Helpful Information about Mary’s Electrolysis Studio
Electrolysis Questions & Answers
Unwanted Hair – The Problem
Whether prompted by health concerns or the simple, understandable desire to look better, the removal of unwanted hair happens every day, on men and women, in every country on earth.
Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid needle/probe devices. A fine sterile needle/probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of electrical energy is discharged which destroys the hair growth tissue. When this is competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated.
Electrolysis: Direct current (DC) is used to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle. One or more sterile needless/probes are used.
Thermolysis: Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to a high frequency or shortwave, is used to create heat which destroys the hair follicle. One sterile needle/probe is used.
The Blend (also referred to as Dual Modality): Both of the above currents are used simultaneously or sequentially to achieve dual action destruction of the hair follicle. Most often, a single sterile needle/probe is used for this procedure.
If you want permanent hair removal, electrology is the only way to achieve this goal.
Lasers v. Electrology: While laser promoters compare lasers to electrology, and although some laser devices have been cleared for permanent reduction, laser-assisted hair removal is considered a temporary method of hair removal. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient’s skin and health.
Waxing or Threading v. Electrology: Waxing and threading will remove all visible hair but can result in skin problems, including ingrown hair. To keep your skin clear, waxing must be done frequently forever.
Tweezing v. Electrology: Tweezing is easy to do and inexpensive. However, hair can become coarser from the repeated tweezing, and skin problems, including ingrown hair, can occur.
Depilatories v. Electrology: Depilatories will remove hair by dissolving it with a chemical. This can result in a chemical burning of the skin.
Shaving v. Electrology: Shaving is inexpensive and easy. However, hair will grow fast and feel coarse.
Electrology is the permanent choice.
The American Electrology Association (AEA) has written Standards for Infection Control in the electrology practice following the most recent material on infection control from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Association of Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The consumer of electrology treatments should request information from the electrologist about the Standard Precautions used. Standard Precautions include hand washing, the use of gloves, sterilization of critical items used in electrology treatments, the proper disinfection of semi-critical and noncritical items and the proper cleaning of environmental surfaces.
The number of treatments necessary varies with each patient/client. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress all influence the treatment program for each individual. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest time frame. Some improvement should be observed within several months after initiating treatment, provided the patient adheres to the recommended treatment schedule.
Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells may require additional treatments. During the course of treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also be treated and may be visible at the same time as finer regrowth hairs.
All hairs have different cycles of growth and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time; however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3-12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.
It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The sensation, which may be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Even though some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, adjustments can be made that help make the treatment more comfortable.
Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few hours. Occasionally, small whiteheads or tiny scabs occur. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process in some people. If scabbing does occur, the patient is advised not to pick them off. When electrology is administered by a qualified electrologist using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, the results are most satisfactory.
Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. The most common areas include the hairline, bridge of the nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs, back and chest. The inside of the ears and nose should not be treated.
Although electrology has never been proven harmful to pregnant women, we suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment.
Province licensing laws and/or some general liability insurance policies may prohibit removal of hair from moles. In cases where neither of the above restrictions exists, your electrologist may require written approval from your physician.
The major causes of unwanted hair could be for a variety of reasons:
hormonal imbalance, medication, hereditary traits, and ethnic pre-disposition
If you have any further questions, please give us a call.