Electrolysis (Epilation) Permanent Hair Removal
Electrolysis (Epilation) Permanent Hair Removal
What is Electrolysis ?
Electrolysis is an approved means of achieving a safe and permanent hair reduction which is ideal for all skin and hair types. The goal is to treat the hair root, or papilla, in order to prevent re-growth of unwanted hair.
Electrolysis is the only proven form of permanent hair removal as it has been for the past hundred years.
How does Electrolysis work ?
We use a special probe which is inserted along the hair’s route and into the follicle. Electric current is applied that creates heat and chemical reactions to destroy the follicles capacity to produce another hair.
What method of Electrolysis do you use ?
For your comfort and optimum results we use the Sterex Blend method of Electrolysis, which is less painful, results in less regrowth and treats distorted follicles.
How does Electrolysis compare with other forms of hair removal ?
Whether you use waxing, threading or tweezing all of these methods require a lifetime of maintenance and once these hair turn white, grey or silver they can no longer be removed by laser hair removal.
What are the benefits of using Electrolysis compared to Laser hair removal?
The main reason for selecting Electrolysis over laser hair removal is that:
1. It is a more reliable for preventing hair regrowth.
2. It is ideally suited for transgender male-to-female patients for permanent facial hair removal and those considering Gender Reassignment Surgery.
3. Electrolysis will successfully treat all hair colours, including white, grey, blond or red which are unable to be treated with laser.
4. Electrolysis is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair removal.
5. Treatments can be undertaken at regular intervals.
6. It is a cost effective solution to smaller areas of hair growth on the face (i.e. lip and chin)
Are there disadvantages of using Electrolysis compared to laser hair removal ?
The main reasons for selecting laser hair removal as opposed to Electrolysis is that Laser hair removal treats multiple hairs at a time whereas Electrolysis is a slow process treating individual single hairs at a time.
The time taken to cover a given area will be longer with Electrolysis, however there is generally less treatments required to a given hair to become dormant.
How does Electrolysis compare with other forms of hair removal ?
Whether you use waxing, threading or tweezing all of these methods require a lifetime of maintenance and once these hair turn white, grey or silver they can no longer be removed by laser hair removal.
How long will each treatment take and when will I see permanent results ?
The average client will receive several sessions lasting from 15 min to one hour, depending upon the area that needs to be treated. A small amount of hair on a lip, for example, would take much less time and fewer treatments than it would take to do a pair of underarms.
The secret to successful and productive electrolysis is catching each hair in the proper growth cycle and treating it during the optimum growing state. Typically, appointments are scheduled weekly or every other week at first until an area is cleared. Your electrologist will discuss this with you and you can work out a treatment plan perfect for you.
How many treatments will I need ?
The number of treatments required will vary depending upon the size of the area being treated, the hair density and the strength of hair growth cells. Whilst treatments can be scheduled for short or long periods at regular intervals, the progress could be restricted by the amount of tolerable discomfort by the patient.
Other factors including growth cycles, any hormone medication or heredity factors can influence the number of treatments and the end point for permanent hair removal.
Generally, areas can be cleared in 6 months to a year, if the client is dedicated to completing regular treatments. Because there are three different growing cycles, some hair remains hidden at any given time, and it may take several months to a year to completely clear an area. The number of total treatments will vary from area to area and person to person.
Does Electrolysis always work ?
Yes but not always on the first attempt. Hair grows in three stages: growing, transitional and resting. The hair’s follicle is only present and susceptible to treatment during the growing stage of growth. If a hair is treated during the last phase of growth the effort is wasted because there just isn’t a follicle there to treat.
Unfortunately there is no way to know what phase of growth the individual hairs are in, which is why it’s important to return for treatments frequently. If a hair is treated unsuccessfully once and then is given too much time to grow again it will once again pass in to its final (telogen) stage where treatment is ineffective.
How much discomfort is there with electrolysis ?
Depending on the area of the skin being treated and the settings used, the discomfort level will vary. Discomfort is also a subjective thing and will vary depending on the client’s own pain threshold. Electrolysis can feels like a sting that is quickly over and most people tolerate it well.
What are the potential side effects of having electrolysis ?
At time of procedure it is likely that the treatment site will be slightly red and become irritable until the body gradually recovers its natural look which will take a few days at most.
Post-treatment instruction for care will be provided and should be followed in order to minimise the risk of infection between treatments.
What can I expect in terms of visible skin reaction to the treatments ?
A mild sunburn/ red appearance should be expected and will last for three or four hours. Putting makeup on the skin immediately is highly discouraged.
What after care advice is given to me following an Electrolysis treatment ?
For best results and to avoid any risk of infection risk clients are advised to:
- Ensure that you maintain good levels of hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly at regular intervals.
- Use anti-bacterial wash or gel regularly to destroy micro-organisms on your hands.
- Avoid touching the treated areas unnecessarily.
- Try to avoid facial makeup on the area for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid swimming or bathing in public areas or the sea.
- Avoid using perfume or aftershave on the treatment sites.
- Avoid having any other beauty treatments on treated areas.
- Avoid temporary methods of hair removal (waxing, threading, tweezering etc) on treated areas between treatments.
- Direct exposure to the sun is not advised for treated areas, as it can cause freckling. If you do need to go out in the sun, try to avoid direct exposure within 48 hours of a treatment. Please wear a hat or use a sunscreen for facial protection.
- Gently exfoliate the treatment area 2 to 3 days before and after treatment.
What should I do about noticeable hair problems between treatments ?
Stop all tweezing and waxing immediately. It can distort your follicles and may even nourish stronger, coarser hair in the wounded area as it heals. Cutting the hair with scissors is the best method. Shaving works too, but try to shave within 24 to 48 hours before an appointment, so that your electrologist will have a hair shaft long enough to grasp.
Is it possible to get new growth in the future ?
Yes. Most people develop more active hair follicles with age and most commonly with hormonal changes . It is important to remember this is not the old hair regrowing but new follicles generating new hair growth.
How much do Treatments Cost ?
Please click HERE to view my current Price list.