Electrolysis is a way of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today's medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. A very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle at the surface of the skin. The hair is then removed with tweezers.

What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?

Hair growth is the result of heredity and hormonal levels. Also, some drugs, temporary methods of hair removal, and some illnesses can stimulate hair growth. Usually, hair growth is desirable. But when the hair is the wrong part of your body -- a woman's upper lip or chin or bikini line, for example -- you may be considering electrolysis.

How Many Electrolysis Treatments Will I Need?

Since many factors influence hair growth, you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. Most clients return once a week or every other week, as necessary. But the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments have been completed. Each treatment lasts between 15 minutes and one hour.

Myths About Electrolysis

• Electrolysis is painful.

The truth is, electrolysis usually does not cause much discomfort. Modern electrolysis methods have reduced the discomfort to a mere tingling. A topical anesthetic may be used in some cases.

• The electric tweezer method is permanent.

The truth is, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. In fact, some states prohibit those who use the electric tweezer -- which can also be purchased for consumer use -- from claiming it provides permanent hair removal.

• Temporary methods of hair removal can be better.

Chemical depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used to remove body hair. These products contain irritating chemicals, and can be time-consuming and messy. Likewise, bleaches contain harsh chemicals and do little to disguise dark hair. They may also discolor the skin.

Waxing is another temporary method of hair removal and is usually done in salons. A hot wax is applied to the skin and removed once it has dried over the hair. The hair is stripped off when the wax is removed. Waxing can be painful and costly. Home waxing kits are available, but they can be difficult to use and messy.

There are electrical electrolysis devices available for home use that try to copy the devices used by professionals. These devices are often unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained in electrolysis.

Facts About Electrolysis

1. Electrolysis is a time-tested method that was invented more than 100 years ago to remove irritating, in-grown eyelash hairs. Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, thighs, abdomen, breasts, and legs.
2. There are no permanent side effects. Sometimes, a slight reddening of the skin occurs during or immediately after treatment, but this will only last for a short time. Electrolysis is very safe and, unlike depilatories or bleaches, no harsh chemicals are used.

How Do I Choose an Electrologist?

Electrologists are people who have undergone training to professionally administer the electrolysis procedure. If you are considering undergoing electrolysis, it is very important that you do your research before committing to an appointment. The wrong decision can mean extra sessions and cost and unnecessary discomfort. By following the guidelines listed below, you can take comfort in knowing that you will be making an educated and informed decision when choosing an electrologist.

• Know their qualifications. Many states require that electrologists be licensed or certified within the state in order to practice electrolysis. If you live in those states, be sure the practitioner's certificate is current and fully on display. For states that do not regulate electrolysis, look for electrologists who have a certification from an accredited electrology school.
• Ask around. One of the best ways to find any good service is to ask friends and family for recommendations. If you know anybody who has undergone electrolysis, ask for his or her input.
• Get a consultation. Many places will give you a free consultation. During the consultation, be sure that any and all of your questions about the procedure are answered. Some of the questions you can ask include: how the procedure will feel; an estimate on the number of visits you will likely need; the cost of each visit (this will vary from place to place, and it is best to call around); the length of each session; how long they have been in business; and the number of clients they have treated.
• Make sure they use the right technique. Make sure the practitioner uses needle electrolysis, which is the only permanent form of hair removal. Some places may advertise electrolysis, but in reality they use electronic tweezers or photoepilators. These are not permanent hair removal procedures.
• Use common sense. When you go to your consultation, look around. Does the place look clean? Do the workers look clean? Do they use disposable gloves or probes? Ask to meet to person who will be performing the electrolysis for you. Does he or she strike you as professional? If you are not personally comfortable with somebody, do not go to him or her. Personal comfort is essential to knowing you have made the right decision in choosing an electrologist.

Have more questions about Electrolysis or if its right for you?  Visit our FAQ page or feel free to contact me directly and I'm happy to answer any inquiries you have!

Don't forget that we haven't moved yet!  But it's coming soon!

