Hair electrolysis is an established, permanent method for the removal of unwanted hair on all skin and hair types. The electrolysis method works by cauterizing (burning) each individual follicle, rendering it incapable of producing new hair going forward.
An electrologist uses an electric probe to place into each follicle, which may result in scabbing if not performed as instructed. Therefore, it is imperative that clients adhere to their treatment schedule accordingly.
Why is 6 weekly regrowth so important?
Electrolysis stands out from traditional hair removal treatments by targeting the hair follicle itself, permanently killing it so it cannot produce hair again. The process involves inserting a probe into the follicle before applying an electric current that cauterizes it, rendering it inoperable and leaving no chance for future hair growth.
As not all hair follicles will be destroyed during one session, it usually takes eight-12 sessions for significant results to show. Therefore, it is crucial that you remain committed to your treatment schedule by visiting us weekly until anagen phase has ended.
Remember to stay hydrated prior, during, and post electrolysis appointment as this will allow your electrologist to properly target and treat each follicle.
The follicle cycle
Electrolysis hair removal differs significantly from laser hair removal in that it destroys the growth center of a follicle, rendering it incapable of producing new hair growth indefinitely. Electrolysis is FDA-approved as an FDA approved permanent hair removal technique and typically takes multiple sessions for noticeable and lasting results. A specialized medical device inserted into a hair follicle alongside its growth shaft delivers heat and chemical energy directly into the dermal papilla which cauterizes it follicle.
Each hair has its own individual growth cycle of growing, resting and eventually being shed through shedding. Treatment will only be successful if caught at the appropriate stage in its cycle; known as Anagen phase. Missing this window means the follicle will have already moved into its resting or Telogen phase and may not have been fully destroyed by treatment.
To achieve maximum results and permanent hair removal, an individual should schedule electrology sessions weekly until all their hair has been cleared away – which is why many electrologists will suggest an eight-12 session program as optimal treatment plan.
Treatment sessions usually last 15 to 1 hour and are conducted in a clean, private setting by a Certified Professional Electrologist. Clients should hydrate thoroughly prior to and following their appointment, as optimal follicle function requires adequate hydration levels.
Electrology works by applying heat and chemical energy directly to the hair follicle using a pre-sterilized stainless steel probe. A hair follicle is a small opening within your skin which houses unwanted hair roots; during treatment, a qualified specialist will insert this probe directly into the natural opening of your follicle right near the growing hairs.
A small current is passed through the tip of the probe and returned to its source through a conductive return pad attached to your skin or held by your electrologist. A negative charge at its head converts moisture in hair follicles into caustic lye, which destroys them.
Resting follicles
Once a hair has finished growing, its follicle generally goes dormant for approximately six weeks, during which new hairs can sprout from dormant follicles that were dormant earlier. Therefore, electrolysis must ensure all follicles are in growth phase before starting treatment.
Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize that hair grows in cycles; the number of follicles active at any given point varies widely and makes eradicating all traces of it through laser or other methods difficult.
Electrolysis is one of the most effective means for permanently eliminating hair. Electrolysis uses a tiny needle to pierce through the epidermis and target its root with gentle impulses from its electrolysis machine, directly targeting its papilla (hair root). While electrolysis may be uncomfortable, pain levels vary depending on both your individual skin sensitivity and the area being treated.
Electrolysis requires patience and persistence in order to see permanent results; typically 15-30 sessions may be necessary before seeing permanent changes. Furthermore, electrolysis works effectively on all skin types and hair colors alike and is ideal for areas like eyebrows where laser treatments don’t produce desired results.
Drink plenty of water prior to an appointment to stay hydrated, as this can make the treatment more comfortable. Furthermore, it’s wise to refrain from shaving, tweezing or waxing before your session; these actions could inflame hair follicles and increase sensitization.
Electrolysis often causes redness in the treatment area, which may last up to several days depending on your skin and follicle sensitivity. Elise recommends clients use an antibacterial cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide in order to keep bacteria out of the follicle and thus avoiding irritation of it by bacteria entering through tiny openings in it.
As caffeine can raise stress levels and make treatment more uncomfortable, it’s wise to limit its consumption two hours before your appointment. Furthermore, wearing loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement (if having breast work done) makes it easier for an electrologist to access follicles more efficiently.
Fine hairs
Fine and thin are two of the most prevalent types of hair growth. “Fine” refers to individual strands’ texture and diameter while “thin” refers to an increase in overall density or number of follicles in an area. While both factors are determined genetically, neither can be altered through diet or lifestyle alone.
Thinning hair may not be something you have any control over, but there are products and techniques you can use to make it appear fuller. A volumizing product could help give it extra body while using a hairdryer will add volume. Electrolysis appointments should also be kept up with as removal during their active growth stage is much more effective than trying to pull them out at other points during their cycle (catagen or telogen stage).
Electrolysis is currently the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA, but its effectiveness can take time. An electrologist destroys one follicle at a time during each treatment session – meaning even with efficient treatments it could take years before all hair in an area has been completely eradicated.
Hair with coarse and thick locks can present particular difficulties when it comes to treatment; each strand can take more time for each application. Furthermore, large areas often make it more challenging than expected to locate all follicles for effective follicular growth.
An effective electrolysis treatment requires some careful preparation, such as shaving or clipping your hair prior to appointments. This will make identifying those follicles which have entered anagen stage easier and increase your chance of permanently eliminating them with each treatment session.
When caring for fine hair, it’s essential that appointments are scheduled regularly. While most don’t need to return weekly, keeping to an appointment schedule ensures that most hairs are in anagen phase during each treatment session.
