What is electrolysis?
What is electrolysis?
Is it really permanent? Is it painful? How long will it take? Is it worth the investment?
Nearly everyone deals with unwanted hair, and although various methods of temporary hair removal are used, one fact remains indisputable: Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal.
In 1875, Electrolysis was performed for the first time by Charles E. Mitchel, M.D., to remove ingrown eyelashes. Since then the Electrolysis profession has experienced tremendous growth.
How does electrolysis work?
The Electrologist slides the needle into the hair follicle right alongside the hair shaft. A minute amount of current is then applied which thermally releases the hair by cauterizing the dermal papilla. (A separate organ attached to the base of the follicle containing a blood supply and other elements essential for the growth of hair.) The client should not feel a tug or pull on their hair during the removal, but will feel a slight sting at the moment of cauterization.
Standard electrolysis involves the use of an un-insulated needle. An un-insulated needle will discharge electricity at any point along its length, resulting in a reduction of current which impairs its ability to completely destroy the dermal papilla. This adversely affects surrounding skin. Approximately ten years ago the electrolysis process was enhanced through the introduction of a device called the insulated needle. The insulated needle is mechanically superior and more effective than any other probe used for electrolysis. One advantage is it has a bulbous tip rather than a pointed one. This bulbous tip facilitates entry directly into the follicle, thus increasing accuracy. Structurally the probe is technically superior. It is filled with silicon or teflon which results in a high concentration of heat where it is needed. Ninety five percent of the hairs are destroyed the first time.
Electrolysis does require more than one treatment. Each hair follicle is treated individually. There are several factors which determine how many treatments are needed: How large the area to be treated is, if there is an excessive amount of hair in that area, temporary methods of hair removal prior to the treatments, pain tolerance, and the condition of the skin before and after the treatments. Most areas can be fully completed within 10-12 months. Taking into consideration that the hair grows in a cycle, you need to allow one full year to remove any hairs that still need to grow (classified as dormant hairs).
Immediately following treatment your skin will be puffy and red. Normally it stays red for about two to five hours. However, some people are red for a little longer. If you have any problem with your skin, please be sure to tell your Electrologist so the necessary adjustments can be made.
Areas of Treatment
Almost any area of the face or body can be treated. A couple of exceptions are inside of the nose or too close to the eyes.