Electrolysis Explained
What is Electrolysis?
Why do we have excess hair?
We are all born with dormant hair follicles. During life changes these follicles become stimulated with hormones and come to life.
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- 65+ years
- PCOS and other hormonal conditions.How does Electrolysis work?
What is our Target?
Our target with Electrolysis is the breaking down of stem cells using electric current. Looking at the image below shows the stem cells located in the Bulge. Once these stem cells are destroyed hair can never ever grow.
How is the treatment performed?
A small probe is inserted beside the hair into the hair follicle. There is no pain since there is already an opening and we are not piercing the skin.
Skin Hydration
The more moisture the better your treatment will work because the moisture is turned into sodium hydroxide (lye) or with heat method the moisture is cooked or coagulated. When we lack moisture the process will take longer.
Trust in the process and let it happen.
It is important to be patient and let the process happen. The permanent result of electrolysis hair removal can only be achieved over a period of time. It is more beneficial to treat hair that is in the full growth stage, which means a hair that is attached to the blood supply and actively growing. In electrolysis I can only work with the hair growth cycle as it cant be changed, so treatments have to be repeated for those hairs that were not in the right stage of growth. You can expect to having treatment for 12-18 months and in some cases up to 24 months.
Clearing typical women’s facial hair generally takes about 100 to 400 hours of treatment time.
This is spread out over approximately one to four years (some need even more, some less).
Thermolysis, Galvanic and Blend Current.
The goal of blend Electrolysis is to combine the advantages of both Thermolysis and Galvanic current into one potent hair removal method. Galvanic electrolysis creates its effect by converting moisture in the follicle into caustic Lye to break down the walls and structure of the hair follicle while Thermolysis relies on heating this same moisture to the point of electrocoagulation.
How does the current work?
You will be required to hold a metal rod. The current will flow from the source, through the body and back to the source again.
All of the action of the current on the body is concentrated at the needle, where the current is most intense ,that is only the follicle is affected by the passage of current through the body.
Both negative and positive poles destroy tissue, negative by alkali, positive by acid. Neither pole cooks or whitens meat. The acid produced by the positive pole does, however, cause certain metals such as steel to disintegrate.
How is the treatment performed?
During your first session of electrolysis hair removal, we will look at your skin and your hair growth. We will then explain everything you need to know and draw up a treatment plan.
The electrolgist uses two instruments: a computer-assisted epilator and tweezers.
During the treatment, the patient is simply lying down while the probes are inserted and the hair removed. The probes are then re-inserted into more hair follicles and so on.
The epilator probe is inserted via the hair shaft. The skin is not damaged because the probe is passing through a natural opening. The insertion of the probe is virtually painless.
The probe then gives off an electric current for a few seconds. This can be painful.
Finally, the hair is removed from the skin using tweezers. This is painless.
The Three Stages of hair growth
Anagen Growth Phase
Anagen is the full growth stage of a hair. A hair can stay in this growth stage for up to six years. It is attached to the blood supply receiving lots of nutrients so it can thrive. This is the most benefical stage of hair growth for electrolysis.
Catagen Ageing Phase
After Anagen the hair then moves to the ageing phase where it shrinks and moves away from the blood supply. It is still receiving nutrients but not as much as the full growth stage. Ageing stage is approx 10 days.
Telogen Dying Stage
As you can see in the diagram the dying stage is where the hair has completely moved as is not longer attached to the blood supply. It still has nutrients but is compromised with lack of blood supply. Dying stage lasts approx 3 months and a new Anagen hair appears. This process from Anagen to Telogen can take 18-24 months. Catagen and Telogen are dormant hairs and will not grow.
How many treatment will I need?
Under the skin lies the papilla which makes the hair grow. This is the target we need to treat. Because we cannot see beneath the skin we are aiming for a target we cannot see. We aim to the best of our skill and ability but we are not always perfect. In every treatment we miss some but eventually we will get them all.
When we are going through electrolysis we are weakening the hairs until they are finally destroyed and gone forever.
Rule of thumb every Anagen needs approx 3-4 zaps.
How do I manage hair between treatment?
There are many options available for keeping unwanted hair under control between treatments. It is important, however, that the hair be allowed to grow to at least 3mm in length immediately before your next treatment.
Depilatory creams should only be used in moderation if at all as they weaken the hair shaft and break it below the surface of the skin.
Avoid plucking, waxing or any method that removes the hair below the surface of the skin unless you are having an extensive break between treatments.
Remember too that some non-permanent hair removal methods such as laser can actually aggravate hair growth and we advise not to use them in conjunction with electrolysis.
The best option to use in my experience would be to shave the unwanted hairs. This is a proven method which will not cause increased hair growth.
How much will it cost?
Electrolysis zaps one hair at a time and so to do a whole face can take 20 plus hours of treatments and each hair follicle needs a minimum of 3 treatments. Electrolysis treatments need to be regular so you can’t just skip a few months and go back.
There is a fine line between treating a follicle with a higher current for shorter time OR treating a follicle with a lower current for longer time. This will depend on how well your skin tolerates the heat current.
Approx price is $50 per 15 minutes. Packages are available for prepayment.
Aftercare to maximise your treatment.
Please follow these aftercare tips to maximise the effectiveness of your treatment and less irritation.
Avoid Picking and Rubbing the area.
Picking and rubbing of the treatment area can cause irritation and cause unwanted skin conditions.
Redness
The most common side effect you can expect is redness. This reaction is caused by a dilation and congestion of superficial capillaries.
Redness may also be accompanied by a histamine response. This reaction may look like a mosquito bite and is heat induced. For extreme reactions and as a preventative oral antihistamine can be taken prior to treatment.
For 24 hrs after treatment.
No spa, sauna, hot showers, hot pubs, running, exercise. This will lead to heat and irritation of the treated area.
No active ingredients to be used on your skin for at least 24 hrs. This would include AHA, Vitamin C, Retinols, Vitamin A products and Salicylic Acids.
No perfumed soaps or perfumed body lotions to be applied to the area.