About Electrolysis

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the most widely used methods of hair removal?

There are several techniques used to remove unwanted hair:

Shaving
Waxing
Creams
Depilatories
Laser – A method of hair removal, that provides permanent hair reduction.
Electrolysis – The only method of permanent hair removal.

How does electrolysis work?
A professional electrologist inserts a very fine, sterile probe alongside the hair in the hair follicle.  A small amount of electrical current is then applied through this probe, which destroys the hair root.  Professional electrologists are trained practitioners whose accumulated skills enable them to destroy the hair root permanently without puncturing or harming the skin.

How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a form of light energy that penetrates in to the skin tissue.  The energy delivered from the laser is absorbed into the skin, heating the hair follicle with enough energy to destroy the actively growing hair while protecting the surrounding tissue.

Does the treatment hurt?
For both electrolysis and laser treatments, discomfort is relative to each individual patient.  Some areas are more sensitive than others.  In the case of electrolysis, legs and forearms offer the least discomfort as do the chest and breast. In the case of laser treatments, the general sensation is like a rubber band snapping on the skin.

What causes superfluous hair?
Any one or a combination of the following factors:

  • Heredity
  • Glandular or hormonal imbalances
  • Pregnancy
  • Reactions to certain medications
  • Normal aging process
  • Stress
  • Excessive waxing, tweezing and all temporary methods of hair removal

*Note: Once hair changes from the light vellus (fine hair) stage to the dark terminal stage, the color and texture will remain in that condition even after the cause of the change has been diagnosed.

Are electrolysis or laser treatments expensive?
Fees for electrolysis and/or laser treatments are in keeping with those of other professional health care and aesthetic services.  In fact, the cost of a lifetime of temporary methods is often more expensive.

How many treatments are needed?
An electrolysis treatment program must be tailored to meet each individual patient’s needs.  Certain factors determine the number and length of treatments required, such as the number of hair follicles contained in the area of treatment, the sensitivity of the skin, the particular area to be treated and previous methods of hair removal.  Patients should ask their electrologist to provide them with a treatment schedule upon the first visit.  Most patients find that a weekly session of 15-60 minutes is the most effective.  The closer you adhere to your treatment schedule, the more effective your treatment program will be in helping you free yourself of superfluous hair forever.

The length of a laser treatment program depends on the type of hair to be removed, the condition of the skin, and the growth cycle of the hair and type of laser being used for hair removal.  Hair that is in the anagen (growing cycle of hair) phase will only be affected by the laser treatment.  National studies indicate that you will need 6-8 sessions to reduce hair permanently; however, sessions required will vary from one session to multiple treatments.

What type of skin care is required after treatment?
Electrolysis is a safe and effective method of permanent hair removal with few or no side effects.  A slight swelling or redness, along the treated area, is normal and should subside within a few minutes to one hour.  Occasionally slight scabbing may appear two to four days after treatment.  These temporary scabs should be left alone as they will disappear in a few days.  Most electrologists recommend the application of a good antibiotic cream or an antiseptic lotion to enhance the healing process.  Cosmetics should be avoided for 24 hours.  Sunlight and tanning beds should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment.

Laser treatments may produce redness and swelling in the area treated.  The redness and swelling may last from a few hours to several days.  Ice and cooling gels will relieve this condition. Consult your laser specialist for instructions regarding exposure to sunlight and tanning beds.

Is electrolysis a safe and approved method?
Probe type electrolysis is the only safe method of permanent hair removal.  “Consumers should be particularly careful about using any of the home electrolysis devices…Considerable skill and dexterity is required to perform electrolysis properly, and most people would probably be better off going to an expert instead of trying it themselves.” (FDA Consumers, 1979.  Guild members are professional electrologists and have agreed to adhere to the Guild’s Bylaws and Code of Ethics.

Aren’t other methods of hair removal just as effective?
No. If permanent hair removal is desired, probe type electrolysis is the ONLY method to eliminate unwanted hair forever.  Other methods are only temporary.

Shaving: The most widely used method of removing superfluous hair, the blunting of the ends of hair by shaving often makes it appear coarser and darker.

Waxing: Hot wax is applied to the desired area, then allowed to cool before being peeled away.  This method also results in heaver re-growth, frequent ingrown hairs and possible damage to the skin.

Creams, Depilatories: Chemicals break down the hair fibers and then the unwanted hair is temporarily washed away.  Because harsh chemicals are used, severe allergic reactions may occur.

How can a professional electrologist or laser specialist be located?
Patients should exercise the same amount of care in selecting an electrologist or laser specialist as they would any health care specialist.  A member of good standing of the International Guild of Hair Removal Specialists, Inc. will have a dated certificate prominently displayed.  The International Guild of Hair Removal Specialists, Inc. (IGHRS) is a non-profit organization committed to the education of the public on all aspects of hair removal and the maintenance of high standards among its members.  IGHRS will provide the names and addresses of Guild members in any location in the world.

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