Q - How long will electrolysis take?
A - That depends enormously on how much hair is involved and the patient’s compliance with the needed scheduling. Remember, this is a permanent treatment so while it may seem lengthy at first at least there is an end in sight. This isn’t an evasive answer. Please read on and you’ll better understand what is involved.
Q - How does electrolysis work?
A - The simple answer is that the electrologist slides a special probe along the hair’s route and in to the follicle. Electric current is applied that creates heat and chemical reactions to destroy the follicles capacity to produce another hair.
Q – Does it hurt when the probe is inserted?
A – No. There is some discomfort when the electric current is applied. We’ll talk about that later.
Q – Does it always work?
A – Yes but not always on the first try. To best understand this it helps to understand how hair grows. Hair grows in three stages and then falls out and starts over. The hair’s follicle is only present and susceptible to treatment during the first and perhaps the second stage of growth. If a hair is treated during the last phase of growth the effort is wasted because there just isn’t a follicle there to treat. Unfortunately there is no way to know what phase of growth the individual hairs are in. This is why it’s important to return for treatments frequently. If a hair is treated unsuccessfully once and then is given too much time to grow again it will once again pass in to its final (telogen) stage where treatment is ineffective.
Q – If I were willing to schedule a very long treatment session would it be possible to remove my upper lip hair all in one day?
A – No. Most hair problems consist of hair that is so densely spaced that treating every hair in one day would cause skin damage. We want you to look better, not worse!
Q – What can I expect in terms of visible skin reaction to the treatments?
A – A mild sunburn appearance should be expected and will last for three or four hours. Putting makeup on the skin immediately is highly discouraged.
Q – So you never use the method that scabs. Right?
A – Actually that scabbing method (Galvanic) does have some benefits for some situations. This method uses a much lower and slower current and is more comfortable for areas like bikini lines. These are very small scabs that drop off quickly but you won’t be ready for that bathing suit contest for a few days.
Q – Why not use the laser system? It’s so fast and high tech!
A – Lots of reasons why!
First remember the very important word “PERMANENT”.
Lasers remove a lot of hair quickly (at $ub$tantial expense) and the hair stays away longer than waxing or tweezing BUT it WILL return. Remember what the FDA says? Oh well, back for another treatment. Hmmm.
Also lasers are next to useless for light colored and white hairs.
Lasers aren’t painless or immune to the possibilities of skin damage. Just ask a friend that’s been through these treatments.
Oh, and remember they aren’t permanent.
Q – What about “Electro Tweeze” and some of the other devices and treatments I’ve seen advertised?
A – If you think snake oil can cure cancer and that diet pills that allow you to eat as much as you want and still lose weight are really possible then these things are just right for you. NOTE: Some devices are recognized by the FDA as “not harmful”. There is so mention of “effective” next to their descriptions.
OOPS, Sorry, we promised to tell the complete truth. There is one device that actually works. Remember the electrolysis procedure we discussed that causes scabbing? There is a battery operated device that will actually deliver the direct (galvanic) current necessary to treat the hair follicle effectively. It includes a very fine wire that you insert next to your hair and in to your follicle. If you succeed in inserting at the correct location, at the correct angle and the proper depth then the current needs to be applied for about 60 seconds. We doubt an electrologist with years of training and surgical binoculars to aid her vision could achieve this deed on herself with any degree of success but it is theoretically possible. If the treatment time and strength is proper the scabbing should be minimal.
Q – Does it hurt?
A – Yes there will be some sensation with electrolysis, but each individual has a different tolerance level. There is usually some discomfort during the actual treatment, but most people find it very tolerable. We are very honest here and want you to feel at ease regarding your first treatment and the way it will feel. Everything possible will be done to make you comfortable.
Q – Is it very painful?
A – Most people find it tolerable. Consider that thousands of folks return weekly for treatment. This wouldn’t be the case if there was extreme discomfort. There is a natural tendency for apprehension, but we want you to know that although at first most clients do feel discomfort, some of our clients have even chosen to have large areas done, such as the legs, for up to six hours a day. Each person will be different and there are many variables that increase or decrease a person’s tolerance. For example, your menstrual cycle may have a big influence on how long a treatment can be extended.
Q – How does it feel?
