Electrolysis: Frequently Asked Questions
Does it Hurt? Really?
The short answer is it depends. 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 or may not be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Some clients sleep through hours of treatments and others honestly find 15 minutes to be uncomfortable. We utilize advanced Apilus technology ensuring our clients a gentler and more comfortable way to permanent hair removal. If you have tried electrolysis before, try it again and feel the Apilus difference.
The sensation you might experience depends on many reasons including where one is having treatment and what method is used. Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. If you have ever waxed or plucked, you'll find electrolysis to be surprisingly comfortable. Some clients have described the sensation as a pinch, a mosquito bite, a quick snap, or building warmth. Many adjustments can be made which help to make the treatment more comfortable. Some clients choose to take an OTC analgesic such as Tylenol, Aspirin, or Advil 30 - 45 minutes before treatment and report treatment is very comfortable. We will work within your personal comfort level and do have topical anesthetics available.
Where can I have treatment--who will you treat?
Just about anywhere! Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. Common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, ears, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, fingers, hands, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs, back, and chest.
What exactly do you do to the hair?
Electrology is the art and science of permanent hair removal utilizing probe devices. A fine sterile 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. The hair is lifted out after treatment and you leave with bare skin!
Is it really permanent?
Absolutely! However, electrolysis is not an overnight sensation. Electrolysis requires a series of treatments to achieve permanency. The number of treatments necessary varies with each client and with the area being treated. Factors such as hair growth cycles, thequantity 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. You are going to look better right away but we want to eliminate your hair problem, not manage it.
Your amount of treatment time or frequency with which you visit tapers off. Without looking at your individual hair pattern and knowing what removal methods you have tried, as well as the potential cause of the hair growth, it is impossible to accurately estimate how many treatments it will take. Call for a free consultation and find out what you will need to do to get great results from us.
What are the basic methods you use in treatments?
Galvanic --- Direct current (DC), is used to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle. One or more sterile probes are used.
Thermolysis --- Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency or short-wave, is used to create heat which destroys the hair follicle. One sterile 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 probe is used for this procedure.
You can get great results with any modality if you have a skilled electrologist. Your electrologist will select the best method for your individual situation.
Why do I have to come so often? Does it make a difference if I let them all "grow in" and then come in?
Yes it makes a difference! It is important to follow your individual treatment schedule to get the fastest results. Hairs are most effectively treated in their early growth stages when the hairs are finer and straighter and contain the maximum amount of moisture.The older a hair gets the drier it is and the less effective the treatment will be. Regular treatments ensures catching hairs at the early growth stage making treatment more effective and comfortable as well as getting you the best results in the shortest time.
Why should I choose electrology over temporary or long lasting hair removal methods?
Laser vs. Electrology:
While laser promoters compare laser to electrology it is actually not a permanent form of hair removal. Only three laser devices have been cleared to claim a permanent reduction in hair by the FDA. Intense Pulsed Light (IPG) though often called laser, is NOT a true laser and not approved by the FDA to claim any efficacy. Electrology is cleared for permanent removal of hair. All laser assisted hair removal is considered a temporary or long lasting method of hair removal. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient's skin and health--new research is showing prolonged exposure to laser is capable of changing skin cells at the genetic level. For more information on questions regarding the safety of laser hair removal click here. To access the FDA Laser Fact Page click here.
Electrology has proven itself safe, effective, and permanent for over 135 years.
Waxing, Sugaring, Nads, Epilady or Threading vs. Electrology:
Waxing, Sugaring, Nads, and threading will remove all of the visible hair by removing it by the root. Except in the case of threading, the outer layer of skin is often removed when the hair is removed. Improperly done or improperly cared for after treatment it can result in skin problems including ingrown hair, scarring, pigment changes, and bruising. To keep your skin clear, (and contrary to advertising claims) all of these methods must be done frequently forever. You must also wait until hair is at least 1/4" to 1/2" (about 3 weeks of growth) long for the wax/sugar/Nads "glue" to adhere to the removal strip.
