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!

AND SO ARE OUR CLIENTS!!  

​As posted back in December, Blythe's Electrology Center has a new home!  Come visit us soon!  Start off your New Year by getting rid of the unwanted hair you've been anxious to lose!  Call today for an appt!

All we wanted for Christmas is a new office...and it's happening!  We will be moving soon (the 28-29th of this month!) into a new facility.  That means more comfort and convenience for you, our clients, and us too.

The new address is:  420 Folsom Rd, Suite B, Roseville, CA 95678

Here's a sneak peek at the new place!

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

The following is an article taken from Lifescript.com about Electrolysis, written by E.E. Kane and published in November 2007.   

Mary looks in the mirror at her face through bleary eyes one morning after her 40th birthday.  Ack!  What is that black thing on her upper lip? Alas, it is a hair, coarse enough to rival any strand from her husband’s mustache. She reaches for the tweezers and yanks the offending hair, bringing tears to her eyes. There must be a better way, thinks Mary. As the months go by and the dastardly hair sprouts once more, bringing along a few friends, Mary tries waxing and cream depilatories without much satisfaction. She begins to consider a career in the circus when she finally tries electrolysis. Does Mary live happily ever after? Quite possibly, if she has the right facts. Read on to learn everything you need to know about electrolysis hair removal and a few of the myths surrounding the practice.

The Science of Electrolysis
Electrolysis is not confined to hair removal alone. It is a very basic and important process that is used to extract hydrogen from water. It has other industrial uses, but for now all you need to know is that electrolysis is a process in which an electric current passes through a chemically bonded element to separate the chemicals. In hair removal, the electric current passes through a needle inserted into the hair follicle and chemically changes the salt and water in the skin to produce sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, is caustic enough to kill the cells that generate hair growth. With the root knocked out, the hair does not grow back. 

Electrolysis is not a recent method of hair removal. It was first used by Dr. Charles Michel to remove ingrown eyelashes in 1875. The process was improved over the years and scientists tried to find ways to refine it with computer technology, but the best method to date is still a manual instrument in the hands of a highly trained and experienced electrologist.

Does it work? Yes. It is by far the most successful method available for permanent hair removal. This is welcome news for those women who suffer with facial hair or an overabundance of hair in unwanted areas. It is advantageous over shaving (which provides temporary results), cream or powder depilatories (which provide temporary results plus the unpleasant use of chemicals) or waxing and tweezing (painful and only lasts a few weeks).

The confusion and misrepresentation remain about electrolysis for hair removal. The following is a list of myths and facts about electrolysis that will help you decide whether getting rid of unwanted hair for good is worth the process. 

Stop by to see the latest news and information about Electrology and related topics.  Feel free to comment about anything here!  Let us know how we are doing!