Permanent
Solution Electrolysis
Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis
is a method of permanent hair removal discovered by Dr. Charles Michel in 1875.
There are actually three techniques; electrolysis, thermolysis, and blend. However,
today they are all generally referred to as electrolysis. These techniques destroy the hair germ cells
and the papilla that supplies nutrients for them. These critical structures are located in the
lower 2/3's of the follicle that encompasses each hair.
With the aid
of a magnifying lamp the electrologist inserts a very fine wire probe into the follicle
alongside the hair. The skin is not punctured since the follicle opens to the
skin’s surface. Treatment is then administered via the probe to destroy the
lower 2/3's of the follicle.
The original
electrolysis technique is a chemical process that occurs within the
follicle. It is a result of galvanic action (a tiny amount of direct current)
sent through the probe. The salts and water in the tissue form sodium hydroxide
(lye) which destroys the hair germ cells and papilla. As a result of this
action, the hair is released and is easily removed by the electrologist (with
tweezers) once the probe is removed. This follicle can no longer produce hair.
The thermolysis
technique sends radio frequency through the probe which causes the
molecules to vibrate against each other. This forms heat that destroys the hair
germ cells and the papilla that supplies the nutrients for growth. Again, the
critical components of this follicle is destroyed and
no further growth can occur.
The blend
technique is the use of both methods simultaneously through the same
probe. This dual-action effect takes advantage of the speed of thermolysis and
the thoroughness of electrolysis making it very successful. Also, the heating
of the tissue from thermolysis allows better flow of the lye (from
electrolysis) into the tissue. This is especially helpful with difficult hairs
or distorted follicles caused by plucking. (I prefer blend but can perform all
3 types.)
Again, all
three techniques are referred to as electrolysis. Most electrologists are
trained in all three techniques but usually have a preference for one.
Q: Is it really permanent?
YES! The Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) approves only electrolysis to state “permanent
hair removal.”
At least 90%
of the hair removed in each session will not return. The exception is hair that
is not in the active growth stage (so is in the shedding stage). These account
for up to 10% of the hairs visible above the skin's surface at any given time.
These follicles are treated during a later appointment when a new hair is
actively growing.
Q: How long does it take?
It is
impossible to accurately assign a treatment time due to the number of variables
involved. Length of treatment is dependent on location of hair, speed of
growth, amount of hair, age, type of hair, hormone levels, skin type (ex:
moist, sensitive), type of hair removal previously used…
The complete
growth cycle of body and facial hair ranges from 3-10 weeks. The exception to
this is scalp hair which takes up to seven years.
If an
individual shaves or uses depilatories, 10% -20% of their hair is showing at
any given time. If one plucks or waxes even less is showing at any given time.
Therefore, the “crops” are removed as they appear.
Generally,
the length of treatment is a matter of months. Appointments become shorter and
less frequent with time. One may begin with ½ hour to 2 hour appointments every
one to two weeks and progress to 15 minute appointments once a month… until
hair is completely removed.
Q: Does it hurt?
The amount of
discomfort experienced varies from one individual to another. It depends on the
location of the hair, the type of hair, the client's skin type (ex: moisture
level), and the settings used. The electrologist is able to change the
treatment strength and length of time administered to find each individual’s
comfort zone. I apply fast-acting topical anesthesia (spray or oil on the skin)
prior to treatment. I also offer a stronger anesthesia that more sensitive
clients can apply 1 hour prior to treatment.
Q: What areas do you treat?
Facial Breasts Ears Chest
Hairline Stomach Neck Back
Arms
Armpits Ankles Hands Toes
Fingers
Q: What causes hair growth?
The two basic
causes are hormonal stimulation and increased blood supply to the follicle.
There are congenital (inherited), topical (irritation), and systemic (hormonal)
conditions that produce hair growth. Most commonly, growth is a result of
increased androgen production. This occurs in women during puberty, pregnancy,
and menopause. Endocrine disorders are another systemic source. Other causes
include medicinal and emotional changes.
Q: Doesn't shaving cause hair
to grow back coarser and thicker?
NO! Repeated plucking
or waxing causes hair to grow back coarser,
darker, more firmly rooted, and faster. When the hair is torn out of the follicle
it causes trauma to the follicle which stimulates the bodies healing process.
This process includes increased blood supply to the follicle which increases
nutrients causing stronger growth.
Shaving and
depilatories (ex: Nair) are topical, therefore they do not stimulate growth
inside the follicle.
Again, the critical
growth-inducing structures (hair germ cells and papilla) are in the lower 2/3’s
of the follicle. This is why electrolysis is permanent. Electrolysis
enters the follicle, unlike other topical methods of hair removal.