Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions about electrolysis so wanted to answer some of them for you here. If you have more questions, contact us.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis offers permanent hair removal suitable for all individuals, regardless of their skin tone or hair type. It is a safe and effective method for removing all types of hair from various skin tones. Unlike other hair removal techniques, electrolysis provides universal acceptance and enduring success. Electrolysis stands out as the sole permanent alternative, eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance.
By permanently targeting and destroying the hair follicle's growth cells, electrolysis ensures that treated hairs do not regrow. Unlike temporary methods that merely address visible or emerging hair, electrolysis offers unparalleled permanence.
During electrolysis treatment, a skilled electrologist delicately inserts an ultra-fine needle, typically thinner than the hair being treated, into the natural opening of the hair follicle alongside the hair shaft. A minute amount of electrical current is then applied to eradicate the hair growth cells.
Following a personalized consultation, your electrologist will develop a tailored treatment plan to fulfill your specific hair removal requirements.
What are the modalities or types of electrolysis?
Contemporary electrolysis devices employ chemical energy, heat energy, or a combination of both to eliminate hair growth cells. The chosen method, known as the modality, is selected by the electrologist. Each modality is effective and yields permanent results. Currently, three modalities are in use:
Galvanic Electrolysis
This method utilizes a current to induce a chemical reaction within the hair follicle, thereby eradicating the hair growth cells.
Thermolysis (Short-Wave)
This technique involves heating and eliminating the hair growth cells within the follicle. It allows for flexibility in treatment by either applying a higher intensity current for a shorter duration or using a lower intensity current for a longer period in the follicle.
Blend
The Blend method combines galvanic current with thermolysis current. By integrating thermolysis, the follicular chemical reaction is intensified, leading to the destruction of hair growth cells.
Throughout the treatment, you may experience a brief sensation of heat or a slight pinch, but you shouldn't perceive the insertion of the probe into the hair follicle, nor should it feel like the hair is being pulled out during removal; typically, the hair will easily slide out of the follicle when properly treated. Discomfort is generally minimal, though individual pain thresholds vary widely. It's worth noting that certain areas of the body are less sensitive than others. Many individuals find they can comfortably read, listen to music, or even doze off during their sessions.
How long do electrolysis appointments take?
Individual Treatments
The duration of a treatment session can vary based on the size of the area to be treated. Follow-up appointments may last just a few minutes, while larger areas might require more time.
Overall Treatment
Typically, individuals who adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen can anticipate completion or significant progress within 18 months. Depending on hair thickness and location it may take less or more time.
Various factors contribute to the customization of each individual's treatment program, including hair growth cycles, the density and characteristics of hair, prior use of temporary hair removal methods, genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, medication usage, and levels of stress.
Are all hairs eliminated in a single treatment or is regrowth expected?
Unwanted hair can vary from fine, vellus strands to thicker, darker hair on various areas of the face and body. Coarser hairs may necessitate multiple treatments to effectively target and disrupt the growth cells. Following a consultation, your electrologist will craft a tailored treatment plan designed to address your specific hair removal needs.
How do I plan for facial surgeries?
Planning for any surgeries that you may have during your electrolysis treatment is very important. Sometimes surgeons will ask that you give your body time before and after surgery to heal and rest before resuming electrolysis treatments. If you’re planning to have major facial bone reconstruction you might want to consider putting off the surgery until the electrolysis treatments are not as aggressive. Once we can clear your face and it stays clear for longer periods of time between treatments you may be happier with your time healing and without treatments. After bone surgery the area that was worked on is very sensitive to pressure and just holding the skin taut for insertion is uncomfortable let alone the treatment itself. If you are counting on electrolysis to keep your skin hair free, sometimes taking the required 3-6weeks to heal from surgery can put a crimp in your hair-free dreams!
Here is what I suggest for my clients: Talk to your surgeon. How long after surgery do they want to to wait before resuming electrolysis? If we know this and have a treatment plan in place we can time your treatments to give you the maximum amount of hair removal as late and as soon as you will be ready to start again. One mistake that clients can make is planning a treatment too soon after surgery – this can be hard on you, and I suggest consulting your surgeon and waiting until they advise you to resume treatment and you feel up to it before resuming treatment. Rushing your recovery can make you take longer to recover. Some surgeries like major facial feminization surgery can take up to 3months to recover from so planning will really help keep your treatments as comfortable as possible.
How do I plan for genital reconstruction surgeries?
For M2F gender clients, one of the biggest concerns is genital reassignment surgery. If you have selected a surgeon to use, consulting with them in regards to genital electrolysis is very important. In my experience, each doctor is different in what they want you to do, or in some cases what they *do not* want you to do. If you can consult your surgeon before we map out a treatment plan that is very helpful for me to know. A good rule of thumb is to plan as far in advance for this sensitive area since it can take time to clear it completely so that you don't have hair growing anywhere you don't want it!
What is suggested after-care for electrolysis?
After treatment, you may notice minor redness or sensitivity, typically resolving within a few hours. Electrolysis administered by a proficient practitioner carries minimal risk of complications or significant skin irritation.
In the initial 24 hours post-treatment, it's advisable to refrain from activities that may aggravate hair follicles, such as intense sweating, sun exposure, prolonged tanning, or applying makeup.
