Electrolysis is a safe and medically APPROVED treatment method by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for PERMANENT hair removal on people of all skin tones, types, and hair types.

Electrolysis works by inserting a fine probe or filament into the natural opening of a hair follicle. A small amount of current is applied to create a chemical or heat energy reaction to destroy the hair root.

Electrolysis is a much slower process as the hair follicles are treated individually and treatments are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.   The total number of sessions will vary from person to person. Factors which may play a role in the number of electrolysis treatments required include the thickness of the hair, underlying hormonal imbalances (including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - P.C.O.S.), and the previous forms of treatment that have been applied to the area (e.g. plucking, waxing, threading, etc.).
Most clients return once a week or every other week as needed. But the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is complete. The length of the treatment is from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area.

Timing is Everything
Many factors influence hair growth. In order for the hair to be permanently removed, it must be treated while the hair is still attached to the dermal papilla. This occurs in the anagen stage of the hair growth cycle.

Other Things to Consider
It is important to have an initial consultation with a trained hair removal technician to assess your individual case history. Every client will be on a different treatment program and the technician must take the following points into consideration, as they will affect the treatment process.

• The area to be treated
• Previous history of hair removal
• Medication (Previous & Current)
• Underlying medical conditions
• The age of the person to be treated
• Gender difference/Transgender/Cisgender
• The skin’s texture and moisture level (dry vs. moist)
• The vulnerability of the skin (hyposensitivity vs. hypersensitivity)
• The texture and nature of the hair (coarse vs. fine / straight vs. curly)

Understanding the factors affecting hair growth will enable the client to have reasonable expectations, and assist the client in making the commitment necessary to achieve their desired results.

Are there various forms of electrolysis?
Yes. There are three different methods of electrolysis:

1. Galvanic Electrolysis uses a direct current which causes a chemical reaction to occur in the hair follicle. A substance referred to as lye (sodium hydroxide) is produced. The lye is very caustic and it destroys the hair root. Although galvanic electrolysis is very effective, it generally takes up to 1 minute to treat a single hair; therefore, this method of electrolysis is not often used on its own.

2. Thermolysis Electrolysis uses a high frequency alternating current to destroy the hair root with heat. Although it is used by many electrologists, thermolysis electrolysis used on its own is not the most effective when treating coarse, curved, or distorted hair follicles.

3. The Blend Method has proven to be the most effective type of electrolysis. With the blend method, both types of current described above (direct current and high frequency alternating current) are passed down the probe simultaneously into the dermal papilla (the point at the base of the follicle which nourishes the hair). The high frequency alternating (thermolysis) current heats up the lye produced by the direct (galvanic) current, and this heated lye is more effective in destroying the hair root. As a result, with the combination of the two currents, the blend procedure is more rapid and is considered to be very effective in treating all types of hair.
Is everyone a suitable candidate for electrolysis?

What are some of the side effects of electrolysis?
It is normal to see some redness and welting (bumps) in the treated area. This typically disappears within a couple of hours after treatment. In a few individuals who have sensitive skin, a slight skin irritation in the form of red spots will appear in the treated area. A minor bruise, localized swelling, tenderness, and some hyperpigmentation may occur, but these side effects are very uncommon and are only temporary.

Reactions in detail

Before you come to your appointment

• HYDRATE 24 hours before your appointment! When your Skin and Hair is well hydrated, you get better results and the treatment goes smoother. Drink lots of water!

• DO NOT SHAVE more than 3 days before treatment or hair will be too short to treat.  Avoid plucking or waxing for 2-3 weeks before, and avoid shaving for 3-5 days before your electrolysis appointment. In order for the needle to follow the hair follicle and more easily remove the hair, there needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch of hair above the surface of the skin. 

• Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your treatment to avoid dilation of the blood vessels.

• Female clients may find that they are more sensitive during or right before their menstrual cycle and may want to avoid making appointments during that time.

• Don't worry about coming with naked skin (no makeup, deodorants, lotions, or creams)
• Many clients find that taking their favorite pain reliever 30 min prior to their appointment makes their treatment more comfortable

AVOID. Avoid stimulants such as coffee day of your appointment.  This could make you more sensitive to pain. Some female clients have reported more sensitivity during their menstrual cycle and should avoid making appointments around that time. The higher your pain tolerance, the more effective your treatment will be. It is best to work as close to your pain threshold as possible for the most effective treatment.

AVOID RETINOIDS. Do not use Retin A, or any topical retinoid for at least 1 week prior to your electrolysis treatment. Accutane should be discontinued for at least 6 months prior to electrolysis. Having electrolysis services done while on retinoids could result in permanent pigment changes and scarring.

While receiving electrolysis treatments, it is very important to be practicing a good skin care routine. Your skin needs to be healthy and well hydrated to get the best results. Using skin care products that will not irritate the skin will help reduce sensitivity and minimize reactions.

If you have any health conditions that impact your skin, heart, blood, or hair growth you should always consult your physician first.