look like.

Electrolysis vs. Other Methods

You may already know that electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method but what you might not know is that it is the ONLY permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA. You may have also heard that laser is a hair removal method, but in reality it can only be qualified as a permanent hair reduction method, as there is no evidence of full hair destruction, only partial damage. A laser hair removal client can anticipate it growing back anywhere from a few to several years later as the body can still repair these follicles. Laser hair removal also is only greatly effective for a select group of people, those with pale skin and dark hair. Unlike laser hair removal electrolysis doesn't discriminate, no matter the color/texture of your skin or hair, any type of hair can be removed using this technique. This is because electrologists aren't reliant on lasers that have a difficult time distinguishing dark hairs on darker skin tones. Instead the electrologist can manually go into each follicle and target the root of the hair, the source of regrowth.

Treatment

To treat hairs electrologists use a thin, sterile probe to enter the hair follicle to deliver a small amount of electrical current to the base of the hair follicle in order to target the papilla (where the hair receives nutrients from the body) as well as the bulge (where germinative stem cells are produced). After the current is delivered you may feel a small amount of heat and a light pinching sensation as the germinal zone is destroyed. The probe is then removed from the hair follicle and the hair will be gently pulled from the follicle via tweezers. The hair should slide out and you should not feel any resistance as it is removed.

Consultation Overview

During your first consultation I will cover a few different subjects in relation to electrolysis. These are:

The anatomy and growth of the hair
A simple breakdown of the electrolysis process
Client expectations and session frequency
A discussion on previously used hair removal methods
Pre/post session care
A brief look at contraindications and your health assessment
A skin and hair exam to determine the best course of treatment

Following the skin and hair exam I will remove a few hairs and if you are interested we can set up a future appointment for a full session as well as a check-in on your skins reaction to treatment.

Pre-Treatment Care

Before arriving for treatment be sure to:

Exfoliate and moisturize the area being treated.
Avoid caffeine, as it can increase your sensitivity to the treatment.
Avoid shaving the area being treated 72 hours before your next session, as the hair needs to be visible outside of the skin in order to be removed properly.
Avoid applying make up or deodorant to the area being treated as the probes can sometimes push debris into the hair follicles, causing acne to form.

Post-Treatment Care

After a session of electrolysis I recommend following these basic DOs and DON'Ts:

DO apply a cold pack to the treated area, if necessary.
DO apply a topical antiseptic 2-3 times a day today and tomorrow.
DO cleanse your skin GENTLY with a mild soap or cleanser.
DON'T make any unnecessary contact (rubbing, scratching, squeezing) with the treated area 24 - 48 hours after treatment.
DON'T use any make-up, deodorant or creams to the treated area until 24 hours after treatment. If make-up cannot be avoided, use oil-free products to keep the area safe from bacterial contamination.
DON'T tweeze, pluck or wax visible hairs. Hairs need to be intact and visible to be treated in later sessions.
DON'T sunbathe or tan for the next 48 hours unless the treated area is properly covered.

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