FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE DIFFERENT METHODS OF ELECTROLYSIS?
Yes. There are three different methods.
The first (and original) method of electrolysis uses a direct current which causes a chemical reaction to occur in the hair follicle. The substance produced is sodium hydroxide (also called lye) which is very caustic and it destroys the hair root. This method, called galvanic electrolysis, is not used much today as it is extremely slow.
The second method of electrolysis uses a high frequency alternating current which destroys the hair root with heat. This method, called thermolysis or short wave, is much quicker than galvanic electrolysis and is used by many electrologists today.
The third method, which many authorities consider to be the most effective method, is called the blend. In the blend method, the two currents, direct current and high frequency alternating current, are blended together. The blend method is ideal for all types of hair
IS ELECTROLYSIS SAFE?
Yes. There has never been a reported case of disease transmission in electrolysis. We use only sterile disposable needles and a new needle is provided for each treatment. The tweezers are also sterilized before each treatment. Since its development in 1875, electrolysis continues to maintain a totally safe record
IS ELECTROLYSIS PERMANENT?
Yes. A properly treated hair follicle will not produce another hair. However, sometimes we miss a few target cells as we are working below the skin surface. In this case, the follicle will produce another hair. Generally, it will be finer and in most cases, it will be easily destroyed with the second treatment
IS ELECTROLYSIS PAINFUL?
There should be no discomfort with the insertion of the probe into the hair follicle. There will be a slight heat sensation ( feeling of warmth ) when the current is flowing which will last a few seconds. Almost all individuals are able to tolerate this sensation without any problem
WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED WITH ELECTROLYSIS?
Almost all areas can be treated. Typically women have hair removed from the facial areas, bikini line, underarms, abdomen, breasts, arms and legs. Men have hair removed from the center eyebrow area, upper cheeks, beard area, ears, chest and back.
AT WHAT AGE CAN ELECTROLYSIS BE STARTED?
Electrolysis can be performed at any age but parental or guardian consent should be obtained for anyone under 16 years. Most individuals cannot or are not willing to tolerate the treatment prior to puberty
WHEN SHOULD ELECTROLYSIS NOT BE PERFORMED?
Your electrologist should do a consultation with you and ask the relevant medical questions to determine if you are a suitable candidate. There are a few situations which require a doctor’s note of permission before commencing your treatment
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PERMANENTLY CLEAR AN AREA?
The total treatment can vary greatly from one individual to another. It is dependant on a number of factors which include: the size of the area being treated, the density of the hair, the texture of the hair, the existence of curved or distorted hair follicles, the client’s tolerance, the client’s age, the client’s medical history and the frequency of the visits
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM ELECTROLYSIS?
After electrolysis it is normal to see some slight redness and welting (bumps) in the treated area. In most individuals, this will disappear in half an hour to several hours. In a few individuals, with sensitive skin, slight skin irritation (red spots) form in the treated area. These will heal and fall off on their own. An occasional bruise, localized swelling, tenderness, and in some darker skinned individuals, some hyperpigmentation ( excess pigment ) may occur, but these side effects are not common
IS ELECTROLYSIS EXPENSIVE?
When the cost of temporary methods of hair removal used over a lifetime are compared to the cost of electrolysis treatments to permanently clear an area, electrolysis is very reasonable