1) What causes unwanted hair growth?

Many factors contribute to unwanted hair growth and in combination can pose a problem. Contributing factors are heredity, hormonal imbalance, stress whether physical or psychological, normal life changes (i.e. puberty, pregnancy, menopause), other temporary methods of hair removal (i.e. tweezing, waxing), underlying medical conditions and some medications themselves including birth control pills.

2) What are the most widely used methods of hair removal?

Shaving, waxing, tweezing, chemical depilatories, laser, and electrolysis. The first five of these are temporary, require frequent maintenance and can result in cuts, skin irritations, ingrown hairs, scarring and hyper/hypo-pigmentation.

3) What is Electrolysis?

A hair thin pre-sterilized probe is slid into a hair follicle- it does not puncture the skin. A small amount of electrical current is delivered causing localized damage to the cells that generate hair. See our “Facts About Electrolysis” for more details.

4) Is Electrolysis permanent?

According to the FDA and AMA electrolysis is the ONLY method of permanent hair removal and has been effectively used for 125 years.

5) How many treatments are necessary?

An electrolysis treatment program must be tailored to meet each individual's needs. Most clients find weekly sessions in the beginning most effective. The cyclical nature of hair growth will effect the duration of treatment. Each session treats the visible hair. Then new hairs emerge from below the skin’s surface. The life of the hair follicle from germinative cell to mature follicle is months long. This cycling continues throughout the year, with varying spurts. The closer a client gets to completion the shorter the appointments are and the further apart they are spaced.  It is impossible to give an exact time schedule, because rate and texture of hair growth, habits of removal (i.e. waxing, tweezing), hormones, stress and medications vary from person to person. The success of treatment is a matter of your personal commitment and health.

6) Is Electrolysis painful?

Discomfort is relative to each individual client and the specific area being treated. It is impossible to destroy the hair follicle without sensation because it is surrounded with a network of nerve endings. The sensation felt is assurance that the destructive process is taking place. However, a smooth insertion under high magnification along with adjustments to the current and timing can satisfy the most sensitive client.

7) Is Electrolysis expensive?

The cost of a lifetime of temporary hair removal methods is often more expensive than electrolysis. Remember, electrolysis is permanent. If dormant follicles are later activated by hormonal imbalance, medications or stress an occasional touch up appointment is the solution. It is impossible for laser treatments to be more cost effective than electrolysis since laser hair removal is more properly compared with other temporary methods.

8) Is Electrolysis safe?

Electrolysis is a very safe procedure. Universal precautions are followed which include hand washing and the use of gloves, pre-sterilized disposable probes, germicidal disinfectants for tables, chairs and counters, paper barriers for clients, and an enzyme ultrasonic pre-soak and autoclave sterilization for instruments. Prior to treatment the skin is cleansed and an antiseptic (70% isopropyl alcohol) is used. Electrolysis has been safe and effective for over 125 years. Alternatively, the long term safety of laser hair removal has not been established as it’s relatively new.

9) What area of the body can be treated with Electrolysis?

Eyebrows

Hairlines
Underarms
Cheeks
Chin
Sideburns
Lips
Neck

Ears
Bikini
Arms
Knuckles
Belly
Legs                                                                                                         

Chest                                                                                                         

Back                      

10) What type of skin care is necessary after treatment?

Electrolysis is a safe and effective method of permanent hair removal and has minor, temporary side effects. Immediately following treatment there can be a slight redness and/or swelling in the treated area, which is normal and subsides within an hour. Occasionally very tiny scabs and/or white heads (milia) occur. It's advisable not to touch these as this is part of the normal healing process. We recommend that cosmetics be avoided for as long as possible after treatment (48 hrs). The treated area should be kept clean and an antibacterial agent used. Additionally, do keep hands off the treated area, avoid sun exposure, pools, saunas, and hot tubs after your session. As a healthy reminder, please wear a SPF 30 sun block.