A – It feels different to each client. Most clients only feel a slight impulse as the current is applied. This action is designed to seal off the blood supply that nourishes the hair. Some people tell us that it just feels similar to a “bee sting or a prick” and it might make your eyes water. Generally, if you have a good electrologist, you will not feel any insertion, nor will you feel the hair being removed. After the hair root has been treated, the hair will slide out with little assistance from your electrologist.
Q – What can I do to reduce the discomfort?
A – Most people become more relaxed with each treatment, so they automatically get a little more comfortable each time. Other people take a common pain over-the-counter headache medication like Tylenol or Aspirin to ease the sensations. There are also different over-the-counter topical anesthetics that can be applied in some situations to reduce the discomfort. Lastly, there are even prescription anesthetics that are available from your physician, but are usually not necessary. We will make every effort to make you comfortable during your treatment here.
Q – What is permanent hair removal?
A – Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal process presently recognized. It is the only way to remove hair permanently and safely. The target area or goal is to treat the hair root, or papilla, to prevent re-growth of that particular hair. Your electrologist will put a tiny probe into the body’s natural follicle opening and treat one hair at a time with a slight impulse from her epilator equipment.
Q – What should my skin look like after a treatment?
A – You are likely to notice some slight redness or pink and perhaps some swelling or slight welting. This is normal. A cold compress applied for 10-15 minutes immediately following a treatment will help reduce the irritation.
Q – What kind of aftercare can I perform that will help speed treatments and healing?
A – Cleanliness is of the utmost importance! Since each treated follicle is opened and possibly susceptible to bacteria, you need to keep the area clean. Astringents and/or single antibiotic creams are highly recommended, and those clients with more sensitive skin may need to apply cold packs and soothing, cooling medications at home after the treatments. Soaking in a moisture laden bath product like AVEENO Natural Colloidal Oatmeal Bathe Treatment or JERGENS Actibath Treatment Tablets will keep larger areas of treated skin moist and help you heal faster. Try to avoid facial makeup on the area for at least 24 hours, or use a medicated brand. You must stay out of the sun for 48 hours to prevent overexposure to the treatment area.
Q – Is there scarring?
A – Scarring is a problem that is not likely to happen if you follow the aftercare instructions to keep the area clean and undisturbed, as your electrologist will carefully instruct you. If you should happen to see any marks like scabs, and most people do not, just leave the area alone. Do not pick it or pitting and scarring could then occur. It’s up to you to responsibly provide aftercare and not pick at any irritation.
Q – Will I bleed?
A – All electrology in our office is administered by qualified professionals, so any chance of bleeding and scaring is very rare. Because your electrologist will only be inserting a small probe into the hair follicle pocket, the body’s own natural opening, there will be no bleeding because the probe will not pierce the skin. Since the insertion will be done by a licensed professional with more than 600 hours of school training, they will be able to tell when they reach the bottom of the opening and most likely no bleeding will occur.
Q – Will my skin be damaged?
A – Seeking treatment from a licensed practitioner will help reduce the chances of skin damage. Generally the quality of skin, especially in areas frequently tweezed, will improve after treatments begin. Additionally, those clients working on underarms for instance have noticed few odor problems with fewer hairs to trap moisture. In fact, with less hair there will be even fewer ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving and other damaging methods of removal.
Q – Is it safe?
A – The process of electrolysis is very safe. In Ohio you are lucky; it requires a license to perform this service. Electrologists are licensed by the State Medical Board of Illinois. They are required to follow Sterilization and Sanitation Standards as set forth by the CDC (Center for Disease Control). Your electrologist will wash her hands and wear gloves and many choose items that are sterile, disposable products to ensure your safety and comfort. All of her tools will be sterilized and her equipment clean and sanitary.
Q – Is the face the only place where people have excess hair problems?
A – Nearly every part of the body can have electrolysis performed on it. There are a few exceptions, in a mucous membrane or in a mole. The most common other areas treated are the neck, chest, breasts, back, abdomen, arms, and underarms. Bikini area, legs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes.
Q – Is it permanent? How does it work? Will the hair grow back?
A – Electrolysis is the only proven form of permanent hair removal as it has been for the past hundred years. Your electrogist will have three methods to choose from in order to perform the process on you. She will select the process of electrical impulse which is either most comfortable for you, or the most permanent method for you, but that can be different from client to client, and it may depend upon the area you choose to have worked on. Your electrologist will work with you to meet your individual needs. Once destroyed, the hair will not re-grow.