Does electrolysis hurt? I've heard it's excruciating!!!
There are varying degrees of sensation associated with electrolysis. As it is for how it feels – it's different for each person. Many people have said that tweezing hurts more than electrolysis. Some people can tolerate 2+ hours of treatment on the face, others have to call it quits after 15 minutes. My advice is to set up an appointment for a consultation. During this consultation we talk about what you are looking to do and I perform a mini-treatment to help give you an idea of the sensation.
Many times – especially in the last few years people are surprised that it isn't nearly as painful as they imagined! I get the comment a lot "that's it? That doesn't hurt that bad at ALL!"
What type of clients do you work with? Do you treat just gender clients?
We work on anyone who has unwanted hair – women, men, transgender clients, it's all the same to me. If you have unwanted hair - IZAPEM! :)
Which area I treat first and why?
When I begin treatment - the pattern I like to follow is: the upper lip first then lower to the chin followed by the cheeks and finally the neck.I like to do the muzzle area first for many reasons.
First, because it’s the most dense area and when it comes to how people see you, it's your face that gives people their first impression. If you have unwanted hair on your face, you are more self-conscious about it and won't feel as comfortable. Also the lips are the most sensitive and usually the client has more tolerance in the beginning of treatment so I like to get the most sensitive areas taken care of first. And later on if they need to take a break from electrolysis at least the muzzle area is thinned out.
But of course if the client wants a specific area done first I do what they want.
Why should I choose electrology over other hair removal methods?
If you want permanent hair removal, electrology is the only way to achieve this goal.
Why should I choose electrolysis over other temporary methods like laser and waxing?
Unlike other hair removal options, professionally performed Electrolysis eliminates unwanted hair, permanently, with unsurpassed results. Moreover, it does so for the largest variety of skin and hair types.
Laser promoters compare laser to electrolysis although laser assisted hair removal is considered a temporary method. It has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient’s skin and health.
Waxing, Threading and Tweezing are alike. However, ingrown hairs and discoloration may result. Additionally, they may cause an increase in hair growth activity. Depilatories and Shaving can cause an irritation to the skin while the hair re-grows quickly. These methods can require a lifetime of maintenance. Many can appear inexpensive but cost more due to long term use and are found to be inconvenient.
Electrolysis works on most areas of the body to give you smooth, sleek healthy looking skin. No other solution claims such universal acceptability and success.
Do electrologists follow appropriate Infection Control?
The American Electrology Association has written Standards for Infection Control following the most recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments necessary varies with each client. Treatment sessions can range from 15 minutes to more than an hour depending on the area being treated.
Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, certain medication and stress influence the treatment program for each individual. Electrolysis is effective on all skin and hair types. No other hair removal solution can claim such universal acceptability and success. It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan to achieve optimum results.
Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected?
Excessive hair growth, known as hirsutism can range from fine, vellus hair to dark, coarse hair on the face and body. Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair growth cells may require addition treatments. Based on a personal and confidential consultation, your Electrologist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs.
What is the normal growth cycle of a hair?
Hairs have differing cycles of growth, many of which are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. The follicle produces the hair from the blood supply, and discards it eventually through shedding. The process of growth, rest and replacement are known as the hair growth cycle. The sequence of events is repeated constantly until a hair ceases to be formed.
What does electrolysis feel like?
Most clients find electrolysis to be a comfortable experience. With continually advancing technology, equipment and treatment protocols, Electrolysis is more comfortable and effect than ever before. Electrolysis can help you transform your image through smooth hair free skin.
Does electrolysis have any side effects on the skin?
Immediately following treatment, there may be slight redness, which varies with each individual. The latest technology has made Electrolysis more comfortable and effective then ever before. Your Electrologist will provide you with post treatment instructions and the personal attention you need. You are assured of the best care from a skilled hair removal professional.
Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?
Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types. It can be applied to most facial and body parts, including: Eyebrows, Chin, Upper & Lower Lip, Jaw line & sides of the face, Breast & Underarms, Abdomen, Bikini line, Legs and Back. Based on a personal and confidential consultation, your electrologist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs. There is no better solution than Electrolysis, a treatment that’s as individual as you are.
Can women begin or have electrolysis treatments during pregnancy?
Unwanted hair can be caused by hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy. Electrolysis can be performed on any normal skin. This includes pregnant women. We suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment and I only use thermolysis on pregnant women and only doctor approval. Pregnant women should never get galvantic treatments. Electrolysis can enhance your natural beauty with smooth, hair-free and healthy-looking skin for a glowing look that’s uniquely you!
Can hairs be removed from moles?
Electrolysis can be performed in most moles where States allow it. Your Electrologist may require written approval from your physician.
How should I choose an electrologist?
The American Electrology Association has established specific standards for the profession including a national board certification credential, Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE). This designation indicates that the electrologist has successfully passed comprehensive national testing. Once awarded the CPE Credential, the electrologist must fulfill continuing education requirements and/or be re-tested in order to maintain the prestigious CPE status.
Membership in the American Electrology Association indicates the electrologist is keeping current with their field.
Many people find an electrologist through their local Yellow Pages and the Internet which contain valuable information regarding professional credentials. Sometimes, family and friends can make excellent recommendations. Also, one can ask a physician, who is familiar with electrolysis, for a referral.
Have unwanted hair? Let us zap em!
