Electrolysis

A very fine needle (usually thinner than the hair being treated) is inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle alongside the hair shaft. A tiny amount of electrical current is then applied to destroy the hair growth cells.

Medical electrolysis devices can destroy the hair growth cells with chemical energy, heat energy, or both. The method chosen by the electrologist is the modality. All are effective. There are three modalities in current use:

1. Galvanic electrolysis is a chemical process. The current produces a chemical reaction in the hair follicle eliminating the hair growth cells.
2. Thermolysis (also called short-wave) produces heat. This modality heats and destroys the hair growth cells in the follicle. A higher intensity current can be applied for less time in the follicle, or current can be used at lower intensity with longer timing.
3. The Blend method combines galvanic current with thermolysis current. Thermolysis heats up the chemical reaction in the follicle destroying hair growth cells.

Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types. It can be applied to most facial and body parts, including eyebrows, chin, upper and lower lip, jaw line and sides of the face, breast, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, feet, legs, and back.

The most commonly treated areas for women are:

• Chin
• Jawline
• Upper lip
• Sides of face
• Eyebrows
• Chest
• Abdomen
• Breasts
• Bikini lines
• Underarms
• Hairline
• Fingers and toes

The most commonly treated areas for men are:

• Back (including shoulders and torso)
• Ears
• Brows
• Cheeks (to clean up beard line)
• Neckline - Nape
• Groin
• Hands

Electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells of the hair follicle, preventing treated hairs from ever growing back.

Because hairs grow at different rates and time, a course of treatment will be necessary to reach all the hairs at the correct time in their growth cycle, between 10-15 treatments may be necessary.

Electrolysis is generally not recommended for large areas like the legs, bikini, or back. The most effective areas for electrolysis treatment are usually facial areas like the upper lip, chin, and cheeks, and it’s suitable for anyone young or old and all skin colours and types.

Immediately following treatment, you may experience slight redness or tenderness which usually disappears in a couple of hours. There is very little risk of complication or serious skin irritation with electrolysis performed by a skilled practitioner. For the first 24 hours following treatment, it's best to avoid activity that could irritate hair follicles such as excessive sweating, tanning and prolonged sun exposure or make-up application.

You'll probably feel a momentary heat sensation or pinch. Discomfort is minimal for most people, but individual tolerances vary greatly. Keep in mind that some areas of the body are much less sensitive than others.