Q – How long will each treatment take? When will I see permanent results?
A – The average client will receive several sessions lasting from 15 min to one hour, depending upon the area that needs to be treated. A small amount of hair on a lip, for example, would take much less time and fewer treatments than it would take to do a pair of underarms. The secret to successful and productive electrolysis is catching each hair in the proper growth cycle and treating it during the optimum growing state. Typically, appointments are scheduled weekly or every other week at first until an area is cleared. Your electrologist will discuss this with you and you can work out a treatment plan perfect for you.
Q – How many treatments will I need?
A – Generally, areas can be cleared in 6 months to a year, if the client is dedicated to completing regular treatments. Because there are three different growing cycles, some hair remains hidden at any given time, and it may take several months to a year to completely clear an area. The number of total treatments will vary from area to area and person to person.
Q – How long will it take to remove all the hair for long-term permanency? How many months or years will it take to remove all the hair in this particular area? – For a larger area, a client may need to come in from one to six times a year for cleanup work to catch any new growth never treated after the area is cleared. The best help you can give your electrologist is to come in for regular appointments when she instructs you to, in order to keep up with any growth in the proper cycle. Electrolysis results are best when the client acts in partnership with the electrologist to effectively remove your hair in the most permanent and quick way. Results are seen even more quickly for the client who will aggressively schedule more treatments at first to clear an area quickly.
Q – New growth?
A – Yes. Most people develop more active hair follicles with age. Ask your dad about his ears or your mom about her upper lip. Removing all your offensive hair at age 20 or 30 will make follow up visits much shorter and less frequent but probably won’t eliminate the need completely.
Q – May I choose the electrologist of my choice? Can I switch back and forth between electrologists to suit my schedule?
A – Absolutely, yes. Our goal here is to provide quality treatments. WE understand that you are very busy clients, and we want to accommodate your schedules whenever possible. There is no specific difference between the treatments given to you, so you can choose whichever electrologist you prefer. If you don’t have any preferences, just let us know when you can come and we will choose someone for you. An electrologist switch never offends anyone here. Each electrologist accurately records the treatment details on your Client History Card, so that the next electrologist can pick where the other has left off.
Q – What should I do about noticeable hair problems between treatments?
A – Stop all tweezing and waxing immediately. It can distort your follicles and may even nourish stronger, coarser hair in the wounded area as it heals. Cutting the hair with scissors is the best method. Bleaching will work, but it may make it difficult for your electrologist to see the hair. Shaving works too, but try to shave within 24 to 48 hours before an appointment, so that your electrologist will have a hair shaft long enough to grasp.
Q – Can I go out in the sun after a treatment?
A – Direct exposure to the sun is not advised for treated areas. It can cause freckling that could take up to 6-12 months to fade. If you do need to go out in the sun, try to avoid direct exposure within 48 hours of a treatment. Please wear a hat or use a sunscreen for facial protection.
Q – Are your services confidential?
A – Yes, because we believe in and follow the American Electrologist Associations Code of Ethics which includes client confidentiality. We understand the need for privacy.
Q – Are the consultations really free?
A – Yes of course. We want to provide you with enough information to make a clear decision about whether you would want to begin treatments. Permanent hair removal is not something that happens overnight. It is a series of treatments in which one builds on the next. You need to be dedicated to completing your treatments to gain the full benefit, and you must adhere to the aftercare instructions. You are certainly under no obligation to start treatments. Just tell your electrologist that you do not wish to continue with any trial or tests before she prepares your Confidential Case History Card.
Q – Is electrolysis expensive? How much will it cost me overall?
A – Most people compare electrolysis to a beauty salon visit or a barbershop visit, for example, $18 for a haircut or $50 for a permanent wave/color. However, if you spend that same time at a salon having a hair problem waxed, it will be a never-ending process. You’ll have to go back again and again; Waxing is only a temporary method. If you have electrolysis done, the cost will be much less in the long run, since it will be permanent and finished in about a year. We believe it is a very inexpensive way to solve a hair problem in a confidential and easy way. We think you’ll be happier with permanent results..