Research has shown that any method that rips hair out by the root such as waxing, sugaring, and Nads type products can actually increase hair growth in hormonally dependent areas such as the upper lip, chin, breasts, and abdomen!
This is not such an issue on areas like eyebrows and legs wax away if you must and your skin can tolerate it and by all means look into having professional waxing treatments.
Tweezing vs. Electrology:
Tweezing is easy to do, and inexpensive too. However hair can become coarser from the repeated tweezing and skin problems including ingrown hair, pigment changes, and scaring can result. Obviously it is not a permanent solution to unwanted hair. NEVER tweeze the upper/lower lip, chin, breasts, or abdomen! You are stimulating growth in these areas. The hair will become thicker and darker. NEVER tweeze out ingrown hairs. You will make the situation worse. The hair will distort further and you will have a bigger lesion the next time it grows in.
Shaving vs. Electrology:
Shaving is inexpensive and easy. However, the hair does grow back quickly and feels coarse as it is cut off leaving a blunt tip. Shaving DOES NOT increase hair growth in any way. Seriously, this is the biggest myth in hair removal. Hair is dead above the skin surface. Anything you do at this level does not affect hair growth. Shaving is a safe temporary method of removal for basically anywhere.
Depilatories vs. Electrology:
Depilatories are essentially a chemical shave. It will remove the hair by dissolving it with a chemical. This can result in a chemical burning of the skin if you are not careful about patch testing and respecting timing.
Is Electrolysis safe?
Absolutely. Our office follows the American Electrology Association (AEA) Standards for Infection Control which ensure electrolysis is performed under the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. We utilize only sterile disposable probes for all treatments and always utilize fresh latex-free medical grade disposable gloves for each treatment.
What exactly do you do to the hair?
Electrology is the art and science of permanent hair removal utilizing probe devices. A fine sterile 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 elminated. The hair is lifted out after treatment and you leave with bare skin!
What will my skin look like--will everyone know I've been in?
Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few minutes to a few hours. Though not desirable on face work, small white dots or tiny red dots may occur. Ideally, by the next day no one should be able to tell you have had treatment. On body work a pinpoint film or crust may develop. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process in some people. If this does occur, the client is advised to not pick them off. Be sure and tell your Electrologist about any skin reactions so they can work with you to minimize their occurrence.
Can women begin or continue electrology treatments during pregnancy?
Yes. Electrology has never been proven harmful in any way to pregnant women for over 135 years. Our office does not treat the breasts, abdomen, or bikini line of pregnant women in their last trimester due to the increased sensation they experience.
Can hairs be removed from moles?
Yes they can. Your electrologist may require a note (on a prescription pad is fine) from your healthcare provider stating it is a typical hairy nevus (mole with a hair) and safe to treat.
Can you work on my tattoo?
Yes. Electrology has never been a problem for tattoos. In fact it is one of the few hair removal methods that doesn't affect the design.
How much does it cost?
We charge only for actual treatment time. What that means is if you have a 15 minute appointment you will not be in and out in your car in 15 minutes. You will be in the treatment chair for 15 minutes. We book additional time between each client to ensure you receive your full time. If you are squeezing us between your other appointments allow us about a 30 minute window for your 15 minute appointment.
Please visit our pricing page for more information.
How should I choose an electrologist?
Regulation of electrology is on a state-by-state basis. States regulating the practice of electrology require a practitioner hold a valid license. Currently Minnesota does not regulate Electrologists at all. Really you could open your own practice tomorrow! In Wisconsin Electrologists are state licensed, they would hold an "RE" designation or "LE," both mean the same thing, that they have passed the state approved license examination.
Most electrologists offer a free consultation as we do. Meet with them and look for a clean, professional office space and modern equipment. Find someone you trust and enjoy spending some quality hair-removal time with. Friends and family can often refer you to someone in your area or look in the local Chamber of Commerce or phone book.