What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, legs, underarms , fingers, toes and more.
Electrolysis has been around for more than 100 years. The first modality was galvanic, which was used to treat an ingrown eyelash. Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal.
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Electrolysis delivers permanent results, but it's important to note that it takes time. Hair grows in different stages: growing, resting and shedding. Because all the hair isn't on the same stage at any given time, multiple sessions will be required to achieve your desired results.
How does electrolysis work?
Your electrologist will insert a filament into each hair follicle needed to be eliminated. Once the hair is treated, your electrologist will use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the hair from its follicle. The hair MUST slide out effortlessly and never be plucked. If forced plucking occurs; the hair was not successfully treated and the hair will regrow. Destroying both the root of the hair as well as all the hair germ cells will guarantee permanent elimination of that hair.
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Is it safe?
Yes. Electrolysis has been in existence for over 100 years and with all the advancements in technique and technology, as long as it is performed by a trained professional, and proper sanitation protocols are followed.
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There are 3 methods of electrolysis:
GALVANIC : This is the original method of electrolysis discovered in 1875. This uses a direct current , which means a direct electric current is passed down a needle into the hair follicle where it creates a chemical reaction. This reaction converts tissue saline into sodium hydroxide, a caustic agent (Lye) which then destroys the hair bulb and hair germ cells.
THERMOLYSIS: This uses a high frequency alternating current that is passed down through the needle to the hair follicle. The high frequency causes vibration in the cells of the hair follicle to produce enough heat to cauterize the hair bulb. It is difficult to destroy all hair germ cells as well as sever the blood supply the first time using this modality requiring you to come back every 4-6 weeks in order to hit the hairs growing in the early Anagen state.
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BLEND: This combines both the galvanic and thermolysis modalities.
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Who is suitable for electrolysis?
Almost anyone wanting to remove unwanted hair is a candidate for electrolysis. Electrolysis is a safe and permanent process of hair removal. However, it is should not be used for patients with pacemakers because it can interrupt the electronics to cause potentially dangerous heart rhythms.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
There's no problem with treating you if you're pregnant or breast feeding, especially since hormonal changes can bring on much unwanted hair growth, but some women feel more sensitive during these times so will depend on your tolerance. If you have any questions on this, please consult your physician. Please note: Only thermolysis can be used while pregnant.
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Electrolysis VS Laser:
Because electrolysis destroys the hair follicle, hair can never grow back. It’s effective for any range of skin and hair colour. While laser hair removal reduces the amount of hair that grows back, it doesn’t end all growth and will require annual treatments. Laser uses heat to destroy cells that have a lot of colour. The light from the laser attaches to pigment in your hair to heat up the follicle. This damages but does not destroy the follicle. Because the light from the laser damages cells that have a lot of colour, it works best for people with light skin and thick, dark hair whereas Electrolysis works on any hair colour and type. In rare instances, laser hair removal may cause thicker, darker hair to grow or regrow in an adjacent area to the one being treated. This condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis. Paradoxical hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the face or body.
Whatever hair that laser is unable to eliminate, Electrolysis can go in behind and permanently remove.
What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?
Unwanted hair growth is primarily caused by three factors:
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1) Normal systemic changes can be caused by puberty, pregnancy, menopause and hysterectomy.
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2) Glandular disturbances originate in the endocrine system which is responsible for our physical development. Certain medication such as steroids, birth
control pills and even pregnancy can distrupt the delicate endocrine balance and produce unwanted hair.
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3) Hereditary hirsutism excessive and abnormal growth of hair, is found in all nationalityes, some more than others. Electrolysis can permanently solve this problem.
How do I remove my hair between appoitments?
Once you begin your treatments with electrolysis, we ask that you either shave or trim your hair in between treatments. If your hair is fine, then a depilatory cream can be used. Please do not tweeze, wax or thread the areas as this can cause hairs to grow in thicker, darker as well as multiply if pulled in hormonal areas. These hairs may become distorted within the hair follicle making it more of a challenge eliminating.
How many treatments will I need?
Electrolysis is typically noticeable within 3 months but can take longer, this will all depend on the amount of hair asking to be eliminated as well as the coarseness and strength of your hair. This will be further discussed during your consultation.
Does it hurt?
For most people, electrolysis is minimally painful and very tolerable . If you find it uncomfortable you may use an anesthetic cream to help numb the area being treated.
What are the possible side effects?
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Inflammation of the hair follicle
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Swelling
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Bruising
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Redness directly after treatment
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Tiny scabs (DO NOT PICK) they will fall off on there own
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Post treatment pigmentation (stay out of the sun and wear SPF)
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Pitting (Rare and typically caused by over treatment)
*In most cases, skin will return back to normal after a period of time
It is VERY important that you find a qualified Electrologist who is part of the Alberta/Canadian Electrolysis Association. This is the only way to make sure they are up to standards, codes and approved in the work they are doing.
In order to completely destroy a hair, you must not only sever the blood supply but also
destroy all of the hair germ cells within each hair follicle.
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• The faster a hair is released, the higher chance of regrowth.
• Electrolysis can be performed on any skin type + hair color.
• There are 500-1000 hairs / square inch of your face.
• Electrolysis is the ONLY FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.
• Tweezing and waxing will remove the hair shaft from the follicle, but will not destroy the life source of the hair.
​• Much of the perceived "re-growth" that occur during treatment is really hair emerging from dormancy.
• Shaving does NOT increase hair growth.
• The better hydrated your skin is the better the treatment will work.
• Ingrown hair occurs when a hair that has been removed starts to grow back and curves into the skin.
• Electrolysis can be done over top of tattoos with no concern.
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We want you to experience the freedom that comes from permanently removing ingrown hair. We are confident it can help you maintain good health and feel more confident about your
appearance.
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For more information about how electrolysis can help remove your ingrown hair, feel free to schedule an initial consultation for first-time electrolysis clients. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you take your first step towards actualizing your beauty goals. We hope our hair removal by electrolysis FAQs were helpful.