Electrolysis
Treatment Information
Over 100 Years of Evolution
Electrolysis has advanced over 100 years to become the only permanent hair removal solution by the American Medical Association and the Food and Drug Administration. It is considered to be the “Gold Standard” of hair removal, delivering safe and effective results for all skin and hair types.
Electrolysis is performed by inserting a small probe into the hair follicle, and administering a small amount of controlled electrical current to the root of the hair. This current destroys the dermal papilla and the surrounding hair germ cells, preventing any future hair regeneration.
The Hair Growth Cycle
One of the most crucial parts of electrolysis is understanding the hair growth cycle. Hairs must be treated in their Anagen stage, which is also known as the active growth stage. Treating anagen hair allows the current to effectively target a full intact root structure, as well as the germ cells responsible for regrowth.
There are two other stages of the growth cycle, called Catagen (the resting phase) and Telogen (the shedding phase). Each hair is on its own growth cycle, so we are only able to view roughly 30% of the hair in one area at any given time. For this reason, it is important to attend treatments consistently in order to treat each hair at the appropriate time.
What to Expect
Consultation
At your initial consultation, a review of your health history will help to understand any issues that may be related to your unwanted hair growth. Many factors, such as hormonal changes, stress, hereditary and congenital growth patterns, and medications, are considered when establishing your treatment schedule.
Timeline
Electrolysis treatment takes an average of 12-18 months, which consists of a series of appointments ranging from 15 minutes to one hour. Most clients begin on a weekly or every-other-week basis, allowing us to view and treat every hair in a single area at least once. As treatment progresses, appointments will diminish in both duration and frequency.
Note: Larger than average areas, areas with excessive growth, and inconsistency with appointments may require treatments beyond the average timeline.
Temporary Removal Methods
The extensive use of temporary hair removal methods, such as tweezing and waxing, will often result in more hair growth and follicle distortion. All clients should be prepared to discontinue these methods of hair removal while receiving electrolysis, as they actively work against the progress made with electrolysis. Shaving and bleaching are permitted between appointments, as these methods only affect the hair at skin level.