Myth #1: Electrolysis is painless.
Pain is a totally subjective experience. Just ask any dentist about the different reactions patients give to the same procedure. One patient might react in a totally volatile way, while another will sit quietly and profess to be undisturbed by any discomfort. Was the first patient a wimp? Was the second patient a liar? Possibly. Pain is a variable that is hard to predict in situations such as this, as well as electrolysis. Patients report sensations from mild tingling to pain so intense that they were unable to complete a session without a topical anesthetic. 


Myth #2: Electrolysis guarantees 100% permanent success.
The stats are pretty good on electrolysis, but not quite that good. According to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, electrolysis has a success rate of approximately 93 percent.

It is a very healthy percentage as far as hair removal procedures are concerned, but the consumer should go into the process of electrolysis knowing the facts ahead of time. Some patients do not respond to electrolysis and there is a slight chance for re-growth. The rate of success can be vastly improved if the electrologist is highly trained and experienced, but even then it is not necessarily a fool-proof method.

Myth #3: Electrolysis leaves no permanent side effects. 
The most common side effects after an electrolysis session are tenderness, redness and some swelling. These side effects are all normal and temporary. If done improperly, electrolysis can cause infection and permanent scarring.

Myth #4: Home electrolysis gadgets are just as effective.
Hand-held devices with a probe are touted as effective and easy. However, considering the less than 100% chance of success, re-growth, scarring and infection, the chances for effectively and permanently removing unwanted hair are slim indeed.

Myth #5: Laser electrolysis is superior.
First of all, even though “laser electrolysis” is advertised, the terms laser and electrolysis should not be used together, since they are two different procedures. While the use of lasers is less painful than electrolysis for hair removal, they are not yet superior in permanently removing hair. 

Laser use is best for those who have fair skin and dark hair, since the laser is designed to target the pigment of the hair. Those who have darker skin risk discolored complexions. Laser hair removal on gray, blonde or red hair is not as effective.

The patient considering electrolysis should anticipate the following:

-Electrolysis is a long, tedious process.

-Only hair that is actually growing can be successfully treated. Dormant follicles may surface after a few weeks and require treatment. Because of this, a series of treatments are most often required.

-Depending on the amount of unwanted hair, sessions can extend over a period of months, or even years.

-Electrolysis can be expensive.

Finding the Right Electrologist
An electrologist is not required to be a medical doctor. Most of them study at a beauty school or college. Some states require certification and electrologists are regulated differently from state to state, usually by Health or Barbering and Cosmetology boards. A few states require the medical boards to regulate electrolysis. Currently, states that do not regulate electrolysis are: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Besides looking for certification from an accredited school and the proper license in the states that require it, ask potential electrologists about membership with a professional trade association. A few of the major trade groups are the AEA (American Electrology Association), SCME (Society of Clinical and Medical Electrologists), and the IGPE (International Guild of Professional Electrologists).

The best way to find a good electrologist is to ask around and find someone who has completed the process with satisfied results. Check for the following conditions before choosing an electrologist:

-The process involves needle electrolysis as opposed to tweezers or photoepilators.

-The electrologist thoroughly explains the process.

-A free consultation and test treatment are offered.

-The electrologist provides options for payment - do not choose an electrologist who works on a cash-only basis.

-An estimate of the time and/or amount of sessions required is provided.

-The electrologist provides references from other customers and a written guarantee for failed treatments.

-The staff refrains from using a high-pressure sales pitch.

Women no longer need to suffer the embarrassment of socially unacceptable facial hair. Electrolysis can be used by both women and men on any part of the body. A consumer should only commit to electrolysis after weighing the risks of re-growth against her ability to afford the process and a careful search for a qualified, experienced electrologist.

From: 5 Myths About Electrolysis Revealed
A Beginner’s Guide To Electrolysis Hair Removal
By E. E. Kane
Published November 13, 2007

This article covers many of the topics that I would cover with you as a potential client of mine.  Call today for a confidential appointment to discuss your options.  - Blythe Lehmann
(916) 798-0662